Here are recommended fine-dining options in and immediately around Bentota, with a short note on style, standout dishes/experiences, and booking tips.

1. Vivanta by Taj — Sea View / S.H.A.C.K. (Taj Bentota Resort & Spa)

• Why go: Upscale hotel dining with a dedicated fine‑dining restaurant (Sea View) and a romantic seaside seafood option (S.H.A.C.K. / Dinner by the Ocean). Good for candlelit, ocean‑front meals and curated seafood/continental menus. (oyster.com)
• Practical: Best for a special‑occasion dinner; reserve ahead (Sea View often opens for dinner only). Ask for a seaside table for sunset/sea view.

2. Paradise Road — The Villa (Villa Café at Paradise Road The Villa, Bentota)

• Why go: Boutique, award‑recognized property with a well‑regarded a‑la‑carte menu blending Sri Lankan flavours, seafood and European dishes (noted for crab/curry dishes, wood‑fired pizzas and desserts). Charming colonial‑villa setting good for romantic or leisurely dinners. (mapquest.com)
• Practical: Popular with both locals and travelers; reservations recommended, especially for dinner and weekend nights.

3. Avani Bentota Resort (Frangipani / Breeze)

• Why go: Resort with a dedicated fine‑dining restaurant (Frangipani) offering Asian/International and seafood specialities in a polished setting; Breeze/poolside offers refined casual dining. Good balance of quality and beachfront atmosphere. (holidaysplease.co.uk)
• Practical: If you’re not a hotel guest call ahead to confirm opening hours and request a quieter table/roofed area for a more intimate experience.

4. NH / Centara Ceysands (Ceylon Club / 360 Seafood / 360 Grill)

• Why go: Larger beachside resort on the Bentota peninsula with several higher‑end dining outlets (seafood/steak/Asian options). The 360/seafood grill gets recommended for surf‑and‑turf and ocean views. Good choice if you want variety and a polished resort dining experience. (businesstravelnews.com)
• Practical: Book for themed/seafood nights; ask about freshest catch of the day and wine pairing options.

5. Saman Villas (hotel restaurant)

• Why go: Iconic boutique hotel in the Aturuwella fishing village near Bentota with an intimate restaurant — excellent for refined local seafood and a relaxed luxury setting tied to a classic Sri Lankan boutique‑hotel experience. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Practical: Best for an intimate, quieter fine‑dining experience. Reserve in advance (limited cover).

Quick tips

• Reservations: For all of these, call ahead (or reserve online) — fine‑dining tables, ocean‑view seats and weekend bookings fill up in high season.
• Dress: Smart casual is usually fine, but Sea View and dedicated fine‑dining rooms may expect slightly dressier attire in the evening.
• Timing: Sunset tables are popular — request the timing when booking.
• Transport: Many of these are hotel restaurants; if you’re coming from elsewhere, confirm parking/taxi drop‑off location when you reserve.

If you want, I can: (a) look up current menus, phone numbers and exact addresses for any one of these places and make reservations where supported, or (b) tailor options to a cuisine (seafood, Sri Lankan tasting menu, romantic beach dinner) — tell me which and I’ll fetch details.