Great — here are top beachfront dining picks around Sri Lanka (focused on the popular west/south-coast beaches where the best sunset/beach restaurants are), what to expect at each, must-try dishes, and quick practical tips.

Note: south & west coast (Colombo → Galle → Mirissa → Bentota/Negombo) are at their best November–April (clear seas and reliable sunsets). (thetimes.co.uk)

South coast — Mirissa (best for sunset, seafood, relaxed beach bars)

• Zephyr Restaurant & Bar — right on the sand, chic/bohemian vibe, good for cocktails at golden hour; try grilled tuna or a seafood platter. (thelandofwanderlust.com)
• Salt Mirissa — boutique-hotel restaurant with an elevated beachfront deck and seafood-forward menu; great for a quieter, slightly upscale sunset dinner. (thelandofwanderlust.com)
• Lava / Surf Shack / Mirissa Eye — casual beachfront spots with beanbags/wood-fired pizza, BBQ prawns and Sri Lankan-style grilled fish; excellent for toes-in-the-sand dining and live, relaxed evening vibes. (thelandofwanderlust.com)

Galle & Unawatuna (historic forts + surfy beaches)

• Unawatuna / Galle-front cafés & beach restaurants — many small beachfront places serve fresh crab curry, devilled cuttlefish and grilled reef fish; great combo of historic Galle Fort sightseeing plus a seaside meal nearby. (Galle Face and the Galle/Unawatuna corridor are popular seaside dining areas). (en.wikipedia.org)

Bentota & Kalutara (resort dining, seafood platters)

• Resort beachfront restaurants (Bentota) — long sandy beaches and full-service resort dining (seafood platters, coconut curries). Resorts like the established beachfront properties host reliable beachfront restaurants and sunset bars. Bentota is known for sand-and-sea resort dining. (thetimes.co.uk)

Negombo (closest to airport; casual seafood row and lagoon views)

• Negombo beachfront/seafood shacks — convenient for arrivals/departures and lively seafood restaurants on the sand and along the lagoon; try local crab and prawn specialties. (thetimes.co.uk)

What to expect / tips

• Best time to go: South & west coast November–April for calm seas and clear sunsets; east coast (Arugam Bay/Trincomalee) has its best season roughly May–October (different monsoons). (thetimes.co.uk)
• Reservations: high season (Dec–Mar) — book beachfront tables for sunset. Many popular Mirissa spots fill up early. (srilankatravelpages.com)
• Local specialties to order: fresh grilled reef fish, tiger prawns, crab curry, devilled cuttlefish, and Sri Lankan rice & curry; cocktails often use local arrack and tropical fruit. (srilankatravelbuddy.com)
• Budget: options range from budget casual shacks (very affordable) to boutique-hotel restaurants (mid–high). Bring some cash for small beach shacks; cards accepted at larger hotels. (srilankatravelpages.com)
• Dress & etiquette: casual beachwear is fine at most beachfront spots; modesty for non-beach areas and when visiting religious sites. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory (5–10% at nicer places). (srilankatravelpages.com)

If you tell me which part of Sri Lanka you’ll be visiting (Colombo/Negombo, Galle/Mirissa, Bentota, or the east coast like Trincomalee/Arugam Bay), I can give a tightly focused list with current opening hours and recommended tables for sunset — I can look those up now.