Best Restaurants in Ahangama – Local Favourites and Secret Spots You’ll Love
Looking for the best restaurants in Ahangama? You won’t be disappointed – this little surf town on Sri Lanka’s south coast is quickly becoming a foodie hotspot. During our three-month digital nomad stay in Ahangama, we watched at least five new places open – and I’m sure we still missed a few. From traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry to Western-style cafés serving up avo toast, smoothie bowls, and Asian fusion dishes, the food scene here is thriving.
Since eating out in Sri Lanka is so affordable, we didn’t cook even once and always ate out or ordered in. This is why this list includes our go-to everyday spots – fresh, healthy, and great value – rather than fancy dinner venues. We tried a bunch more restaurants in Ahangama, but I only included the ones we went back to again and again because, well, we loved them so much. So if you’re wondering where to eat in Ahangama, this list of our favorite everyday spots is a great place to start.
☀️ We lived in the western part of Ahangama, so you’ll see a lot of recommendations from this side of town, as we naturally favored nearby spots. Also, I don’t eat meat, so my list of the best restaurants in Ahangama will lean toward places with good vegetarian options.
What will you find in this article?
Best Local Restaurants in Ahangama for Sri Lankan Food
If you’re traveling on a budget or simply love Sri Lankan cuisine (like we do!), these local restaurants (including some secret spots) are a must-visit. They are incredibly affordable, and you can be 100% sure everything is freshly made. Sometimes, this means longer wait times, but if you’re in a rush, just opt for one of the buffet-style places.
If you are new to Sri Lankan kitchen, here is a quick overview: Sri Lankan food mainly consists of rice and curry, which includes a generous portion of rice accompanied by several small portions of dishes like dhal (lentil curry), coconut sambol, tempered vegetables, jackfruit or beetroot curry, and more. Other Sri Lankan specialties include egg hoppers (a bowl-shaped crispy pancake with an egg in the center), coconut rotis (thicker, coconut-infused flatbreads), and various fried snacks.
💰 Price range: Expect to pay around 1,000-1,500 LKR for a meal or a rice and curry buffet at a local restaurant.
1. Rice and Spoon (hidden gem!)
Rice and Spoon is definitely a hidden gem restaurant in Ahangama. It’s a small, family-run place led by our friend Niranjal. She serves a traditional Sri Lankan rice-and-curry buffet, with dishes that change daily based on fresh, local ingredients. The place is simple, but the food is incredibly tasty. Everything is cooked fresh, and if you’re not a fan of spice, just ask – she can adjust it to your preference.
This spot is especially close to our hearts. When we first moved to Ahangama, we lived across the street and got to know Niranjal as our neighbor. At that time, she only cooked for the local community, but it was tough – some customers couldn’t always afford to pay, but she still supported them and cooked for them. We started ordering food from her, and over time, she decided to open a restaurant. We helped her set up on Google Maps and Instagram, brought in foreign visitors, and encouraged reviews. And it worked – just check out her Google rating! Over 100 reviews, all 5.0.
Delivery: They used to offer delivery – with her husband handling orders – but we’re not sure if they still do. If you’re interested, just ask when you visit!
2. Baboo Ocean Café
Baboo Ocean Café is located right in front of the Gas Station surf spot and very close to the Cove. If you’re looking for where to eat in Ahangama after a surf session, this could be a great choice. They even have a shower, so you can rinse off before eating. The area is made in a local Sri Lankan style, with plenty of shade to escape the intense sun.
They offer a rice-and-curry buffet, but we mostly come here for breakfast because of one special dish: Pablo’s breakfast! It’s a roti with smashed avocado, tomatoes, egg, and chicken (or without chicken if you are vegetarian). It’s a perfect mix of local and Western flavors. Plus, we always ordered a fruit bowl with yogurt and granola and an iced tea – our favorite breakfast in Ahangama.
☀️ If you are coming to Ahangam for a surf trip, check out this article: Surfing in Ahangama: a Guide for Longboarders and Intermediate Surfers
3. Kalage
Kalage is a beautifully restored heritage villa, now turned into a stylish restaurant and a guest house by a young Sri Lankan couple. It combines colonial architecture with modern interior design made with a local touch. They serve a classic rice and curry buffet with around 4-5 curry options, but you’ll also find a selection of additional (more fancy) dishes on the menu. It’s not just beautiful – it’s one of the top restaurants in Ahangama if you’re craving a more refined version of the local dishes.
4. Mr Sunils Roti and Juice Shop
Mr. Sunil’s is a laid-back spot located right by the ocean, offering stunning views. From here, you can see Devil’s Island and watch the surfers in action. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed meal with a sea breeze.
Our favorite here is the Roti Special breakfast. The rotis are different from the usual – fluffier, fattier, making them a great post-surf fuel. They also serve super tasty lassis. The setup is simple, with basic tables and chairs, but the food and views make it well worth a visit.
5. Manori’s Kitchen
Manori’s Kitchen is another one of our favorite curry spots. Unlike buffet-style places, they serve a full rice-and-curry set per table when you order, with several bowls, each with different curries – all of them super tasty. Additionally, you can order some protein.
Delivery: They also have a well-organized delivery system, which we used a few times before we started ordering from Niranjal at Rice and Spoon. They are located very close to Nets Cowork and Colive, and they deliver food there as well.
6. Machan Curry
Machan Curry is a hidden gem just outside the center of Ahangama – and trust me, it’s worth the short drive. This spot is a small family-owned business serving a buffet with a variety of freshly cooked veggie curries. You can add a protein (fish, chicken, or prawns), which will be cooked for you (not part of the buffet). Don’t skip dessert – their mango sago is the perfect sweet ending if you miss mango sticky rice from Thailand!
7. Food Train Ahangama
Food Train is another secret spot amongst Ahangama’s restaurants that’s often overlooked by travellers – but it’s totally worth checking out. It’s a small, family-run place located right next to the train crossing (on the same road as Machan Curry), and it serves up some seriously tasty local dishes at budget-friendly prices. The Sri Lankan family who runs it is super friendly. Their English is basic but enough for a simple chat – though if you have any special food requests, just be patient and clear.
We ate here several times and tried a mix of different dishes, all of them delicious. The only downside? You might need to wait a while – sometimes up to an hour – because the lady cooks everything from scratch by herself. So if you’re not in a rush, it’s a lovely little spot with real local charm.
Top International & Western Restaurants in Ahangama
As Ahangama grows in popularity, so does its food scene. Alongside traditional Sri Lankan spots, you’ll now find a variety of trendy Western-style restaurants and international cuisines. Most of these places have opened in the last two to three years, so they have stylish interiors that follow the latest design trends. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Ahangama that serve modern, globally inspired dishes, this list has you covered. However, I’m skipping the well-known spots like Cactus and Marshmallow since, for me, they’re go-to places for a fancy beach vibe rather than an everyday eating option.
💰 Price range: Prices in foreign-style restaurants in Ahnangama typically range from 2000–3000 LKR.
1. Kip
Kip is one of our favorite spots for brunch or lunch. They follow a tapas-style concept, offering a selection of small dishes that you can mix and match. You can choose from menus with three, four, or five dishes, depending on your appetite.
Everything we’ve tried here has been delicious, especially the savory options and the smoothie bowl. Just keep in mind that some portions are quite small (e.g., bread) but still count as one dish – so choose wisely!
The setting is stunning, you will be sourranded by a garden filled with many topical plants. Plus, they serve excellent coffee, making it a perfect spot to start the day.
2. Soul & Surf
Soul & Surf is another top choice for lunch, offering delicious food, decent portions, and reasonable prices. The atmosphere is laid-back yet stylish, with a beautifully designed space that makes it a great spot to relax.
One of the best features is the terrace, where you can enjoy your meal while watching surfers at The Cove. It’s also a convenient post-surf stop – they have a shower if you need to rinse off, or you can jump straight into the ocean for a quick dip while waiting for your food.
3. Samba
Samba is a small, stylish restaurant that’s part of a guesthouse. The interior is beautifully designed, creating a cozy atmosphere. The food is just as good – I especially loved the egg hoppers and shakshuka. Just keep in mind that the portions are on the smaller side.
A great bonus is their small coworking room with AC, which restaurant guests are welcome to use.
☀️ If you are planning to work remotely from Ahangama, check out this article: Best coworking spaces in Ahangama
4. Sundays Café & Restaurant
Sundays Café & Restaurant is a great spot for breakfast or brunch, with a relaxed vibe. The lady managing it is super nice and adds to the chilled atmosphere. The interior is simple yet comfortable, making it a nice place to hang out.
Our favorites here were the baguettes and the bowls – both fresh and delicious. While there’s no AC, if you don’t mind the warmth, it’s also a decent spot to get some work done.
5. Thai Charm
Thai Charm is one of the only two Thai restaurants in Ahangama, and the one we’d recommend the most. The other option, Wayside Thai Café, has a beautifully arranged space but serves very small portions, making it more of a spot for the vibe rather than a filling meal.
The food at Thai Charm is on the pricier side, but it’s tasty – a great choice if you’re craving flavors from Thailand. Just be prepared for slightly slow service, so patience is key.
One downside is the location, as it’s right next to the busy main road, so it’s not the best option for a long, relaxed stay.
Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Ahangama
I created this list of the best restaurants in Ahangama from a more local perspective, skipping the big and famous names but adding some local favorites and secret spots. From my own experience I know how important it is to find reliable food sources when travelling. So if you’re still wondering where to eat in Ahangama, I hope this food guide helps you enjoy some tasty moments in the south of Sri Lanka.
Have you tried any of these restaurants in Ahangama? Let me know your favourite!
💡 FAQ about restaurants in Ahangama
Yes, it is generally safe to eat at local restaurants in Ahangama. Many small, family-run spots serve freshly cooked Sri Lankan food using local ingredients. If you have a sensitive stomach, you might want to opt for cooked dishes over raw ones to avoid tap water. We stayed in Sri Lanka for 3 months and ate at local restaurants every day, and we never had any stomach issues.
Yes, finding vegetarian food in Ahangama is quite easy! Many local Sri Lankan restaurants serve rice-and-curry meals with various vegetable curries, dhal (lentils), and coconut sambol. Proteins like meat and fish are mostly optional add-ons. Most foreign-style cafés also offer vegetarian-friendly options, including smoothie bowls, avocado toasts, and other plant-based dishes.
You might need to double-check ingredients if you’re vegan, as some Sri Lankan curries include ghee or dried fish for seasoning. However, most places are happy to adjust dishes if you ask.
