There are many dining options along Sri Lanka’s west coast, from cosy family-run beach cafés to elegant restaurants ideal for an extravagant evening meal. We have focused mainly on where to eat in Bentota and Hikkaduwa, the two most popular tourist spots in this region.
Restaurants in Hikkaduwa range from laidback beach cafés to fantastic family-friendly dining options and include some of the best Western restaurants in Sri Lanka. For good food in a great beachside setting, try Olin’s Restaurant, which offers a small number of tables on the edge of Suite Lanka Hotel. Check out Spaghetti & Co. for lovely Italian dishes in a beautiful garden setting, or head to Nordic House to fill up on the best burgers in Sri Lanka. If you would rather sample local fare, Home Grown Rice and Curry Restaurant is one of the best places for traditional Sri Lankan food in Hikkaduwa.
One of the best restaurants in Hikkaduwa is undoubtedly Salty Swamis Café and Surf Shop, which strikes the perfect balance between beach joint and upscale coffee shop and serves a wide range of delicious brunch-style dishes and the best coffee for miles around. Top Secret is another fantastic choice for those looking for a chilled out beach café: relax on the colourful cushions and hammocks and enjoy cuisine from many parts of the world and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Bentota also has a range of informal cafés and restaurants along the beach – our favourite being Happy Garden Café, which offers delicious rice and curry amongst other dishes in a convenient location close to the beach – but also offers travellers a selection of fine dining options for those seeking more indulgent food and a tranquil atmosphere.
Rock Villa is a wonderful place for lunch, offering a selection of light options such as soups and salads, as well as a Sri Lankan mezze platter for those feeling adventurous. Dinner is an extravagant three-course meal which is designed from scratch each day – the seafood dishes, made only with the freshest local produce, are a must-try. The Villa Bentota’s Villa Café serves the same sumptuous fusion cuisine as the renowned Gallery Café in Colombo, including an extensive range of desserts.
