Zephyr Ceylon, one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved dining destinations, has been honoured with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025, a distinction that places it among the top 10% of restaurants worldwide. The award, based on millions of reviews and opinions from travellers across the globe, recognises establishments that consistently deliver exceptional experiences to their guests; a mark of excellence that Zephyr Ceylon has proudly achieved through passion, authenticity, and a deep-rooted commitment to hospitality. Speaking on the recognition, Chethaka Wijesekera, Co-Owner and CEO, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “We are humbled to receive the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025, placing Zephyr Ceylon among the top 10%. This recognition is thanks to our amazing guests, the community around us, and above all our incredible staff whose dedication makes it all possible.”
A Journey Built on Passion and Place
Since its founding, Zephyr Ceylon has redefined the dining landscape by blending Sri Lanka’s vibrant culinary heritage with contemporary global influences. The restaurant was born from a simple idea shared to create a space that celebrates Sri Lankan flavours, people, and the relaxed island lifestyle that defines the nation’s spirit. Located in one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque coastal settings, Zephyr Ceylon quickly became synonymous with soulful food, great music, and warm service. Whether it’s the aroma of freshly grilled seafood wafting from the kitchen or the sound of the ocean just beyond the terrace, every element of the Zephyr experience captures the essence of coastal living; laidback, vibrant, and full of heart. From the beginning, they envisioned Zephyr as more than just a restaurant. It was to be a gathering place, where locals, travellers, artists, and dreamers could come together to share stories, celebrate life, and experience Sri Lankan hospitality at its finest.
A Vision Rooted in Fusion and Friendship
Reflecting on Zephyr’s success and the award, Co-Founder Mahen Wijesekera shared: “Since the beginning, our vision has been to celebrate fusion Sri Lankan flavours and people. To be recognized with the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 is a true honour. We are deeply grateful to our guests, community, and our remarkable team who continue to drive Zephyr forward.” Mahen’s words encapsulate the philosophy that drives Zephyr, the belief that food is a universal language that connects people. Zephyr’s menu reflects this beautifully, fusing traditional Sri Lankan ingredients with international flair. From innovative takes on island classics with a creation of an Asian Fusion menu and handcrafted cocktails, every dish tells a story of creativity grounded in tradition. It’s this fusion of flavour and culture that has set Zephyr apart; attracting both locals and global travellers who come not only for the food, but for the experience. Guests often describe Zephyr as a “home away from home,” where genuine warmth meets culinary artistry.
The Heart Behind the Brand
While the food and setting have won hearts, the true heroes of Zephyr Ceylon’s success are its people. The award, as Chethaka and Mahen both emphasize, belongs most to the staff, the chefs, servers, bartenders, and hosts who embody the restaurant’s values every day. Many of Zephyr’s team members have been with the restaurant since its inception, growing alongside it. Their shared sense of pride, professionalism, and camaraderie has helped Zephyr maintain its signature blend of excellence and authenticity. “We’ve always said that Zephyr is a family,” notes Chethaka. “From the kitchen to the floor, every member of our team plays an important role in creating an experience that guests will remember. This award is a reflection of their dedication, their talent, and their love for what they do.” This emphasis on community extends beyond the restaurant’s walls. Zephyr has long championed local sourcing, working closely with nearby fishermen, farmers, and artisans to ensure the freshest produce and most sustainable practices possible. By supporting local suppliers, Zephyr not only guarantees exceptional quality but also strengthens the community that sustains it.
A Testament to Sri Lankan Hospitality
Earning the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 is not only a milestone for Zephyr Ceylon, but also a celebration of Sri Lankan hospitality itself. In a global tourism landscape that continues to evolve, Zephyr stands as a shining example of how Sri Lankan warmth, creativity, and resilience continue to captivate travellers from every corner of the world. In the wake of challenges faced by the hospitality industry in recent years, such recognition carries even greater meaning. It signifies a comeback; a testament to the enduring allure of Sri Lanka as a destination and to the commitment of those who keep its hospitality industry thriving. The team at Zephyr views the award not as a finish line, but as motivation to keep innovating. “This recognition inspires us to do even better,” says Mahen. “We’re constantly evolving, experimenting with new menus, elevating our service, and finding ways to surprise our guests. At the heart of it all is our promise to stay true to who we are, a place that celebrates Sri Lankan spirit with global appeal.”
The Zephyr Experience: Where Every Detail Matters
Zephyr’s success lies in its ability to make every guest feel seen, valued, and connected. The experience begins the moment one steps into the restaurant; the scent of cinnamon and sea salt, the rhythm of local music, and the gentle hum of conversation set the tone for an evening that feels both sophisticated and unpretentious. The restaurant’s design pays homage to its coastal surroundings, open-air spaces, wooden textures, and soft lighting create an atmosphere that’s effortlessly inviting. Meanwhile, the team’s attention to detail ensures that no two visits feel quite the same. Whether it’s a romantic dinner at sunset, a lively gathering of friends, or a quiet afternoon cocktail, Zephyr adapts to every mood and moment. Over the years, Zephyr Ceylon has become a must-visit destination not only for food lovers but for anyone seeking an authentic slice of island life, a space where good food, good people, and good energy come together in harmony.
As Zephyr Ceylon celebrates this milestone, the owners are looking firmly toward the future. Expansion plans are underway, with the team exploring new opportunities to bring Zephyr’s unique brand of Sri Lankan fusion and hospitality to other destinations. But at its core, Zephyr remains anchored to the values that started it all; passion, people, and place. For Chethaka and Mahen, the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award is a reminder of how far they’ve come, and how much more there is to achieve. “Every review, every returning guest, every smile, that’s what matters most,” says Chethaka. “Awards like this are wonderful, but the real reward is knowing that we’ve created something that touches people.” In an industry where trends come and go, Zephyr Ceylon’s story is one of authenticity, perseverance, and heart. Its recognition among the world’s top 10% on Tripadvisor is not merely a reflection of success, but of a shared journey, between owners, staff, community, and guests, who together continue to shape what Zephyr stands for: a celebration of Sri Lanka, its flavours, and its people. As the sun sets over Zephyr’s coastal home and the restaurant fills once again with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses, one thing is clear, Zephyr Ceylon’s journey is far from over. It’s a story that continues to unfold, one plate, one smile, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
