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Whenever I hear that someone is traveling to Sri Lanka, my immediate reaction is “DON’T MISS ARUGUM BAY.”
Not only are the general boho/surf/hippie vibes right up my alley, but I ate some of the most delicious food in A Bay. I will never forget the insanely huge tuna steak I devoured on one of my first nights there, seared to perfection. (My pet peeve is when a tuna is fully cooked all the way through). Unfortunately, the restaurant (it was called Safa) has since closed.
Another thing I love is the variety of restaurants, ranging from hyper-local for curry breakfast to your more Westernized cuisine. Then, of course, seafood in abundance. I spent close to three weeks basically living in a bikini and feasting my face off. In case it isn’t yet obvious, Arugam Bay is an absolute dream.
To ensure you are eating in the right restaurants, I did the hard work of trying them all first. With that, here is my ultimate insider guide to the best 8 restaurants in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka. Just as I mentioned above, this list of the best restaurants in Arugam Bay has a little mix of everything.
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1. The Sketch: From sea to table
I tasted a lot of seafood practically everywhere I went in Sri Lanka. But some of my best was in Arugam. The Sketch certainly knows what they’re doing when it comes to seafood-centric dishes. Find everything on the menu, from crab to tuna to lobster to prawns to whole fish.
Whatever arrives on your plate was caught fresh that day, and the owner is a fisherman. Do the fresh fish BBQ for two, where the fish is cooked in a zesty lemon sauce, and served with a side of rice and salad.
Not the biggest seafood fan (shame) or are craving meat that day? You can order meat dishes here, as well as Indian food, local cuisine, vegetarian, and vegan options.
2. Bay Vista Restaurant: Great for couples
The restaurants in Arugam Bay are scattered along the main strip of road or are located across the beachfront. Many (especially on the beach) form part of accommodation spots, just like Bay Vista Restaurant. But, of course, they are totally open to non-guests and more than happy to have you here!
In case it isn’t yet obvious, I just love how unpretentious Arugam Bay is!
If you’re traveling with your significant other, I think you’d especially love this one. The setting is a beach garden kinda vibe.
During daytime hours, it’s got more of a cafe sort of thing going for it. But in the evenings, it feels more restaurant-y. The menu is diverse, offering all sorts, like pasta, curries, burgers, seafood platters, poke bowls (order the salmon one), ceviche (my weakness), Thai-style tom yum soup, and more.
Bay Vista also doubles up as one of my favorite places to stay in Arugam Bay.
3. Moon Garden Restaurant: The friendliest staff
Fragrant flavor bombs are what you can expect from Moon Garden Restaurant – an incredible eatery for affordable, local dishes among the restaurants in Arugam Bay.
Enjoy Sri Lankan porata, kottu, and delicious curry! They serve their curry in a tray with various accompaniments. This pairs really well with a mango lassi.
If you arrive in the morning, classic local breakfasts are being served, but there are also a few “Western” options, like smashed avo on toast. The staff here are beyond helpful, which is the sure highlight, and makes you want to come back time and time again.
4. Squeeze Me: Plant-based heaven
Tropical pineapples scooped out and filled with granola and topped with fresh fruit cut-outs that spell Squeeze Me’s name. Half fresh coconut bowls or watermelons layered with superfood smoothies. Wholewheat toasts with smashed avocado, sprouts, red onions, and cherry tomatoes; and matcha lattes. There are just so many yummy options here.
Plus, all of the food (which favors using fresh fruits for plates) POPS with vibrancy and color. It definitely oozes all the trendy vibes. There’s a lot of thought that’s been put into its concept, and it’s probably the best vegan hangout among the restaurants in Arugum Bay.
Other mouth-watering menu items (all 100% vegan) include tofu bao buns and grilled pumpkin cumin steaks on a bed of hummus, with mukunuwenna, peanut pesto, pomegranate, and fried spinach. I mean, come on!
5. The Hangout: Where things get festive
The Hangout is the perfect balance of Sri Lankan and European atmosphere, with its beachfront dining and A Bay’s waves crashing in front of you, fun Ladies Nights, DJs, live music, and an amazing cocktail menu!
It’s especially lively in the evenings, and ever so slightly makes me think of the type of restaurants you stumble upon in Bali. Order the tuna tartare with a perfect yolk that oozes all over the tuna as you cut it open. Or, you can’t go wrong with one of their pastas.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, there are separate menus for different times of day. Right on the beach, wolf down your meal sitting around a table. Or chill out on the swing beds, sofa, or bean bags instead. These comfy seating options call for cocktails and sunshine! Among the restaurants in Arugam Bay, this one is great for meeting people.
P.S. Aperol Spritz lovers, I just love the iconic aperitif here.
6. Fuchsbau: A little bit of everything
In the mood for a rotti? Fuchsbau makes a mean one. The blackboard at the restaurant’s entrance displays the daily options, including a variety of sweet and savor. Think coconut and honey (one of my personal favorites) or cheese, onion, and garlic – yum!
Like many of the restaurants in Arugam Bay, the menu here serves both Sri Lankan and Western food. But I say go with the local cuisine! They make a divine dahl, which I could honestly just live on.
They’re halal and offer plenty of vegetarian options that aren’t just local dishes, like a deep-fried lentil burger. A lunch and dinner buffet is available. Fuchsbau also sports a water-refill station, so you can save on having to buy plastic bottled water all the time. Yay to sustainability!
7. Seagulls A Bay: Fresh seafood on ice
If there’s one dish I’m ordering at Seagulls A Bay (before the party begins), it’s a plate of sizely prawns (done over the fire for some flame-grilled flavour) served with a fresh salad. This goes down a treat with a mango chili margarita. The beef burger is so satisfying, too, with a thick patty and is served on a black charcoal bun.
More menu items you just have to try? The freshest tuna steak (you can probably tell how much I love tuna), their chicken kottu, and the grilled squid and tentacles (this is my favorite part of the squid).
For dessert? They make a really yummy mango melba, served with pomegranate, mango bits, strawberry sauce, mint and ice cream.
8. Salty Swamis
Two words: brisket sandwich!
If you’ve traveled to Sri Lanka before, more specifically, Hikkaduwa, perhaps you might already be familiar with this iconic restaurant/cafe/surf shop, because they also have one in Hikkaduwa. However, when the Salty Swamis is open for season in Arugam Bay, they close up shop in Hikkaduwa, and vice-versa. So, if you’re googling them, and it says ‘temporarily closed,’ this is why.
Anyway, back to the food! They offer an array of classic cafe-style bites, including sandwiches, salads, burgers, and croissants. Add it to your list of must-try restaurants in Arugam Bay asap.
Salty’s is run by two super cool Sri Lankan surfer dudes!
Whilst we’re talking all things Sri Lanka and food-related, dive into some of my other reads. Before I tackle the other towns’ top eateries, why not first learn about local snacks, also known as “short eats.” To help you eat your way through Sri Lanka, I’ve prepared the ultimate short eats bucket list.
Spending a few nights near the airport? Uncover the best restaurants in Negombo (which I went gaga for because I am a seafood gal through-and-through!).
Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Sri Lankan or Japanese cuisine, discover a fab selection of restaurants in the ever-popular popular Galle.
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