Mirissa is famous for its laid-back charm and great food (in addition to its beautiful stretch of beach and turquoise blue waters of course!), and Zephyr Restaurant & Bar goes up and beyond this reputation, with their fresh seafood dishes, burgers and great cocktails, complemented by friendly staff.

A group of like-minded friends came together to create their version of the ultimate beachside haven on a beach of palm fringed perfection, and Zephyr Mirissa was born in mid-2014. Zephyr Arugam Bay was opened in May this year.

The restaurant is easily one of the best on the crescent shaped beach that is Mirissa, both for its food and funky atmosphere. Items are decently priced, carefully prepared and absolutely delicious! All their produce is sourced daily from local markets to ensure ultimate freshness and to support growers, farmers and fisherman who use traditional methods. They have the catch of the day displayed at their seafood station (in front of the restaurant) every evening at sunset, where customers can select their own seafood and have it cooked to their liking. 

Deep south prawn curry with steamed rice, coconut sambol, mango chutney and papadum
 

The restaurant focuses on fresh seafood, offering a great mix of Sri Lankan and continental dishes. The menu, which includes breakfast items, bar snacks, wraps, melts, salads, mains and desserts, is appetizing, to say the least. Their crispy prawns with wasabi mayo is a crowd-puller when it comes to starters, while their deep south prawn curry with steamed rice, coconut sambol, mango chutney and papadum (LKR 1100) is absolutely yummy as a main. They also offer pan-fried mullet with creamy mash and mixed green salad (LKR 1000), chillie jaggery beef tenderloin with coconut gravy and mash (LKR 1000), grilled chicken with creamy mushroom sauce and mash (LKR 800), Negombo style crab curry with steamed rice, traditional lentil curry and coconut sambol (LKR 1300) and Sri Lankan style mustard pork (LKR 900).

The Zephyr burger

Don’t forget to try out the famous Zephyr burger (LKR 900) which comes with a spiced beef patty, crispy bacon, topped with an egg – absolutely to-die-for!  For dessert, their brownie with ice-cream (LKR 550) has gathered visitors from near and far!

“We have been lucky enough to get good feedback regarding our food and this has really propelled the Zephyr brand. We try to constantly better our own standards as we move forward,” opined one of the proprietors.

They also offer a range of beverages, inclusive of fresh fruit juices - papaya, pineapple, passion fruit, watermelon, lime, mango and mixed fruit (LKR 350 – 400), some healthy juice options – namely cucumber, mint and lime and carrot and tamarind (LKR 400) – smoothies that come in the variety of mango, mango and coconut, carrot and passion fruit and strawberry (LKR 500 – 600) and an interesting mix of cocktails (LKR 600 – 800).

In a relatively short lifespan, Zephyr has garnered quite a number of local and foreign appeal, with customers coming back several times during the year. “We have been privileged to meet so many great people from all around the world who appreciate our unique personality and vibe. A mix of good food and drink, coupled with stunning locations, good music and friendly staff is what has enabled us to gain and maintain our popularity.”

Zephyr is also known for its musical entertainment, when it features both local (The Slipping Chairs, namely) and foreign artistes on certain nights. Their signature event; Weekend with Flatboys held last December, saw DJs from Germany play over a weekend of sunshine and chilled vibes. They are set to return for NYE celebrations this year.

At any given time, you’re sure to see a potpourri of customs enjoying what Zephyr has to offer. Lounging, swimming, eating and drinking seem to be the order of the day here, echoing the spirit of Mirissa itself.

Future plans? “We are excited to expand the Zephyr brand in to other areas of the country. We look forward to propelling Zephyr as a lifestyle brand in the years to come, expanding in to different segments of the hospitality industry.”

Open for: breakfast, lunch and dinner  
Address: 220/8, Galle Road, Udupila, Mirissa
Contact: 0414545044, 0777536653, 0777502222
Email: [email protected]

Reviewed by Jennifer Rodrigo
Photographs courtesy Zephyr