The best places to eat in Madiha, Sri Lanka—9 unmissable spots for great coffee, epic pizzas, amazing Sri Lankan food, and chilled beach vibes

Madiha, just a short tuk-tuk ride from Matara on Sri Lanka’s south coast, is one of the most chilled, beachside spots in the country. After spending two months in the cutest studio surrounded by mango and coconut trees, from where I could hear the ocean, I discovered there’s a little bit of everything in this tropical village. Great roadside stalls sell delicious Sri Lankan food, hip cafes with incredible coffee and pizza are just a short stroll away, and there’s a handful of rooftop hangouts with slick tunes and even better cocktails. What’s more, there are yoga classes to be found most days.

While staying in the beachside village, I tried numerous places and also cooked at my Airbnb since it had a well-equipped kitchen with coconut oil for cooking, fresh coffee, and coconut treacle. But when I did go out, these are the places I visited more than once, and would recommend checking out when staying in Madiha. 

The best places to eat and drink in Madiha, Sri Lanka

1. Swell Cafe 

Swell is the place for really good coffee, great pizza, and an amazing selection of breakfast dishes, including peanut and chocolate pancakes, avocado toast, and smoothie bowls.

Pancakes at Swell Cafe

I visited three times during my stay, and it quickly became my favorite spot thanks to its chilled atmosphere and good selection of food and drinks. Swell closes for the low season, between May and November, when they head to the East Coast to open their sister cafe, but Swell Shacks, literally behind the cafe on the beach, is open year-round, although I'm not the biggest fan. Cocktails aren't that great, and meals can be hit or miss.

2. Sand Bank

Head to this breezy joint for the best burger in town, think crispy chicken topped with egg, cheese, and lettuce in a toasted bun, served with the most incredible battered potatoes.

Sand Bank's chicken burger

Owned and run by friendly Lahiru and his team, (who have recently added a few rooms for rent to the property), Sand Bank also makes a mean cocktail (I like the Arrack Attack) and there's a ping-pong table and live music sessions throughout the high season (roughly December to April).

3. Komorebi

The main draw at this fairly newly opened spot is its expansive garden filled with tropical plants.

Komorebi's garden seating

As well as offering daily yoga classes and ice bath plunges, Komorebi boasts an array of breakfast and lunch dishes, good coffee, and helpful, friendly staff.

4. Sara Kitchen

This cute little terrace tucked away on the way to the main Matara road has just a handful of tables but serves up wonderful Sri Lankan food, including their trademark rice and a selection of seven curries.

Lunch at Sara Kitchen

For my visit, I was served one of the best green bean curries I’ve had in the country, so far, as well as dal, potato curry, and beetroot curry.

5. Back Yard

With a great garden setting, Back Yard whips up an array of exciting lunch and dinner options, including healthy garden bowls filled with fresh seasonal vegetables and various toppings as well as moreish pancakes, filling smoothies, and interesting salads.

Garden bowl with chicken and potatoes

I like the fact that a couple of zingy salad dressings and fried lentils come on the side of the garden bowls, which are so filling and tasty, I had to go back for more. The only downside is that the restaurant closes between May and November when it switches over to Arugam Bay on the east coast of the country. 

6. Zephyr Ceylon

Not strictly in the village of Madiha, but a nice stroll along the beach in the direction of Mirissa, and you'll find this true gem of a restaurant and one of my favourite spots in the whole country. With tables that unfold onto the beach (where it’s possible to see turtles hatching), this uber laid-back joint has super friendly staff and quality inventive dishes, plus incredible cocktails.

Miso-infused mahi mahi at Zephyr Ceylon

I ordered the miso-infused mahi mahi served with shitake mushroom sauce, pak choy, and mashed potato—it was amazing. Other must-orders from Zephyr include the deep south prawn curry and pan-fried barramundi.

7. Lily’s Roti Hut on the Matara main road

I tried two street food stands on the main Matara road, yet didn’t catch the name of one of them. Both were very good and affordable, serving Sri Lankan curries and rice. From Lily’s on the road towards Kamburugamuwa, I got a take-out box of rice and a selection of vegetable curries for less than a dollar. The second, tucked away on Welegoda Road, had dining-in space too. I ordered a box of vegetable fried rice, which was large enough to last two meals.

8. Doctor’s House

Madiha institution, Doctor’s House, doesn’t appeal to me as a place to stay since it’s aimed at a younger backpacking crowd (my hostel days are mostly behind me now), but it’s a nice place to stop by for a drink and bite.

Pizza at Doctors House

While I'm yet to go to one of their music nights, I'll occasionally stop by for a pizza, cocktails or smoothie, all of which are pretty decent.

9. Casa Tharin

Run by an Italian woman and her Sri Lankan partner, Casa Tharin is open each morning until roughly midday for breakfast. The menu is short and sweet, and they serve decent cappuccino.