CULINARY SEDUCTION

The Most Intimate Restaurants in Bentota

A Curated Guide of Our Favourites

Bentota offers a variety of dining options from street vendors selling Sri Lankan snacks to fine-dining options at many of the town’s star-class resorts. A traditional fishing village for much of it's past, Bentota is of course known for its fresh, delectable seafood and lagoon prawns. We highly recommend the following restaurants, all of which serve fusion cuisine including popular western dishes, local seafood and some vegetarian options.

Sea Meets Spice at Bentota Beach by Cinnamon
The S.H.A.C.K at The Taj Bentota Resort & Spa
Dining at Aditya Resort, Hikkaduwa
Malli’s Seafood Restaurant
Dining Options on the River
The Other Spice at Lunuganga

Sea Meets Spice at Bentota Beach by Cinnamon

Sea Meets Spice is Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotels' seafood dining experience. This dining room features an upscale ambience, elegant interiors, warm lighting, and tasteful touches.

Sophistication by the sea with candlelit intimacy, the restaurant exudes elegance with its plush interiors, warm lighting, and tasteful décor. Large windows offer breathtaking views of Bentota Beach, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for your special evening, where candlelit tables are spaced out to create a quiet, intimate, warm ambience.

The restaurant's highlight is the fresh catch of the day made by a host of local and international preparations. Enjoy tantalising flavours with various seafood dishes, aromatic curries, and flavourful options for a taste explosion.

Tips:

Reservations: The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for evenings and weekends.
Dress Code: Smart casual dress code.

The S.H.A.C.K at The Taj Bentota Resort & Spa

A rustic beach cajun hut-like restaurant facing the beach with outdoor candle-lit tables, The SHACK is most famous for its intimate dining and seafood feasts. A culinary journey features a blend of preparations, including classic and innovation, often with a twist of Indian fusion.

With breathtaking ocean views and under-the-stars dining, SHACK offers a fresh catch of the day mixed with aromatic spices and condiments for a compelling experience.
Consider an aperitif at the Taj Bentota’s lounge bar, The Tease, serving island cocktails and soothing sounds to work up your appetite.

Tips to Consider:

Reservations: The restaurant is open daily from 7 pm to 10:30 pm. Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table, especially for evenings and weekends, particularly if you desire private or signature dining.

Dress Code: Adheres to a smart casual dress code.

Dining at Aditya Resort, Hikkaduwa

If your mood calls for venturing further from Bentota on a day trip to Galle or Hikkaduwa, consider an intimate beachside dining experience at Aditya Resort. The hotel features a unique anytime, anywhere dining concept, where meals are full-length orchestrated performances of delectable elegance, making your taste buds dance to the symphony of flavours and textures. Aditya’s chefs are ready to fulfil any desire, and an all-day dining service indulges most whims and fancies.

This beachfront restaurant features breathtaking sunset views and a laid-back atmosphere. Savour fresh seafood dishes and cocktails while relishing the picturesque seaside beauty. Envision understated elegance with comfortable seating, warm lighting, and tasteful décor. The ambience is inviting and refined, ideal for an intimate conversation and a touch of romance.

Tips to Consider:

Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended, especially for evenings and weekends. Private dining is available with prior arrangements with the hotel.
Dress Code: The restaurant adheres to a smart casual dress code. While formal attire is not required, dressing up a bit is recommended to match the restaurant's elegant ambience.

Malli's Seafood Restaurant

Malli's is an up and coming icon in Bentota, gaining widespread renown for their authentic local flavours and fresh seafood. Their signature dinner for two on a river float, accompanied by a chilled glass of wine (or two), is possible the best use of your time in this town!

For a local twist, try the prawns in black pepper sauce with roast paan (a traditional Sri Lankan loaf of bread) or enjoy a more western treat such as a King Fish slice with baby potatoes in white wine cream and lemon butter sauce. Malli's has one of the most expansive menus of any restaurant in the area, a superb wine list and a decent vegetarian / vegan menu as well.

Their newly renovated restaurant has in-door seating for approximately 45 people but it does tend to get full fast during the high season. If you are planning a visit and more specifically would like to have dinner on the river float, we do recommend a reservation in advance.

Dining Options on the River

Bentota, with its river and lagoon landscape, offers some unique on-the-water dining options. Most offer private dining and tables by the shoreline setting the tone for an intimate occasion. Popular riverside dining options include Pier 88, which has a diverse seafood menu and an international menu including pizza. Malu Banna, another option, literally meaning “fishing,” has a riverside restaurant with a recently opened floating deck.

The Other Spice at Lunuganga

Combine a visit to Brief Gardens or Lunuganga with a romantic dining experience at Lunuganga’s open-air restaurant. Tables are situated in the lush gardens, overlooking the lake. Savour a delicious contemporary Asian fusion creation, or stick with a traditional island favourite. The restaurant chefs use fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables sourced from the nearby local cultivations for an authentic taste of local flair and flavour.

Reservations: Visitors to Lunuganga Country Estate are welcome to dine as part of a garden tour, provided reservations are made in advance.

The restaurant is open from 7 pm – 10:30 pm.

Dress Code: Casual/Smart Casual

Conclusion

With a host of dining options, Bentota is a city of gastronomic delights offering a unique combination of gardens, beach and waterline settings. This guide features the best restaurant options for couples to enjoy a romantic experience with various flavours, from fresh seafood to international to fusion cuisine.

The Most Intimate Restaurants in Bentota

Sea Meets Spice at Bentota Beach by Cinnamon

Sea Meets Spice at Bentota Beach by Cinnamon

The S.H.A.C.K at The Taj Bentota Resort & Spa

The S.H.A.C.K at The Taj Bentota Resort & Spa

Dining at Aditya Resort, Hikkaduwa

Dining at Aditya Resort, Hikkaduwa

Notable Mentions

Dining Options on the River

The Other Spice at Lunuganga

Conclusion