The best place to take a nice rest and eat a pretty good meal is the Cafe Chill on the main road. There are few places on the island with the kind of ambience that Cafe Chill has. During the day it’s very relaxed as the name suggests and at night it gets busy with expats and locals having drinks and enjoying some good music.

A stalwart of the Ella dining scene, Chill Café has mushroomed from a roadside shack with just two tables into a two-floored behemoth of a restaurant slap bang in the centre of town. This buzzy, vibrant place overflows with travellers and adventurers of all ages, each eager to refuel on a selection of western and Sri Lankan favourites and punchy cocktails. Served with hand-cut fries and coleslaw, Chill’s famed burgers (beef, chicken or jackfruit) won’t disappoint after the hike to the top of Mini Adam’s Peak or, for something a tad more local, opt for lamprais.

Although it may seem unlikely that a roadside cafe can be chic, Cafe Chill in Ella has seamlessly brought the two together. Overlooking the gorgeous emerald-green tea estates of Ella, the upper deck which is built out of polished wood and a thatched roof, gives the cafe an outdoor-indoor feel to it, somehow making it both modern and rustic at the same time. While you’re there you can enjoy a drink in the evening and watch the sunset behind the tall peaks of Ella– go there at night or in the evening to end the day and to get more of a ‘bar-feel’.

Cafe Chill offers a wide range of Sri Lankan and western meals. The meals are on the pricier side (for Sri Lankan standard but still at least half the price of meals you will pay in Australia 😅) but the service is great and the cafe has a great atmosphere and ambiance 😊 This cafe is only open to foreigners, so the only locals you will see here are the cafe staff. We had the lumprais 🍲 which is a parcel of rice with ten different Sri Lankan curries oven baked in a banana leaf and served with some coconut sambol and papadums.

Nestled in the heart of Ella, Cafe Chill offers delicious local & international cuisine, while chill music is enjoyed throughout the day and night. This restaurant, as the name implies, is an ideal place to chill with tasty food, free WiFi, and friendly staff. The vibe of the place combined with the quality customer service set this place apart from others, which is why Cafe Chill remains one of the favourite restaurants in ella among tourists and locals alike.

Some of the most popular restaurants in Ella are Cafe Chill (first picture below), with a cozy rooftop terrace, and Rotti Hut, with massive rotti available with all kinds of flavors and fillings. Both offer decent cuisine, at touristy prices, but nothing compares to the delicious Matey Hut. The locally owned spot near the train station is literally located in a hut and serves some of the best traditional food I had during my month in Sri Lanka.

If you are looking for a nice place with good food, music, where you can crush for a few hours and chat, this might be a very good choice. We were trying to stay away from the rain and give some space to the little ones, we stumbled to this place, mainly attracted by the name. The cafe has 2 floors, there is an area with pillows and cushions and pillows where you can enjoy a nice tea and lay down and another part with normal tables and chairs.

This trendy and stylish restaurant is an all-time favourite spot in Ella that’s located right in the heart of the town, beckoning tourists and locals alike with its cosy atmosphere. You’ll be greeted by a blend of rustic and modern charm when you step inside. It’s not just the ambience that draws people in; it’s also the diverse menu of traditional Sri Lankan and gourmet delights from the East and West that keeps people coming back for more.

Cafe Chill is more than just a restaurant; it’s an Ella institution. Having remarkably evolved from a modest roadside shack into a bustling, multi-story establishment in the heart of town, it has become a central hub for both international travelers and locals. 6 Its journey mirrors Ella’s own ascent as a prime tourist destination, successfully adapting to and even shaping visitor expectations.

If you’re craving somewhere with a great atmosphere and a bit more special, Chill Out Cafe has a lovely 2nd floor terrace made of bamboo. The service is fabulous and the food is great- they have a wide range of food and you can get more traditional stuff as well as Western food styles so it’s good for if you’re craving an alternative to curry. They also put candles on the tables at night.

If you've had enough of being on the move and would like to be around music, people, sheesha, and great pizza, Cafe Chill lives up to its name whilst providing all those facilities. Don't get too late though because it gets incredibly crowded and you'll eventually have to wait to snag a table. Head to bed early, because you're going to be up a couple of hours before dawn again.

Café Chill, Ella Sri Lanka – The MOST HAPPENING PLACE IN ELLA!. I guess all the travelers come to Café Chill for dinner and when we had visited (around 7 pm), it was jam-packed (maybe because it was Christmas). The food is nice and the vibes at Café Chill was like global food and fun summit – people from all around the world, dancing, laughing and enjoying their meal.

Café Chill isn’t just a restaurant; it’s practically an institution in Ella. This three-story establishment offers a relaxed vibe with cushioned floor seating, regular tables, and a rooftop area with stunning views of Ella Gap. The menu is extensive, featuring everything from traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry to wood-fired pizzas, juicy burgers, and fresh salads.

Immerse yourself in the casual atmosphere of Cafe Chill, where courteous service awaits you. Indulge in a wide range of foods, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and delectable desserts. Not only can you enjoy the delicious offerings, but you can also easily explore this cafe with your tuktuk and satisfy your cravings for mouthwatering treats and beverages.

This place has ranked high on the ratings of both us and many other visitors; and therefore takes the place of honor as the top place to visit. Like its name suggests; the cafe is a really cool place to hang out in. It has an eclectic mix of artsy, retro and hippie decor that somehow combines well in a open and rustic hut-type cafe-bar.

Address: Cafe Chill, Wellawaya Road, EllaOpening Hours: 6:30 AM – 2:00 AM (Daily) Menu. Cafe Chill is hands-down the most popular cafe/restaurant in Ella, and they’re in the process of opening a second location in Port City (Colombo). On our first night in Ella, we were trying to find a place for dinner when we walked past Cafe Chill.

We also had some burgers one night at Cafe Chill which is the main backpacker/tourist haunt in town. It was heaving with people and we ended up on the roof terrace squished in the corner. It’s got good reviews on TripAdvisor but we found our burgers expensive and a bit average – maybe we’re just too in love with Sri Lankan food!

Furthermore, many places like One Love Bar organize themed nights, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you are winding down after a long day of exploring or just starting your night out, these locations provide a welcoming atmosphere. Additionally, don’t forget to try some local snacks that pair perfectly with your drinks!

Chill is the place to go to wind down after a day of hiking or to relax after a busy day exploring. Their space spans over three floors with the top floor having plenty of bean bags and floor tables to encourage you to really sit back and relax. They have a great menu featuring lots of local dishes and western bites.

Those on the lookout for a quick bite to eat or a midday snack will find that Café Chill is the perfect place to dig into some delectable local treats in a captivating location. The Dream Cafe coffee shop is equally impressive with its coffee concoctions, exciting breakfast menu options and relaxing outdoor seating.

Located in Ella, Café Chill is another highly popular spot known for its multi-level seating, vibrant atmosphere, and panoramic views. It serves a diverse menu catering to international tastes, including pizzas, pasta, burgers, and local favorites. It’s a lively hub for socializing and enjoying the Ella experience.

One of our favorites was Café Chill – the ultimate Ella hangout among backpackers and highly recommended by some of Dan’s friends. The top floor is filled with slouchy beanbags, which we spent a happy couple hours lazing on and sipping banana lassis. Oh, and munching on the potato wedges and aioli… life changing.

Café Chill, established in 2009, is a coffee shop and restaurant that is locally owned and operated. Nestled in the heart of Ella, Sri Lanka, it offers a serene oasis for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. As you step into this cozy café, you are greeted by a laid-back atmosphere and warm hospitality.

Cafe Chill is hands-down the most popular cafe/restaurant in Ella. Honestly, we were a little freaked out by how many people flooded the tables of this restaurant each night. We didn’t even know that so many tourists were staying in the town until we were trying to get a table at Cafe Chill for dinner at 6 pm.

This is one of the larger restaurants in Ella serving Western, Asian, Sri Lankan, Italian, German, Greek and every other possible cuisine. It’s great for groups and one of the better places to grab a beer or cocktail. However, go easy on the cocktails, they’ll leave you a nasty headache the following morning!

Cafe Chill holds a special place in the hearts of both locals and tourists. This beloved spot serves a delightful combination of Sri Lankan and Western cuisine, delivered with speed and exceptional quality. The real charm of Cafe Chill lies in its ambiance, which exudes a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.

Serving a variety of local and Western dishes, smoothies, and cocktails, Cafe Chill is a cafe during the day and a lively bar at night. The cafe has a newly built upper deck with a wave-inspired wooden roof, and the background music is well-selected. Visitors must try the lamprais, a local delicacy.

This had to be the most popular eating spot in Ella as it's located in the centre of the town, and the main strip of restaurants and cafes. It has a diverse menu with a combination of Western food and traditional Sri Lankan food, giving you the option to try something new or eat your home comforts.

It’s perfect for people on holiday, who want to have a few drinks in a beautiful place and don’t mind tourist prices. It’s open until 2am and has a DJ at night. We didn’t go but I like that it’s locally owned and has been around since 2009 with solid Google reviews.

Evidenced by the fact we went 5 times in the 3 days we were in Ella. It has such a great chilled atmosphere with bean bag chairs, friendly staff and great food. The 10 curry and rice dish wrapped in a banana leaf is a must, as are the passionfruit mojitos.

Café Chill is yet another popular haunt for good food and a menu which may seem a bit pricier than the rest but has a lovely ambiance. When it comes to offering both Sri Lankan and Western cuisine, it does have an extra edge in terms of quality and speed.

Chill Restaurant & Bar heeft drie verdiepingen, waarbij de bovenste verdieping beschikt over zitzakken en een mooi houten dak. Het heeft goede gerechten, maar bereid je wel voor op drukte. Ach, dat is vaak ook een goed teken.A23, Ella 90090 / hoofdstraat

What is an Ella travel guide without a wonderful bar/restaurant?. Cafe Chill is a place that is well known and for a reason!. While we were in Ella, we visited the place at least once a day – whether it was for lunch, dinner or a beer or a cocktail.

Cafe Chill: Treat yourself to freshly brewed coffee and delectable desserts at Cafe Chill, a cosy cafe with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Don't miss their signature cheesecake, a perfect indulgence after a day of exploration.

I totally recommend cafe chill, This place has a great atmosphere with amazing food and service. Also, their prices are so affordable. This was definitely the busiest cafe in Ella serving breakfast, lunch and dinner opened till 2 a.m

What to order: Vegan Lamprais, Blue Pea Flower Drink, Jackfruit Burger. Where is it: Central area of the main street in Ella. Cafe Chill is the most popular place in town but besides the beautiful interior, the food is just alright.

It was packed each time we dined there, but being multi level – we always managed to get a table. They have a great lounge area upstairs too. A great place to enjoy a cold drink and listen to live music whilst overlooking Ella town.

We went to Cafe Chill for dinner as some backpackers we spoke to on a passing train the day before had recommended it. It was incredibly busy out and we had to wait a while for a table but it was worth it as the food was delicious!

Cafe Chill is hands down the most popular place to eat in Ella and gets crowded early. They serve up spectacular local dishes, western meals, delicious cocktails and more. The interior is gorgeous and has beautiful decor.

Café Chill | I found this Café Chill on almost every blog about Ella I read. With vegan options and a variety of cuisine types, I had high hopes for the place. The food is a bit overpriced, even by Ella’s standards.

Rainbow Cafe - a vegan friendly restaurant, located in town, their nachos and "smoothie" bowl (which ended up being fruit chunks with yogurt) turned out to be a great stop for something a little lighter

Always packed with people and a decent menu selection, you really couldn’t go wrong. They also had really great happy hour deals and cheap beers to enjoy after a long day of exploring!

Our favouite place was Cafe Chill, which was recommended to us by our Sri Lankan guide, and I think this ended up being our favourite place that we ate at during our whole trip!

Both Sri Lankan and Western food are served here in a quick and qualitative manner. Its ambiance is a clear winner and the reason as to why Cafe Chill remains such a favourite.

Chill is by far the most popular place in Ella, and everyone seems to know about it. We loved the experience and the vibe but to be honest, we found better food at Ella 360.

Cafe Chill is where we had one of the best meals during our time in Sri Lanka. The restaurant serves a range of local and western foods at a reasonable price.

So it’s definitely a nice place to chill especially when Ella’s most popular eatery – Cafe Chill, is crammed with people.

Places like Cafe Chill and 360 Ella reflect this easy-going ambience. You can have dinner or drinks or both there.

They were able to cater well and I had the chicken and mushroom. Atmosphere is cool and drinks were good.