A view of the famous Coconut Tree Hill in Mirissa, Sri Lanka. — Welcome to Mirissa, Sri Lanka!
To this day, I still dream about the food in Sri Lanka, all the fresh, made-from-scratch local flavors that stay with you long after you leave. I was surprised by how easy it was to eat gluten-free and vegetarian, as many traditional dishes naturally fit these diets. And on the days when you just wanted a refreshing smoothie bowl or pizza, Mirissa also had some solid Western and healthier spots to enjoy. If you are heading to Mirissa and wondering where to eat, use this post to find the best restaurants in town, no matter what you are craving or what your diet looks like.

*Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)*

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, my blog may receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

Best Restaurants in Mirissa (For every Diet)

Pin it & save it for later!

Must-Try Restaurants in Mirissa: Full List

In no particular order….

#1: Shady Lane

Shady Lane in Mirissa, Sri Lanka is…..

Best for: A tropical brunch, smoothie bowls, Western-style healthy eats. A popular (but busy) spot for digital nomads (although idk how much work you could get done with how busy it is).
Must-try dish: Avocado toast with vegan garlic butter mushrooms, cinnamon fresh toast, and the smoothie bowls. (Menu)
Why go: It is a cozy tropical cafe, perfect for working (not during meal hours), Instagramming, and petting a few of the friendly local dogs.
Vibe: Tropical & health-conscious.
Price range: $$$ (1500-3000 LKR per dish) on the more expensive side.
Diet notes: Vegetarian, Vegan, & Gluten-Free options available.
Open for: Breakfast/Lunch.
Location: On a quiet road in Mirissa. This spot has two levels, with both sections having a semi-outdoor dining area with a roof. They also have a small shop on the second floor with some clothing items and accessories available.
Pro tip: Go before you get hungry— there is almost always a wait due to popularity. So I recommend heading here an hour before you want to eat.

#2: Lost Paradise

Lost Paradise in Mirissa, Sri Lanka is…..

Best for: A small garden oasis vibe with healthy breakfast and lunch options
Must-try dish: Once again, the smoothie bowls and smoothies, and the coffees. (Menu)
Why go: A chill spot to escape the morning rush and enjoy a slow breakfast in peace.
Vibe: Laid-back garden oasis.
Price range: $$$ (1200-3000 LKR per dish) on the more expensive side.
Diet notes: Vegetarian, Vegan, & Gluten-Free options available.
Open for: Breakfast/Lunch.
Location: On another quiet road in Mirissa, but closer to the beach than Shady Lane. Again, this smaller cafe has outdoor, roofed seating available. There is also a small shop in the back with some clothing, accessories, etc.
Pro tip: This is the perfect, quiet spot to open up your laptop and get some work done!

#3: Hey Mama

Hey Mama in Mirissa, Sri Lanka is…..

Best for: Freshly prepared, Sri Lankan dishes that can be modified to vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free.
Must-try dish: From the Wok items and the Sri Lankan Curry option. (Menu)
Why go: A beautiful bohemian feel with fresh and delicious local food options. It is never as busy as other places, and it is open for dinner, making it a great little date spot.
Vibe: A boho-style restaurant tucked away in a peaceful garden setting. Seating is open-air but roofed, located on the second floor, with both regular tables and cozy floor seating available. It is perfect for a relaxed, barefoot kind of meal.
Price range: $$ (1000-2000 LKR per dish), much more affordable.
Diet notes: Vegetarian, Vegan, & Gluten-Free options available.
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Location: Just off the main road in central Mirissa, down a quiet leafy path with a small sign to show you the way.
Pro tip: This is the best place to get for sure gluten-free/vegan Sri Lankan food that is freshly made.

#4: Dhana’s Curry Pot

Dhana’s Curry Pot in Mirissa, Sri Lanka is…..

Best for: Authentic Sri Lankan buffet offering both vegan and non-vegan options.
Must-try dish: The all-you-can-eat buffet. Do not miss the beet or pumpkin curry!
Why go: To try an unlimited amount of local dishes.
Vibe: Local, authentic vibes with communal seating.
Price range: $ (1500 LKR, but it’s all you can eat….)
Diet notes: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options upon request.
Open for: Lunch & Dinner
Location: Off the main road along the beach.
Pro tip: Get here early so you do not have to wait.

#5: Dewmini Roti Shop

Dewmini Roti Shop in Mirissa, Sri Lanka is…..

Best for: Roti dishes, savory or sweet!
Must-try dish: Kottu-roti, a stir-fry mix of chopped roti.
Why go: To try a locally home-made roti dish.
Vibe: Local, authentic vibes with communal seating.
Price range: $ (200-700 LKR per dish)
Diet notes: Vegetarian options.
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Location: On a side street in Mirissa
Pro tip: Arrive slightly early if heading here for lunch; the rotis sell fast.

My Favorite Sri Lankan Dishes & Where to Try Them

Rice & Curry - I mean, of course, this is a must-try in Sri Lanka. Their curries are quite different from everywhere else in the world, having their own unique twist. Do not miss out on the seasonal curries created based on whichever vegetable is in season. Some of my favorites were the eggplant, okra, beetroot, and pumpkin curries.
Kottu Roti - Think fried rice vibes, but instead of rice, it is made with chopped-up roti, veggies, and spices all tossed together on a hot griddle. Was my boyfriend’s go-to comfort food in Sri Lanka.
Hoppers - This was one of my favorites as they were easy to make gluten-free and sometimes even naturally gluten-free. These soft, little, fluffy pancake-esque dishes are primarily made of rice flour, coconut milk, yeast, sugar, and salt, with optional additions like an egg. They are usually served with curries, sambols, or chutneys. You can scoop, dip, or even fold the hopper like a burrito to enjoy.
Pol Sambol - A small side dish or relish made with grated coconut, chili peppers, lime juice, and salt…and let me tell you, it was my favorite. I could not get enough. It was the perfect pairing for hoppers, rice, pappadam, and well, everything really.
Pappadam - a crispy chip-like dipper, think the Sri Lankan version of a tortilla chip or prawn cracker. They are often naturally gluten-free (woot woot), consisting of lentil flour, rice flour, salt, and local spices. They go excellently with chutneys, the pol sambol, curries, etc.
Halapa -A sweet breakfast or dessert item that tastes like you are eating sugared honey in a soft crepe. Often made gluten-free naturally with ragi flour (also called kurakkan), grated coconut, and kithul/sugar. It is often wrapped in a leaf and steamed, which gives it that slightly chewy texture and yummy flavor. They are so sweet, I could only eat one or two!
Pani Pol - Similar to Halapa, but sadly not naturally gluten-free. It has a sweet coconut filling like Halapa, but used inside a pancake or roti. Another one of my boyfriend’s favorite treats.

Gluten-Free, Vegan & Vegetarian Eating in Mirissa

Eating vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan in Sri Lanka is actually pretty easy. A lot of local dishes are naturally all of these, but it is still worth double-checking, just in case a place swaps rice flour for wheat or sneaks an egg into the mix. Every cook has their own twist! Some of my favorite naturally gluten-free picks were Halapa, Pappadam, Pol Sambol, and Hoppers. That said, I always made sure to ask if the recipe had any wheat, or in my case, milk. Most of the time, they understood what I meant. And if they didn’t, I usually played it safe and skipped it.

Best Budget-Friendly Restaurants in Mirissa

If you are looking for the most budget-friendly places to eat in Mirissa, head to the small, local restaurants run by families. Spots like Dewmini Roti Shop are super affordable and just as delicious. The buffet at Dhana’s is great as well. Aside from these two spots, I did not find too many other restaurants in Mirissa that were budget-friendly and on my list of favorites, but I am sure more exist. Do not be afraid to venture off to try the less frequented places.

Another great way to save some money is to book an accommodation that offers breakfast included. The breakfast is usually fresh, filling, and generous.

If you have a private or shared kitchen, cooking some meals at home is a good option for saving some money as well. There are smaller vegetable and fruit stands around, as well as Cargills for other items.

Best Coffee Shops In Mirissa

Shady Lane
Lost Paradise
Barista Mirissa
Nomad Cafe— Weligama, technically, but close by.

Travel Tips for Eating Out in Mirissa

Arrive early so you are not left waiting in line hungry for too long.
Food sometimes takes longer since it is being made fresh.
Sri Lanka can still have occasional power outages during stormy or rainy weather. If it is a stormy day, eat early just in case.
Bring your reusable water bottle if you plan to only drink water.
Many Sri Lankan dishes are naturally vegan, gluten-free, or vegetarian, but always double-check. Ghee, fish sauce, and wheat flour can sneak into things like roti or dahl.
Do not forget to try some of the locally grown King Coconuts-yummm!
Always have cash on hand in case the restaurants do not accept cards.
Download an eSIM so you can easily Google local dishes if you are unsure about the ingredients or what they are. I like to use Airalo for my international eSIMs.
Always have some form of travel medical insurance in case you get sick. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
- Emergency Contact Number: Police: 119 | Ambulance: 110. You can find a complete list of Sri Lanka’s Emergency #’s by location here.

Thinking about adding Galle to your route? My Galle Itinerary has everything you need to know.

Powered by GetYourGuide

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay in Mirissa?

If you want to stay close to the downtown area and have easy access to a variety of restaurants, I recommend booking an accommodation along the coast near Mirissa Beach.

Best Accommodation Options in Mirissa For Every Traveler:

Backpacker/Hostel Option: The Hostel (Dorm) or Bird House
Best Low-Budget: Glamour Mirissa or Mirissa Cocoon (I stayed here and it sufficed. Nothing special though, just a budget accommodation).
Best Mid-Budget: Mimoza Mirissa
Best High-End Budget: Peacock Villa or D Canal House
Best Luxury Budget: The Nine Mirissa or Coastline Mirissa Boutique Hotel & Spa

You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links at no additional cost to you!

What are the best times to visit Mirissa restaurants to avoid crowds?

This is restaurant-specific, and I have included my suggestions earlier in this post for my favorite spots. If you are visiting Mirissa in peak season, always arrive at restaurants earlier than you normally would, and do not arrive when you are already hungry. This way, if you end up having to wait, you are well prepared for it and not hangry…

Do Mirissa restaurants accept credit cards, or should I carry cash?

Most places accept cards these days, but it is still a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller restaurants or local spots that might not have a card machine.

Are reservations recommended for popular spots in Mirissa, especially during peak season?

Not really, unless you have a larger group. Many places do not accept reservations.

There Are So Many Stray Dogs In Sri Lanka, How Can I Help?

The easiest thing you can do is feed them. You can give them plain white rice and boneless chicken or any other boneless meat, as well as dog food. Many grocery stores sell dog food, but keep in mind that some dogs are picky eaters. Do not take it personally if they do not eat what you offer. Of course, a starving dog will eat just about anything. Leaving out some water in a plastic bowl or even an empty coconut can also be helpful. Coconut water is highly hydrating and can benefit dogs as well.
Many dogs, especially those further from tourist areas, are afraid of human interaction. If a dog seems hesitant, simply place the food and water nearby and step away to give them space. I promise they will eat once you leave!
If you come across an injured or sick dog, you can notify Animal SOS, a non-profit organization that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes stray animals in need. They currently have over 2000 dogs!! WECare is another incredible group providing veterinary care and sterilization programs to improve the lives of street dogs.
If you notice a dog with fleas or ticks and plan to stay in the area for a while, you can reach out to either organization for help in getting medication to distribute.
If you have more time, consider volunteering with one of these organizations to make an even bigger impact. I volunteered with Animal SOS, and it was a truly amazing day that left my heart even fuller.
For more tips, resources, and organizations to support, head to my full post on helping stray dogs in Sri Lanka here.