Hidden homemade pasta, backyard Middle Eastern dips, roti on the beach, and a hidden gem you must try – Madiha’s restaurants pack a punch. Welcome to our guide to the best restaurants in this stunning little surf town. We hope you enjoy it.
If you ask most people how long they stayed in Madiha, they’ll normally say one evening – one evening hitting the beers and the party at the Doctors House. Maybe they ate a pizza and washed it down with a fresh Margarita. But, likely, they won’t remember.
Madiha has long been a town where people visit for one night only. We think it’s a shame – the town has so much more to offer from its quiet surf breaks to its hidden little coves, stunning infinity pool apartments, a community vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere, and of course, the food, which never fails to surprise.
Here you’ll find a little bit of everything. Amazing local street food serving rotis on the beach, fresh sushi from hip rooftop bars, backyard restaurants dishing out hand-ground hummus, and freshly rolled Gnocci created with Italian love and care.
It seems that satisfaction is only one plate away.
If you’re planning to party at the Doctors House, we encourage you to come early to eat some food first. And if you’re staying a little longer, we hope this best restaurant guide helps you find the gems you’re searching for.
Madiha food at a glance
The good
- Variety – burgers, Italian, Buddha bowls, Benedict’s, local curries, and pizza. There’s a lot of options to choose from.
- Backyard restaurants – many are small homemade restaurants where quality is the top priority.
- Price – travel inflation hasn’t affected Madiha like other popular towns. Expect to pay 15-20% less than Ahangama or Mirissa.
The bad
- Limited selection – it’s a small town so if you’re staying longer than a week you can eat through all the options.
- Fine dining – there are almost no options for fine dining, if that’s your vibe, you’ll need to head to a bigger city.
10 Best Restaurants in Madiha
Komorebi
New for the 2023/24 surf season, this restaurant has become a top place to eat. If you only have time for one option, this would be our recommendation.
Run by our now neighbour Marco, he’s brought his Italian passion to the south coast. Expect deep-flavoured pasta sauces, cheese-infused hand-rolled Gnocchi, butter knife sliceable lasagne, and a few Arabic-inspired twists thrown into the mix.
Every pasta dish comes with a free starter of Focaccia. We didn’t think making Focaccia in Sri Lanka was possible, but Marco has proven us wrong. It was one of the best we’ve ever had and they even make a potato-infused version – perfect for dipping into their Turkish Eggs.
He’s always experimenting with new flavours, so if you visit, expect him to offer something unique off the menu. But, he claims Lasagne is his specialty, so of course, you have to try it – don’t be surprised when you have to roll to the beach slowly afterward, it’s big and rich!
- Cuisine type: Italian-Arabic fusion
- Great for: Brunch & Lunch
- Must try: Lasagne and homemade pasta
- Price: $$ ($7.5-10 per meal)
- Suitable for: Normal, Vegetarian & Vegan
The vibe is chilled and perfect for a lazy morning. It’s quite a surreal experience sitting on surf shack pallets in between giant Colocasia leaves while listening to Italian lounge music. But one we keep going back to week after week.
A dinner for two, including drinks, will typically cost you $15. If you’re in Madiha, you don’t want to miss out on this restaurant.
Location: Sri Sudharmarama Road
Spindrift
Everyone loves a rooftop restaurant, and Spindrift is one of the best on the South Coast. This part hostel, part social hangout, and part swanky restaurant serves unbelievable food from the early morning until past sunset.
They serve a great Western local fusion with classics like eggs benedicts, breakfast buns, burgers, or fish & chips against an alternate local menu made with international flair. Think Kottu with Malaysian spices, or noodles with a Singapore twist.
We love coming any time of day. Whether it’s in the morning to eat a western breakfast and drink the best coffee in Madiha, or the evening for a refined dinner and a few morish cocktails. We promise Spindrift won’t disappoint.
- Cuisine type: Western local fusion
- Great for: All day
- Must try: Eggs benedict
- Price: $$$ ($12.5-20 per meal)
- Suitable for: Normal, Vegetarian & Vegan
The owners, Charlotte & Josh, have done an unbelievable job of the aesthetics. Every detail seems like it’s been deeply thought about. From the pale pastel tones of the walls to the funky tiles on the floors, the use of carefully placed shadows, crisp parasols, and comfy black pillows. It’s the perfect place for relaxing.
Spindrift also has a pool you can use if you eat in the restaurant. We suggest trying their eggs benedict brunch and then chilling by the pool to let the food settle. If you want a more upbeat vibe you should visit on a Wednesday afternoon when The Spindrift throws a casual pool party with cocktails and a DJ.
Location: Sri Sudharmarama Road
Sara Kitchen
If you’re looking for something cheaper, Sara Kitchen is one of the best restaurants to get a meal for under $5.
This local homemade backyard restaurant serves your typical rice and curry, noodles, and fried rice. We loved the rice and curry which was served in small clay pots. The dahl was flavourful, the okra was cooked to perfection, and the sambal was on point.
- Cuisine type: Local rice & curry
- Great for: Dinner
- Must try: Rice & curry
- Price: $ ($2-3 per meal)
- Suitable for: Normal, Vegetarian & Vegan
The portions are a little on the small side but you can always ask for extra dahl if you want more. We like to order rice and curry with a side of noodles when we’re really hungry – you can definitely finish both between two people.
Sara Kitchen is located down a small side street in Madiha and feels submerged in the jungle – expect a nice quiet meal in a homemade shack to the sound of frogs and crickets. If you want a beer, Sara has some off the menu, just ask when you order ;).
Location: Madiha backstreets
Wood Space
Wood Space was one of our favourite surprise finds in Madiha. Down the same backstreet as Sara Kitchen, hidden away in a beautiful garden, is a perfect backyard restaurant that is great for brunch or lunch.
Here you’ll find a nice little menu with a mix of meat, fish, and veggie options. There’s not really a specific cuisine, you can get everything from schnitzel and mashed potato to teriyaki noodles, hummus plates, dumplings, shakshouka, or the classic avocado on toast.
If I’m being honest, I think the owners just prepare whatever they love cooking. And it shows – every meal is always on point packed with flavours, spiced to perfection, with the right condiments on the side, and crispiness to the edges. The food here is made with love and we’re sure you’ll love it too.
- Cuisine type: Homemade – a bit of everything
- Great for: Lunch
- Must try: Shakshouka
- Price: $$ ($7.5-10 per meal)
- Suitable for: Normal, Vegetarian & Vegan
When you walk in don’t be surprised if you think the restaurant is closed, typically you’ll often be the only people eating here. Just shout “Hi” into the main building and grab a seat. They’ll soon come out to put some chilled music on and take your order.
Make sure to try their iced tea. It’s freshly made and packs a great lime punch. Perfect for escaping that midday heat!
Location: Madiha backstreets
Sunset Roti Shop
If you’re anything like us, you’ve got a soft spot for local street food. There’s nothing quite like the steam of the hotplate as someone shows you cooking skills you never thought possible.
Madiha only has a couple of these places – and Sunset Roti Shop is the best. Here you can get fresh roti, kottu, noodles, and shwaramas made in under 5 minutes and for less than $2.
- Cuisine type: Local street food
- Great for: Dinner
- Must try: Kottu
- Price: $ ($1-2 per meal)
- Suitable for: Normal, Vegetarian & Vegan
The family is what makes this place so special. The son takes your order, the mum cooks, and the dad chats. It really is a local family-run establishment. Once you’ve done chin wagging, grab your grub and head to their makeshift tables on the oceanfront to eat whilst the sun sets. You’ll struggle to find a restaurant with a better view.
If you’ve ended up in The Doctors House or Bar 360 way past your bedtime, this is a great place to get a late-night snack to soak up those Lions.
Location: Madiha Beach
Surf Lodge
We have a few places we always go for a big feed after those long morning surf sessions at Madiha’s famous left and right breaks. And if we were counting, Surf Lodge would always come out on top.
This vegetarian and vegan restaurant serves the freshest food with the best selection of cakes and sweets. Their homemade bounty bars and banana bread are to die for, perfect for a post-surf energy boost.
If you fancy something to cool down you can go for one of their funky smoothie bowls. Mango matcha, peanut mocha, or a pina colada, every single option is great with sweet flavours, a bit of crunch, and topped with beautiful edible flowers.
- Cuisine type: Surf cafe vibes
- Great for: Brunch
- Must try: Smoothing bowls + mango iced tea
- Price: $$ ($7.5 – 10 per meal)
- Suitable for: Vegetarian & Vegan
If you’re looking for something more savoury, they have a great breakfast selection including oats, bagels, burgers, and Buddha bowls. Make sure to try their mango iced tea, Beth claims it’s the best she’s ever had.
The restaurant is placed within Surf Lodge’s beautiful garden which is full of flowers and chill-out spots. The aesthetics are amazing with low-back wicker chairs, green pastel walls, and orange ceramics everywhere, it’s an easy place to lose a good couple of hours.
Location: Madiha Surf spot
Khanna
We’d been to Khanna many times on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, in fact, it’s our top recommendation if you visit Arugam Bay. So we were pleasantly surprised to find they also have a restaurant in Madiha – and for sure it’s a contender for the best place to eat in town.
Flavours are these guys’ specialty. Their chef is a master of the spices, a connoisseur of contrasts – balancing bold, savory, and tangy tastes on a menu of familiar names.
You can find some interesting meals at Khanna, from pumpkin-infused hummus to miso mushroom pasta, powerful buffalo cauliflower, or the best chicken burger you’ll find on the South Coast. All of these come with a nice side of homemade pickles, crispy onions, and their famous spicy mayo sauce.
- Cuisine type: Western surf cafe fusion
- Great for: Dinner + drinks
- Must try: All of it, specifically the Quesadillas and Hummus
- Price: $$$ ($12.5-15 per meal)
- Suitable for: Normal, Vegetarian & Vegan
The vibe is inspired by their Indian owner, with lots of hanging plants, gold trim mirrors, flakey turquoise window frames, funky mythical paintings, and jibbing joke signs. Just sit back against the pillows on the wall, grab a cocktail, enjoy the quirky music, and dig into one of the best meals you’ll have on your trip.
The owner also sells her hand drawings on t-shirts for a great price, only $10. So if the meal leaves an impression on you as it did for us, you can take something permanent to remember it by… we’ve almost got the whole collection!
Location: Sri Sudharmarama Road
Swell Cafe
Swell Cafe might be the best value Western food in Madiha. There’s nowhere else you can find avocado on toast, burgers, pasta, smoothie bowls, or tacos for under $5.
Expect everything to look and taste slightly different from home. This is a local copy of the meals you know so well. But that’s not a bad thing. Everything is prepared well and tastes good – It’s a great place to come for a cheap meal if you don’t fancy local cuisine.
- Cuisine type: A bit of everything
- Great for: Brunch & lunch
- Must try: Mushroom Crostini
- Price: $ ($4-6 per meal)
- Suitable for: Normal, Vegetarian & Vegan
Swell Cafe is a cool vibe. The restaurant is a long alleyway off the street that’s covered in thick jungle bushes. The place is full of cool artwork, people chatting, digital nomads typing, and the smell of good coffee.
They also own the swell shacks hotel across the road, a great place to have a swanky oceanfront stay.
Once you’ve put your knife and fork down, head across to grab a passion fruit margarita or a tamarind arack, the guys run a buy 2 get 1 free happy hour deal in one of the best gardens to watch the surfers in Madiha.
Location: Madiha surf spot
Doctors House
If you want real Western food, The Doctors House is the place to go. This Australian-run Sri Lankan institution has brought the Melbourne street food scene to the South Coast.
The Doctors House has a proper wood-fired oven, so we always recommend getting something from it. Their pizzas have that right blend of melted cheese to burnt crispy edges, and they cook their famous big maniac nachos in their too – homemade cassava chips loaded with fresh guac, sour cream, spicy jalapenos, and cheese. It’s our favourite!
- Cuisine type: Global comfort food
- Great for: Lunch
- Must try: Manic Nachos
- Price: $$$ (Expensive)
- Suitable for: Normal, Vegetarian & Vegan
This bar, restaurant, and occasional nightclub is set in a 200-year-old former Dutch hospital and the owners have done a great job tying the building’s authentic features around the many bars, hanging fairy lights, and popping yellow parasols.
The Doctors House is always buzzing attracting hundreds of travellers every day. It’s basically a crime not to visit when you’re exploring Sri Lanka. If you want to combine a meal with an evening of booze and partying you have the choice of DJs on Wednesdays or live bands on Sundays… pick your poison.
Location: Madiha Beach
Back yard
Last but not least is Back Yard, a locally run restaurant and bar that occasionally throws some small but fun hidden parties.
Their garden is what makes this place a great place to eat. Hidden away down a backstreet near the surf, Back Yard has a beautifully put-together garden with fairy lights draped between the plan trees, sand-covered grass, and seating areas dotted around with enough space for a quiet meal – just the sound of the waves in the background and some chilled music at the bar.
Make sure to look up – they have some stunning hanging plants that look amazing at night.
- Cuisine type: Local Western fusion
- Great for: All day
- Must try: Roti wraps
- Price: $$ (Medium)
- Suitable for: Normal, Vegetarian & Vegan
Back Yards food is packed with fresh ingredients, even their fried food feels healthy to eat – their battered mushrooms are next level! Expect picked vegetables and fresh fruit dips on the side of savoury plates, it’s a nice contrast.
Back Yard does a great job of taking local cooking and fusing it with Western styles. Who would have thought Dahl cookies in a roti wrap would become one of our favourites!
Location: Madiha surf spot
1 Hidden Gem
We hope you like the recommendations and restaurants in Madiha, there are definitely some great options. Whenever we travel, we always stay for a long time in a town to hunt for those experiences and activities that are hard to find.
In Madiha, we came across a few, but if there was one restaurant that took us by surprise it would be Pot Biriyani. So if you’re staying in Madiha, we encourage you to visit – or order a takeaway and eat it in bed ;).
Pot Biriyani
Eating Indian cuisine in Sri Lanka, it’s a bit of a cliche. But every time we’ve tried a new Indian restaurant we’ve found something special, whether it’s the Thali’s in Ahangama or the Vindaloo’s on the East Coast. The Sri Lanka-Indian fusions just hit a bit different.
Madiha is the latest town to back this claim. Here, hidden away on the main road to Matara is one of our favourite go-to’s, Pot Biriyani. As the name suggests, their specialty is Biriyani, in fact, they only have 3 options on the menu – a chicken, mutton, or vegetarian version.
- Cuisine type: Indian Biriyani
- Great for: Dinner
- Must try: Biriyani
- Price: $ ($1-2 per meal)
- Suitable for: Normal, Vegetarian & Vegan
Pot Biriyani is all about sharing. You order for the size of the group you’re with – or a few more if you’re feeling hungry. The meal comes out in one giant clay pot with amazing sides of curd coleslaw, mint chutney, and chili gravy. Just grab a fork and dig in, it’s so tasty, me and Beth basically race to who can finish it first!
Pot Biriyani is a 10-to 15-minute walk past the Cargrills Food City near the Matara main road. It’s a simple restaurant with a few benches to sit on. Simple restaurant, simple food, it’s perfect.
If you don’t fancy the walk they deliver for $1, we always eat here when it’s raining or we’re feeling lazy.
Location: Matara main road
FAQs
Are the restaurants open all year?
Madiha is a seasonal surf town. Most of these restaurants tend to be open between November to April. Outside of these months, many will be closed.
However, you’ll always be able to find something to eat. The Doctors House stays open all year round and many of the local places will be open. If you’re struggling to find restaurants in the off-season, head to Polehna or Matara where there are many options.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?
Absolutely! Sri Lanka is one of the best countries in the world for vegetarians and vegans. We’re vegetarian and we’ve never had any issues in Madiha, and all our recommendations are suitable for both.
Most menus label their menus correctly so you shouldn’t need to ask often. As a general tip, be careful with the chili flakes in local restaurants. There are two types – one is vegan and the other contains shrimp. It’s hard to tell which is which and the locals don’t understand the term fish in this context. Make sure to ask if it doesn’t contain “shrimp” or you might be in for a little surprise.
Can I eat on a budget?
Madiha is one of the cheaper towns to eat on the South Coast and is very budget-friendly. There are many options to get meals for under $5 including Western restaurants, and prices tend to be 15-20% cheaper than other popular tourist areas.
If you’re watching the cash, the best way to save money is by opting for locally-owned restaurants. Typically a rice and curry all-you-can-eat buffet will cost $2 per person and rotis are less than a dollar.
Can you get delivery?
Delivery in Madiha is hit-and-miss. Most Western food options do not deliver, so you’ll need to order local if you want delivery. Pot Biriyani and Sara’s Kitchen both deliver which we order regularly… you can also get Pizza Hut delivered if you’re missing a bit of home.
