Salt Mirissa Resort — Restaurant in Southern Province

I hate to write bad reviews about places, but this incident really disappointed us, big time. Last Sunday night, my friend and I went to the restaurant, expecting a good night as the reviews mentioned they had a good night life in Mirissa. So, once we came to the restaurant, we ordered a few cocktails, and when my friend went to pay for the bill, the two men that were standing at the entrance to the cashier stopped my friend and started questioning him. Not to mention, we are both locals and we expect to be treated fairly the same as the foreigners. So, the two men started saying that this was a private party and they expected a 3000 LKR entrance fee for men, and ladies could walk in free. We were trying to convince them that our only intention was to pay now, not to enter the party whatsoever. But they kept on questioning my friend too much, to the point where I got super frustrated! One is because the waiter himself only told us to go to the cashier to pay for our drinks and grab them, but these two guys didn't seem to get the point. Somehow, after so much explaining, me and my friend were able to make it to the cashier, pay for our drinks, and head to the beach to enjoy our drinks. After a few minutes, we wanted to do tequila shots, and we had to take ONE OF THE WAITERS along with us to assure these two men:). Then comes the best part. We were, of course, enjoying the ambience, the atmosphere, and the vibe, but what really threw us off was the fact that these two men allowed almost every foreign guy to enter the party without paying a cent, whereas whenever a local had to enter, they started blocking (????). What a joke. If they wanted the locals to pay 3000 LKR, they should have mentioned it on their instagram or something, rather than ask too many questions in front of the crowd. It was super infuriating as a LOCAL to see this from a LOCAL PLACE. Just saying, we were willing to pay 3K and enjoy our night without a second thought IF ONLY they hadn't treated us this way. We even had lunch at this place, and the food was good, but if they treated the locals this way, I am sure none of the locals would want to come to Salt Mirissa. We would never come here again....

Regarding the restaurant service, it is possible to understand variables, due to the intensity of this type of work, and we can all be tolerant and adapt, because we all have better and worse days, but there is one thing that is not human and dignified, and that is seeing animal abuse, constantly, while trying to have a good time. It is a serious problem in Sri Lanka, recognized by tourists, and almost unrecognized by locals, and unfortunately, these stray dogs try to survive, because it is the only option they have and that their society denies them. That is a reality and local social responsibility that is denied and ignored, because it is the most comfortable, and in the many many many culture, stray dogs do not give many, so they are left over, but from there to mistreating them, being violent and aggressive with them, discriminating against them, scaring them, throwing stones at them, and several of the actions they have in this place, as in most restaurants on the beach, is something that speaks of your values, to begin with, and the respect with which they are managed. And it is not pleasant at all to observe this type of attitude, which only shows the superficiality of the place and its people. It is your responsibility as a society, because it is a problem created by your entire society. And it is no longer a question of money, it is a question of education, awareness with other living beings, respect, dignity and empathy, values ​​that obviously are not represented in your...

Nestled on the stunning shores of Mirissa, Salt is more than just a restaurant — it’s an experience. With its laid-back coastal vibe, fresh seafood, and unbeatable sunset views, Salt has quickly become a favorite among travelers and locals alike.

The menu is a perfect balance between Sri Lankan flavors and international classics. From beautifully grilled seafood platters to juicy burgers and vegan-friendly options, there’s something for everyone. Every dish is made with fresh, local ingredients — and you can taste the difference.

The cocktail game here is strong too. Whether you’re sipping a classic mojito or trying their signature Salt special, you’ll want to linger a little longer with your drink in hand as the waves crash nearby.

What really sets Salt apart is the atmosphere. Friendly staff, chilled music, and an open beachfront layout make it the ideal spot to unwind — whether it’s for a lazy lunch, sunset drinks, or a lively evening dinner. There’s often live DJs or events happening, giving the place a unique, upbeat energy after dark.

Highlights: • Breathtaking beachside location • Fresh seafood and vibrant flavors • Great vegan and vegetarian options • Excellent cocktails • Relaxed vibe with occasional live music or DJ nights

Final Verdict: If you’re in Mirissa, Salt is a must-visit. Come for the food, stay for the vibes — and leave with...