How much should two people budget per day for eating out in Sri Lanka?
Based on 1 discussion with 3 participants · Last activity: 4 days ago
TL;DR
For two people, a casual lunch or dinner in Sri Lanka is roughly LKR 6,000–8,000; a US$100 daily budget should generally cover three meals out. A meal for two at a better restaurant can reach LKR 10,000–15,000.
What the community said
Very cheap meals are available at local canteens and eateries: a simple meal can cost from about LKR 300, while LKR 1,000 can cover vegan rice and curry, chicken biryani, a Sri Lankan omelette, or several samosas/rotis.
4 days ago From LKR 300; a filling meal for LKR 1,000
A beachfront dinner for two with a couple of alcoholic cocktails costs roughly LKR 8,000–12,000 in a tourist area, or LKR 7,000–9,000 at a less touristy beach. Without alcohol, expect the lower end of these ranges.
6 days ago Beach dinner for two: LKR 7,000–12,000
One July 2026 expense record showed about LKR 17,000 spent in cafés and LKR 13,000 on groceries. Having access to a kitchen can reduce food costs compared with eating out for every meal.
17 days ago Cafés: LKR 17,000; groceries: LKR 13,000
For two people, budget around LKR 6,000–8,000 for lunch or dinner at a standard local café. Breakfast is usually cheaper, so three meals a day will not necessarily cost three times that amount.
28 days ago LKR 6,000–8,000 for two
At restaurants with better food, expect to spend around LKR 10,000–15,000 per visit for two. Choosing these places regularly can quickly make dining the main part of your daily budget.
28 days ago LKR 10,000–15,000 for two at a restaurant