Best Restaurants & Cafes in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka (2026)

Our picks in Nuwara Eliya

Breakfast & Coffee

• Dark Roast Cafe — 5.0★: Great cappuccino made from family-roasted beans and outdoor seating next to a park.
• Cafe Noshers — 4.9★: Lovely outdoor terrace and a healthy breakfast bowl to start your day.
• The Grand Cafe — 4.6★: Rich avocado toast and a variety of cakes make it a solid choice for breakfast or brunch.

Local Rice & Curry

• Gaayathri Mess — 4.9★: Freshly prepared vegetarian dishes, with highly recommended masala chai and vegetarian kottu.
• Gami Gedara Restaurant — 4.8★: Exceptional rice and curry buffet along with excellent Kottu.

Desserts & Sweets

• Cloudy Cafe — 5.0★: Yummy dark chocolate cake and delicious coconut rotti with caramelised onions sambol.
• Simply Strawberries by Jagro Cafe — 4.4★: Offers a variety of strawberry dishes, including a waffle with strawberries, chocolate, and whipped cream.

All restaurants & cafes in Nuwara Eliya

• Chill Cafe Nuwara eliya — 5.0★ (14): Chill Cafe in Nuwara Eliya offers a relaxed dining experience with a focus on coffee and fresh meals. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking …
• Dark Roast Cafe Nuwara Eliya — 5.0★ (104)
• Cloudy Cafe — 5.0★ (40)
• Eat More Restaurant — 4.9★ (676)
• Scented Garden Pub & Cafe Blackpool — 4.9★ (442): Scented Garden Pub & Cafe in Nuwara Eliya offers a farm-to-table dining experience with organic dishes sourced from their own gardens. The ambiance features st…
• Gaayathri Mess Sri Lankan Restaurant — 4.9★ (380)
• Cafe Noshers — 4.9★ (2493)
• Gami Gedara Restaurant — 4.8★ (476): Gami Gedara Restaurant, located just outside Nuwara Eliya, is a cozy spot offering authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. Known for its delici…
• The Taste Lab — 4.8★ (378)
• Stray Lounge Nuwaraeliya — 4.8★ (57): Stray Lounge in Nuwara Eliya serves fresh local dishes and rich hot chocolate. The space is clean and peaceful, ideal for relaxing after exploring the hill cou…
• Thai Dragon Restaurant — 4.7★ (63): Thai Dragon Restaurant in Nuwara Eliya is known for its flavorful Sri Lankan Chinese cuisine, particularly the hot butter cuttlefish and Singapore noodles. Whi…
• Chill Ramboda — 4.7★ (917): Chill Ramboda, located in the scenic Ramboda area of Sri Lanka, is a relaxed spot known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious food. With tasty koththu and …
• Pub Jamis — 4.7★ (34): Pub Jamis in Nuwara Eliya offers a mix of local and Western dishes. It's a spot to relax with drinks, including cocktails like Long Island Iced Tea. Expect a c…
• Dushan's Home Kitchen — 4.7★ (1544): Dushan's Home Kitchen in Nuwara Eliya offers a cozy spot to enjoy authentic Sri Lankan dishes. Visitors rave about the delicious rice and curry, fresh fruit la…
• Themparadu — 4.7★ (3290): Themparadu in Nuwara Eliya offers a diverse menu with dishes like cheese kottu and Sri Lankan tuna with coconut rice. The restaurant is popular among tourists …
• Salmiya Italian Restaurant — 4.6★ (1332): Salmiya Italian Restaurant in Sri Lanka offers a cozy spot for those craving authentic Italian flavors. With a focus on thin-crust pizzas and homemade pasta, i…
• Ceylon Kitchen — 4.6★ (1568)
• The Grand Cafe — 4.6★ (2418)
• The Skyline - Rooftop Lounge & Bar — 4.5★ (15): The Skyline in Nuwara Eliya offers cocktails and snacks with a view at 6,500 feet. Expect to pay a premium for drinks, but service can be painfully slow, with …
• Niro’s Pub Nuwara eliya — 4.4★ (168): Nuwara Eliya's Niro's Pub offers a mix of Sri Lankan cuisine and international dishes. The outdoor seating is a plus, making it suitable for groups or families…
• Barista — 4.4★ (401)
• Grand Indian — 4.4★ (3170): Discover Grand Indian in Nuwara Eliya, where authentic Indian cuisine meets a welcoming atmosphere. The extensive vegetarian menu and generous portions make it…
• Wildhorse Pub and Bar — 4.4★ (7): Wildhorse Pub and Bar in Nuwara Eliya offers a mix of food and drinks with a scenic view. Prices align with hotel standards, and takeaway meals may disappoint …
• Simply Strawberries by Jagro Cafe — 4.4★ (2479)
• Grand Veranda — 4.3★ (287)
• Ambaal's Pure Vegetarian Hotel & Restaurant — 4.2★ (1941): Ambaal's Pure Vegetarian Hotel & Restaurant, located in Nuwara Eliya, offers a range of tasty and authentic vegetarian dishes, making it a good stop for those …
• The 19th HOLE PUB — 4.2★ (228): The 19th Hole Pub in Nuwara Eliya offers a mix of cocktails and pub grub in a historic setting. Prices are reasonable, but expect some menu items to be unavail…
• Indian Summer Restaurant Nuwara Eliya — 4.1★ (2436): Nestled in Nuwara Eliya, Indian Summer Restaurant offers a cozy spot to relish authentic Indian cuisine. With a diverse menu featuring favorites like biryani a…
• Araliya Food court — 4.0★ (1883): Araliya Food Court in Nuwara Eliya offers a convenient dining option for tourists exploring the area. While the variety of dishes caters well to different tast…
• The Pub - Nuwara Eliya — 4.0★ (1347): The Pub in Nuwara Eliya offers a local sports bar vibe with draught beer and a variety of pub snacks. Watch for automatic tips and menu transparency. Recent co…

Local knowledge

Where can I get cheap food in Nuwara Eliya?

Avoid cafes on Grand Hotel Road. Head to the New Bazaar area or the upstairs food court in the central market for local meals.

What should I try for breakfast in Nuwara Eliya?

The Hela Bojun stall near Victoria Park offers fresh pol roti with lunu miris for a very affordable price.

Where do locals eat lunch in Nuwara Eliya?

Ambaal's Pure Vegetarian Hotel is popular for its vegetarian South Indian thali, packed with locals.