Smoke & Bitters, the acclaimed beachfront bar on Sri Lanka's southern coast, has been named the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award in the lead-up to Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2026. This award, voted by more than 300 members of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, recognizes an establishment that has set a new benchmark for guest experience over the past 18 months. The recognition marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka's hospitality industry, as Smoke & Bitters is the first venue in the country to receive this honor.
Located on Pehembiya Beach in Dikwella, Smoke & Bitters has steadily gained prominence since opening in January 2020. In 2025, it ranked No.14 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars and No.67 on The World’s 50 Best Bars extended list, becoming the first Sri Lankan bar to feature on the global ranking. The venue has also been named The Best Bar in Sri Lanka on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for four consecutive years. Co-founded by Don Ranasinghe and Lahiru Perera, the bar showcases the island's culinary heritage through contemporary cocktails and wood-fired dishes, reflecting its name: 'Smoke' from traditional cooking methods and 'Bitters' from indigenous herbs and spices.
The award underscores Smoke & Bitters' commitment to hospitality rooted in Sri Lanka’s culture of warmth and generosity. The team delivers relaxed yet attentive service in a beachfront setting, creating an experience where guests feel genuinely welcomed. Emma Sleight, Director of Content & Creative for Asia’s 50 Best Bars, stated: "Smoke & Bitters has played a pivotal role in redefining perceptions of Sri Lanka’s bar scene. Its commitment to local ingredients, open-fire cooking and heartfelt hospitality creates an experience that feels both deeply personal and globally relevant."
The bar’s cocktail menu draws inspiration from early Tiki pioneers while integrating local ingredients. Signature serves include the Bananarama with smoked wild bee honey and arrack, the Mai Chai with Ceylon chai tea and rum, and Pani Like Dodang with Sri Lankan sweet orange and gin. The bar emphasizes seasonal local produce such as rambutan, mangosteen, and woodapple, underscoring its dedication to celebrating Sri Lanka’s natural bounty.
Co-founders Ranasinghe and Perera expressed their gratitude: "It’s honestly pretty crazy to receive the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award and see Sri Lankan hospitality being recognised on this level. We’ve always believed there’s something really special about the way people welcome and look after you on our island, so this means a huge amount not just to our team, but to the wider hospitality community in Sri Lanka as well." Matt Magliocco, Executive Vice President for Michter’s, added: "Smoke & Bitters has become recognised as a destination for thoughtful hospitality, and we’re delighted to celebrate this well-deserved achievement."
The Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award is the first of two special accolades announced ahead of the 11th edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier. The awards ceremony will take place at Wynn Palace, Macau on 28 July, featuring a red-carpet celebration and the unveiling of The Best Bar in Asia 2026. The event will also be livestreamed on the 50 Best YouTube channel. For more information, visit the Asia’s 50 Best Bars website.
