Sri Lanka's acclaimed coastal bar Smoke & Bitters has been named the winner of the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award in the run-up to Asia's 50 Best Bars 2026. The award, voted for by more than 300 members of the Asia's 50 Best Bars Academy, honors an establishment that has delivered exceptional hospitality over the past 18 months, setting a new benchmark for guest experience across the region.
Located on Pehembiya Beach in Dikwella on Sri Lanka's southern coast, Smoke & Bitters has risen steadily since opening in January 2020. In 2025, it ranked No.14 on Asia's 50 Best Bars and No.67 on the extended list of The World's 50 Best Bars, becoming the first bar in Sri Lanka 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.
The brainchild of co-founders Don Ranasinghe and Lahiru Perera, Smoke & Bitters showcases Sri Lanka's culinary heritage and ingredients through a contemporary cocktail and dining experience. All dishes are cooked using traditional wood fire, while 'Bitters' reflects indigenous Sri Lankan herbs and spices that dominate a cocktail menu inspired by global cultures. Beyond culinary philosophy, hospitality lies at the core—reflecting Sri Lanka's culture of warmth and generosity, the team delivers relaxed yet attentive service, creating an easy-going beachfront setting where guests feel genuinely welcomed.
The drinks menu draws inspiration from early Tiki pioneers while integrating local ingredients. Signature serves such as the Bananarama combine smoked wild bee honey with Rockland arrack, banana peel, falernum and smoked hellfire bitters. The playful Mai Chai blends Ceylon chai tea with rum, triple sec, spiced orgeat and chai syrup, while Pani Like Dodang balances Sri Lankan sweet orange and gin with ginger honey. The bar has become recognized for ingredient-led cocktails built around seasonal local produce like rambutan, mangosteen and woodapple.
Emma Sleight, Director of Content & Creative for Asia's 50 Best Bars, said: "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."
Co-founders Ranasinghe and Perera said: "It's honestly pretty crazy to receive the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award and see Sri Lankan hospitality being recognized 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."
The Michter's Art of Hospitality Award is the first of two special accolades to be announced ahead of the 11th edition of Asia's 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier. The 2026 edition will culminate in a live awards ceremony at Wynn Palace, Macau on 28 July, featuring the official unveiling of The Best Bar in Asia 2026. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the 50 Best YouTube channel.
