Must-see restaurants in The East

  • Hideaway Restaurant

    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…

  • Seahorse Inn & Pizzeria

    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…

  • Sana's

    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…

  • Coconut Beach Lodge

    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…

  • Dutch Bank Cafe

    Trincomalee

    Central Trinco's most polished restaurant is in a historic building that combines dramatic architectural features – check out those exposed stone arches –…

  • Crab

    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…

  • Stardust Restaurant

    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 …

  • SaBaBa Surf Café

    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…

  • Siripala Place Surf Cafe

    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…

  • Surf N Sun

    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…

  • Ajmeer Hotel

    Trincomalee

    Excellent rice and curry. The refills seem to never end, portions are enormous and the vibe is friendly.

  • Samanthi’s Restaurant

    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…

  • Ceylon Seafood Cafe

    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…

  • Pavilion

    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…

  • 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…

  • Tonic's

    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…

  • Keells New City

    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…

  • Meena

    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…

  • Palm Beach

    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…

  • New Parrot Restaurant

    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…

  • Perera Restaurant

    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,…

  • Cargills

    The East

    The reliable local chain has a good-sized outlet near the bus terminal. Stock up on Western foods and groceries.