Nature lovers and peace loving travelers often visit Polonnaruwa to see the beauty and true aspect of Sri Lanka. The ancient city, centuries-old temples and its historical ruins have made it a World Heritage Site on the UNESCO list. Those who plan to visit this old city must visit all the natural wonders as well as the range of food places to visit. Restaurants in Polonnaruwa are quite popular, offering a variety of cuisines and making food-lovers extremely happy.
enjoy your food!
Restaurants in Polonnaruwa for foodie travelers
If you feel hungry while admiring the beauty of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, then these restaurants will satisfy your hunger. Try authentic Sri Lankan food, snacks and more to get a real taste of this part of the world.
1. Jag Food: To experience the best of local cuisine
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Place: D9 Ela Well Para, Jayantipura, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
To start the list of best restaurants in Polonnaruwa, let’s start with Jag Food. Specializing on local food, this family-run restaurant has garden seating, a casual ambiance, and super cordial staff. Taste all kinds of traditional curries cooked over firewood and also take part in complimentary cooking lessons to learn the recipes of the local cuisine.
Must try: Treacle Pancakes, Buffalo Curd and Spicy Fish Curry
opening time: 11:30 am to 4 pm and 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
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2. Gami Gedara: Traditional at its best
Place: 608 Bendiwewa, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Gami Gedara is another place to taste the delicious food of Sri Lanka. Cooked with authentic traditional cuisine, this place serves all types of local food. It is a rustic looking restaurant set amidst lush green paddy fields, resembling a mud hut structure. The dishes are cooked over wood fire, served in earthen pots and you get to eat from a lotus leaf. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best restaurants in Polonnaruwa to experience the lifestyle and hospitality the local way.
Must try: Brinjal curry, mango curry with coconut and chilli flavour. Desert of mixed local fruits, served on buffalo yogurt and topped with farm fresh honey.
opening time: 11:30 am to 4 pm
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3. Sudu Araliya Restaurant: Classy and elegant dining experience
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Place: B529, Polonnaruwa 51000, Sri Lanka
The venue is located inside the luxurious Sudu Araliya Hotel. Surrounded by a sparkling lake; This is one of the top rated Polonnaruwa restaurants with a stunning view. Serving international and local cuisine in ala carte and buffet menus; Sudu Aralia Restaurant is spacious and can accommodate 350 guests at a time. This place opens early in the morning so that one can enjoy its culinary delights for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Must try: Onion Sambol, and dried fish Beduma,
opening time: 7 am to 10 am, 12 noon to 3 pm and 7 pm to 10 pm.
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4. Thidas Arana Restaurant: Authentic local cuisine, 24 hours a day
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Place: 23rd Mile Post, Bendiwewa, Polonnaruwa 51000, Sri Lanka
Open 24 hours, Thidas Arana Restaurant is a wonderful place to enjoy local breakfast, lunch and dinner. With a well-rounded buffet, serving local curries, soups and sweets; Thidas Arana Restaurant has won the hearts of foodie travelers as well as the group of amazing local food restaurants in Polonnaruwa.
Must try: Kosata, stone curry, coconut bread.
opening time: day and night
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5. Vishma: Seafood to die for
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Place: No: 128/04, Ethumalpitiya, Polonnaruwa, 51000, Sri Lanka
Good news for seafood lovers! Among the many Polonnaruwa restaurants serving non-vegetarian dishes, Vishama offers sumptuous seafood cooked according to the local cuisine. From fish, prawns to prawns and calamari, everything is on the menu card. Ask for their traditional dessert, which includes buffalo curd with kithul jaggery.
Must try: Brinjal, Mango and Plantain Curry
opening time: 10 am to 11 pm
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6. Lake Restaurant: Enjoy the best view while you dine
Place: Pothgul Viharaya, New Town, The Lake Hotel, Polonnaruwa 51000, Sri Lanka
Located inside the Lake Hotel, formerly known as Polonnaruwa Rest House, it is one of the most sought-after restaurants in Polonnaruwa, boasting the best view. The dining area is air-conditioned, so one can beat the scorching heat during the day and enjoy the stunning lake view. From curries to salads, soups to desserts, this place masters the art of cooking both local and global cuisine.
Must try: mongolian beef curry
opening time: 10 am to 11 pm
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7. Govi Gedara: For homely food and hospitality
Place: No., 1607, 24 Mill Post, Bandiwewa, Poland 51000, Sri Lanka
Of all the family-run restaurants in Polonnaruwa, Govi Gedara deserves a special mention. When rice and traditional curry is served as a complete meal wrapped in banana leaves, it makes the culinary experience a delight, while the thatched hut structure and rustic ambiance add to the charm of the place. If you are looking for home-like food and home-like warmth; No place can match the charm of Govi Gedara.
Must try: Pitas, String Hoppers and Kothas
opening time: 11:30 am to 4:30 pm
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8. Priyamali Gedara: Savor exotic varieties of local curries
Place: 1595 Bandiwewa, Jayantipura, Polonnaruwa 51000, Sri Lanka
Next on the list is Priyamali Gedara – a place that is famous for serving huge varieties of local curries. Jackfruit curry, breadfruit curry, lotus root curry, drum stick curry, banana flower curry and egg plant curry – the list is endless and each recipe tastes unique and different. Run by a warm and friendly owner, Priyamali Gedara completely satisfies the heart and soul after a nutritious meal.
Must try: Fish balls, coconut jaggery and fried lake fish
opening time: 11 am to 8 pm
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9. Maha Kithula: When you feel like eating home-cooked food
Place: 1618 Bendiwewa, Polonnaruwa 51000, Sri Lanka
Maha Kithula Restaurant in Polonnaruwa serves everything from exotic non-veg to traditional veg recipes. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is a place to relax and enjoy soulful food. The warmth and personal attention shown by Needika-the owner makes this place completely homey.
Must try: Spicy Chicken Curry and Local Cakes
opening time: day and night
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10. Mahanuge Restaurant: For a casual dinner date
Place: 26th Mile Post, Polonnaruwa 51000, Sri Lanka
Hotel Mahanuge is a popular hotel in Polonnaruwa and its in-house restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Polonnaruwa. Artfully decorated with local flowers, this place is famous for an exquisite dining experience. The place even customizes the menu with gluten-free and vegetarian variants as per guest requests. With a cozy and serene ambiance and excellent food, Mahanuge Restaurant is definitely one of the best places to enjoy a romantic dinner in Polonnaruwa.
Must try: Curry, fresh fruits and buffalo curd
opening time: 7 am to 10 pm
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While vacationing in this unique city, check out these amazing restaurants in Polonnaruwa. If you are planning your holidays to Sri Lanka soon this year, keep some of these places in the plan.
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