We didn’t really have any expectations for Sri Lanka or it’s cuisine. But let us tell you we instantly fell in love! Who’s heard of string hoppers? They are tasty little noodles used to soak up curries. They are delicious! Anyways, we spent a month in Sri Lanka and ate at a collection of restaurants that are sure to please all taste buds. We put together a list of restaurants we loved in all the cities we went to and a dish, or two, to try at each one. We have full confidence you will be satisfied. Here we go!
Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links and any sales made through such links will reward us a small commission – at no extra cost for you. This helps us keep the site up and running. Thank you!
Mirissa
- Dewmini Roti Shop – Yes, you have to try a Roti! Don’t worry, you won’t regret it. This restaurant is rated pretty high on Trip Advisor, off the beaten, but well worth the trek to get to! They also offer cooking classes.
- Zephyr – Fresh fish daily! They have a regular menu, but for us it was all about the fresh fish. You get to pick out the fish and choose your sides, and they have mashed potatoes! The seared Mahi Mahi is also yummy!
- Dimli Roti Hut – This little restaurant is right on the side of the road, but let me tell you, we fell in love with this place! Clay ordered the spicy vegetable curry and it was so spicy and delicious! Do not be fooled by this small place. They know what is up!
Ella
- Ceylon Tea Factory – Another hidden gem off the beaten path, and the curries are off the chart! Try their vegetable curry and don’t forget to try some tea. After all, it is a tea factory. We suggest the blueberry.
- Center Point Ella – Dahl Curry for breakfast, and Rotis for lunch/dinner. We ate here a few times while we were in Ella. Cheap and delicious!
- Chill Bar – Good vibes, good food, and good location. Located on the main strip, this place is usually poppin. We ordered the veggie burger and Lamprai: rice, veggies, and curry baked in a banana leaf. Try a smoothie too!
- Maty Hut – Was recommended by one of our friends. Our favorite place in Ella hands down. It is close to the train bridge, super yummy, and owner is super chill. When ordering he will ask you if you want spice; don’t skip out, and be prepared to sweat! I wish I had a Roti from here right now as I type this!
Kandy
- Balaji Dosai– Dosas! They are the Indian version of a savory crepe. They are thin, filled with your choice of filling, and are eaten with your hands. We liked the cheese and loved the coconut curry that is served with them. We ate here 3 nights in a row!
- Secret Alley – For a break of curries and rice, this place serves up fresh and healthy smoothie bowls. They also have delicious lime mint tea. Plus they use metal straws to eliminate plastic waste. We get excited when restaurants are environmentally friendly!
Trincomalee
- Rice and Curry – Their Dahl Curry was our favorite in all of Sri Lanka. Of course, they have more than rice and curry, they offer up fresh fish at night. They also have tasty chocolate pancakes and ice-cream.
- Be Cool Juice Bar – Sign out front advertises a Sri Lanka breakfast: Dahl Curry, coconut Sambal, veggie omelete, Parada and Rotis for 500 LKR. This is a no brainer! Try a Lassi too: curd with fruit. Trust, we had many of these here, and in India!
- Trinca Lanka – Another highly rated restaurant and after the first time we ate here, we knew why. Vegetable Curry is on point, as are the grilled prawns: they were massive! For dessert, curd with fruit and honey.
Arugam Bay
- Bay Vista – Rooftop view of Arugam Bay and serving up smoothie bowls. We were in love at first bite! Not sure how they do it, but their smoothie bowls are cold and super tasty. Topped with fresh fruits, Goji Berries, and Flax Seeds. They are 1,000 LKR, but we still ate one every day to get in those nutrients and much needed vitamins. They also have a killer Lime Ginger Cheesecake for dessert!
- Pizza Hub – Wood. Fired. Pizza. And made to order! We ate here with a group of travelers we met and tried quite a few different specials. We loved the Pollo Loca: chicken and red onions. 2nd favorite was Pepperonata: chicken pepperoni, peppers, and olives. Again, off the main road, but well worth the 10 minute walk.
- Geckos – Daily fresh fish BBQ’s, burgers both veggie and non-veggie, and their fries were some of our favorite on the island. Hey, sometimes you just need something familiar like a burger and fries!
- Bambinis Cafe – This place is right on the main road, great ambiance, and serving up tasty Sri Lankan cuisines. Plus they are playing music and have great wi-fi. Their vegetable Roti was my favorite in all of Sri Lanka. For dinner we both ordered vegetable curry with rice. When asked if we wanted spicy, of course we both said yes. And it was spicy! The curry options we chose were potato, carrot, and green bean. They were served with a red onion and spicy chile salsa. They definitely delivered the spice!
Unawatuna
- Coconut Style Restaurant – Upstairs balcony restaurant advertising “Specials of the Day” – vegetable curry and rice. This seams to be the dish every where you go in Sri Lanka, but each place has a different vegetable, recipe, and their own spin on it, so we had to try as many as possible while in Sri Lanka. Hands down my favorite Jackfruit Curry! So good!
- Love Gelato – Homemade Gelato anyone? Owned by an awesome Italian guy, using organic fruits and fresh milk. Yes, we had Gelato more than once and don’t judge. During the low season he is closed on Mondays. Our favorites were the peanut butter and salted caramel!
- Skinny Toms Deli – More of a “hipster” vibe going on here, little pricier than local spots, and have their own little spin on the local cuisines. Best Egg Hoppers in Sri Lanka by far.
- Riddim Restaurant – Located right on the beach, great ambiance, and setting. Fresh fish dishes, but we opted to order off the regular daily menu. Honey glazed pork-chops and the turmeric grilled chicken was on point. Served with fries and salad, and highly suggest the lemon iced tea!
We ate at many other restaurants during our month in Sri Lanka, but the list above are our favorites. We hope you enjoy these restaurants as much as we did, and hope we gave you enough information for you to plan your meals. Sri Lanka was one of our favorite countries when it comes to eating local cuisine. We can not wait to go back!
Like this, Pin it for Later!
