Tucked into a small crescent-shaped bay on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Hiriketiya has grown from a sleepy surf village into one of the island’s most exciting little beach towns. Its appeal lies partly in its size: most of the places worth visiting are within walking distance of one another, yet each has its own character.

Mornings begin slowly with coffee and matcha, afternoons are spent between the surf and the beach, and by sunset the restaurants and bars begin to fill with surfers, travellers and locals. The food scene has evolved alongside the town, moving well beyond simple beach cafés to include creative cocktails, modern Sri Lankan cooking, international cuisine and some genuinely destination-worthy restaurants.

Here are some of our favourite places to eat, drink and spend time in and around Hiriketiya.

Smoke & Bitters

Just a short drive from Hiriketiya in Pehembiya, Smoke & Bitters has become one of the South Coast’s most celebrated dining and drinking destinations. Named among the world’s best bars, it is particularly known for its inventive cocktails, with house-made bitters, infusions and other ingredients giving the drinks a distinctive character. The food is equally impressive, centred around open-fire cooking, smoked and grilled dishes, and locally sourced ingredients that showcase the flavours of Sri Lanka. 

Set in a relaxed garden overlooking the coast, it is an ideal spot to arrive before sunset, settle in for the evening and take your time over dinner and drinks. With its creative approach to both cocktails and cuisine, this is a destination where booking ahead is strongly recommended. 

Pehembiya Beach, Dickwella
@smokeandbitters

RAA

With its elevated position overlooking Hiriketiya’s surf break, RAA is one of the area’s most atmospheric places for an evening drink. The open-air restaurant and bar focuses heavily on modern Sri Lankan food and cocktails, with local arrack given particular attention.

Come towards sunset when the surfers are still catching the final waves below, order one of RAA’s creative cocktails and stay for dinner. The setting and food make it one of Hiriketiya’s more polished dining experiences.

Hiriketiya Beach Road
@raa.hiriketiya

Dot’s Bay House

Right on Hiriketiya Beach, Dots Bay House is as much a part of the town’s social scene as it is a restaurant. The atmosphere is relaxed and distinctly surf-town, with people dropping in throughout the day for coffee, food, cocktails and conversation.

The menu brings together Sri Lankan favourites and international comfort food, while the pizza oven is a particular favourite. Come for a late lunch, stay for sunset drinks and you will quickly understand why Dots has become one of Hiriketiya’s best-known gathering places. 

Hiriketiya Beach
@dotsbayhouse

Malkoha Studios

A little beyond the main beach strip, Malkoha Studios combines a café with a creative, sustainability-focused approach. It has become particularly popular with travellers looking for good coffee, healthy food and somewhere comfortable to spend a few hours.

The menu focuses on fresh, wholesome dishes, while the relaxed setting makes it an appealing choice for a slow breakfast or lunch. It is also a good place to escape the midday heat and take things at a slower pace. 

Hiriketiya / Dickwella
@malkohastudios

La Playa

For a classic beach-club experience, La Playa sits right on the shoreline of Hiriketiya, offering a relaxed setting made for long, unhurried days by the sea. With the beach just steps away, the atmosphere is casual and tropical, complemented by a menu of easy-going favourites. The truffle fries and white wine sangria are particular favourites of ours. 

Whether you stop by for lunch after a morning surf, settle in for an afternoon drink or stay for a relaxed dinner with your feet almost in the sand, La Playa captures the laid-back, barefoot spirit of Hiriketiya perfectly. 

Hiriketiya Beach
@laplayahiriketiya

Hiriketiya Beach
@laplayahiriketiya

Betaz

One of Hiriketiya’s newer dining destinations, Betaz has quickly become a favourite for sunset. The restaurant’s elevated terrace looks towards the ocean, creating an especially beautiful setting as the last light falls across the bay.

The food is contemporary and beautifully presented, while the cocktail menu gives you plenty of reason to stay after dinner. Come towards sunset, order a drink and settle in for the evening. 

Hiriketiya
@betaz.hiriketiya

The Ruin

The Ruin is less a traditional restaurant and more a destination for spending the day. Set directly on Hiriketiya Beach, it offers comfortable sunbeds and a relaxed beach-club atmosphere, making it particularly appealing when the plan is simply to do very little.

Settle in with a book, order something cold and spend the afternoon watching the waves. As the sun begins to lower, the atmosphere becomes especially inviting for a slow dinner or evening drink. 

Hiriketiya Beach
@theruin.hiriketiya

Mond

MOND has become a favourite for those looking for somewhere that works equally well in the morning and after dark. Start the day with excellent coffee, matcha or a smoothie bowl, then return later when the atmosphere shifts towards small plates, wine and cocktails.

There is something deliberately unhurried about MOND. It is a place for lingering over breakfast, catching up with friends or settling in for an evening meal. Its position slightly away from the busiest part of the beach adds to its relaxed feel. 

Hiriketiya
@mond.hiriketiya

Salt House

Just outside the main Hiriketiya strip, Salt House combines accommodation, wellness and an excellent restaurant in a beautifully designed tropical setting. Its restaurant is particularly good for those looking for a quieter alternative to the busier beach cafés.

The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal food with a distinctly contemporary feel, while the setting makes it easy to spend a few hours over breakfast or lunch. It is a place that rewards slowing down. Salt House

Hiriketiya Road, Dickwella

BOKKA

BOKKA has become another popular addition to Hiriketiya’s growing food scene. The restaurant brings a more contemporary feel to the area, with a menu that encourages sharing and an atmosphere that works particularly well in the evening.

It is worth seeking out when you want something beyond the classic beach-café experience. Come hungry, order several dishes for the table and settle in for a relaxed dinner. BOKKA

Hiriketiya Beach Road, Dickwella

A taste of Hiriketiya

What makes Hiriketiya special is not just the quality of its restaurants, but the way they fit into the rhythm of the bay. A typical day might begin with coffee at MOND, move to the surf and a late lunch at Dots, followed by an afternoon on the beach at The Ruin.

As evening arrives, head to RAA or Betaz for sunset cocktails, or make the short journey to Smoke & Bitters for one of the South Coast’s most memorable dinners.

Hiriketiya is still small enough to feel intimate, but its dining scene has become remarkably sophisticated. The best way to experience it is slowly: surf in the morning, eat well, watch the sunset and leave plenty of room for one more drink.