Built in 1588 by the Portuguese (although it was the Dutch who occupied the fort from 1649 that built most of the fortifications which remain today) the UNESCO heritage site of Galle Fort is one of South Sri Lankas’ most popular holiday destinations. Whilst we were actually staying in Koggala, some 20km away, we had several very good meals at the Fort, enabling me to put together a selection of the best restaurants to be found there.
The Fort Printers
As with many of the best places to eat at in Galle Fort, The Fort Printers is actually based inside a small boutique hotel with the dining room located around the swimming pool in their bijou courtyard.
The interesting menu is predominantly Mediterranean in style with a strong focus on making the most of the exceptional local seafood with dishes such as Yellow Fin Tuna – available as Sashimi with Soy, Lime and Chilli, Kibbeh with fresh mint, yoghurt and pita or Seared with Coconut Rice and Olives – Grilled Mahi Mahi with Tahini and Salad or Sri Lankan Prawn Curry. They also have one of the Forts better selection of Vegetarian dishes including Fattoush, Beetroot Gazpacho, Corn Fritter’s with Avocado or Grilled Aubergine with Yoghurt. Expect to pay around $30 USD per person for a two course dinner including moderate wine.
Amangalla
Built in 1684, the historic Amangalla was formerly known as the New Oriental Hotel https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangalla until it was acquired by Aman resorts. The colonial style formal dining room has seating available both indoors and on their pretty covered terrace and is a true delight with its crisp white linen, beautiful antique silverware, crystal glassware and antique wicker furniture. It is the perfect destination for either an elegant pre dinner drink or a meal. The daily changing menu makes the most of the seasonal products available at the local market and on my visit featured dishes such as Coconut Poached Chicken and Banana Blossom Salad, Za’atar Grilled Tiger Prawns with Barley, Tomato and Broccoli Salad and my choice of Zucchini Fritters with Raita. Expect to pay around $30 USD for a one course lunch with a glass of wine
Deco on 44
Galle Forts only Art Deco hotel, Deco on 44 http://www.decoon44.com/ is home to the fantastic cooking classes led by executive chef Sugath Mendis as well as an attractive fusion menu, but I would recommend taking their traditional Curry and Rice as I think it is without a doubt, the best the town has to offer. We cooked a White Seafood Curry, Chicken Curry, Beetroot Curry, Spiced Dhal and two types of Sambal, one with Chilli and Coconut, the other with Gotukula which were then sent out for us to eat at lunch along with delicious Curried Okra, freshly fried Pappads and Steamed Rice. The cooking class is $40 USD per person which includes a market tour and lunch.
A British Girl Abroad 