Location: Nuwara Eliya
Top Restaurants in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya (Sinhalese: නුවර එළිය [nuwərə ɛlijə]; Tamil: நுவரெலியா) is a city in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. Its name means "city on the plain (table land)" or "city of light". The city is the administrative capital of Nuwara Eliya District, with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It is at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) and is considered to be the most important location for tea production in Sri Lanka. The city is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is known for its temperate, cool climate – the coolest area in Sri Lanka.
Things to do in Nuwara Eliya
1. Grand Indian
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Hannah5983 - Oxford, United Kingdom
We have been here on two occasions between January and March of this year. Both times were outstanding. Delicious Indian food and great service, soft lighting and great authentic copper tableware. We are budget travellers but this was well worth a little extra. Watch out for the beers though as they are 750rs. Filtered drinking water is provided so no need for the plastic bottles which is great... Though they should definitely stop using/find an alternative to the plastic straws.
Would definitely recommend this place to any foodies visiting Nuwara Eliya.
2. Hill Club Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 153 reviews
Reviewed By kristyrebecca - Brisbane, Australia
we didn't stay here but came here for dinner. you have to pay a 100rs temporary joining fee. we ate in the formal dining room so my partner had to borrow a jacket tie which didn't come as an extra cost. he brought proper shoes but we saw other men just wearing sneakers. we arrived about an hour early to enjoy drinks in the lounge which has a fireplace. we then moved to the dining area for a five course set meal which is $25USD. we're both vegetarian so they catered for us which was no hassle at all. there was also a pianist playing next to us too. our waiter ravi was excellent and very attentive and friendly the entire time.
3. Tea Factory Hotel Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
Reviewed By George R
Had two terrific buffet dinners. Shanmu the head chief was out in the dining room both nights to make sure every guest was well taken of. The buffet is excellent with many choices. Shanmu is very attentive to his guests in the restaurant.
4. Adma Agro fresh strawberry foods, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 250 reviews
This is a lovely cafe that serves delicious ice creams, pancakes, shakes made with fresh organic strawberries. It is a place which is very popular among the local gentry.
Reviewed By Kate85105 - Jakarta, Indonesia
The "strawberry farm" was recommended by our driver and we were looking forward to being able to buy fresh strawberries to take away with us. Not the case. This is a sit down and eat place! The menu was limited and overall the taste was disappointing. Would give this place a skip!
5. Salmiya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 611 reviews
a simple place serving hot thin crust italian pizza with all fresh ingredients served hot ,all ingredients are 100%HALAL ,simple seated area , nice scenic veiw,friendly service and hospitality.
Reviewed By Josephine W
Our expectation were high after we‘ve read all those excited reviews but we were disappointed. Pizza is alright but not really good. You‘re not sitting in a comfy place, it‘s more like a shed. Service is really slow. Prices are high compared to other places. Not recommended.
6. Magnolia (All Day Dinning)
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By Sarah M
Overall a wonderful dining experience. The ambience is fabulous, the decor gorgeous, the service amazing.
The steak and rack of lamb were both delicious with great flavour, slightly tough, but for the flavour I could go with that. The presentation was beautiful. The meal could have been hotter as the vegetables we cold, but still lovely.
The prawn appetiser was delicious, I had it twice!!
The crime brûlée was not good, no toffee caramel on top and over cooked and not creamy custard.
We returned twice in two days!!!
Overall, the most wonderful dinner in a lovely space
7. TCK 6685
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By JDSC319 - San Clemente, California
What a magical evening. When the Conductor told us at check-in there was only one spot left (the train car is small) we jumped on it! When we arrived the Conductor blue a whistle and ushered us on board. The whole experience is tongue-in-cheek, with the conductor shaking the car with leg movement while taking your order, train sounds in background. We fell in love with the conductor! Such a warm smile and sense of humor. I wish I'd gotten a better picture of him. Loved the whole thing! You do feel as if you've stepped back in time and the food was quite nice and they had a good option for the vegetarian in our group. Well worth the price (which I think was about $100 a person plus wine).
8. Sri Ambaal
Overall Ratings
4 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By Mojoey - Sydney, Australia
We had lunch here after considering many of the uninspiring places in town. We took the stairs and were a little shell shocked but after observing the process (and being observed by the locals in return), we dried our plates and then tucked in to the vegetarian food. The waitress was helpful and the food tasty. We were nervous about 'eating where the locals eat' but no issues whatsoever. It was fun to try and eat with your hands!
9. Queenswood Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 187 reviews
Reviewed By Johnny Q
The team running the restaurant were polite and friendly. But we came for the food and it just didn't come across as a place we will visit again.
Dishes were either too salty - soup, curry or bland - burgers, wraps. Presentation were not exciting - the food court we walked through after dinner had similar dishes looking more appetizing.
At the end of the meal, more than half of the items in the bills were shown as "extra". For a menu that looks so well worn, I would have assumed the items and descriptions are in the billing system for sale of the customers.
So yes, the service staff are friendly but it comes across they are putting in more effort than the management and the kitchen.
10. Grand Thai
Overall Ratings
4 based on 381 reviews
Reviewed By Addicted_to_scenery - Taipei, Taiwan
* Like: Unexpected economic price for top of the class Thai cuisine in Sri Lanka. Tired of the just-OK-local-buffets, we decided to spend some big $$$ on different taste. Step inside and checked the menu, found the dishes were not expensive at all so we ordered some. It’s super delicious and degree of spicy can be adjusted on demand. Absolutely yummy for us. The environment of the restaurant is excellent, spacious, clean tables, nice atmosphere and with modern washrooms. An a la carte restaurant of course. Went there again few days later because it’s too delicious for us.
* Dislike: None.
