The best food & restaurants spots in Eastern Province, grouped by district — every listing rated 4 stars or higher on Google.
★ 4.9 464 Google reviews
Brunch, Cafe, Coffee · Mid · Arugam Bay
Leafy garden brunch cafe off Sinhapura Road pouring some of the best specialty coffee on the east coast, with smoothie bowls, avocado toast and all-day breakfasts. Holds a near-perfect Google rating.
Sinhapura Road, Arugam Bay 32500
★ 4.8 1,409 Google reviews
Wood-fired Pizza, Italian · Budget · Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay's best-loved pizzeria (formerly Food Nest), turning out proper wood-fired pizzas at backpacker prices. Consistently among the highest-rated restaurants on the east coast, with good vegetarian pizza options.
146 Tri Star Road, Arugam Bay 32506
Official website ↗★ 4.8 714 Google reviews
Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Arugam Bay
Fisherman-owned seafood spot on Ali Cross Road where the menu depends on the morning's catch - grilled fish, prawns and crab served simply and fresh. A local institution with outstanding ratings.
100 Ali Cross Road, Arugam Bay 32500
★ 4.7 395 Google reviews
Sri Lankan, Rice & Curry · Budget · Arugam Bay
Humble family-run spot on Main Point Road famous for its nightly Sri Lankan rice and curry buffet, with a rotating spread of vegetarian curries plus fresh fish. Exceptional value and warm hospitality.
Main Point Road, Sinna Ulla, Arugam Bay
★ 4.7 315 Google reviews
Brunch, International · Mid · Arugam Bay
Surf-side cafe and coffee bar on the main strip known for quality brunches, burgers and bowls in the most chilled spot near the beach. Offers vegetarian and vegan options alongside its regular menu.
Main Street, Sinna Ulla, Arugam Bay 32500
Official website ↗★ 4.7 297 Google reviews
Poke Bowls, Burgers · Mid · Arugam Bay
Breezy eatery by Surf Point serving fresh poke bowls, smash burgers and Mediterranean-style plates. A favourite for healthy lunches between surf sessions, with good meat-free bowl options.
Surf Point, Sinnapurna Road, Arugam Bay 32500
★ 4.6 580 Google reviews
Seafood · Mid · Arugam Bay
Run by a former fisherman, this Panama Road restaurant is famous for huge seafood platters of crab, prawns and the day's catch grilled over coals. One of the most-recommended dinners in Arugam Bay.
Panama Road, Pottuvil, Arugam Bay 32500
★ 4.6 244 Google reviews
North Indian, Tandoori · Budget · Arugam Bay
Long-running North Indian kitchen on Manal Road dishing up tandoori chicken, butter paneer, tikka masala and fresh naan. Paneer and dal dishes make it a solid pick for vegetarians.
Manal Road, Arugam Bay 32500
★ 4.8 187 Google reviews
Seafood · Mid · Pasikudah
Highly rated seafood house near Pasikudah bay doing generous platters of crab, calamari and the day's catch with attentive service. One of the top-scoring restaurants on this stretch of coast.
Pasikuda
★ 4.6 105 Google reviews
Seafood, Cafe · Mid · Pasikudah
Small cafe-style seafood restaurant on the Batticaloa road near Kalkudah, praised for fresh fish, prawn dishes and friendly owners. A solid budget-to-mid pick close to Pasikudah bay.
Batticaloa Road, Kalkudah
★ 4.4 245 Google reviews
Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Pasikudah
Pasikudah's best-known independent seafood restaurant, plating fresh lagoon crab, prawns and grilled fish at prices well below the resort strip. Ranked number one in the area on TripAdvisor with coastal views to match.
Coconut Cultivation Board Road, Pasikuda
Official website ↗★ 4.4 173 Google reviews
Seafood · Mid · Pasikudah
Family-run seafood kitchen in Kalkudah cooking crab curry, garlic prawns and grilled fish to order. A relaxed, good-value alternative to the resort restaurants around Pasikudah beach.
Kalkudah
★ 4.3 158 Google reviews
Cafe, Snacks · Budget · Batticaloa
Garden cafe on Pioneer Road with wooden furniture under shady trees, serving burgers, hot dogs, short eats, ice cream and cold drinks. A relaxed meeting spot for families and travellers in Batticaloa town.
Pioneer Road, Batticaloa 30000
★ 4.2 527 Google reviews
South Indian, Pure Vegetarian · Budget · Batticaloa
Batticaloa institution beside the lagoon serving pure-vegetarian South Indian food - crisp dosas, idli with sambar and a buffet-style rice and curry lunch. The town's go-to for a satisfying meat-free meal.
Batticaloa
★ 4.2 295 Google reviews
Street Food, Sri Lankan Muslim · Budget · Batticaloa
Lively open-air street-food court in the Muslim town of Kattankudy, just south of Batticaloa, famous for kottu, biriyani, shawarma, watalappam and kulfi late into the night. Halal food is the default in this almost entirely Muslim township.
Sir Razeek Fareed Mawatha, Kattankudy
★ 4.2 219 Google reviews
South Indian, Pure Vegetarian · Budget · Batticaloa
Pure-vegetarian South Indian restaurant in Mylambaveli, north of Batticaloa town, known for flavourful dosas and idlis with spicy sambar and coconut chutneys. A haven for vegetarian diners on the east coast.
Mylambaveli, Batticaloa
★ 4.9 490 Google reviews
Cafe, Sri Lankan, Seafood · Budget · Trincomalee
Tiny, much-loved cafe in Alles Garden with one of the highest ratings in Trincomalee. Known for hearty breakfasts, mango toast and devilled chicken.
Alles Garden, Uppuveli, Trincomalee 31000
★ 4.8 808 Google reviews
Seafood, Sri Lankan · Mid · Trincomalee
Beachfront seafood shack in Uppuveli's French Garden with sun beds on the sand and a laid-back island vibe. Famous for its crab curry and freshly grilled catch of the day.
French Garden, 170/10 Alles Garden, Uppuveli, Trincomalee 31050
★ 4.7 527 Google reviews
Sri Lankan, Seafood · Budget · Trincomalee
Warm family-run restaurant off Sarvodaya Road serving fresh seafood and classic Sri Lankan curries. Guests can also join cooking classes with the owners.
Sarvodaya Rd, Uppuveli, Trincomalee
★ 4.7 256 Google reviews
Seafood, International · Mid · Nilaveli
Relaxed beachfront restaurant and bar at Nilaveli's 9th mile post, serving international breakfasts, seafood and sundowners right on the sand.
Ward No. 3, 9th Mile Post, Nilaveli 31010
Official website ↗★ 4.6 1,013 Google reviews
Cafe, Seafood, International · Mid · Trincomalee
Stylish beach cafe on Uppuveli beach known for excellent coffee, pancakes and surprisingly good fresh sushi. One of the most popular hangouts on Trincomalee's coast.
Fernando's Beach Market, Uppuveli, Trincomalee 31000
★ 4.6 877 Google reviews
Sri Lankan · Budget · Trincomalee
Homely family-run spot serving authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry spreads with generous portions. Also runs popular cooking classes for travellers.
No. 77 Nagammal Road, Trincomalee
★ 4.6 306 Google reviews
Seafood, Sri Lankan · Budget · Nilaveli
Charming budget seafood spot near the 10th mile post in Gopalapuram, praised for incredibly fresh jumbo prawns and warm family hospitality.
10th Mile Post, Gopalapuram, Nilaveli
★ 4.4 662 Google reviews
Sri Lankan, Seafood, Asian · Budget · Trincomalee
Family-run beach-road eatery in Alles Garden serving whole fish curry, prawns and Sri Lankan classics at fair prices. A reliable favourite with Uppuveli regulars.
No. 01 Beach Road, Alles Garden, Uppuveli, Trincomalee