After a day spent frolicking along Mirissa‘s pristine shores, riding the waves at Weligama or undertaking an underwater expedition to explore the fascinating marine life found at the southern coasts, here’re some of the best feasting spots dishing out international mains and scrumptious local fare:
Mirissa
Barista Lavazza
Getting a proper cup of coffee may be quite a challenge in Sri Lanka, but thankfully, you will find a decent cuppa at Barista Lavazza. A wide range of beverages, ranging from hot coffees, iced latters and Ceylon teas are available on the menu. Coupled up with a good selection of breakfast and lunch mains, a trusty wifi and cheery interiors, this cafe makes a great spot for a coffee break, brunch hangout and afternoon tea session.
Number One Mirissa
A variety of Sri Lankan and Western fare, a romantic setting, panoramic views of the beach and a choice selection of well-made cocktails keeps diners coming back for more at Number ONE Mirissa.
Central Beach Restaurant
Arrive at Central Beach Restaurant with an empty stomach, and be prepared to tuck into a spread of generously portioned dishes. Some of the tastiest plates at the restaurant are the seafood items, like the grilled crabs and fish burgers. Lassis, rich and creamy, as well as a good selection of cocktails and beverages serve well as thirst quenchers. Plenty of cool tunes and unobstructed views of Mirissa Beach help round out an enjoyable dining experience.
Zephyr Restaurant and Bar
By day, the Zephyr Restaurant and Bar serves as a relaxing beach bar, luring diners with pillowy sun loungers, bean bags and a selection of refreshing cocktails. When night beckons, it turns into a cosy restaurant alit with the warm, amber glow of candles and fairy lights. Visitors can look forward to energetic performances by live bands on certain nights of the week.
Weligama
Cafe Weligama
Diners are left in good hands at Cafe Weligama. Expect nothing less than plenty of smiles and attentive service from the owners, as well as a plethora of delicious Sri Lankan fare. The cafe’s oceanfront location means that you will get to feast on the rolling waves and coastline of Weligama while you savour your meals.
Blue Lagoon Seafood Restaurant
Indulge in a seafood feast at Blue Lagoon Seafood Restaurant – the hearty portions are sure to leave you well satiated. Give the grilled tuna a go; it is excellent eaten together with a serving of Sri Lankan curry and steamed rice. Do note that most dishes here are prepared with lots of chilies, so seek dining alternatives elsewhere, or ask for a lower level of spiciness if you cannot tolerate much heat in your food.
Fish Point Weligama
There’s plenty of opportunities for feasting on fresh seafood fare at the coastal regions of Sri Lanka, and one of the best spots to do so is Fish Point Weligama. The restaurant’s beachside setting means that you will dine with the sand under your feet. Your table is likely to groan under the weight of sumptuous seafood dishes, such as brimming plates of crispy calamari, succulent prawns and tasty tuna. After your meal, relax against one of the sunbeds lining the shores.
Shirani
A meal at Shirani‘s promises plenty of authentic, homecooked fare and a cultural immersion. Chatty and genial, the owners will gladly share interesting tidbits about their country and culture. Make sure you call in an hour in advance, for time is needed as the items are prepared from scratch. When you arrive to see the dining table filled with prawn and vegetable curries, rice, soya meat, dhals, pappadums and sambol, you will realise that your wait for food is a worthwhile one.
Matara
Plantation Surf’s Inn Restaurant and Cafe
Located close to three surfing spots along the southern coasts of Sri Lanka, Plantation Surf’s Inn Restaurant and Cafe serves as the perfect restaurant for surfing enthusiasts to refuel on Sri Lankan fare after a fun-filled surfing session. Hungry diners are never picky eaters, and trying out every dish here is a ve good option, for each and every item pleases the palate. Crunch on a handful of homemade pappadums, indulge in generous servings of curry and devour slices of coconut roti with wild abandon.
Bake N Take
Bake N Take offers a casual and fuss-free setting for a quick bite or coffee break. Stave off your hunger pangs by opting from a variety of short eats and sandwiches, or perk up drooping energy levels with a strong coffee or tea. Have something to go along with your drink – carb lovers will enjoy the breads, while those with a sweet tooth will opt for the decadent pastries and cakes.
Bedspace Kitchen
You can be sure that you will enjoy a great meal at any time of the day when you dine at Bedspace Kitchen. Start the morning with an artisan breakfast, take a garden lunch outdoors in the afternoons, or wind down the day with a relaxing dinner. Keep well-hydrated with a selection of smoothies and juices, or combat a bout of sleepiness with a cuppa.
A cool dinner party event, held on Friday nights, is certainly not to be missed, for it brings plenty of Sri Lankan fare, the freshest seafood catches of the day, an introduction about each dish and beverage, as well as chances to mix and mingle with a diverse group of guests.
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