Arugam Bay
This classy hotel restaurant features a menu that changes daily and lots of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Staff are professional and welcoming. Many…
Must-see restaurants in The East
Arugam Bay
The rooms at this inn are a little too close to the road, but the courtyard dining area is in back. It's all open air, with tables and lounging areas. The…
Batticaloa
Dining here evokes memories of colonial times, as waiters fix you up with a drink (ideally a gin and tonic) on the veranda, take your order and beckon you…
The East
An example of why the Sarvodaya Rd strip is becoming one of the most interesting eating neighbourhoods on the east coast. This restaurant is a two-level…
Batticaloa
Sun Shine has quite a reputation, and it's easy to see why. This modern, clean and welcoming place covers all bases with an amazing display of biryanis,…
The East
Coconut Beach is the best place in town for Sri Lankan–style home cooking. Rice and curry, grilled seer fish and giant prawns, plus vegie delights, are…
Trincomalee
Central Trinco's most polished restaurant is in a historic building that combines dramatic architectural features – check out those exposed stone arches –…
The East
A wonderful setting for a meal, this stylish hotel restaurant is perfect for a lazy dinner near the surf. You'll find a wide selection of dishes, with…
Arugam Bay
For a memorable meal, this superb beachfront hotel restaurant is just the ticket, with expertly executed European and Asian dishes, wine by the bottle …
Batticaloa
A wonderful find, this hyper-busy little olive-coloured eatery, run by a delightful, industrious couple, has an excellent takeaway section (vegie/meat…
The East
This driftwood-vibe, boho joint is the centre of life in Whiskey Point. It has cushioned seating around its huge wooden deck, good food, beds on the beach…
Arugam Bay
This cafe is next to the spot where the fish are first hauled out of nets or off boats and loaded onto buffalo-drawn carts. But some stay right here, so…
Arugam Bay
Relax amid lush gardens on the broad outdoor deck lounge, with low-slung cushions, throw pillows, and candles and lanterns. Good food, too, including…
Nilaveli
Another fishing family makes good. All generations lend a hand at this bare-bones simple seafood restaurant that serves up whatever has been caught fresh…
Trincomalee
Excellent rice and curry. The refills seem to never end, portions are enormous and the vibe is friendly.
Batticaloa
When the tropical heat becomes too much, the sanctity of air-conditioned Tomato is refreshingly welcome. This refined restaurant has Western food (pasta,…
Arugam Bay
Samanthi’s, at Freedom Beach Cabanas, is run by a family of cheerful women. Order ahead for rice and curry (around Rs 350); other dishes are the standard…
The East
In the heart of town at the main circle, the Pavilion has a sit-down restaurant area where you can order the usual standards off a Sri Lankan menu or opt…
The East
You can't get more rustic than this totally open-air bamboo hut next to a lotus pond. Each night it displays a huge range of fresh fish, which you choose…
Anna Pooram Vegetarian Restaurant
Trincomalee
Bustling vegie eatery excelling in Tamil dishes, it's always packed at lunchtime (easy, given its small size). Famous for its sambar (soupy lentil dish…
The East
The beachside restaurant of Golden Beach Cottage has just a touch of refinement to bring some style to its dinners. There's always fresh fish, which is…
The East
A good bet for a lunchtime rice and curry, kotthu in the evening or quick eats (deep-fried snacks and other small bites) for the times in between. There…
Arugam Bay
For a good local meal, this small place pumps out all the usual faves including string hoppers, rice and curry, kotthu (rotti chopped up and mixed with…
The East
Authentic Italian food, including fine pasta and seafood; the menu changes daily, but always includes a special or two. Enjoying a good reputation, this…
Trincomalee
Head up the stairs to this tidy place that offers reliably good noodles, rice, kotthu, soup and ‘devilled’ dishes. Try the special fried rice with chicken…
Batticaloa
Eating here is a full sensory experience; the food has some spicy dash. There's excellent biryanis, noodles and kotthu (rotti chopped up and mixed with…
Arugam Bay
Simple roadside joint that works well for a decent rice and curry and genuine Sri Lankan meals at affordable prices. Also serves some Western food,…
Batticaloa
If only they sold T-shirts! This cute little shopfront sells various types of rice and curry in shiny surrounds. The motto: 'I'm healthy and tasty'…
The East
The reliable local chain has a good-sized outlet near the bus terminal. Stock up on Western foods and groceries.
