The 12 Best Cafes in Ahangama: A Local’s Guide to the Best Coffee Spots

Last Updated on February 25, 2025 by Oliver

I used to hear people say that Sri Lanka is the new Bali, but for a long time, I just couldn’t agree. A few years ago, Sri Lanka still felt super authentic—more of a backpacker haven with quiet beach towns and great surf spots.

Now, those beach towns are slowly transforming into little versions of Bali, with coffee shops, cafes, and boutique hotels popping up all along the south coast. And honestly? I don’t hate it at all. I love the amazing cafes in Ahangama, although sometimes it feels like there are just too many to choose from!

After spending months in Ahangama, I think we’ve finally managed to check out all of them. I’m sure you’ve had the same dilemma—there’s just so much to choose from, and it’s tough to decide where to go. That’s exactly why I’ve put together this guide to the best cafes in Ahangama, along with my personal favorites and why I love them. Hopefully, this makes picking your next breakfast spot a little easier!

What Are the Best Cafes in Ahangama? We’ve Got the Answers!

Finding the best place for coffee in Ahangama is pretty tricky because there are so many options. When I first started writing this article, I thought I’d narrow it down to just my top favorites. But as I got into it, I kept thinking, “Oh, I can’t leave this one out!” and “The coffee here was so good!” and before I knew it, I had over 10 spots listed—oops!

But don’t worry, along the way, I’ll highlight which ones are my personal favorites and must-visits, and which ones are great too, but if you miss them, you won’t be heartbroken.

💡Don’t forget to take a look at our favorite hotels in Ahangama. There is some amazing beachfront & boutique hotels around.

1.Cactus Ahangama // Best Cafe for Sunshine

This is our personal favorite and is definitely a must-visit on a sunny day.

Opening Hours: 8am-6pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Website

For quite a while, we lived in a little studio apartment just a minute’s drive from Cactus, so it quickly became our go-to spot for coffee and breakfast in the mornings.

Cactus is right on the oceanfront, and since it’s all outdoors, it’s best to visit when the weather is nice. The vibe is a mix of Spanish and Mexican styles, which gives it a cool, relaxed atmosphere. They serve amazing coffee and delicious food, making it my top recommendation for breakfast or lunch. We’re big fans of their fresh juices and local food inspired breakfast bowls.

Plus, there’s a small boutique store right next to the entrance where they sell everything from clothes to spices and even homemade peanut butter!

💡Heading to Hiriketiya Beach next? Here are our favorite restaurants in Hiriketiya.

2.Black Honey Cafe // Best Cafe in Ahangama to Work from

Opening Hours: 8am-4pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Website

Black Honey is a bit inland, so you’ll definitely need a scooter to get there, or you can grab a tuk-tuk. They’ll even help you arrange a tuk-tuk to get back to the main road Galle Road after.

The cafe is tucked away in a small boutique hotel by a lake, offering a lovely view from their terrace. The design is really cool, and the whole decor just comes together perfectly.

The food is also delicious—especially for coffee lovers. We tried their fluffy berry pancakes, and they were super tasty and their service is also on point.

One of the best perks here is definitely the pool, which you’re welcome to use with your breakfast, so be sure to bring your swimsuit. They also encourage people to bring their laptops, so if you’re a digital nomad, this is a great spot to enjoy a coffee and get some work done.

3.The Kip Ahangama // Best Cafe in Ahangama for Vegans

Opening Hours: 8am-9:30pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Website

The Kip in Ahangama is far from a hidden gem—it’s one of the most popular hotels and best cafes in Ahangama, and for good reason. The place is simply awesome.

It’s a charming Sri Lankan home that’s been transformed into a boutique hotel and cafe. The highlight here is definitely the garden and outdoor area with a pool, surrounded by beautiful lush palm trees. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee.

I love their “build your own breakfast” concept. You can choose a type of bread, a spread, something savory, and something sweet, so you can create your ideal breakfast. They also make absolutely delicious flat whites!

💡Check out my favorite foodie spots in Mirissa as well with our full guide on the best restaurants in Mirissa.

4.Thileni’s Ahangama

Opening Hours: 9am- 10:30pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Website

Thileni’s Ahangama has become one of the most talked-about beachfront cafes this season—and for good reason! The views are stunning, and the seating area is super cozy and relaxed.

Their breakfast and brunch are delicious. Personally, I’m a huge fan of their pancakes, so if you’re here for breakfast, I’d definitely recommend them. The coffee is decent—not the best in town, but not bad either. Honestly, the incredible views and tasty food more than make up for it.

They stay open late, so it’s also a great spot for sunset drinks!

5.Cafe Ceylon Ahangama

Opening Hours: 9am-10pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Website

Cafe Ceylon is located on the busy main road in Ahangama, on the inland side—so no ocean views—but it does have a cute little backyard with a lush garden. They make great coffee and also serve lunch and dinner.

I’ll be honest, the food and drinks here are decent, though a bit overpriced, so it’s not necessarily a must-visit in my book. But they do have some other cool perks that make it worth checking out.

Cafe Ceylon hosts some great events, like backyard markets with a super chill vibe. They also put on movie nights, which are especially fun around Christmas—they screen classics like Elf and Four Christmases.

6.Rollinpin Ahangama // Best Bakery in Ahangama

Opening Hours: –
Price: $
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Website

One of my absolute favorite spots to visit in the morning is Rollinpin Ahangama. It’s definitely more of a bakery than a café, but they do have a little outdoor seating area with a laid-back vibe and lush plants all around.

I’d totally recommend coming here for their amazing sweet treats and freshly baked cakes. They have everything from cinnamon rolls to brownies, and their freshly baked bread is a game-changer. Good bread can be hard to find in Sri Lanka, so this is my go-to spot to grab a loaf and take it home.

7.Follow the White Rabbit

Opening Hours: 6:30am-10:30pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Follow the White Rabbit Ahangama Menu & Website

Follow the White Rabbit is definitely one of the coolest spots in Ahangama. They used to only do lunch, dinner, drinks, and parties, but now they’ve switched things up and also serve brunch and coffee.

The place is split into two locations—there’s a rooftop bar on one side of the road, and then The Deck on the other side, right by the ocean. The beachfront bar and terrace setup is super cool and a great place to hang out.

They’ve got a mix of everything on the menu, from your classic avocado breakfast bowls to Sri Lankan crab curry with rice, plus plenty of other traditional dishes.

8.Kai Ahangama // Best Cafe in Ahangama for Instagram

Opening Hours: 8am-11pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Website

This place was opened by the same people behind Kai Beach Club in Weligama, and you can definitely tell. It has a slightly more upscale feel because of the design, but the prices are pretty much the same as most other cafés in Ahangama.

The location is seriously cool, with multiple levels and a rooftop bar overlooking the ocean. We came here a few times, and the Croissant Benny, Turkish eggs, and brioche French toast were all highlights.

We didn’t get to visit at night, but they have live music on weekends, and with that view, I can only imagine it’s a great spot for dinner and cocktails too.

9.Le Cafe French Bistro

Opening Hours: 9am-4pm, 5pm-9pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Website

I really like Le Cafe French Bistro, mainly because it’s quiet and never too hectic. A lot of places like Kai can get super crowded and loud, but this spot is a little out of the way, right by the ocean, and never feels overly busy—at least from my experience.

I’m pretty sure the owners are actually French, so it’s a legit French restaurant. They have freshly baked baguettes and paninis for breakfast, plus they make great coffee. Their lemon meringue tart is so good (yes, I have dessert with my breakfast).

If you ever feel like having a cheeseboard and wine for dinner, this is your go-to spot!

10.The Nuga House

Opening Hours: –
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Website

The Nuga House isn’t exactly a must-visit since it’s mainly a boutique hotel, but they do have a little café that I’m pretty sure is mostly for guests. That said, it’s such a pretty spot that I thought it was worth mentioning.

The hotel itself is really cute and not overly expensive, so it’s definitely worth checking out. They have a pool that, as far as I know, you’re free to use—we did with our breakfast, and no one said anything.

Their menu is fairly small, but they serve great coffee, fresh juices, smoothies, and some seriously tasty smoothie bowls. It’s the perfect place for a little surf break.

11.Palm Ahangama // Best Cafe with a Swimming Pool

Our favorite place to hang out by the pool and relax. It’s super quiet, making it perfect for unwinding and listening to the sounds of the jungle.

Opening Hours: 8am-10pm
Price: $$$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Website

One spot I think is a bit of a hidden gem—at least when it comes to cafes and coffee shops—is PALM (yes, they spell it in all caps).

Palm is definitely more of a hotel first, and it looks super cool. It’s a modern oasis right in the middle of the jungle, with a fitness center, a pool, and all the amenities you could ask for. Everything about it is as cool as it gets, though it is a little on the pricey side for Sri Lankan standards.

The good news is that anyone can come in and enjoy their amazing restaurant. They offer all types of food, from classic breakfast options to their burrata on sourdough (which is amazing). They also serve food all day, including fancy dinner options with fresh seafood.

But the coolest part? You can use their pool for a day pass (LKR 7,000, or around $25). The cost is deductible from your food and drinks, so I personally think it’s worth it. Grab breakfast, then enjoy a cocktail for lunch, and you’re set for the day.

12.Community Ahangama

Community is another one of our go-to coffee places we’d come to regularly.

Opening Hours: 9am-10pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★★
Menu & Website

Community is a smaller, super cozy café. A lot of the other spots around here are pretty big and can get a little loud—especially when they blow up on Instagram and suddenly you’re stuck waiting in line for a breakfast table. But Community is just a small, laid-back café with a steady flow of expats hanging out.

They serve amazing coffee—maybe my favorite in town. When it comes to breakfast, I keep it simple: avocado and a poached egg on sourdough, plus maybe a slice of their banana bread for dessert.

Definitely a great spot for expats or anyone looking for a more low-key vibe.

FAQs About Best Cafes in Ahangama Sri Lanka

What’s the best coffee shop in Ahangama for digital nomads?

Many cafés in Ahangama have Wi-Fi, but Black Honey is a top pick for digital nomads since it’s quieter, has a pool you can use, and offers a great setup for working. Community Café is another solid choice with a relaxed atmosphere and amazing coffee. However, if you are looking for a proper place to work, then check out the Focus Hub Coworking Café Ahangama!

Which cafés in Ahangama have the best breakfast?

The Kip is a favorite for its build-your-own breakfast concept, while Cactus serves amazing local-inspired breakfast bowls. If you’re after fresh pastries and bread, Rollingpin is the go-to spot.

Are there any beachfront cafés in Ahangama?

Yes! Follow the Rabbit – The Deck is right by the ocean and offers brunch with a view. Kai also has amazing views, and if you don’t mind a busier location, it’s definitely a super cool beachfront spot. However, Cactus is my all-time favorite for sunny beachfront vibes.

Final Thoughts on the Best Coffee Shops in Ahangama

Ahangama is packed with amazing cafés, whether you’re after the perfect flat white, a laid-back spot to work, or a beachfront brunch with a view.

From hidden gems like Community Café to well-known favorites like The Kip, there’s no shortage of great places to grab a coffee and a bite.

No matter where you go, expect good vibes, great food, and plenty of fresh coconut milk lattes. Happy café-hopping!

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