Sri Lanka is a stunning tropical destination with amazing beaches, diverse wildlife, lush tea plantations, and… delicious cuisine. The food here is packed with delicious flavors that you won’t want to miss! The main dish is steamed rice served with a variety of curries made from lentils, veggies, or meat. You’ve also got to try kottu, a tasty mix of chopped roti and veggies or meat. We loved this dish so much that we ordered it almost everywhere, and also recommended it to everyone we met! Ready to dive into the top 14 restaurants in Sri Lanka? After reading this blog post you’ll definitely know where to eat in Sri Lanka.
1. Pradeep Restaurant, Sigiriya
Pradeep Restaurant is located on a lively street in Sigiriya, filled with cozy restaurants and shops. Here, you can savor the flavors of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Grab a spot at one of their outdoor tables and enjoy a tasty meal while watching people pass by. It’s our top pick for dining in Sigiriya, especially for their amazing vegetable curry! Also, we ordered our first kottu here and we were hooked immediately. It set the tone for the remainder of our trip in Sri Lanka!
What to order: rice dhal with vegetable curry
2. Hideout Lounge, Kandy
The Hideout Lounge offers both local specialities and Western cuisine. This can be a great restaurant for when you’re halfway through your trip in Sri Lanka and craving something “not so local”. 😉 You can either go “full Western” and order a burger or pasta, or go for the local dishes with a Western twist. They also have Lion beer on draft, opposed to beers in a can. Kelvin made sure to try it out and was very pleased with the taste – he even ordered another one. Hideout Lounge is a really trendy place so the prices are slightly higher, but the food is really good and so is the atmosphere!
What to order: Chicken Kuwayaki, vegan lentil burger
3. The Kandy Garden Cafe, Kandy
Looking for a local and affordable meal in Kandy? Then make sure to check out The Kandy Garden Cafe. It’s not a fancy place, but a cozy spot popular among locals! It’s located across the street from the Royal Botanic Garden, which makes it the ideal place to go for lunch after a morning full of exploring. This place is really buzzing, during our time here we saw tons of people (mostly locals) walk in! Some of them sat down for an actual meal, others ordered some food on the go… When this happens, you know it’s a great place! A little warning: the food here can be quite spicy.
What to order: chicken kottu, vegetable fried rice
4. Matey Hut, Ella
Ella is a lively and trendy town, offering plenty of hip spots serving international food. But if you’re craving authentic Sri Lankan flavors, head to Matey Hut. They dish out delicious meals packed with flavor, and the best part? It’s super budget-friendly. Plus, they even offer cooking classes, perfect for anyone keen on learning Sri Lankan cooking or just cooking in general!
What to order: pumpkin curry with rice
5. Café Chill, Ella
We’ve just mentioned the hip spots to hang out in Ella, and Café Chill reigns supreme. It’s basically the go-to spot in town, just ask anyone who’s visited! This hotspot rocks a stylish wooden interior, sets the mood with great background tunes, and serves up a mix of local and Western cuisine. While dinner is the usual crowd-pleaser, we highly recommend popping in for breakfast if you’re after a more relaxed atmosphere. But if you do swing by in the evening, be warned: snagging a seat upstairs, the best floor according to many, might require a bit of patience. Especially during the busiest times, you might find yourself in for a bit of a wait. This is just a testament of how good and fun this place is!
What to order: shakshuka (a classic with a Sri Lankan twist)
6. The Barn by Starbeans, Ella
If you’re in Ella and craving a meal without the wait at Café Chill, we’ve got you covered! Right next door, you’ll find The Barn by Starbeans. They serve up delicious wood-fired pizzas and arguably the best cocktails in town! With their friendly staff and relaxed vibe, it’s a fantastic option if you’re looking to dodge the crowds at Café Chill while still soaking up a cool atmosphere.
What to order: one of their wood-fired pizzas
7. Yala Wild Heart Restaurant, Tissamaharama
Looking for the tastiest kottu in Sri Lanka? Look no further than Yala Wild Heart Restaurant. Nestled in Tissamaharama near Yala National Park, this recently opened gem is set to become the talk of the town! The food here bursts with flavor, prepared right before your eyes with stylish presentation to boot. The staff are incredibly friendly, going above and beyond to make your experience memorable. We’ve recommended this spot to fellow travelers in Tissamaharama, and they also wholeheartedly agree: it’s the best kottu around!
What to order: vegetable kottu
8. Coppenrath, Tangalle
Still don’t know where to eat in Sri Lanka? In Tangalle, we experienced a romantic beach dinner at Coppenrath. At first, we were unsure – a hostel doubling as a beachside restaurant? Seemed like a tourist trap to us. But oh, how wrong we were! We decided to try the ginger chili calamari, and despite its spiciness, it was incredibly delicious and fresh. The falafel burger didn’t disappoint either, a great option for vegetarians. And let’s not forget the cocktails – the passionfruit daiquiri and Arrack Attack were amazing. Definitely order the Arrack Attack if you want to try out the local liquor! It’s a fun and tasty introduction to a Sri Lankan specialty. We wholeheartedly recommend this spot to anyone seeking a cozy beachside dining experience!
What to order: ginger chili calamari
9. Garlic Cafe, Dickwella
If we had to pick just one favorite restaurant from our trip, it would definitely be Garlic Cafe. This spot has everything you could want, and more! They serve up tasty local dishes at prices that won’t break the bank, all in a cozy atmosphere with friendly staff. We loved it so much that we ended up eating here at least three times, if not more. We tried a variety of items from the menu and can confirm that everything is incredibly tasty and flavorful. Whether you opt for the curry & rice buffet, a kottu, or their signature Garlic Cafe Special curry, you’re in for a delicious treat!
What to order: Garlic Cafe Special curry with crab
10. Roti Hut, Dickwella
If you’re in need of a fast and tasty meal, Roti Hut is where it’s at. As the name suggests, it’s not a fancy restaurant but a cozy little hut by the street, with a few tables where you can take a seat. They specialize in Sri Lankan classics, making it the ideal spot to try out some new dishes. It’s definitely one of the most authentic Sri Lankan experiences you can have. And the best part? Not only is the food incredible, but it’s also friendly on your wallet!
What to order: vegetable kottu
11. Shady Lane, Mirissa
Located right in the heart of Mirissa, Shady Lane is the ultimate brunch spot with the coolest vibe in town. Their menu keeps it simple yet delicious, offering smoothie bowls, chia seed puddings, and toasts. It’s not your traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, but you’ll have plenty of time to try out local dishes when in Sri Lanka. Sinning this one time won’t make a difference! Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, you have the freedom to customize your order with your favorite toppings or extras. Keep in mind, though, that seating is limited and the place gets pretty busy, especially during peak times. You might have to wait a bit or plan to arrive early to beat the crowds. But with chill tunes, a laid-back atmosphere, friendly faces, and even a cute little shop inside, you’ll probably want to hang out here for a while!
What to order: Cinnamon French Toast
12. Mahesh Roti Shop, Unawatuna
Remember Roti Hut in Dickwella? Well, Mahesh Roti Shop in Unawatuna is similar but with a few indoor spots. They dish out delicious and flavorful Sri Lankan specialties at affordable prices. The menu is quite limited, but the quality of the food is top notch. Almost like less is more? It’s pretty cool watching the cook in action too!
What to order: cheese tomato black olive roti
13. SkinnyTom’s Deli, Unawatuna
SkinnyTom’s Deli is located on a charming boulevard near the beach. This popular spot opens its doors from 8 AM to 4 PM, and specializes in all day breakfast. The ambiance sets the perfect mood right from the start: beautiful furniture, a front terrace for people-watching, and a secluded garden terrace in the back. The food options are endless – think classic egg dishes, fluffy pancakes, burgers, and pastries. But the real star? Their hoppers! These are thin bowl-shaped pancakes, crafted from rice flour and topped with a variety of delicious options. It’s a local specialty you can’t miss!
What to order: Sri Lankan classic hoppers
14. Happy Spice, Unawatuna
Happy Spice is another great restaurant in Unawatuna. Tucked away on a quiet side street off the main boulevard, it exudes that ultimate hidden charm. With seating upstairs, this place offers a different perspective of the surrounding area. When it comes to food, Happy Spice shines brightest with its local specialties. From kottu to seafood to fried rice, they’ve got it all, and it’s all delicious! The food quality is top-notch, and the staff are always ready with recommendations.
What to order: vegetable fried rice, cheese roti
