Restaurants in Kandy
Hill countryWhere to eat in Kandy, Sri Lanka — the district's 18 top-rated restaurants, each rated 4 stars or higher on Google, from local rice and curry to sit-down dining.
Cafe Banana Chill
Vegetarian, Vegan, Cafe
A plant-based gem near Kandy Lake serving generous vegetarian and vegan breakfasts, smoothie bowls and fresh juices in a chilled garden setting. One of the highest-rated eateries in the whole city.
129/8B Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy 20000
MANDIYA
Sri Lankan
A tiny, intimate restaurant in the Pushpadana complex serving authentic Sri Lankan home cooking; with only a handful of tables and near-perfect reviews, it fills up fast at lunchtime.
Pushpadana Complex, DS Senanayake Veediya, Kandy 20000
Buono
Cafe, European
A European-style specialty cafe on DS Senanayake Veediya widely regarded as serving the best coffee in Kandy, alongside avocado toast, tacos and smoothie bowls. A favourite stop for travellers looking for a light Western breakfast or brunch.
125 DS Senanayake Veediya, Kandy 20000
Scooby's Hideaway
Fusion, Burgers, Sri Lankan
A quirky first-floor hangout on DS Senanayake Veediya fusing Western favourites with Sri Lankan flavours - think Sri Lankan-spiced burgers, kottu wraps and well-reviewed vegan options like jackfruit burgers.
1st Floor, 164 DS Senanayake Veediya, Kandy 20000
MARINATE
Cafe, Burgers, Western
A hillside cafe with a stunning view over Kandy town and the surrounding mountains, popular for burgers, submarines, pasta and desserts served fast by friendly staff.
No. 07, A B Damunupola Road, Kandy 20000
Hela Bojun Hala
Sri Lankan street food
A government-backed food court where local women cook traditional Sri Lankan street food to order - hoppers, pittu, string hoppers, roti, dosa and sweets - at remarkably low prices. Open daily 7am to 7pm; many dishes are naturally vegetarian.
Ahalepola Kumarihami Mawatha, Kandy 20000
WorldSpice - KCC
Multi-cuisine food court
A lively multi-cuisine food court on the top of Kandy City Centre mall, gathering Thai, Indian, Italian, Chinese and Sri Lankan counters under one roof steps from the Temple of the Tooth. Convenient card-based ordering and something for every palate.
Kandy City Centre, No 5 Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000
The Soya Centre
Vegetarian, Sri Lankan
A strictly vegetarian institution near the Kandy market serving cheap, hearty Sri Lankan rice and curry plus its famous soy-based ice cream in vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. A great budget option for vegans and vegetarians.
E L Senanayake Veediya, Kandy 20000
Mlesna Tea Centre - Dalada Veediya
Tea room, Cafe
An elegant tea room from Sri Lanka's famous Mlesna tea house, all dark wood, glass and leather, steps from the Temple of the Tooth. Sip single-estate Ceylon teas and pick up gift tins downstairs.
15 Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000
Slightly Chilled Lounge, Sports Bar & Restaurant
Asian Fusion, Bar
A long-running rooftop lounge above Kandy Lake famous for sunset views (complete with flights of fruit bats), cold beer and a menu of Chinese, Asian-fusion and Western dishes. One of the most reliable evening spots in town.
29A Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy 20000
Royal Bar & Hotel
Colonial pub, Sri Lankan, Western
A colonial-era landmark on Colombo Street - an aristocrat's mansion turned British officers' club, serving as a tavern since 1860. Dine on Sri Lankan and Western dishes in the atmospheric courtyard or upstairs bar.
98 Colombo Street, Kandy 20000
Sri Krishna Dosai
South Indian, Vegetarian
An all-vegetarian South Indian eatery on DS Senanayake Veediya known for crisp dosas, idli and vada with vegan-friendly chutneys, at very affordable prices. A quieter alternative to nearby Balaji Dosai.
No. 9, DS Senanayake Veediya, Kandy 20000
Licensed to Grill by Di's
Burgers, Steaks, Grill
A well-regarded grill house on Dharmashoka Mawatha turning out proper burgers, steaks and loaded fries - a solid pick when you need a break from rice and curry.
186/A Dharmashoka Mawatha, Kandy 20000
Theva Cuisine
Sri Lankan, European Fusion
The signature restaurant of Theva Residency, perched on the Hantana hills with panoramic views over the Kandy valley. Serves refined Sri Lankan and European fusion plates in one of the city's most romantic fine-dining settings.
71/B1, 2nd Lane, Hantana Road, Kandy 20000
Cafe The Vibe
Sri Lankan, Western
A casual, popular eatery on the A9 north of the city centre known for generous Sri Lankan rice and curry meals at very affordable prices, plus Western comfort food. A local favourite that tourists increasingly seek out.
258/4/1 A9, Kandy 20000
Balaji Dosai
South Indian, Vegetarian
Kandy's best-known South Indian vegetarian restaurant, constantly packed for its crispy paper dosai, aromatic chutneys and sweet chai milk tea. A cheap, authentic and reliably busy spot in the heart of town.
03 DS Senanayake Veediya, Kandy 20000
Global Kitchen
Indian, Fusion
A fusion restaurant on Kumara Veediya specialising in authentic Indian cooking, from tandoori dishes to rich curries, with a broader international menu. A dependable mid-range choice close to the city centre.
2 Kumara Veediya, Kandy 20000
The Whizz
Sri Lankan, Asian, Western
A fifth-floor rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views over Kandy's rooftops and hills, serving a diverse menu of Sri Lankan classics, pasta and sandwiches. A relaxed sunset dinner spot.
5th Floor, 155 S.W.R.D. Bandaranayake Road, Kandy 20000
Frequently asked questions
- Where should I eat in Kandy?
- Browse the 18 restaurants listed across Kandy District.
- Is there local food in Kandy?
- Yes — expect Sri Lankan rice and curry, hoppers, kottu and fresh seafood.