A destination does not only become saleable by its geography, architecture, or the fun filled activities it offers, but also by the food that it caters to its tourists. The quality and variety of food offered by a place plays an influential role in its popularity among the tourists. Sri Lanka is one such complete tourist destination, which offers fascinating sights as well as tempting cuisines.
Sri Lankan cuisine is often stereotyped as South Indian but in reality, it is a blend of South Indian and Indonesian cuisines with a tinge of Dutch flavours in it. Here’s a list of 15 best Sri Lankan restaurants that serve delectable and extensive varieties of food.
Best Sri Lankan Restaurants In Colombo
1. The Curry Leaf
Known as, A Village In The Heart Of The City, The Curry Leaf is one of the most unique Sri Lankan restaurants serving the best Sri Lankan traditional food. Having a village themed set up with a calm ambience, and an elaborate menu including an irresistible seafood buffet, this place is a paradise for seafood lovers.
Must Try: Mutton Kottu, Katta Sambol, Fish Fry(fish of your own choice)
Location: 2, SIR CHITTAMPALAM A GARDINER MW, Lotus Rd, Colombo
Timings: 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Cuisine: Sri Lankan
Zomato Ratings: 3.5/5
Average Meal For Two (Without Alcohol): INR 1,500 (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
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2. The Gallery Cafe
A venture of the Paradise Road, The Gallery Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Colombo boasts an opulent ambience with an elegant outdoor seating. Its menu incorporates extensive varieties of cuisines like Indian, Italian, and Sri Lankan dishes to satisfy every palate. Desserts are the USP of this cafe as it serves 30 different types of desserts, which have an unrivaled taste throughout Sri Lanka.
Must Try: Pork Schnitzel, Coq Au Vin, Jaggery Cream
Location: 2 Alfred House Rd, Colombo
Timings: 10 a.m. to 12 midnight
Cuisine: Sri Lankan, Italian, and more.
Zomato Ratings: 4.7/5
Average Meal For Two (Without Alcohol): INR 2,500 (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
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3. Seafood Cove
Perched on the untarnished sands of Paradise Beach, the Seafood Cove provides a perfect setting with cool ocean breeze, alluring gazebos, and live Calypso music for a romantic dinner with your better half. You can savour the taste of Sri Lankan dishes here prepared from freshly caught fishes, lobsters, and prawns.
Must Try: Crab Fillets, Fried Cuttlefish, Prawn Curry
Location: Hotel Road, Colombo
Timings: 7.00 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.
Cuisine: Seafood
Zomato Ratings: 3.7/5
Average Meal For Two (Without Alcohol): INR 1,500 (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
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4. Ministry of Crab
As the name suggests, Ministry of Crab is one of the best Sri Lankan restaurants that serve an assortment of succulent crab dishes. Featuring among Asias 50 best restaurants in 2017, MInistry of Crab offers the perfect dining experience with typical Sri Lankan ambience, fast service, and a beckoning menu for seafood lovers.
Must Try: Chilli Crab, Garlic chilli prawns, Spicy Chicken Teriyaki
Location: Old Colombo Dutch Hospital, Fort, Colombo
Timings: 12 noon to 3 p.m. & 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cuisine: Seafood
Zomato Ratings: 4.9/5
Average Meal For Two (Without Alcohol): INR 1,700 (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
5. Nihonbashi
Dedicated to deliver authentic Japanese cuisine in the land of curry and rice, Nihonbashi is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Colombo. With a sophisticated ambience and an extensive range of lip smacking Japanese dishes, Nihonbashi is a perfect place to dine at with your family, friends, or partner.
Must Try: Prawn Tempura, Sushi, Crab Fried Rice
Location: 11, Galle Face Terrace, Kollupitiya, Colombo
Timings: 11 AM to 2:30 PM, 6 PM to 11 PM
Cuisine: Japanese
Zomato Ratings: 3.8/5
Average Meal For Two Without Alcohol): INR 1,700 (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
6. 1864
1864 is one of the few Sri Lankan Restaurants that solely focus on Continental cuisine. Designed according to a cosmopolitan environment, this restaurant serves perfctly prepared modern European dishes along with a wide variety of old and new world wines to provide a 5-star dining experience to its customers.
Must Try: Jumbo Prawns, Pork Kebab, Baked mushrooms
Location: Galle Face Hotel, 2, Galle Road, Kollupitiya, Colombo
Timings: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Cuisine: Continental
Zomato Ratings: 3.7/5
Average Meal For Two (Without Alcohol): INR 2,600 (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
7. Sea Spray Restaurant
With stunning views of the Indian ocean, and a grand royal set up, the Sea Spray Restaurant, provides the best alfresco dining experience to its customers. It is the pioneer of rooftop restaurants in Colombo, that offers the best Sri Lankan traditional food along with various other cuisines to gratify all sorts of taste buds.
Must Try: Garlic Prawns, Tiger Prawns, Barramundi
Location: No. 02 Galle Road | Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Timings: 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Cuisine: Seafood
Zomato Ratings: 4/5
Average Meal For Two (Without Alcohol): INR 2,600 (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
Best Sri Lankan Restaurants In Kandy
8. The Kandy House
One of the most elegant Sri Lankan restaurants, The Kandy House is a perfect place to dine out with your partner. Indulge in a perfect evening with delectable Sri Lankan dishes, and luscious drinks, in a colonial setting amidst a serene environment alongside a shimmering pool.
Must Try: Pan Fried Fish Fillet, Beef Tenderloin
Location: Amunugama Walauwa, Kandy
Timings: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Cuisine: International, Sri Lankan, Asian
Zomato Ratings: NA
Average Meal For Two (With/Without Alcohol): INR (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
9. Helgas Folly
Helgas Folly is one of the few self-sufficient Sri Lankan restaurants located in the hills of Kandy. With a palatial ambience, courteous staff, and numerous dishes to satisfy all types of palates, Helgas folly is one of the best restaurants in Sri Lanka .
Must Try: Coconut Soup, Chicken Abigail, Fish Cake
Location: 70, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
Timings:
Cuisine: Sri Lankan
Zomato Ratings: NA
Average Meal For Two (With/Without Alcohol): INR (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
10. Panorama Restaurant
Set up in a prime location, Panorama Restaurant offers more than just food. With an elaborate menu, and royal ambience, this restaurant also offers mesmerising panoramic views of the mountains and Mahaweli River. It is one of the few multi-cuisine Sri Lankan restaurants that serve Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian, and French food.
Must Try: Buffet
Location: 124, Srinath Kuda Ratwatte, Mawatha, Kandy
Timings: 6:30 am to 9:30 am, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm, 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Cuisine: Sri Lankan, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian, and French
Zomato Ratings: 4/5
Average Meal For Two (With/Without Alcohol): INR (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
11. Raswasala Restaurant
If you are looking for rooftop Sri Lankan restaurants , then Raswasala is the best pick. An open terrace blanketed by lush green mountains and accompanied by mouth-watering Sri Lankan dishes provides the best rooftop dining experience.
Must Try: Buffet
Location: Amaya Hills, Herrassagala, Kandy
Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine
Zomato Ratings: 4/5
Average Meal For Two (With/Without Alcohol): INR (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
12. Theva Restaurant
Theva Restaurant is one of the most lavish Sri Lankan restaurants offering elegant indoor and outdoor seating along with a majestic view of the Hantana hills. The restaurant offers a range of culinary delights with a perfection in the breads section, and some award winning dishes in their menu.
Must Try: Baked Fish, Stuffed Chicken, Passion Fruit Cheesecake
Location: Theva Residency Road, Kandy
Timings: 12p.m. to 3p.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Cuisine: Multi-cuisine
Zomato Ratings: NA
Average Meal For Two (With/Without Alcohol): INR 2,500 (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
Best Sri Lankan Restaurants In Galle
13. Amangalla
Overlooking the Galle Fort, with a colonial ambience, and a cultivated seating, Amangalla is a part of Sri Lankas living heritage. Serving a unique variety of innovative cocktails along with cuisines which keep changing every day, Amangalla is undoubtedly one of the best Sri Lankan restaurants in Galle.
Must Try: Beetroot Soup, Aubergine Ravioli, Tiger Prawns
Location: 10 Church Street, Galle
Cuisine: Multi-cuisine
Zomato Ratings: NA
Average Meal For Two (With/Without Alcohol): INR (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
14. Fortaleza
Located in close proximity to Galle Fort, Fortaleza provides a fascinating rural ambience with a contemporary touch. It is one of the best Sri Lankan restaurants in terms of food as the chefs work hard to provide a homely touch in every dish, and the speedy service along with a courteous staff act as cherry on the cake.
Must Try: Fajitas, Fish & Chips,
Location: Number 9 Church Cross Street | Fort Galle, Galle
Timings: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cuisine: European, Asian
Zomato Ratings: 4/5
Average Meal For Two (With/Without Alcohol): INR 1,900 (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
15. Maison de Raux Caf-
With spectacular views of the Indian Ocean, and traditional British architecture, Maison de Raux Caf- offers a magnificent all-day dining experience. It is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Sri Lanka which not only offers top quality food, but also some alluring views of the city accompanied by tranquilizing ocean breeze.
Must Try: Fish Curry, Coconut Rice, Waffles
Location: Pedlars Street, Galle
Cuisine: Multi-cuisine
Zomato Ratings: NA
Average Meal For Two (With/Without Alcohol): INR (tax excluded)
Website | Reviews
Drooling over the dishes? Book your next holiday to Sri Lanka with TravelTriangle to savour such international delicacies at these top Sri Lankan restaurants.
FAQ’s:
Q: Which are the best restaurant in Colombo?
A: Being the largest city of Sri Lanka, Colombo offers a wide range of restaurants to satisfy every taste bud. Some of the best restaurants in Colombo are Curry Leaf, Gallery Cafe, Ministry of Crabs, Nihonbashi, Seafood Cove, 1864, and Sea Spray restaurant.
Q: Are there any vegetarian restaurants in Sri Lanka?
A: Yes, there are a variety of vegetarian restaurants in Sri Lanka that serve delicious vegetarian food. Some of the best vegetarian restaurants in Sri Lanka include Sri Suryas Hotel, Sri Vihar Restaurant, Thalis Restaurant, and Amro Vegetarian Cafe.
Q: Which restaurants serves authentic Sri Lankan traditional food?
A: Restaurants like Curry Leaf, Gallery Cafe, and Ministry of Crab serve the best Sri Lankan traditional food.
Q: Which are the best Indian restaurants in Sri Lanka?
A: Agra Restaurant, Indian Summer Restaurant, Maharaja Palace, Elite Indian Restaurant are some of the famous Indian restaurants in Sri Lanka.
Q: Is Indian currency accepted at Sri Lankan restaurants?
A: None of the Sri Lankan restaurants accept Indian currency. Even if they do, they will charge extra for conversion. It is recommended to convert your currency into Lankan Rupee or US Dollar as these currencies are widely accepted all over Sri Lanka.
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A writer at heart with the soul of a traveler is pretty much who she is. Besides, she also loves treating her taste buds to different cuisines, binge-watching almost all sorts of series and movies, and indulging in new experiences every now and then. Also, languages and cultures fascinate her to a great extent, which is why currently she is brushing up her Spanish.
