Sri Lanka is known for its epic beaches, fantastic wildlife, natural wonders, and delicious eats. With so many amazing food options it can be easy to miss out on one or two of the really unforgettable ones. If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in the amazing seaside town of Unawatuna then these are the pit stops you NEED to know about. There is no better way to fuel your awesome adventure 💪🏼.
Daffodil Unawatuna 🦐
What better start to your time in the beautiful seaside town than some fresh and delicious seafood? The hardworking staff at the beloved Daffodil Unawatuna deliver the best seafood time and time again. It’s amazing food, unbeatable value and even better service. Do yourself the favour of stopping by and gifting your tastebuds a night they won’t forget 😋.
It’s a bold claim, but the grilled prawns with homemade chips and creamy sauce might just be the best meal you can find in Unawatuna! Give it a try and thank me later 😉
📍Find them here on Google Maps
Makahiya Fitness 🏋🏼♀️
The amazing and healthy food here makes it worth going in for a workout first. Head to Makahiya for a workout and then sit back with an epic breakfast, lunch or dinner that you know you’ve earnt. Smoothie bowls, all manner of protein-rich meals and the energy balls are incredible. I’m a big fan of the sashimi tuna poke bole personally, it tastes great and has exactly what your body needs after a gym session 💪🏼.
📍Find them here on Google Maps
Persian Kitchen
Persian Kitchen is a beach dining experience you will never forget. Order some of the best food you will ever taste in your life and lap it up as you watch the waves roll against the shore. The chicken here is nothing short of spectacular, but really you can order anything and it’s sure to be incredible. Whatever you do decide to order just make sure you drench it in the tzatziki-style sauce 🤤.
Once you’ve finished your food why not grab a drink with your buddies and sit on the beach? Cocktails and sunsets go hand in hand afterall 🤝🏼
📍Find them here on Google Maps
Pink Elephant 🥘
This should be your first stop to get your fix of amazing local food at the best value around. They do have western options available, but the best dishes are their authentic Sri Lankan dishes. Try one of the curries and get blown away by the local flavours, and then double take when the cheque comes…that actually is the price!
📍Find them here on Google Maps
Skinny Toms ☕️
Is there anything in the world that smells better than freshly baked bread and coffee? I don’t think so. That’s the smell that greets you the second you step foot in Skinny Toms, which is then followed by the delightful smiles of friendly staff. This is easily one of the best breakfasts you are likely to find in Unawatuna. The entire menu is amazing, but you can never go wrong with a classic eggs benedict! If you want something a little lighter then a pastry with some coffee always goes down as a treat, or if you have a larger sweet tooth then definitely get the pancakes. Just cast your eyes over the menu and your stomach will start speaking to you quickly! 🥞
📍Find them here on Google Maps
Koha Surf Lounge 🤙🏼
This is where surfers come to rest and build up their strength again after a day of catching all the best waves the South Coast has to offer. It’s where burgers meet good vibes! My personal favourite is the chicken burger, it’s one of the best I’ve ever had, but the entire menu is packed with awesome eats. You can get an excellent tuna steak, falafel and hummus salad and a bunch of other vegetarian and vegan options…not to mention some great cocktails too. Whether you’re a surfer or not you will fall in love with the laidback vibes and chilled aesthetic here…it’s somewhere you instantly feel right at home.
Warning: The penut butter cups are highly addictive…they melt in your mouth from the moment they hit your tongue 🤤
📍Find them here on Google Maps
The Hideout 🌮
The Hideout is where everyone goes to get their Mexican fix, which we all need from time to time. Taco Tuesdays are a MUST for even cheaper food and 3 for 2 on cocktails! Being a swanky rooftop bar has its advantages and cocktails in the evening are definitely one of them. When you combine that with top-quality food at a reasonable price then you know you’re onto a winner.
📍Find them here on Google Maps
La Boheme 🍝
You’ve seen where to get your Mexican fix, now this is where those Italian food fans get their top tip. La Boheme is where to go for all your pizza and pasta needs. It’s a great place with awesome boho vibes…I mean it’s right there in the name after all! The best dish here? Just take your pick, to be honest but for me, it’s always going to be something with burrata. If you’re fortunate enough to visit when the Sexy Burrata pizza is on as a special then look no further…I always say I’ll try something else and can never quite bring myself to do it 🍕.
If you have a little extra dessert space left over after your meal then treat yourself to the passionfruit crepe with ice cream & homemade caramel sauce 😋
📍Find them here on Google Maps
Mama San 🥟
At Mama San, you can find beautiful Pan Asian food from all your favourite countries. If you want dumplings, pad Thai or a bao bun then you are in the right place. The food here is freshly made and incredibly healthy, which means you can eat more of it right? That’s how I see it anyway 😂. It’s difficult to pick a standout favourite but the Bun Bo Nam Bo probably takes that spot for me… a single bite of that can leave you thinking you just died and went to heaven.
📍Find them here on Google Maps
Wild And The Sage 🫖
Grab a book, take a seat and get a tea or coffee…maybe even a slice of cake. This beautiful colonial building is the perfect spot to sit, relax and take a much-needed rest. You can sit and read or just be at one with your thoughts in a peaceful setting. If you’re hungry then the shakshuka makes for a great lunch but there are also freshly baked cookies if you just want a small snack to sit alongside your coffee 🍪.
Keep an eye on the events here because Wild and the Sage often have writers visit to talk about their new books and answer questions. Who knows, your favourite author could be in the area 👀
📍Find them here on Google Maps
The Shack Beach Cafe 🏝
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, evening drinks…all of it. The Shack Beach Cafe is perfect for any time of the day! It’s right on the beach so perfect for weary surfers to stumble into after exerting themselves riding the waves all day, and they tend to stick around. They have a range of local and western dishes to suit anyone’s mood, and the shakshuka is especially awesome. It’s a cool, relaxed place where you can work, chill, eat, drink, surf, rock climb a little even walk a tightrope. If it’s cool and quirky you can probably do it here! 🙌🏼
📍Find them here on Google Maps
The Fort Printers 🍷
The Fort Printers offer a contemporary twist on the classic rice n’ curry dishes you see in Sri Lanka, and one you really must try. The lobster curry n’ rice is exquisite and a dish I would highly recommend to anyone! All the food is delicious and you can enjoy it in a beautiful setting with an excellent glass of wine…maybe even a bottle? 👀
Throw on a dress or a shirt and treat yourself to a fancy evening with a nice wine and some amazing food. It’s good to treat yourself every once in a while, right?! 💃
📍Find them here on Google Maps
The Roti Shop 🤤
When the owners say “a roti a day will keep the doctor away” I haven’t checked their medical credentials…and nor would I want to. I’ll absolutely take their word for it! No Sri Lankan food list would ever be complete without somewhere to get a great roti, and this is it if you’re in Unawatuna. It’s a quality local dessert that certainly scratches an itch if you get a craving for something sweet. The chocolate roti is where I’d start, but work your way through the menu if you’re here for a few weeks…they are incredible!
📍Find them here on Google Maps
Dumplings Cafe
Who knew that coffee and steamed dumplings worked so well together? I didn’t until Dumpling Cafe entered my life…and I hope it never leaves! It’s the perfect light snack to fuel a walk around the town and a day of exploring, but they do have larger bao buns if you’re feeling extra hungry. They have veggie, prawn and meat dumplings so you have no excuse for not stopping on your way past to grab a pick-me-up.
If you like a bit of a kick then make sure to add some of their chili sauce to your dumplings or buns…It’s not overly hot but it sure is fire! 🔥
Angel Beach Club Unawatuna 🍹
Where Bali meets Sri Lanka. This Instagrammers dream is the perfect place to relax on a hot day either by the beautiful pool or nearby beach. You can sip on cocktails, grab a bite and spend the day in luxury living a lavish lifestyle. Angel Beach Club is more expensive than other places, but you’re on holiday…treat yourself! If you can stretch it then I would advise having cocktails in one of the cabanas…trust me, it’s worth the minimum spend. There are a bunch of awesome spots here that will fill your Instagram for weeks to come 🤳🏼.
📍Find them here on Google Maps
Dunes Unawatuna
And finally, having saved the best until last, we have Dunes. For a quality local breakfast look no further…it’s easily the best in the whole of South Sri Lanka! It’s an authentic experience with fantastic food to give you a sense of real Sri Lanka. We make sure all our “Lanka Loop” group tours get to stay here, and it never disappoints. In true Sri Lankan style they obviously make a brilliant roti but be sure to try the dahl as well…and not to mention the freshest most delicious fruit around. Stay here if you can, but at the very least grab a bite…it’s our favourite for a reason! 🙌🏼
📍Find them here on Google Maps
Join our “Lanka Loop” 🇱🇰
Sri Lanka is one of the places we know best. Our Lanka Loop is a 12-day backpacking experience that captures everything this amazing country has to offer. These types of incredible eating spots are just the tip of the iceberg…we have a lot more up our sleeve 😉. Check out the available dates for 2023…November and December this year are both already full! 😳
Whether you’re looking to travel solo or bring a friend along for the ride, our group tours in both Australia & South East Asia are the perfect balance of culture, adventure & party nights out. You’ll arrive as strangers and leave as the best of friends. There really is no better way to travel than with Feel Free Travel 🤙🏻
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