Salty Swamis Arugam Bay

this is a beautiful cafe with comfortable seating with a view of the beach. The coffee was excellent and the food delicious. we ordered the banana bread, croissant and french toast and they were all lovely.

I’ve been coming to this restaurant for 4 years now and it never disappoints – whether it’s breakfast or dinner. This time was absolutely amazing: a high-quality burger, perfect tacos, and the best meat platter I’ve had in all my years in Sri Lanka. The food is always outstanding and the service is excellent – a must-visit spot!

We loved this place so much we came for breakfast all 3 of our mornings in arugum bay! The food is sooooooo good, especially the Hummus Plate and the Turkish Eggs. The coffee is incredible too- so nice to have a proper coffee after a couple of weeks in Sri Lanka. I’ll be dreaming of their hummus plate for a long time. Thanks guys!

Amazing food, service and atmosphere. We went back thrice over the span of a 4 day trip in Arugam Bay and would recommend to all! Everyone was very friendly, attentive and kind. The breakfasts, smoothies, juices and coffees are delicious.

Salty Swamis was one of my favorite places to enjoy breakfast in Arugam Bay. After a long surf session, there’s nothing better than treating yourself to a delicious, protein-packed meal — their avocado toast with poached eggs and bacon plate was exactly what I needed. And it’s one of the very few places in Arugam Bay that actually serves bacon! The space is super clean, beautifully decorated, and has a relaxed yet stylish vibe. In front of the café, there’s also a lovely boutique with beautiful surfboards, clothing, art, and unique souvenirs — perfect for browsing after your meal. Highly recommended for anyone looking for great food, good vibes, and a touch of surf culture in Arugam Bay!

Having consulted the musings of certain well travelled food writers, I was led to Salty Swamis for a late morning repast, and I must report that it did not disappoint. The flat white, so often a treacherous undertaking in distant lands, was here executed with aplomb. It was by far the finest cup I have encountered in Sri Lanka, both well crafted and handsomely presented. For sustenance I ordered the hummus bowl, supplemented with grilled chicken. Though hummus is no native dish of this island, I reasoned that with an abundance of chickpeas in the local cuisine it would be done justice. My instincts proved sound. The hummus was smooth and pleasing, if not quite to the lofty standards of North Africa, yet more than respectable in this corner of the world. The eggs were properly runny, a small triumph, and the chicken was moist and well cooked. I should have liked a touch more basting with herbs and spices to elevate its flavour, though it was nonetheless agreeable. The establishment itself is most pleasant, perched with a view of the surf where one may sit and watch the waves break upon the shore. The seating arrangements are varied, from floor-level pods to conventional tables, each furnished with a large fan that kept the air moving in the tropical heat. The flies, persistent though they were, must be regarded as part of the natural order and no fault of the house. To one side lies a small shop, not the usual parade of gaudy trifles but a collection of curiosities and surf attire of rather more character than the generic offerings along the high street. Salty Swamis, in sum, provided an experience both civilised and restorative, a place where one might pause, refresh, and take comfort in the knowledge that even in the far reaches of the island, quality and taste are not only possible but assured.

We came here few times for brunch! The food is very delicious, the setting is very nice with a wonderful view of the bay! The staff is very kind and welcoming! Despite other restaurant this one is more expensive, bite the food is really delicious!

WE LOVE SALTY SWAMIS. We stayed in arugam bay for 5 days and we came here 4 mornings in a row, the only place I’ve found in Sri Lanka that does a good matcha! We also ate here a few times and can recommend the pesto sandwich, fish tacos and the banana bread (although it is quite sweet if that’s not your thing). All of the staff are lovely, right by the beach so you can go for a quick dip and there’s a freshwater shower inside the cafe area.