Happy Banana.

Down South (ie. Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unwatuna, Mirissa) is pretty popular for weekends, long weekends and general seasonal festivities. But with Hikkaduwa becoming slightly passe, the crowd’s edged a little further down the coast to settle alongside Unawatuna’s turquoise waters.

Here you get a cluster of beachside restaurants and bars unfurled across the bay’s curving shore, each conforming to typical beachside nomenclature: Lucky Tuna, Full Moon, Peacock…
Happy Banana is one of the better known joints, often used as both landmark and collection point – if you find yourself lost in Una, just tell someone to meet you by Happy Banana. You’ll be fine.

It’s a fairly nice place – minus the rather horrific faux coconut tree pillars. There’s a broad, semi-open indoor dining area and plastic chairs and loungers scattered out on the beach with a good view of the ocean and enough natural shade for those who fear ‘getting dark’. And the food, while not that cheap, is pretty decent, the menu including everything from spaghetti carbonara to pol sambol and parippu.

So what makes this place different from any of the other beachside eateries? Well, nothing really. You’d probably be alright at most. But the fried rice at Happy Banana is decent – loaded with plenty of butter and stock. The Sri Lankan omelette is good too. And the juices. In fact, most of the food here isn’t bad, in spite of the terrifying extensiveness of the menu.

However, Happy Banana’s probably a little too mainstream for Una’s more veteran weekend denizens, who prefer…well, we actually don’t know. We still sort of like it though. Not so much for the parties, but more for relaxing during the day and eating too much fried rice while wandering into the sea for intermittent dips.

The service, however, can be a bit hit and miss. And a few times they didn’t have chilli paste, which to a Sri Lankan ordering fried rice is pretty much a tragedy. So expect the erratic, but then this is the probably the same at most places down the strip.

But like Hikka, Una too is now sitting on the crest of a changing tide in our fickle loyalties. Apparently Mirissa’s becoming the new place to be. More on that soon.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide