The 10 Best Restaurants in Arugam Bay: A Guide to the Best Foodie Spots

Last Updated on March 7, 2025 by Oliver

As someone who’s an absolute sucker for a good breakfast and lunch spot, I naturally had to try just about every place in Arugam Bay that even remotely looked like it could serve a decent flat white and avocado toast. Turns out, Sri Lanka is an absolute dream when it comes to that. I figured heading over to Arugam Bay on the east coast might set my coffee fix back a little compared to places like Mirissa, Ahangama, Weligama, and Hiriketiya—but nope. Arugam Bay’s food scene is just as good as those other spots.

Of course, I didn’t just stick to cafés. I tried a bit of everything—from Sri Lankan rice and curry to Indian food to Western-style burger joints. And after spending over three months in Sri Lanka, I feel like I’ve got a solid grasp of the food scene here, what’s going on in Arugam Bay, and how it compares to the rest of the country.

So in this guide, I’ll take you through my favorite (and pretty much the best) restaurants in Arugam Bay.

What Are the Best Restaurants in Arugam Bay? We’ve Got the Answers!

As I’ve already mentioned, I’m a lover of cafés, flat whites, avocado on toast—and lately, Turkish eggs too. But enough about my food obsessions, let’s get into some of the best restaurants in Arugam Bay and the best meals I had here.

For brunch, Salty Lane is easily one of my favorites. I loved the one in Mirissa, so of course, I had to check out the Arugam Bay location—and it didn’t disappoint. It’s a little tucked away from the busy main road, which makes for a much more relaxed atmosphere.

For seafood, The Sketch was hands down one of the best. It’s run by a local fisherman who cooks up whatever he catches that morning, so the menu changes all the time. But one thing’s for sure—his grilled fresh fish is ridiculously fresh and insanely good.

And my favorite hidden gem is Salty Garden Café. It actually has a similar vibe to Shady Lane, but it’s way less known, a lot cheaper, and still really good. It’s a small, laid-back café serving burgers, smoothie bowls, and coffee—perfect for a casual bite.

1.Salty Swamis // Best Oceanfront Restaurant in Arugam Bay

This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Arugam Bay with a view!

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

Salty Swamis is on the same level as Salty Lane for me. But before I get into the delicious food, let’s talk about the location. Inside, they’ve got a small bar kitchen and a little shop selling some of the coolest souvenirs—everything from incense to their own shirts, surf wax, handmade plates and mugs, and a bunch of other random but super cool stuff. Then there’s the huge outdoor seating area right by the Indian Ocean, which is absolutely beautiful. I could sit there all day.

Of course, the food is just as great. Their coffee is amazing—I always get a flat white, so I can’t speak for their other options, but I’d bet they’re just as good. As for the food, their smoothie bowls are a big favorite, and they definitely look incredible. Personally, I love their avocado toast and Turkish eggs. And if I stop by in the afternoon to get some work done, I always grab a coffee and their homemade toasted banana bread—it’s insanely good.

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2.Kaffi Arugam Bay // Best Coffee Shop in Arugam Bay

Opening Hours: 8am-5pm
Price: $$
My Rating: ★★★
Menu & Website

Kaffi in Arugam Bay is a full-on coffee shop—probably doesn’t even belong on a “best restaurants” list, but whatever. They basically just do amazing coffee and sweet treats, and that’s more than enough. Their coffee is so good—I usually go for an iced latte, which is always spot on, and I can never resist a slice of their carrot cake. They also bake cookies, muffins, and banana bread, with plenty of vegan options too.

The space is small but nice. They’ve got an indoor area with air conditioning (which is a rare and welcome break from the heat), plus a shaded outdoor terrace that’s super chill to sit at. Sometimes, I’d work from here in the afternoon, but only when it’s not too busy—I don’t want to be that person taking up someone’s table.

3.Squeeze Me

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

Squeeze Me is a fantastic breakfast, lunch and dinner spot, pretty much right in the middle of Arugam Bay’s main street (which means it can get pretty busy at times). They also have a second location in Mirissa, which I’d been to before and really enjoyed, and the food here is just as good.

The vibe is great—I love those green tiles on the wall—and the food is solid. They have tons of vegan options (their jackfruit fries are insanely good), plus smoothie bowls, avocado toast, pancakes, and falafel. Their veggie bowls are super fresh and healthy, which I really appreciate, especially when it’s hot outside. I’d much rather eat a cold fruit or veggie bowl with some falafel or chicken than something too heavy.

The only downside is that it’s a bit pricey by Sri Lankan standards, which is why I didn’t come here as often. But if you don’t mind spending a little extra, it’s definitely worth a visit.

4.Shady Lane Arugam Bay // Top Restaurant in Arugam Bay for Breakfast

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

As I’ve mentioned, this is my favorite spot in Arugam Bay for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and that’s because it’s kind of the whole package. The place has a super chill vibe, with a great courtyard and plenty of comfy tables to sit at. They play really good music, the service is fantastic, and there’s even a little boutique shop on-site selling handmade jewelry and clothing. It’s just one of those places where you can easily end up hanging out for a few hours with friends.

And of course, the food is amazing. Their coffee is a no-brainer—obviously fantastic—but I also highly recommend their smoothie bowls, poke bowls, and especially their French toast.

FYI: They also have rooms upstairs that you can book on Airbnb. I’ve never stayed here, but the staff were nice enough to show me around one day, and it looked really cute—well-decorated and super clean.

5.Salty Garden Cafe (Atha)

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

Salty Garden Cafe is actually just around the corner from Shady Lane, and it has a pretty similar vibe. It’s an outdoor spot with a cool little backyard—just a bit less polished than Shady Lane, which I actually really like. It’s way less busy and not as well-known, so you never have to wait for a table. Plus, the food is amazing and way cheaper.

The menu is small, but they do a few things really well—great chicken burgers, smoothie bowls, banana bread, and pancakes. Their smoothies and juices are also super fresh, and if you’re looking for a top-notch breakfast on a budget, this is the place to go. Plus, I believe it’s run by a local family, so you’re supporting them as well.

Technically, it’s part of a guesthouse called Atha, so things can get a little confusing. But if you type “Salty Garden Cafe” into Google, you’ll find it!

6.Emiliy’s // Best Place to Eat for Dinner

Opening Hours: 10am-11pm
Price: $$$
My Rating: ★★★★★
Menu & Website

Even though Arugam Bay has plenty of cafés and casual Western-style spots, it doesn’t have many upscale dining experiences. Emily’s isn’t exactly upscale either, but in my opinion, it’s one of the nicest dinner spots in town.

The setting is simple—nothing fancy—but it has a cool vibe with chic style concrete benches, hand-potted cacti, and a laid-back atmosphere. It’s usually fairly busy, which adds to the energy.

The food is definitely the highlight. Their tuna is a standout, whether as a steak or in their tuna poke bowl, which comes with delicious rice and coconut milk on the side. And for dessert? They have a key lime pie—wasn’t expecting to see that on the menu, but I tried it, and it was amazing.

They also make a mean passion fruit martini, which I may have had a few too many of. Definitely a solid spot for a sunset cocktail!

7.Mellow Cafe // Best Arugam Bay Restaurant to Work From

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

Mellow Cafe had to make my list because, honestly, this is the spot I’ve probably been to the most. Not necessarily because the food or coffee is mind-blowing—don’t get me wrong, both are good—but because it’s hands down the best place to work from in Arugam Bay.

It’s the go-to coworking space in town. Unlike regular cafes where you might feel weird pulling out your laptop, this place is actually designed for it. The coffee is solid, they make great bagels, and most importantly, they have good WiFi and air conditioning—both of which make the whole experience way better.

I believe they only opened last season, but it’s already become a hotspot for digital nomads. If you’re planning to work from here, I’d recommend coming early to grab a good spot!

8.Tandoori Hut

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

Wow, I have to say—I was seriously impressed by Tandoori Hut. You’d think that since India is right next door, Sri Lanka would have Indian food everywhere, but that’s not really the case. For one, Indian cuisine is incredibly diverse, and the stronger Indian influence is mostly found in the north of Sri Lanka, not so much down south. So finding a proper Indian restaurant on the southeast coast isn’t actually that easy.

Anyway, Tandoori Hut is amazing. Their butter chicken is insanely good, the garlic naan is perfect, the rice is delicious—everything just hits the spot. And the fact that they offer all-you-can-eat garlic naan and rice is also a huge win. If you’re craving some legit Indian food, this is definitely the place to go.

9.The Sketch

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

I feel like I have to include at least one traditional Sri Lankan restaurant because I love the local food. The main reason I end up going to all these fancy Western places is that back home, they’re way too expensive—but Sri Lankan food is something I truly enjoy. And the best local food I had in Arugam Bay was definitely at The Sketch.

The place is super basic, owned by a local fisherman, and oh man, the fish is fresh. He heads out in the morning, and whatever he catches is what’s on the menu that day—so you know it’s as fresh as it gets. You’ll find fish curry, whole grilled fish, and other typical Sri Lankan dishes, all served with a variety of side curries and condiments. It’s hands down the best Sri Lankan meal I’ve had in a while. If you’re looking for something authentic (and want to support the locals), I highly recommend stopping by.

💡Arugam Bay is so close to Yala National Park, you should totally head down there on a Safari!

10.East Falafel // Best Cheap Eats Arugam Bay

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

Maybe one of y’all has an answer to this, but for some reason, Arugam Bay has a surprising number of falafel shops and Israeli-inspired street food spots—and I’m totally here for it. The best Middle Eastern food I had was definitely at East Falafel.

I’ve had my fair share of falafel, pita, and shawarma before, and I can confirm this place is legit. The falafel is fluffy and not dry at all, the pita is super fresh, the shawarma is delicious, and the hummus is on point. I ordered the hummus plate and a pita, and both were fantastic.

If you’re craving something quick, easy, and packed with flavor, this is the spot. Plus, it’s a great option for vegetarians—can’t go wrong with a solid falafel pita!

FAQs About the Best Restaurants in Arugam Bay

What is the top restaurant in Arugam Bay?

If I had to pick just one, I’d go with Emily’s—mainly because this list is about restaurants, and in my opinion, Emily’s is the best dinner spot. This is where I’d go for a date night. They do an amazing tuna steak, and their cocktails are just as good.

Where should I go eat in Arugam Bay?

If you’re looking for a place you can go to any time of day, Shady Lane is the one. Whether it’s an early breakfast or a late lunch, this is my go-to for Turkish eggs, avocado and eggs on sourdough, or a solid smoothie bowl.

Where should I stay in Arugam Bay?

Arugam Bay doesn’t have quite the same boutique hotel scene as the south coast—places like Ahangama and Hiriketiya have new ones popping up almost weekly. It’s a bit different here. But if you’re looking for the best places to stay, check out my guide to the best hotels in Arugam Bay to find the best Arugam Bay hotels.

Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Arugam Bay

All in all, I’m a huge fan of the tasty food scene in Arugam Bay because it’s just the right amount. What I mean is, in some of Sri Lanka’s south coast beach towns—like Ahangama and Weligama—there are so many new and amazing restaurants popping up that it almost feels overwhelming. Too many options, and I end up not knowing where to go.

But in Arugam Bay, you’ve got your five or six go-to spots, and that’s more than enough. I don’t need hundreds of restaurants—I just need a handful of really good ones, and that’s exactly what you get here.

I hope you found this list of the best restaurants in Arugam Bay helpful. If you’re sitting in your hotel room right now trying to figure out where to grab breakfast or dinner, I hope this made your decision a little easier. Now, go eat before you get too hangry—happy travels!

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