Pedlar's Inn Cafe and Restaurant — Restaurant in Galle

Disrespectful & Disappointing Experience Despite High Prices

We had a very unpleasant experience at Pedlar’s Inn Cafe and Restaurant, and it’s unfortunate because the place has a good ambience and decent food. But the service was extremely poor, especially from the staff in black shirts, whose behavior was cold, unwelcoming, and at times outright disrespectful.

From the moment we sat down, the treatment felt rushed and indifferent. The menu card was taken away almost immediately after just one person had a glance, not allowing others in our group to even look. We had to ask multiple times for basic things like water, and still were ignored. The black-shirt staff never paid attention, walking off in the middle of conversations without even hearing us properly. Only the staff in white and black shirts seemed polite and helpful.

One of the most upsetting parts was the clear difference in behavior towards guests based on skin tone. While lighter-skinned tourists were treated warmly, we (with brown skin) were barely acknowledged. It made us feel looked down upon, perhaps because of assumptions about tipping, which is unacceptable and discriminatory.

On top of that: • The bill was brought out very fast, as though they wanted us to leave immediately—even though the restaurant wasn’t even busy. • We ordered the same item twice but the second serving had a noticeably smaller portion and much poorer meat quality. Clearly, there is no consistency in food standards. • And despite all this, the prices were on the higher side compared to many better places around. For such expensive rates, the lack of hospitality and professionalism was shocking.

We expected a far better experience and left very disappointed. Management seriously needs to train the staff on how to treat all guests with basic respect and...

Pedlar’s Inn Café in Galle has a great atmosphere, especially if you enjoy colonial-style buildings with an artistic and cozy touch. The location is perfect—right in the heart of Galle Fort, making it a great spot to take a break while exploring. The menu is diverse, offering a mix of Western and Sri Lankan dishes, and their coffee is truly exceptional. I tried the seafood pasta, and it was fresh and full of flavor. The service was quick, and the staff was friendly, despite the place being busy.

However, the prices are a bit high. I understand that it’s in a touristy area, but some dishes felt overpriced for their quality. That said, the creamy chicken was fantastic—tender, rich in flavor, and perfectly seasoned. Also, their French fries were absolutely delicious—crispy and well-seasoned, making them a great addition to any meal. Plus, the portion sizes are generous, so you definitely get a filling meal, which makes the experience worthwhile despite the higher prices. The only downside is that seating can be uncomfortable when the place is crowded, which slightly affects the relaxing atmosphere.

Overall, it’s a great spot to enjoy coffee and soak in the beautiful surroundings of Galle Fort. If you’re looking for a nice café with good food and an excellent location, Pedlar’s Inn Café is worth a visit. Just be prepared for slightly higher prices, but definitely try the creamy chicken and the amazing fries! Would I return? Most likely yes, and I’d definitely have those...

TOO EXPENSIVE

I recently visited Pedlar's Inn Cafe and Restaurant, and overall, I found it to be an average experience. The atmosphere of the place is quite pleasant – it has a cozy and relaxing vibe, which makes it a comfortable spot to spend some time with friends or family. The staff were polite and attentive, which is always appreciated when dining out.

The food itself was decent, with a reasonable variety on the menu. However, I felt that the prices were quite high compared to other restaurants offering similar dishes in the area. While the presentation of the meals was nice, the portion sizes didn’t fully justify the cost, which makes it hard to consider it a great value for money.

I also noticed that some menu items seemed overpriced without offering anything particularly special or unique to make them stand out. For someone who is budget-conscious or looking for a filling meal at a fair price, there are other nearby options that might be more satisfying.

That being said, if you’re not overly concerned about cost and just want a calm place with friendly service and decent food, Pedlar's Inn can be a comfortable choice. I would say it’s a good spot for a casual meal, but personally, I feel the pricing could be adjusted to better match the quality and portion...