15 of THE BEST Restaurants in Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka

For a small surf town located in southern Sri Lanka, the food and drink scene in Hiriketiya certainly packs a punch. From delicious local delights like Hoppers and Dahl to scrumptious western brunches like the classic avocado toast, there are so many incredible restaurants in Hiriketiya. 

I’m no expert food critic, but I certainly am a big foodie and spent most of my 2 weeks in Hiriketiya trying out all of the coolest food spots it has to offer. 

After my extensive taste testing, I can promise you that I uncovered some of the best restaurants in Hiriketiya, with options to satisfy every palate and every budget. 

In this post, you will find the top places to eat (and drink) in Hiriketiya, from cheap local eats to boujee western bites and meals to take you all the way through from breakfast to dinner. 

Hiritketya is a very special town, so not only will you be leaving with a full heart, but definitely a full belly too! 

So what are the best restaurants in Hiriketiya? Read on below to find out!

Garlic Cafe was my favourite local restaurant in all of Hiriketiya. Not only was the traditional food so damn good, but the portions were huge and the prices unbeatable.

I think I must have visited Garlic Cafe at least 10 times in the space of a week, so much so the wait staff used to laugh at us when we arrived and give us the “you’re back again?!” look ?.

Garlic Cafe is definitely one of the best restaurants in Hiriketiya and not to be missed. I recommend trying the Kottu Roti and the Dahl. 

Garlic Cafe also has a sister restaurant called “Pumpkin Cafe” which is located near Dickwella Beach. So, no matter where you have based yourself you’ll be able to get your Garlic or Pumpkin Cafe fix!

There is absolutely no doubt you’ll be hearing lots about Dots if you are planning a visit to Hiriketiya. It’s one of the few hostels in the area, and also where the main party is held on a Tuesday and Saturday night. 

Not only is Dots one of the best places to party, but it’s also one of the best restaurants in Hiriketiya.

With healthy juices and Western brunches. Plus traditional Sri Lankan cuisine mixed in more dishes inspired from all over the world, you’ll be sure to find something you like. 

Dots also sources all of its produce from nearby farms and works with local fishermen and villages to source all of its seafood. With that being said, I personally think Dots is best visited for breakfast.

Mond

If you’re a coffee lover like me then Mond is a must-visit. It’s hands down one of the best spots in town for a morning caffeine fix, serving up some very delicious coffee. Their brunch menu is pretty solid too, offering a mix of light and hearty options to fuel your day.

What makes Mond super special is its stunning rooftop with sweeping views of the ocean. It is the perfect place to ease into your morning whilst enjoying some of the best views in Hiriketiya (honestly, starting my day here felt like a little slice of paradise).

With all that being said, Mond isn’t the most budget-friendly spot in Hiriketiya. A coconut latte will set you back around 1200 LKR which is in line with Western prices. While it is on the pricier side the quality and experience you get here will more than make up for it. If you’re looking to treat yourself to great coffee, good food, and an unbeatable view, Mond is worth every penny!

Looking for a unique place to eat in Hiriketiya? Smoke & Bitters is a must-visit. Nestled within a coconut grove close to Pehebiya Beach (Dickwella Beach), this cocktail bar and smokehouse is not only hailed as one of the top restaurants in Hiriketiya but it is also one of the best in Asia. It’s been ranked #29 on the list of the “Top 50 bars in Asia” list.

The concept here is super unique. All dishes are expertly smoked and all cocktails feature handcrafted bitters for a very unusual, but delicious flavour pairing. The restaurant utilises fresh and local ingredients and they serve up Sri Lankan dishes with a modern twist.

For such an incredible dining experience you will have to pay the price tag. Smoke and Bitters is probably the most expensive restaurant in Hiriketiya. If you are on a backpacker budget, a visit to Smoke & Bitters will probably be a bit of a splurge. However, given the quality of the food and the overall experience, I definitely think this is worth treating yourself for.

This is a super popular spot so I recommend making a reservation, especially during the peak season.

Roti Hut

Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant is an absolute gem. It might not look like much at first glance (and to be honest we walked past it multiple times before deciding to go in) but it’s one of those places that completely surprises you in the best way!

The spot quickly became one of my favourite local restaurants in town. The best dish here has to be their rice and curry buffet which allows you to enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan feast for as little as 1200 LKR. The curry is so good, and you can fill your plate to your heart’s desire.

This restaurant just goes to show you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. So, if you’re looking for a
no-frills, budget-friendly meal that delivers on taste, Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant is a must-try.

Verse Collective

Keen to try an authentic Sri Lankan breakfast? Then Duni’s Hoppers is the place to go. Hoppers are a speciality that is often described as a cross between a pancake and a noodle. At Duni’s, you’ll find the pancake-style hoppers which are bowl-shaped thanks to the special pans they are cooked in.

The hoppers are served with your choice of toppings. Popular options include egg, spinach, dhal and lots more. These are a fantastic alternative breakfast option if you are looking to start your day with something a little different. Not a fan of hoppers? Don’t worry! At Duni’s, you can also find some of the best smoothie bowls in Hiriketiya.

I highly recommend a visit to Duni’s Hoppers, not just for the incredible food but also for the opportunity to support a locally owned business.

If I had to pick my favourite place in Hiriketiya to hang out and spend the day, La Playa would be the spot. This spot has it all, stunning views, chic decor, great music and of course amazing food and drinks.

When it comes to food, La Playa is a must if you’re craving a pizza and a crisp cold glass of white wine. Their menu features a range of delicious options but my favourite has to be pumpkin and blue cheese pizza. It might sound unconventional, but trust me, it’s absolutely worth trying.

Whether you’re there for lunch, dinner or just a lazy afternoon, La Playa is the kind of place that makes it hard to leave.

If you’re craving authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, Kingsley Hot Kitchen is another gem you won’t want to miss. Much like my beloved Garlic Café, they serve up mouthwatering rotis along with a variety of delicious curry options that are sure to hit the spot.

The space at Kingsley’s is small and cosy, and thanks to the incredible food, it’s almost always packed. If you’re planning to visit for dinner, I’d recommend arriving a little earlier than usual to snag a seat.

What really sets Kingsley’s apart is the warm hospitality of the owners. They’re incredibly friendly and welcoming which makes your dining experience even more special.

Raa Hiriketiya

Lemongrass is another fantastic local restaurant in Hiriketiya. This restaurant is all about fresh, homemade Sri Lankan food that’s packed with flavour. My personal favourite? The coconut roti is served with dhal and coconut sambal although pretty much everything here Is delicious.

The owners at Lemongrass are incredibly sweet and welcoming, adding to the cosy, laid-back vibe of the place. Since everything is made from scratch, you might have to wait a little while for your food, but trust me, it’s worth every second.

After a little health kick? Then make sure you head to Malu Poke. Here you will get to build your very own poke bowl. You’ll be able to choose from a variety of bases, meats/fish, toppings and sauces.

As well as poke bowls they also offer a great range of shakes and smoothies. I know this is a rogue combo but washing down my salmon poke bowl with a delicious Milo milkshake was one of my favourite things to do.

Malu Poke is located right next to the beach, so you’ll be able to enjoy your favourite Poke Bowl all whilst taking in a stunning view of the ocean, making it the ultimate combination of great food and a relaxing vibe.