Hiriketiya, or Hiriketiya Beach as some call it, has got to be our top beach town in southern Sri Lanka, and honestly, it might just be up there with our all-time favorites. What’s really cool about Hiriketiya is that it still feels kind of off the radar. Mainstream crowds haven’t swarmed the place yet, but it’s already loaded with some amazing boutique hotels, surf camps, and loads of really great restaurants.
In this blog post, we’re focusing on the must-hit eateries in Hiriketiya Beach. Despite being a tiny surf town with just a few streets, Hiriketiya packs a massive punch with its selection of cafes, lunch joints, and dinner spots.
After hanging out in Hiriketiya Beach for nearly two months, we’re pretty stoked to share our top picks of restaurants in Hiriketiya. Looking for health-packed bowls, the freshest seafood, or tasty local cuisine? Hiriketiya’s got you covered.
- What are the Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach?
- Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach for Coffee & Brunch
- Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach for Dinner
- Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach for Vegetarians & Vegans
- Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach for a Post-Surf Lunch
- Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach for Digital Nomads
- Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach – Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach?
With so many incredible restaurants in Hiriketiya, choosing our top spots was a bit of a challenge since we pretty much wanted to try everything in sight. We spent a good chunk of time in Hiriketiya, so we figured, why not taste as much as we can?
To make things easier for you to spot our favorites, we’ve sorted our picks into categories. You’ll find our top coffee hangouts, dinner spots, veggie-friendly joints, and even places perfect for digital nomads or anyone looking to get some work done while sipping on coffee and having some delicious food.
Hope this guide helps you figure out where to grab your next bite while soaking in the sun and good vibes at Hiriketiya Beach.
Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach for Coffee & Brunch
Duni’s Hoppers
Dunis Hoppers was the first brunch and breakfast spot we hit up in Hiriketiya, and it was fantastic! This cozy little cafe whips up some of the best coffee, delicious smoothie bowls, and hands down, the best hoppers in town. Okay, let me back up a sec and fill you in on what hoppers are. Hoppers are a traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, perfect for any time of the day, kind of like pancakes but made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, with a perfectly cooked egg popped right in the center. These snacks are a treat on their own, but Dunis takes it up a notch with a modern spin and some tasty toppings like creamy avocado or crispy bacon.
Salt House
Just across the street from Duni’s Hoppers, you’ll find the Salt House. At first glance, you might not notice it as a cafe and breakfast spot because it doubles as a guesthouse and yoga shala. But, head into the backyard, and bam, their cozy porch awaits where they whip up breakfast and coffee, not just for guests but for anyone who stumbles in. The Salt House leans more towards Western food than your typical Sri Lankan breakfast fare, but let me tell you, their avocado toast and smoothie bowls are out of this world.
Tip: The Salt House is also the perfect spot for your early morning yoga class in a beautiful yoga shala nestled between the coconut trees. Click here to check out our Yoga Guide on Hiriketiya.
Locos Cafe
Locos Cafe, fairly new and just opened in 2023, is one of the best little coffee shops in town, perfect for a quick caffeine fix or a cozy spot to spend the day. Their coffee is top-notch, and they have a variety of pastries and snacks to fuel up before hitting the beach. Especially, their Almond croissants are super tasty and worth trying. Right next door, they also have a little shop with local brands and souvenirs to take home. So, if you’re looking for a caffeine boost and some retail therapy, Locos Cafe has got you covered.
Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach for Dinner
Smoke & Bitters
If you’re hunting for the ultimate dinner destination in Hiriketiya, end the search because Smoke & Bitters takes the crown, hands down. And by “best,” I’m talking top-tier fancy. Tucked away just outside the main hustle, perched on a hill, this bar offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. The culinary delights here are simply out-of-this-world. Discovering such a spot in a sleepy town like Hiriketiya is a bit of a pleasant shock. The pulled pork tacos and slow-roasted goat meat we tried were nothing short of divine.
Plus, Smoke & Bitters isn’t just about the food – it’s ranked among the top 50 best bars in Asia, so do yourself a favor and try something from their extraordinary cocktail menu as well!
Bacuzzi
If we’re talking top spots in Hiriketiya, Bacuzzi is hands down our favourite restaurant. Bacuzzi, an Italian restaurant located right on Hiriketiya Beach, is run by the coolest Italian guy who’s all about making sure you’re having the time of your life. And the pizza is without a doubt the best in town, no contest. We’re talking super fluffy dough and top-notch ingredients. Our usual here was always the Pepperoni pizza and their spicy pizza, whose name I forgot! For a starter, we would always get the burrata, though!
It’s the perfect chill spot to hang back, eat some amazing food, and sip on some fine red wine. Just a heads-up, it gets packed during peak season, so swing by early to get a spot.
Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach for Vegetarians & Vegans
White Peacock
If you’re looking for some delicious vegetarian and vegan options in Hiriketiya, then White Peacock is your go-to spot. This cozy cafe offers a wide range of healthy and scrumptious dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From smoothie bowls to avocado toast and burgers, their menu has something for every kind of plant-based eater.
But what sets them apart is their dedication to sustainability – they use eco-friendly packaging, have a no-plastic policy, and even offer reusable bamboo straws.
Garlic Cafe
Another great little local place for vegetarians and vegans, as well as for anyone who wants to save some money while eating delicious food, is Garlic Cafe. Their curries are to die for, and their vegetarian curry options are plentiful. At night, they offer a normal à la carte menu, while during the day, they do a buffet. This is where we first found out how delicious cashew curry is!
However, we believe the lunch buffet offers more value compared to their dinner option. It’s affordable, filling, and perfect for trying out new dishes.
Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach for a Post-Surf Lunch
Malu Poke
If you like Poke and happen to just finished a surf session, head over to Malu Poke. This cute little shack serves up the most delicious poke bowls filled with fresh seafood and a variety of toppings like avocado, mango, and edamame. You can also customize your bowl or try one of their signature combinations.
My favorite parts about Malu Poke are definitely the location and the portion size. Malu Poke is located right on the beach, so you can enjoy your Poke Bowl while taking in beautiful ocean views. And their portions are generous, making it a great option for refueling after a morning of surfing.
La Playa
The only place in Hiriketiya Beach that feels a little like a beach club is La Playa Hiriketiya. But don’t let the fancy vibe fool you; their food is still affordable and delicious. La Playa offers a mix of local and international dishes, with plenty of vegetarian options as well.
Their wood-fired pizzas are a must-try (maybe not as good as Bacuzzi, but definitely still worth a try), and they also have great seafood dishes like grilled prawns and fish curry.
The best part is that even if you’re not staying at the property, you can still use the sunbeds and the swimming pool after your meal. So why not make a day out of it and enjoy the beach, pool, and delicious food all in one place?
Dots Bay House
One of the best hostels in Hiriketiya Beach also happens to have an amazing restaurant. Dots Bay House serves up a mix of Western and Sri Lankan dishes, and their curries are definitely worth trying. We mostly went there for breakfast, but we did try their dinner and lunch options as well, and they were all delicious.
Especially if you’re staying here, you’ll love the laid-back atmosphere and communal seating areas where you can meet other travelers. They also have live music nights and their own surf shop & rental, making it a great spot to hang out even if you’re not staying here.
So whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a place to spend the whole day, Dots Bay House is just perfect with its tasty food and chill vibes.
Tip: Dots Bay House is another popular spot for yoga classes, so be sure to check out our Yoga Guide for Hiriketiya!
Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach for Digital Nomads
MOND
Our favorite cafe in Hiriketiya for many reasons is Mond. First of all, they serve the best coffee in town. If you ever want a good flat white, then come here. However, they also offer strong and reliable Wi-Fi, making it the perfect spot for digital nomads to get some work done while enjoying delicious food.
But that’s not all; their menu is full of healthy and unique options like chia bowls, smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and more. They serve great coffee and have a cozy seating area with comfortable seats, making it a great place to relax and get some work done.
On top of that, the coolest part is the location and, therefore, the view. It’s located on a cliff right by the ocean, so you get a guaranteed cool sea breeze and stunning views to accompany your work session.
Verse Collective
Verse Collective is the biggest coworking and coliving space in Hiriketiya. It’s located a little outside of Hiriketiya Bay, closer to Dickwella Beach. This spot is perfect for digital nomads looking for a more structured and professional work environment. It has a coworking space, private offices, and most importantly, a great little cafe/restaurant on the ground floor.
The cafe serves delicious food made with fresh and local ingredients, including vegetarian and vegan options. Plus, they have reliable Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets for your devices. Aside from work, Verse Collective also offers various activities like yoga classes, surf lessons, and parties and events, but only in peak season.
Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach for Cheap Eats
Roti Hut
Genuinely, my top pick for street food in Hiriketiya has to be the Roti Hut. It’s perfectly situated just outside La Playa, and honestly, they serve up the best rotis and samosas you’ll find anywhere in town. The guy who runs the cart whips them up fresh every single morning, and let me tell you, they’re not just delicious, they’re also ridiculously cheap – if memory is correct, it’s like 50 cents each for a roti or samosa.
Whenever I’m done with the beach, or even when I’m still there, I always make a beeline for this place to grab my lunch. They’ve got a bunch of different fillings to choose from, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, so nobody’s left out. And if you’re into something sweet, you can’t go wrong with their fresh French-style crepes with banana and Nutella – highly recommended!
Lemon Grass Cafe
Our favorite little food spot has to be Lemon Grass Cafe. Calling it a cafe might be a stretch – it’s more of a cozy wooden shack run by the warmest local family you could ever meet. Don’t expect a menu; instead, they offer a daily curry platter concocted from whatever they come up with that day. You’re in for a treat with typically 3 to 4 different curries, rice, and a variety of sides. It’s perfect for trying some proper authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
And talk about value – for just $3-4 USD, you’re set with a feast that’ll leave you more than satisfied.
They also have a small fruit and veggie stand right by the shack, perfect for picking up some fresh goodies while your meal is prepared.
Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach – Frequently Asked Questions
📍 Where is Hiriketiya?
Hiriketiya Beach is located on the southern coast along the Indian Ocean in Sri Lanka, practically right next to Dickwella Beach, the largest town nearby. It’s about a one-hour car ride from Mirissa Beach and lies in a beautiful bay surrounded by palm trees, almost feeling like a secret beach. Hiriketiya Bay is known for having loads of sea turtles, some stunning beaches, and some of the best surf spots in all of Sri Lanka.
✅ Is it worth going to Hiriketiya?
Absolutely! Not only does Hiriketiya have some of the best beaches in all of Sri Lanka, but it’s also a great place for surfers, coffee lovers, and digital nomads. The laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals make it an ideal spot for a relaxing holiday or a longer stay.
🌴 Hiriketiya Beach or Mirissa Beach?
Many people have debated over which beach is better, Hiriketiya Beach or Mirissa Beach. While both beaches have their unique charm, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you’re looking for a more secluded and quiet beach with great surf, then Hiriketiya might be the better option. However, if you prefer a livelier atmosphere with more options for restaurants and activities, then Mirissa might be the better choice.
🏄 What is there to do in Hiriketiya?
In Hiriketiya, it’s all about yoga and surfing. There are a few yoga studios and surf schools along the beach where you can take classes or rent equipment. The bars and restaurants in the area offer a variety of local and international cuisines, and there are also options for snorkeling, diving, and boat tours. If you’re looking to relax, you can simply sunbathe on the beach or hang out at the pool of one of the many Airbnb and guesthouses.
Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya Beach – Final Words
As I’ve already mentioned in the intro, Hiriketiya is one of our favorite spots in Sri Lanka, and one of the main reasons for that is the amazing food options!
From cute beachfront cafes serving up fresh smoothie bowls to local restaurants with mouth-watering curries, you won’t go hungry in Hiriketiya. Some must-try places include Dots Bay House, Salt House, and Mond Cafe. I hope you have enjoyed our guide to the best restaurants in Hiriketiya! Happy Travels!
