Updated: May 2024
Surf’s up! Ride the waves at Bentota Beach, take a boat ride down Bentota River, paddle a canoe or go for a jet-skiing adventure – the options for fun-filled options are endless at Bentota. In between all these calorie-consuming activities, take a break and tank up on food at some of the best restaurants in town:
The Wave Beach Restaurant
The Wave Beach Restaurant‘s oceanfront location invites diners to chill out, sit back and relax. Service is top-notch, and the setting is more rustic than fancy. You can opt for alfresco dining so you can dig your toes in the sand and watch the waves roll endlessly for hours as you sip on your happy hour cocktail, or you can sit at the open-air main restaurant and enjoy their lovely seafood and BBQ menu. This spot is also a popular wedding venue for locals, so don’t be surprised if you see two lovebirds celebrating their special day by the beach.
Aida Ala Carte Restaurant
Dining alfresco is an obvious choice at Aida Ala Carte Restaurant. The best tables in the house are the ones lining the deck, providing a great view of a serene lake and tropical greenery. These seats are well-contended ones, so be sure to make an advanced booking for the outdoor tables. The seafood fare at Aida’s are a popular choice; give the shark steak and garlic prawns a go. If you are looking for something sweet to round out your meal, order servings of the Ceylon cup, a treat made with coconut, rum, and ice cream.
Bentota Lake Restaurant
A night of fine dining awaits at Bentota Lake Restaurant. A versatile menu dishes up a variety of meal options – if you want something light on the stomach, go for the salads or sandwiches. Otherwise, take your pick from a selection of flavourful mixed grill dishes, Indian or Sri Lankan fare. The restaurant’s picturesque setting makes it a pity if not to dine outdoors, so enjoy a dinner under the starry night sky in the well-manicured garden, or tuck into an intimate meal in the middle of a serene lake.
Chaplon Tea Center
A vacation to Sri Lanka is not complete without a discovery of one of its most well-known produce, so make time to stop by at Chaplon Tea Center. The colonial-style decoration of the tea center offers an atmospheric setting for a tea break. Spend a lazy afternoon relaxing against the wicker chairs, and try out a selection of quality Ceylon tea in between bites of buttery biscuits.
Vintage Restaurant
This charming and intimate restaurant is a crowd favourite by locals and tourists alike. Known for their fantastic seafood dishes, most notably their prawn curry and chilli crab, Vintage Restaurant is a must-stop during your food trip in Bentota. The staff goes above and beyond to give you great service and ensure you have a lovely dining experience. If you’re lucky, they might even let you try a local drink – on the house! Vintage Restaurant also has a great kid’s menu – try the Bolognese spaghetti, it’s always a hit with the little ones.
Golden Grill Restaurant
Enjoy a lovely dinner in an intimate setting at Golden Grill. Vaulted ceilings create a sense of spaciousness, rows of lamp vast a soft glow within and a scenic setting made up of lush tropical greenery and the scenic Bentota Lagoon lend a touch of romance. The friendly atmosphere, fautless service and welcoming interiors are plus points, but the star of the show is the delicious fare that Golden Grill dishes out. Fond favourites include the steaks, tuna steaks and mixed grills.
The Loft Bentota
Clink your glasses, sip your cocktails and watch the sun go down at The Loft. This gorgeous rooftop bar is the perfect spot for an evening of sundowners, food and engaging banter. Comfy armchairs, colourful cushions and petite coffee tables fill up the airy interiors, which are kept cool with gusts of sea breeze. Keep your hunger pangs at bay with a selection of tasty nibbles; unlike many restaurants in the country, service is prompt and dishes arrive in a timely manner. Mahesh, the genial manager of The Loft keeps the atmosphere welcoming and lively with his warm hospitality.
Malli’s Seafood Restaurant
Malli’s Seafood Restaurant wins over diners with its unique location and quality fare. This quirky find occupies a spot by the Bentota River near the famous Galapatha Temple. Sit alfresco and take in the fresh air and gorgeous view of the river as you dine with your loved ones. The menu does not boast an extensive selection, but what is offered is of top-notch quality; this is true for its seafood, meat and vegetarian dishes. The wholesome beet, orange and feta salad serves well as a starter, and the vegetarian curry is a winner. Cleanse your palate after a delightful meal with a refreshing dessert of pomegranate and ice cream.
Panchi Villa Restaurant & Bar
Panchi Villa Restaurant & Bar is an off-the-beaten-track find; diners will have to take a tuk-tuk or arrange for transport to arrive at the restaurant. Once here, you will find yourself in a charming and tranquil setting – the restaurant overlooks a pool, and is enveloped by a pretty and quiet garden. Service is prompt and pleasant, the dishes are palate pleasers and a good variety of well-made cocktails means that you should not leave withount indulging in a drink or two.
The Villa Cafe
A meal at The Villa Cafe promises to be an excellent dining experience. Service is attentive and non-intrusive, the chef whips up a diversity of scrumptious and beautifully-presented dishes, and the eatery boasts a classy and elegant setting. The prices here are certainly higher relative to local eateries – but well worth paying for the quality fare and enjoyable dining experience.
See our villas in Sri Lanka
