If you’re wondering where to eat in Ella, you’ve come to the right place. This popular tourist town in the heart of Sri Lanka is bursting with flavours, both local and western. From the legendary rice & curry buffets to picturesque cafés serving up smoothie bowls and lattes with a view over the mountains. Whether you’re after the best restaurants in Ella for a quick snack, local eats or somewhere to grab brunch and good Wi-Fi, there’s no shortage of options.
This blog is a quick and concise, no nonsense guide about our favourite Ella restaurants, street food spots and cafés. Including where you’ll find authentic Sri Lankan dishes, healthy eats and the best restaurants in Ella for people watching. After spending just over a week in the hiking town, we fell in love with it and the food! Read Here for a full list of Ella’s Top Things To Do.
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Authentic Sri Lankan Flavours
While in Sri Lanka you have to try the famous rice & curry, a staple of every locals diet. You’ll find it everywhere, from roadside stalls to beachfront cafés in Arugam Bay, it’s a way of life in every Sri Lankan household.
The best restaurants in Ella that serve rice & curry will be the local plastic chair places, all cooked by a local mum. Don’t expect just one curry, Sri Lankan rice & curry is completely different to the usual curries we’re used to back in England, it’s a buffet of mostly vegetable dishes packed with flavour. Dhal (lentil curry), spicy jackfruit, beetroot curry, green beans, mango chutney and crispy poppadums, served up with a hefty portion of rice.
Top Tip: Put your rice in the centre of the plate, and dish up the curries around it!
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- Matey Hut: Known for its flavour bursting rice and curry, this place is a must visit if you’re looking for the best local cheap place to eat in Ella.
- Wimala Restaurant: Tucked away from the main tourist trail, Wimala has Sri Lankan dishes at local prices.
- Bees Honey Cookery & Restaurant: Something a little different and further out of town, this local run home offers cooking classes looking over the amazing mountains of Ella.
- Eon Village Restaurant: If you’re a budget backpacker and want to eat in the town, then this is the spot. We ate here for a few dinners, the food isn’t the best in the world but it’s cheap and cheerful.
- Nanda Restaurant: We eat local and this place is a gem, great fresh pastries in the mornings.
Ever fancied learning how to cook Sri Lankan cuisine?
International & Fusion Delights: Best Places To Eat in Ella
We’ve all been there after a long day of travelling, all you want is some home comfort food, something you know won’t upset your stomach. When we travel we’re advocates of eating local food most of the time, but some days we give in. These are the best restaurants in Ella for high quality western-style food.
- Cafe Chill: this place serves everything from burgers to local dishes, the rooftop seating makes it a popular spot for dinner and evening cocktails.
- The Barn by Starbeans: One of the tastiest but more expensive spots to eat in Ella town, known for its wood-fired pizzas and cozy setting. The Barn offers a mix of international dishes and great coffee.
- AK Ristoro: A small Italian restaurant set in a garden giving you some peace and quiet away from the chaos of the road.
- La Mensa: Another top-choice Italian, La Mensa serves fresh pasta, risotto, and tiramisu. One of Ella’s best restaurants for a date night.
- Cafe UFO: You won’t miss this place as you walk through the town, offering comfort food and healthy choices, their burgers and breakfast burritos stand out.
- MozzarElla By Nero Kitchen: Controversial, but we think this is the best pizza in Ella! We ate here and absolutely loved the fresh wood fired oven pizzas
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Where there are hikers, there are usually eco-conscious travellers and smoothie bowls, Ella’s cafés don’t disappoint. Whether you’re after a plant based brunch or a picture perfect iced latte, this town has become a hub of digital nomads so it’s got it all. Many of the best restaurants in Ella double as stylish cafés with great Wi-Fi in the day. If you’re wondering where to eat in Ella for western style flavours, then look no further!
- Rainbow Cafe: Smoothie bowls and fresh salads are the most popular things to get here, a much needed break from the heavy Kottus.
- Cafe One Love: Laid back atmosphere with two floors and plenty of vegan/vegetarian options on the menu.
- The White Rabbit: Known for its bubbly atmosphere and delicious vegan food. This place was right opposite our friends homestay.
- Cafe C Ella: Plant based wraps, colourful bowls and coconut milk coffees. A great pick for digital nomads.
Digital Nomad Cafes: Great Coffee & WiFi
If you’re looking for charm and character while sipping a coffee then these spots are for you. These Ella cafés are ideal for escaping the chaos, a slow morning, travel journaling or escaping the midday heat after visiting the beautiful Nine Arch Bridge. Although these are cafes, they’re also some of the best places to eat in Ella.
- Dream Cafe: Right on the main strip, Dream Cafe is a cozy go-to for breakfast and remote work. Good coffee, reliable Wi-Fi and a great people-watching spot.
- Hangover Cafe Ella: This small but modern café is ideal for digital nomads needing a plug socket and a strong flat white. The avocado toast and banana pancakes are traveler favourites.
- Cafe UFO: Also doubles as a work-friendly café with modern seating, fast Wi-Fi, and a chill vibe. Great for setting up with your laptop and staying a while.
- Cafe Chill (Upstairs): The upstairs level of Chill is surprisingly peaceful during the day—solid coffee, Wi-Fi, and snacks.
Sweet Treats & Quick Bites
- Rotty Hut at Somasiri Supermarket: A hidden gem for those with a sweet tooth. Their chocolate banana roti, reminiscent of a crepe, is a delightful treat after a day of exploring.
- Isle of Gelato: we got ice cream and a coffee from here after hiking to Little Adam’s Peak and it was a well deserved treat!
- Meekiri – Frozen Curd (Yogurt): There’s nothing that tastes better in the heat of the midday sun than this fresh yogurt! You have to give it a try.
Best Places To Stay In Ella
$ Budget
Hangover Hostel
The best place to stay for backpackers being one of Ella’s most social options with a large communal lounge and great atmosphere, perfect for solo travellers looking to meet others. Hangover Hostel hosts regular events like movie nights, group dinners and has private rooms as well as dorms.
$ Budget
Tunnnel Gap Homestay
Perched on the top of a hill, our friends stayed in the Tunnel Gap Homestay when we visited and found it to have nice, large and clean rooms. You’ll be welcomed with open arms by the warm family who runs it and be within walking distance from all the best cafes, restaurants and hikes.
$$ Mid-Range
Winwood Ella
A boutique style retreat just 600m from Ella’s train station, Winwood Ella has spacious, spotless rooms and balconies overlooking the jungle. The home cooked dinners and fresh breakfasts cooked up by the warming hosts don’t go unnoticed. A nice and comfortable stay in the heart of Ella.
$$$ High-End
Zion View Retreat
Set just a short walk from the main town and Ella’s best restaurants, this is a family-friendly luxury retreat with incredible mountain views, a stunning infinity pool and spacious family rooms. Still a super luxury experience, just at a fraction of 98 Acres price located away from Little Adam’s Peak.
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Best Things To Do In Ella
