By skyforbes 
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN ELLA
CHILL CAFE
The best place to enjoy the vibrant traveller scene in Ella is at Cafe Chill, located right in the centre of town.
Cafe Chill is where the cool kids hang, and has distinct Bali/Thailand vibes – the airy, boho-inspired interior is super welcoming, while the kitchen serves delicious western-style food, cocktails and a decent soundtrack.
At night, the upper deck becomes a bar/lounge, perfect for a few Lion Beers. We can highly recommend the vegetarian burger, which was our western-style treat during a month of eating rice and curry.
THE DETAILS
Where | Ella town
Where to eat | Cafe Chill for western style grub and an array of alcohol, AK Ristoro for an Italian/Sri Lankan infusion
Cost | Mains start from LKR 650
AK RISTORO
After a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, AK Ristoro is back open, and serving up a delicious array of European and Italian-inspired cuisine (there’s also a smattering of Eastern-inspired food, too).
And we’ll admit, when we found this restaurant, we were in need of some home comforts after a month of eating rice & curry.
We sat in the bean bags, ordered a Lion beer and delved deep into the menu, and settled on two pasta dishes to satiate our appetite – the arrabiata, and carbornara. Both were delicious – the pasta al dente, and the flavours rich and tasty.
Prices are on the high side for Sri Lanka, but we highly recommend stopping here and enjoy a little taste of home.
THE DETAILS
Where | AK Ristoro
Cost | Mains start from LKR 700
RICE & CURRY AT MATEY HUT
We’re happy to admit to anyone that asks that Sri Lankan cuisine is among our all-time favourites. The taste, texture, and aroma of the Sri Lankan kitchen are impossible to beat, especially when done well.
After too much western-style food, we ventured into town and found Matey Hut, serving up a delicious array of authentic rice & curry. We tried the tray of 5 curries, with the Aubergine curry (brinjal) the absolute pick of the bunch, and after a massive, we left wildly satisfied.
We soon realised Matey Hut was the place to eat Sri Lankan food in Ella, so we returned the next day to devour more delicious curries.
If you’re after some of the best Sri Lankan cuisines, and some wonderfully authentic hospitality you simply can’t miss Matey Hut. Just be prepared to wait.
THE DETAILS
Where | Matey Hut
Cost | Mains start from LKR 300
OTHER RESTAURANTS TO VISIT IN ELLA
THE WHITE RABBIT | Super cosy tropical yard overlooking the train tunnel, where you can eat delicious Sri Lankan and international cuisine, drink tea, cocktails or coffee and just relax. Try the hibiscus-lime iced tea.
LITTLE RESTAURANT | Blink and you’ll miss it hole in the wall serving authentic rice and curry at very affordable prices
RAINBOW CAFE | International cuisine in a cosy, backpacker-style cafe opposite Chill. They serve really good brunch, if you’re after a nice smoothie bowl, pancakes or poached eggs on toast – winning!
CAFE ONE LOVE | Bob Marley-inspired cafe with chilled vibes, good music, amazing drinks and wonderful staff.