The best budget food spots in Eastern Province, grouped by district — every listing rated 4 stars or higher on Google.
★ 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 ↗★ 4.7 395 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
★ 4.6 244 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
★ 4.3 158 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
★ 4.7 527 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
★ 4.6 877 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