Food & Restaurants

South Indian Vegetarian · Budget · Kandy

A popular pure-vegetarian South Indian eatery famous for crisp dosai, idli and thali. Fully vegetarian and a reliable choice for meat-free travellers.

Sri Lankan, Cafe · Mid · Kandy

A cosy heritage cafe near the lake serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, hoppers and Western comfort food, with plenty of vegetarian choices.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Kandy

A long-running halal eatery in the town centre serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats. A dependable halal option in the heart of Kandy.

Grill, Western · Mid · Kandy

A casual grill house popular for burgers, steaks, sizzlers and generous portions, with a handful of vegetarian mains.

Asian Fusion · Mid · Kandy

A relaxed hillside lounge with lake views, offering Chinese, Thai and Sri Lankan dishes plus cold drinks and vegetarian options.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Matale

A halal eatery near the town centre serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and grilled dishes, a reliable choice for Muslim travellers passing through Matale.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Matale

A dependable town-centre spot serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, fried rice and short eats, with plenty of vegetable dishes for meat-free diners.

Multi-cuisine · Mid · Matale

A relaxed mid-range restaurant on the Kandy-Matale road offering Sri Lankan, Chinese and Western dishes in a garden setting, popular with tour groups and families.

Sri Lankan Traditional · Budget · Matale

A government-run food stall run by local women serving freshly made traditional Sri Lankan snacks such as hoppers, pittu, roti and herbal drinks. Almost entirely vegetarian and very cheap.

Sri Lankan, Cafe · Mid · Elkaduwa

A simple highland cafe near Sembuwatta Lake serving rice and curry, noodles, tea and snacks with cool mountain views, handy before or after exploring the lake.

Sri Lankan, Chinese · Budget · Nuwara Eliya

A busy, budget-friendly eatery on the main street known for hoppers, ulundu vade, kottu and Sri Lankan and Chinese dishes at very reasonable prices, with many vegetarian choices.

Sri Lankan, Halal · Budget · Nuwara Eliya

A popular halal restaurant serving biryani, fried rice, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, a dependable choice for halal and vegetarian diners in town.

Sri Lankan, Chinese, Western · Mid · Nuwara Eliya

A long-running town-centre restaurant offering a broad menu of Sri Lankan, Chinese and Western dishes, including generous rice and curry platters and vegetarian mains.

North & South Indian · Fine · Nuwara Eliya

An elegant North and South Indian restaurant at the historic Grand Hotel, serving tandoori dishes, curries, biryani and plenty of vegetarian options in a colonial setting.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Ampara

A dependable halal eatery near the town centre serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and grilled dishes, popular with local Muslim families and travellers, with vegetarian options available.

Sri Lankan, Halal · Budget · Arugam Bay

A friendly halal eatery on the main road serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry, fresh seafood and Sri Lankan short eats, a dependable halal choice in the bay with vegetarian options too.

Sri Lankan, International · Mid · Arugam Bay

A long-running garden restaurant just back from the beach serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, seafood, wood-fired pizzas and Western breakfasts, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.

Cafe, Seafood · Mid · Arugam Bay

A relaxed surf-camp beach cafe right on the sand near the main point, serving smoothie bowls, seafood, burgers and cold drinks, with a good range of vegetarian dishes and a lively sunset scene.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Ampara

A busy town-centre restaurant serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, fried rice and short eats at low prices, with plenty of vegetable dishes for meat-free diners.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Batticaloa

A dependable halal eatery near the town centre serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, popular with local Muslim families and travellers.

Multi-cuisine · Mid · Pasikudah

A mid-range resort restaurant set back from the beach serving Sri Lankan, Indian and Western dishes and buffets, with a good range of vegetarian options.

Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Batticaloa

A relaxed lagoon-side restaurant serving fresh seafood, Sri Lankan rice and curry and Western dishes with views over the water, with vegetarian options.

Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Pasikudah

A casual beachfront spot near Pasikudah bay grilling the day's catch of fish, prawns and crab alongside rice and curry, with a few vegetarian dishes and sea views.

South Indian Vegetarian · Budget · Batticaloa

A busy pure-vegetarian South Indian eatery in the town centre serving crisp dosai, idli, vadai and rice-and-curry thalis at budget prices. Fully vegetarian and a reliable meat-free choice.

South Indian Vegetarian · Budget · Trincomalee

A busy pure-vegetarian South Indian restaurant in the town centre serving crisp dosai, idli, vadai and rice-and-curry thalis at low prices. A reliable meat-free choice in Trincomalee.

Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Trincomalee

A relaxed beachside restaurant at Uppuveli known for fresh grilled seafood, rice and curry and cold drinks, with vegetarian dishes and sea views.

Sri Lankan, Halal · Budget · Trincomalee

A long-running town-centre eatery serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, fried rice and short eats, with plenty of vegetarian options and a halal kitchen.

Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Nilaveli

A casual sand-floor seafood spot near Nilaveli beach serving the day's catch grilled or curried, with vegetarian rice-and-curry and fresh fruit juices.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Anuradhapura

A dependable halal eatery near the bus stand serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, popular with local Muslim families and travellers.

Sri Lankan, Indian · Mid · Anuradhapura

A bright, popular restaurant in the new town serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, Indian dishes and Western meals, with generous vegetarian options.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Mihintale

A simple roadside restaurant near the Mihintale stairway serving fresh rice and curry, noodles and cold drinks, handy for pilgrims and day-trippers.

Sri Lankan, Cafe · Mid · Anuradhapura

A guesthouse restaurant on a quiet street offering home-style Sri Lankan meals, fresh juices and a good vegetarian rice-and-curry spread.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Anuradhapura

A casual local spot known for hearty Sri Lankan rice and curry buffets and hoppers, with plenty of plant-based curries for vegetarian travellers.

Sri Lankan, Rice and Curry · Mid · Polonnaruwa

A rustic garden restaurant set among paddy fields, known for a generous traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry spread of a dozen or more dishes, served with fresh fruit juices. Predominantly vegetable curries make it a fine choice for meat-free travellers.

Sri Lankan, Cafe · Mid · Giritale

A relaxed lakeside restaurant near the Giritale Tank offering Sri Lankan rice and curry, fried rice, noodles and cold drinks with views over the water, handy before or after a Minneriya safari.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Polonnaruwa

A simple halal eatery near the New Town bus stand serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, a reliable halal option for travellers passing through the ancient city.

Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese · Mid · Polonnaruwa

A dependable town-centre restaurant serving authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry alongside Indian and Chinese dishes, with friendly service and plenty of vegetarian options.

Sri Lankan, Chinese · Mid · Kurunegala

A popular town restaurant serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, fried rice and short eats alongside Chinese and Western dishes, with plenty of vegetarian options.

Sri Lankan Traditional · Budget · Kurunegala

A government-run food stall run by local women serving freshly made traditional Sri Lankan snacks such as hoppers, pittu, roti and herbal drinks. Almost entirely vegetarian and very cheap.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Kurunegala

A dependable halal eatery in the town centre serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, popular with local Muslim families and travellers passing through.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Kurunegala

A busy, budget-friendly local eatery known for generous rice-and-curry buffets, hoppers and short eats, with many vegetable dishes for meat-free diners.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Yapahuwa

A simple roadside eatery near the rock fortress serving fresh rice and curry, noodles, short eats and cold drinks, handy for day-trippers exploring Yapahuwa.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Kalpitiya

A small halal eatery in Kalpitiya town serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats at budget prices, a reliable option for Muslim travellers on the peninsula.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Puttalam

A dependable halal eatery in Puttalam town serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, popular with local Muslim families and travellers heading to Wilpattu.

Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Kalpitiya

A relaxed peninsula restaurant serving fresh grilled seafood, prawns, rice and curry and cold drinks, handy after dolphin trips or a day on the lagoon, with vegetarian options.

Sri Lankan, Seafood · Mid · Puttalam

A casual town restaurant offering Sri Lankan rice and curry, fresh lagoon seafood, kottu and fried rice, with vegetable curries for meat-free diners.

South Indian Vegetarian · Budget · Puttalam

A simple pure-vegetarian South Indian eatery serving crisp dosai, idli, vadai and rice-and-curry thalis at low prices, a reliable meat-free stop in town.

Jaffna Tamil, Halal · Budget · Jaffna

A long-running local favourite serving Jaffna-style rice and curry, kottu, biryani, seafood and short eats. A dependable, welcoming halal kitchen with plenty of vegetarian dishes.

Sri Lankan, Multi-cuisine · Mid · Jaffna

A relaxed garden restaurant attached to a popular hotel, offering Jaffna and Sri Lankan cuisine, seafood, Chinese and Western dishes, with a good vegetarian selection and a calm setting.

South Indian Vegetarian · Budget · Jaffna

A beloved old-school pure-vegetarian South Indian eatery in the town centre, famous for dosai, idli and thali served on banana leaves at very low prices. Fully vegetarian and a Jaffna institution.

Jaffna Tamil, South Indian · Mid · Jaffna

A popular, brightly decorated family restaurant serving authentic Jaffna cuisine including crab curry, seafood, rice and curry and South Indian dishes, with generous vegetarian options.

Ice Cream, Desserts · Budget · Jaffna

A famous Jaffna ice-cream parlour and snack spot, hugely popular with locals for its sundaes, faluda and short eats in a lively evening atmosphere. Vegetarian-friendly and great for a treat after temple visits.

South Indian Vegetarian · Budget · Kilinochchi

A simple pure-vegetarian South Indian eatery serving crisp dosai, idli, vadai and rice-and-curry thalis at low prices, a reliable meat-free stop on the A9.

Sri Lankan, South Indian · Budget · Kilinochchi

A popular town-centre restaurant on the A9 serving Sri Lankan and South Indian rice and curry, kottu, fried rice and short eats, with plenty of vegetable dishes for meat-free travellers.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Kilinochchi

A dependable halal eatery on the highway serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, a handy halal option for travellers passing through Kilinochchi.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Mannar

A dependable halal eatery near the town centre serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, popular with local Muslim families and travellers passing through Mannar.

Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Mannar

A casual local spot known for the day's catch of lagoon fish, prawns and crab served grilled or curried, alongside rice and curry and a few vegetarian options.

South Indian Vegetarian · Budget · Mannar

A budget-friendly South Indian vegetarian eatery serving dosai, idli, vadai and rice-and-curry thalis, a reliable pure-vegetarian choice in Mannar.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Mannar

A simple, dependable town-centre eatery serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, string hoppers and short eats, with plenty of vegetable dishes for meat-free diners.

Sri Lankan, Seafood · Budget · Talaimannar

A modest roadside kitchen near the Talaimannar pier serving fresh fish, rice and curry, noodles and cold drinks, handy for day-trippers heading out toward Adam's Bridge.

South Indian, Sri Lankan Tamil · Budget · Mullaitivu

A budget Tamil eatery in the town centre serving dosai, idli, string hoppers and vegetable rice-and-curry, a reliable and inexpensive choice for vegetarian travellers.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Puthukkudiyiruppu

A roadside rest stop near Puthukkudiyiruppu serving rice and curry, kottu, noodles and cold drinks, convenient for travellers touring the nearby war sites, with vegetarian dishes available.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Mullaitivu

A dependable halal eatery near the town centre serving biryani, kottu, fried rice and rice and curry, a practical option for Muslim travellers passing through Mullaitivu.

Sri Lankan, Seafood · Budget · Mullaitivu

A simple town restaurant serving fresh local seafood, rice and curry and short eats, a handy sit-down meal near the coast with vegetarian curries available.

Sri Lankan, Indian, Halal · Mid · Vavuniya

A busy town-centre restaurant serving Sri Lankan and North Indian dishes, from rice and curry and kottu to biryani and tandoori, with plenty of vegetarian options and a halal kitchen.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Vavuniya

A dependable halal eatery near the bus stand serving biryani, kottu, fried rice, rice and curry and short eats at low prices, popular with local families and travellers heading north.

Sri Lankan, Chinese, Cafe · Mid · Vavuniya

A relaxed cafe-style restaurant offering Sri Lankan rice and curry, Chinese fried rice and noodles, short eats, juices and coffee, with a good range of vegetarian dishes.

South Indian Vegetarian · Budget · Vavuniya

A popular pure-vegetarian South Indian eatery known for crisp dosai, idli, vadai and rice-and-curry thalis at budget prices. Fully vegetarian and a reliable meat-free choice in town.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Kegalle

A dependable halal eatery in Kegalle town serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats at low prices, a reliable option for Muslim travellers passing along the Colombo-Kandy road.

Sri Lankan · Mid · Pinnawala

A riverside restaurant overlooking the Maha Oya bathing spot, serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, fried rice, kottu and short eats with a grandstand view of the elephants at bath time. Good vegetarian options.

Sri Lankan, Multi-cuisine · Mid · Pinnawala

A long-running restaurant and rest stop near the orphanage entrance offering buffet-style Sri Lankan rice and curry, Chinese dishes and Western meals, popular with tour groups and with plenty of vegetable dishes.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Kegalle

A busy town-centre eatery serving hearty Sri Lankan rice and curry, hoppers, kottu and short eats at budget prices, with a good spread of vegetable curries for meat-free diners.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Ratnapura

A halal eatery near the town centre serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, a reliable choice for Muslim travellers passing through the gem city.

Sri Lankan, Cafe · Budget · Ratnapura

A relaxed cafe in the heart of Ratnapura serving short eats, kottu, fresh juices and coffee, with reliable vegetarian options for a quick meal or break.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Ratnapura

A dependable town-centre eatery serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, fried rice and short eats, with plenty of vegetable dishes for meat-free diners.

Sri Lankan, Multi-cuisine · Mid · Ratnapura

A colonial-era rest house restaurant on a hill above town serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, Chinese dishes and Western meals with valley views and a calmer sit-down atmosphere.

Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Unawatuna

A casual beachfront seafood restaurant on Unawatuna bay, grilling the day's catch of fish, prawns and crab alongside rice and curry and a few vegetarian dishes.

Cafe, International · Mid · Unawatuna

A relaxed beach lounge serving smoothie bowls, Western breakfasts, wood-fired pizzas and cocktails, with a good range of vegetarian and vegan options.

Sri Lankan, Rice and Curry · Budget · Galle

A long-running family eatery in the fort known for its generous Sri Lankan rice and curry buffet with many vegetable dishes, a favourite for vegetarians and budget travellers.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Galle

A dependable halal eatery in Galle town serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats at low prices, a reliable option for Muslim travellers.

Cafe, Sri Lankan · Mid · Galle

A popular heritage cafe on Pedlar Street inside the fort, serving breakfasts, sandwiches, Sri Lankan rice and curry, cakes and good coffee, with plenty of vegetarian choices.

Sri Lankan, Western · Mid · Tissamaharama

The restaurant of a long-running local hotel, serving buffet-style Sri Lankan rice and curry, grilled dishes and Western breakfasts, handy for early-morning safari departures.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Hambantota

A dependable halal eatery in Hambantota town serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, popular with the local Muslim community and a reliable halal option for travellers.

Sri Lankan, Chinese · Mid · Hambantota

A casual town restaurant offering Sri Lankan rice and curry, fried rice, seafood and Chinese-style dishes, with vegetarian mains and cold drinks in the coastal heat.

Sri Lankan, International · Mid · Tissamaharama

A popular traveller-friendly restaurant near the tank serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, seafood, kottu and Western dishes, with generous vegetarian options and a good spot for a pre-safari meal.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Tissamaharama

A relaxed garden restaurant offering home-style Sri Lankan rice and curry buffets, hoppers and fresh juices, with plentiful plant-based curries for vegetarian travellers.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Matara

A long-running town-centre eatery serving hearty Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, hoppers and short eats at budget prices, with plenty of vegetable dishes for meat-free diners.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Mirissa

A much-loved family-run kitchen a short walk inland from the beach, famous for sweet and savoury rotis, rice and curry and cooking classes, with abundant vegetarian and vegan options.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Matara

A dependable halal eatery near the town centre serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, popular with local Muslim families and travellers passing through Matara.

Cafe, International · Mid · Mirissa

A casual beach cafe serving smoothie bowls, Western breakfasts, seafood and Sri Lankan dishes with a good range of vegetarian and vegan choices, popular with the surf and backpacker crowd.

Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Mirissa

A relaxed beachfront restaurant on Mirissa bay grilling the day's catch of fish, prawns and crab alongside rice and curry, cocktails and a few vegetarian dishes, with sea views at sunset.

Sri Lankan, Japanese Fusion · Mid · Ella

A well-regarded hillside restaurant blending Sri Lankan and Japanese-influenced dishes with valley views, offering a calmer sit-down meal and vegetarian mains.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Badulla

A dependable halal eatery near the bus stand serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats, popular with travellers looking for a halal meal in Badulla.

Sri Lankan, Cafe · Budget · Badulla

A relaxed town-centre cafe serving rice and curry, short eats, kottu, fresh juices and coffee, with reliable vegetarian options in the heart of Badulla.

Sri Lankan, Western · Mid · Ella

A buzzing main-street institution serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, seafood, grills and Western dishes, with a lively evening atmosphere and plenty of vegetarian choices.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Ella

A tiny, much-loved family kitchen famous for its home-style rice and curry spreads and cooking classes, with abundant vegetarian and vegan options.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Buttala

A simple roadside eatery near Buttala junction handy for pilgrims and day-trippers touring the ancient sites, serving fresh rice and curry, noodles and cold drinks with several vegetarian options.

Sri Lankan, Cafe · Budget · Wellawaya

A popular little town-centre cafe serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, fried rice, short eats and fresh juices, with a good spread of vegetable dishes for meat-free travellers.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Buttala

A straightforward town-road restaurant serving generous Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, fried rice and short eats, with plenty of vegetable curries for vegetarian diners.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Wellawaya

A dependable halal eatery near the town junction serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry and short eats at low prices, a handy stop for Muslim travellers breaking the journey between the hills and the south-east.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Colombo

A legendary late-night halal eatery in Colombo, famous for cheese kottu, string hopper kottu and short eats. A dependable, buzzing halal option that draws crowds well into the night.

Sri Lankan Seafood · Fine · Colombo

An acclaimed fine-dining restaurant in the restored Dutch Hospital precinct, celebrated for Sri Lankan lagoon crab served in giant, garlic and pepper preparations. A bucket-list seafood experience; booking well ahead is essential.

Japanese · Fine · Colombo

A refined Japanese restaurant in Colombo Fort known for fresh sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki using local seafood. An upmarket choice with a dedicated vegetarian and vegan menu.

South Indian Vegetarian · Budget · Colombo

A long-running pure-vegetarian South Indian eatery in Bambalapitiya, famous for crisp dosai, string hoppers and thali at budget prices. Fully vegetarian and a favourite with meat-free travellers.

Sri Lankan · Mid · Colombo

A smart, popular restaurant serving authentic Sri Lankan home-style cooking, from rice and curry to hoppers, kottu and lamprais, with plenty of vegetarian dishes. A reliable place to sample traditional island flavours.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Gampaha

A no-frills town-centre eatery serving hearty Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, hoppers and short eats at low prices, with plenty of vegetable curries for meat-free diners.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Negombo

A busy, dependable halal eatery in the town centre serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry, fried rice and short eats at budget prices, popular with local families and travellers.

Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Negombo

A popular seafront spot celebrated for fresh Negombo lagoon crab, prawns and grilled fish alongside rice and curry, with lagoon and sea views and a few vegetarian dishes.

Sri Lankan, International · Mid · Negombo

A long-running, stylish restaurant on the Negombo beach strip known for creative Sri Lankan and international dishes, cocktails and a lively atmosphere, with good vegetarian options.

Sri Lankan Muslim, Halal · Budget · Aluthgama

A dependable halal eatery serving biryani, kottu, rice and curry, grilled dishes and short eats, popular with the local Muslim community and travellers around Aluthgama and Beruwala.

Sri Lankan · Budget · Kalutara

A relaxed town restaurant serving generous Sri Lankan rice and curry, kottu, hoppers and short eats, with plenty of plant-based curries for vegetarian travellers.

Multi-cuisine, Seafood · Mid · Kalutara

A comfortable mid-range restaurant near the beach offering Sri Lankan, Chinese and Western dishes plus fresh seafood, with a good range of vegetarian mains.

Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Aluthgama

A casual riverside restaurant near the Bentota Ganga serving fresh grilled seafood, rice and curry and cold drinks, with vegetarian options and pleasant water views.