Top Restaurants in Arugam Bay
Top Things to do in Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay (Tamil: அறுகம் குடா), known locally as "Arugam Kudah", is a bay situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeast coast, and a historic settlement of the ancient Batticaloa Territory (Mattakallappu Desam). The bay is located 117 kilometres (73 mi) south of Batticaloa, 320 kilometres (200 mi) due east of Colombo, and approximately 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) south of the market town of Pottuvil. The main settlement in the area, known locally as Ullae, is predominantly Muslim, however there is a significant Sri Lankan Tamil and Sinhala population to the south of the village, as well as a number of international migrants, largely from Europe and Australia. While traditionally fishing has dominated the local economy, tourism has grown rapidly in the area in recent years. Arugam Kudah's literal Tamil translation is "Bay of Cynodon dactylon". Tourism in Arugam Bay is dominated by surf tourism, thanks to several quality breaks in the area, however tourists are also attracted by the local beaches, lagoons, historic temples and the nearby Kumana National Park.
Things to do in Arugam Bay
1. Why Not
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By Pradeep M - Watford, United Kingdom
I went there earlier today with my sister's family and we asked if they have tea or coffee. We were told that they have so we ordered some and waited to be. 10 minutes later a man came and asked what we have ordered. When we mentioned what we have ordered, he rudely shouted at us saying "we don't serve tea here, just go away". And then he said to a waiter not to serve any 'locals'! The waiter apologiesed and said "he is the owner of the restaurant so there's nothing I can do about it". I've had bad experiences in places before but never experienced anything like that. My advice to all 'local-looking' people, stay away from this place!
2. Hideaway Resort Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By tommymacaus - Melbourne, Australia
The food here is excellent. On recommendation I had the fish tacos which were absolutely delicious - fresh fish caught that morning, generous portions and fantastic flavour.
Given the quality, the price was not too bad (not much more expensive than other places in Arugam Bay). The only negative was that the total price was now shown on the menu - they add something like 30% in taxes. I find this really disingenuous - if you are adding that much in tax, put it in the price on the menu, don’t try and hide it until the end.
3. Danny's Sri Lankan Delicacies
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By Lasse T
The best rice and curry we ever had! Flavorful and just the right heat :) The food is locally sourced and much of it from his own garden! We had three nights in Arugam and chose to eat here twice that is how good it was! The menu is simple, chose between vegetarian or a few meats or come one day before and order the BBQ. This is truly Sri Lankan soul food cooked with passion by Danny and his wife ❤️
4. Tandoori Hut
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 493 reviews
Our unique styled Indian restaurant Tandoori Hut serves Tandoori chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Madras Chicken,Tandoori Prawns and Squids, Tandoori Steak, Tandoori Fish / Grilled Fish and vegetables with 4 vegetable sides cooked indian style and Indian Homemade Naan bread day-to-day as well as Vegetarian dishes. Our vision is to create a cozy and comfortable ambience to the guest and surfers in order to provide a high level of service to the guests. Our aim is to increase the customer satisfaction. Good Time Great Taste!!
Reviewed By Douglas A - Huissen, The Netherlands
I was out of season, dining with my guide one other guest in total. The staff, one person only, was not interested or friendly. Just gave the card and provided the food for me and my guide. It was rather cold and just smashed on the plate without any interest like the rest of the athmosphere. The place was not too clean. I think it has good potential in the season, but not in December month. It is up to the management, because two other places were crowded and good.
5. Zephyr Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By SK7117
We went for dinner due to the lovely setting. The staff didn't seem to want to serve us. They didn't have any fresh fish ( I assume as quieter season they hasn't bothered) which is why we had gone, so we decided to just have a drink. They didn't have some of the drinks and the prices were more than in the menu which was poorly explained by a surly member of staff. We left after two expensive average cocktails to get fresh fish at another delightful restaurant.
6. Breakpoint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By SixMonthItch - Sydney, Australia
We felt like a light lunch and a change from the usual so headed to BreakPoint for falafels.
I ended up getting the tuna salad and regretted not getting the avocado salad as I did not enjoy the tuna as it was mixed with raw onion and mayonnaise. My husband got the falafel plate and they were not great falafels and the tahini was very watery.
Prices were quite high for the quality of food. I would suggest going elsewhere. There are other BreakPoints that we saw on our travels, so we avoided these also.
7. Happy Panda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Small and cozy cafe with pillows and hammocks is the best option for breakfast in Arugam Bay. Except good coffee and european traditional dishes we offer big portion of fruit salad with curd, russian pancakes and always have something very special: for example raw avocado cake or home-made zukkini-cocoa ice-cream. We also make vegetarian lunches and dinners by preorder.
Reviewed By Kirstine F
Entering Happy Panda is like entering an oasis hidden on a small street in Arugam Bay. There is such a homely vibe to the small cafe, which is due to it's amazing owners. The food is the best vegetarian (or even vegan!) food I've had in Sri Lanka.
Go there for your morning coffee and breakfast and you cannot get a better start on your day!
8. Maleena Arugam Bay Italian Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By Arjen t
Food tasted just fine. Small remark: the pizza tasted better after putting some salt and pepper on it.
9. Cili Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 94 reviews
Italian restaurant- wood oven pizza, pasta and salads. Home made desserts. Keep and calm restaurant in the garden.
Reviewed By laurahh86
We arrived at this restaurant which is slightly off the main road which makes for a much quieter and relaxed atmosphere. O ordered a veggie pizza and my husband a salami and veggie pizza. With a couple of drinks our bill was just over 2,500 rps. The kitchen was visible from the dining area so you could see the chef preparing the fresh dough and assembling the pizza in front of you. Tasty food!
10. Bambini's Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
Welcome to Bambini's Café in Arugam Baz. A lifelong dream coming together o bring you a variety of dishes using and supporting fresh locally sourced products to satisfy your breakfast, lunch or dinner. Just made for you offered in casual & relaxing atmosphere with a simple international menu & tastly treats made to suit everyone.
Reviewed By tommymacaus - Melbourne, Australia
We came for dinner and had khottu with coconut curry and a chocolate rotti for desert. The food was delicious, heaps of great flavour above and beyond your standard Sri Lankan street khottu. It was nicely presented with some flowers around the plate.
The service was really friendly and the vibe was chilled - pretty quiet given it’s off season. It was reasonably priced too.
