Must-Try Sri Lankan Seafood Dishes for Every Foodie
BY BHAGYA WIJESEKARA ⚆ Food & Dining ⚆ South East Asia

Seafood platter | Pier88.lk Restaurants
Are you a foodie dreaming of the freshest flavors in the Indian Ocean? While Sri Lanka is famous for its spices, the real culinary heart beats in the coastal escape of Aluthgama and Bentota. Imagine tasting the morning’s ‘ocean-to-table’ catch, perfectly paired with the secret, fragrant spices of a traditional Sri Lankan kitchen. If you truly want to experience the island’s soul, you simply cannot miss the vibrant seafood culture waiting for you at Pier 88 Restaurant and Bar, where every meal comes with a side of breathtaking riverside views.
Here are the best seafood dishes you should sample if you’re thinking of travelling to get a true experience of the island:
1. The Famous Crab Curry from Sri Lanka
A trip to Sri Lanka wouldn’t be complete without sampling the fabled lagoon crab. This meal, which is well-known for its sweet meat and spicy gravy, is made with a rich mixture of toasted spices and thick coconut milk. It goes well with some local roast paan and is one of the most sought-after seafoods in Bentota.
Crab curry | Sri Lanka | Pier88.lk Restaurants
2. Garlic Prawns with Spicy Butter
Jumbo prawns sautéed in garlic butter and regional herbs are a dream come true for anyone who likes a blend of flavors. This dish exemplifies the influence of world cuisine seen in Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. In order to ensure that the prawns are as fresh as possible, they are typically purchased straight from Aluthgama’s local fishermen.
Garlic Prawns with Spicy Butter | Sri Lanka | Pier88.lk Restaurants
3. The Greatest Platter of Seafood
Choose a seafood platter if you want to try everything at once. Grilled fish, tender calamari, and prawns make up a traditional platter, which is frequently accompanied with a side of tropical salad. Pro Tip: Savor your plate at a Bentota restaurant by the river for the most unforgettable experience. The flavors are enhanced by dining while taking in the sunset over the Bentota River.
Seafood platter | Sri Lanka | Pier88.lk Restaurants
4. Ambul Thiyal, a traditional fish
You won’t get sour fish curry like this anyplace else in the globe. This meal has a characteristic smoky flavors thanks to the use of black pepper and dried goraka, a sour fruit. For anybody searching for real Sri Lankan dishes, it’s a must-have. Many tourists now enroll in a traditional Sri Lankan cooking lesson to learn how to produce this culinary masterpiece if you’re interested in the art behind the dish.
Ambul Thiyal | Sri Lanka | Pier88.lk Restaurants
5. Lemon Butter Sauce with Grilled Lobster
Freshly caught lobster is the best option for a more opulent dining experience. Grilled lobster showcases the upscale side of riverfront eating in Sri Lanka, whether you’re enjoying a festive meal with family or a romantic sunset dinner.
Why These Recipes Shine in Aluthgama
In Aluthgama, both location and freshness play a vital role in making recipes stand out. Restaurants near the Bentota River offer a unique riverside perspective that elevates the dining experience. With fresh seafood, a relaxing riverbank atmosphere, and warm hospitality, this area has become a top culinary destination for locals and international visitors alike.
Pier 88: The Ultimate Riverside Dining Experience
For those seeking the perfect spot to enjoy these flavorful seafood dishes, Pier 88 Restaurant and Bar stands out as one of Aluthgama’s premier dining destinations. Whether you’re indulging in a generous seafood platter, savoring an authentic Italian pizza, or enjoying a sunset cocktail while watching boats drift along the Bentota River, Pier 88 offers more than just a meal—it provides an unforgettable experience. The combination of riverside ambiance, breathtaking sunset views, and exceptional cuisine makes a visit to Pier 88 a must for any food enthusiast exploring Sri Lanka’s southern coast.
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