Budget-Friendly Dining Spots for Backpackers in Nuwara Eliya

While Nuwara Eliya may not have big-name fast-food chains like McDonald’s, Burger King, or Popeye, it does offer plenty of dining options that cater to visitors on a budget. Whether you’re a backpacker, a traveler keeping an eye on expenses, or someone simply looking for affordable yet satisfying meals, this town has something for you. With its charming ambiance and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya adds a special flavor to every dining experience, making even budget-friendly spots worth trying. In this blog post, “Budget-Friendly Dining Spots for Backpackers in Nuwara Eliya,” I’ve compiled a list of eateries where you can enjoy good food without breaking the bank. The list is in alphabetical order—not ranked by service quality or popularity—and includes personal recommendations from my years of dining here. While reviews on sites like TripAdvisor can be conflicting, this guide is designed to offer tried-and-tested options to make your visit memorable. [Image: Bottles of ketchup on the tables at De Silva Food Centre during a lull in diners in September 2013.]

Note: I haven’t included pictures of food items, as this post isn’t a detailed review of each restaurant, but a general guide to the best budget-friendly spots in town.

Ambaal’s Café

Formally known as Ambaal’s Pure Vegetarian Hotel & Restaurant, locals often refer to it as Ambaal’s Café or simply Ambaal’s. With a strong 4.2-star rating on Google, it’s become a popular spot for vegan Indian cuisine. Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, it offers a range of traditional dishes, including favorites like Ulundu Vadai (Medu Vada) and Ghee Masala Dosai. While the food is highly regarded, the restaurant itself is small, making it challenging to find a seat during peak hours. Parking is also limited, so visiting during busy times can be a hassle. Due to these limitations, takeout is often a better option than dining in, especially during high-demand periods. Despite the smaller size and parking difficulties, Ambaal’s remains a beloved choice for anyone craving flavorful, vegan Indian dishes. It’s worth a visit, just plan accordingly for peak times.

Araliya Food Court

Located within the Araliya Green City Hotel, rated 4.0 stars in Google reviews, the Araliya Food Court offers a variety of menu items for those seeking a more satisfying meal. If you’re tired of the dry, disappointing, Crispy Chicken Burger found at many places in the city, this is the spot to find a juicy, flavorful burger. Alongside a diverse menu, they also offer a range of beverages (excluding alcohol). The dining area is spacious and comfortable, making it a pleasant place to enjoy your meal. However, the parking situation is less than ideal, with roadside parking available, which feels out of place for a food court in a 5-star rated establishment like Araliya Green City Hotel. While the quality of the food and atmosphere is excellent, the prices here are relatively high compared to other restaurants on this list, making it more of a splurge for those looking for something special.

De Silva Food Centre

De Silva Food Centre, once a vibrant dining spot in Nuwara Eliya, no longer carries the charm it had in its prime. With a 3.8-star rating on Google Maps, it’s a decent choice but far from exceptional, making it the last restaurant on my list of recommendations. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM, it offers convenience for any meal. Its location in the busy town center makes it easy to find but comes with drawbacks like noise and crowds, especially during peak hours. While parking is ample—an advantage during the holiday season—the restaurant’s limited seating often makes finding a table challenging. The ambiance feels lackluster compared to its former glory, and the food, while reasonably priced, doesn’t particularly stand out. While it’s a practical option for a quick meal, there are better restaurants in Nuwara Eliya that offer a more enjoyable overall experience.

Dhenuka Hotel

Dhenuka Hotel, a well-established eatery in Nuwara Eliya, has been serving the community since the early ’80s when it was fondly known as Dale West. With an impressive 4.7-star rating on Google Reviews, it’s a go-to spot for those craving spicy rice and curry at reasonable prices. The dining area is spacious and comfortable, making it a great place to enjoy your meal. If you’re looking to indulge in flavorful, authentic Sri Lankan dishes, Dhenuka Hotel is a solid choice. However, one downside is the parking situation—only roadside parking is available, and it can be difficult to find a spot, especially during peak times. Despite this, the Dhenuka Hotel remains a popular destination for both locals and visitors. They’re open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, providing ample time to enjoy a hearty meal. For a taste of traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry meals in a welcoming setting, Dhenuka Hotel is worth a visit. (A smaller outlet is located right in front of Cargills Food City.)

Grashia Restaurant

Don’t be put off by the quirky name or the 3.5-star rating on Google Reviews. Despite its modest reputation and less-than-ideal location—a small eatery wedged between “Colourz” (a textile shop) and De Silva Food Centre—Grashia offers a wide variety of delicious food, soups, and beverages at reasonable prices. Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM, this humble spot serves up a satisfying range of meals, perfect for budget-conscious diners. While it may not have the most convenient location, the food quality more than makes up for it. One drawback, however, is the lack of dedicated parking. Like the other restaurants in this block, parking is on the street, directly in front of the eatery. Since the parking spots are limited, they can quickly fill up, so be prepared to hunt for a spot during peak times. Despite this, Grashia remains a hidden gem worth visiting.

Milano Restaurant

Milano Restaurant, with a 3.6-star rating on Google Maps, remains a solid choice for a meal, though it doesn’t stand out as exceptional. The cozy, dimly lit atmosphere reminiscent of the 90s has been replaced by bright white lights, changing its once nostalgic feel. Open from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM, it offers flexibility for a meal any time of the day. Located just a few meters from De Silva Food Centre, there’s plenty of parking available, even during the busy holiday season. While the restaurant offers a peaceful atmosphere compared to the more chaotic De Silva Food Centre, its small size can make finding a seat difficult during peak hours. Though not as lively or impressive as some other options, Milano Restaurant still provides a comfortable, quieter place to enjoy a meal in Nuwara Eliya, making it a reliable choice despite its limitations.

Pizza Hut

When Pizza Hut opened its first outlet in Nuwara Eliya eight years ago, I never expected it to last long in my quiet hometown, but it has. Although I’ve never personally dined at the restaurant in town, it holds a 4.2-star rating on Google Reviews despite receiving several negative reviews on TripAdvisor. Like other Pizza Hut locations across the country, this outlet offers both home delivery and dine-in options. I once placed a home delivery order and was pleased to receive it within a reasonable time frame. The taste and quality were on par with other Pizza Hut restaurants, and I was very satisfied with my meal. For those who prefer dining in, ample parking is available. Despite its mixed reviews, Pizza Hut remains a reliable choice for a pizza craving in Nuwara Eliya, offering familiar menu options and consistent service that many have come to expect.

Remarko Restaurant & Bakery (Main Outlet)

Remarko Bakers is a relatively new addition to the Nuwara Eliya dining scene, with a 3.6-star rating on Google Maps, indicating it’s a solid but not outstanding choice. Open every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, it offers an extensive menu that includes cakes, bread, buns, burgers, savories, sandwiches, pizzas, pastries, sweets, beverages and even main meals. One of its standout features is the custom cake design section, where customers can order personalized cakes for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and more. While it may not have the same history as De Silva Food Centre or Milano Restaurant, Remarko Bakers brings variety and convenience to the table. However, parking is limited to roadside spots, which can be a hassle, especially during peak hours. They also offer a limited delivery service, which can be reached at 075-5500200 (Extension No: 05), making it a practical option for those seeking a quick bite, a main meal or a special cake.

Remarko Express (Bandaranaike Mawatha)

Remarko Bakers has a smaller outlet located on Kandy Road, next to the Daily Fair. While I couldn’t find any ratings for this specific location on Google Reviews, it maintains the same standard of quality as its sister outlets. If you’re arriving in Nuwara Eliya via Kandy Road and don’t want to go out of your way to visit Remarko Express or the main outlet, this smaller location can be a convenient stop for a quick bite. It offers the same variety of food and baked goods that Remarko is known for, ensuring consistency across its outlets. However, a significant downside is the parking situation—finding a spot here is nearly impossible, especially during busy hours. If you’re planning to dine in, be prepared for the challenge of locating parking nearby. Despite the parking issue, this outlet is a good option for a quick, quality snack while on the go.

Remarko Express (Queen Elizabeth Drive)

Remarko Express, a recently opened coffee shop, has quickly earned a 5-star rating on Google Maps, reflecting its popularity and quality. Open every day from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM; it offers a diverse menu similar to its mother outlet, Remarko Bakers, with cakes, bread, buns, burgers, savories, sandwiches, pizzas, pastries, sweets, beverages, and even main meals. What sets Remarko Express apart is its much more pleasant and inviting atmosphere, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a snack or drink. However, parking spaces are limited, and it’s best to avoid visiting during peak hours to avoid any inconvenience. The coffee shop is small, which can make finding a seat difficult, especially during busy times. Despite its size, Remarko Express provides a relaxing experience, making it a top choice for those looking for high-quality food and drinks in a comfortable setting.

Remarko Restaurant & Bakery (Hawa Eliya)

If you’re staying near Boralanda or have arrived in Hawa Eliya, the Remarko Bakers outlet in Hawa Eliya is a convenient stop for a quick bite. It upholds the same standard of quality as its other outlets, offering the same variety of food and baked goods that Remarko is known for. Whether you’re on your way to Nuwara Eliya via Kandy Road or simply passing through, this outlet provides an easy option without the need to travel further to Remarko Express or the main outlet. The menu is consistent, ensuring a satisfying experience no matter which location you visit. However, the parking situation is a major downside—finding a spot here is nearly impossible, especially during busy times. If you’re planning to dine in, be prepared for a challenge when it comes to parking. Despite this, the outlet remains a reliable choice for a quick and quality snack.

The Pub

If you’re craving a delicious plate of reasonably priced Chinese, Thai, or local cuisine, accompanied by a keg of beer and soothing music in a relaxing ambiance, The Pub is the perfect spot. With a solid 4.0-star rating on Google Reviews, it offers a welcoming atmosphere for both casual diners and those looking to unwind. Open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM, it’s an excellent choice for a meal with friends or a relaxing evening out. While pubs are typically not the go-to for family dining, this long-standing establishment stands out for being safe and family-friendly, making it a great option for all ages. The only downside is that The Pub doesn’t have a dedicated parking space, so finding a spot nearby can be a bit tricky, especially during busy hours. Despite this, the overall experience makes it well worth a visit for a tasty, enjoyable meal.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, Nuwara Eliya offers a variety of budget-friendly dining spots perfect for backpackers and budget-conscious travelers. Whether you’re in the mood for local Sri Lankan rice and curry or international options like pizza and burgers, there’s something for everyone. Restaurants like De Silva Food Centre, Milano Restaurant, and Remarko Outlets provide great meals without draining your wallet. However, it’s important to remember that not all eateries in Nuwara Eliya accept card payments. Only Araliya Food Court, De Silva Food Centre, Milano Restaurant, Pizza Hut, and Remarko Outlets accept cards, so be sure to carry cash if you’re visiting other restaurants. While the food quality and ambiance may vary, these spots are great for a satisfying meal at a reasonable price. So, whether you’re in town for a holiday or a long weekend, these budget-friendly places will ensure you enjoy a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

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