Although this restaurant seems to be attached to a hotel, don’t let this put you off because, in any case, it feels quite separate. Nor the way you approach it via a dimly lit path. Nor its vast menu. Once you’re settled in, it’s really rather good. It’s actually quite large, with tables set up on a spacious deck as well as liberally across a wide expanse of beach. Sri Lankan service is not noted for its speed so we were impressed when our drinks with some nibbles chosen from the menu turned up (a) quickly, and (b) all at the same time. We needed time to scan the extensive menu before making our choices. On offer were curries, pizzas and pastas, fish and meats either oven-cooked or barbequed, vegetarian dishes, plus desserts. Two of us opted for barbequed chicken which was cooked to perfection although we reckon we each got half a bird, so probably a bit generous. Our third guest went for grilled tuna. We also ordered a couple of salads. Tons of food was delivered in reasonable time (bearing in mind the need to barbeque) and indeed it quickly became obvious that we had over-ordered, so beware of this! Drink wise we started with shorts plus mixers then moved on to a Chilean sauvignon blanc. Service was charming and was only let down by the time it took to get the bill. Perhaps due to our overzealous...Although this restaurant seems to be attached to a hotel, don’t let this put you off because, in any case, it feels quite separate. Nor the way you approach it via a dimly lit path. Nor its vast menu. Once you’re settled in, it’s really rather good.
It’s actually quite large, with tables set up on a spacious deck as well as liberally across a wide expanse of beach. Sri Lankan service is not noted for its speed so we were impressed when our drinks with some nibbles chosen from the menu turned up (a) quickly, and (b) all at the same time. We needed time to scan the extensive menu before making our choices. On offer were curries, pizzas and pastas, fish and meats either oven-cooked or barbequed, vegetarian dishes, plus desserts. Two of us opted for barbequed chicken which was cooked to perfection although we reckon we each got half a bird, so probably a bit generous. Our third guest went for grilled tuna. We also ordered a couple of salads. Tons of food was delivered in reasonable time (bearing in mind the need to barbeque) and indeed it quickly became obvious that we had over-ordered, so beware of this!
Drink wise we started with shorts plus mixers then moved on to a Chilean sauvignon blanc.
Service was charming and was only let down by the time it took to get the bill. Perhaps due to our overzealous appetites and the amount of drinks we ordered, the bill was quite high for Sri Lanka – just under GBP25 a head. Not expensive for London but high for here, we thought.
Nevertheless, we have no hesitation in recommending the Tartaruga Restaurant provided you don’t go over the top!More