Sri Lanka’s Smoke & Bitters has been named the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, one of two special accolades announced ahead of the 11th edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier.
The award, voted on by more than 300 members of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars Academy, recognises an establishment that has delivered exceptional hospitality over the past 18 months. Smoke & Bitters — located on Pehembiya Beach in Dikwella, on Sri Lanka’s southern coast — was selected as this year’s recipient for setting a new benchmark in guest experience across the region.
Founded in January 2020 by Don Ranasinghe and Lahiru Perera, Smoke & Bitters was built around a singular ambition: to showcase Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage and ingredients through a contemporary cocktail and dining experience. The name reflects the bar’s two defining commitments — all dishes are prepared using traditional wood fire, either smoked or chargrilled, while the cocktail menu is anchored by bitters derived from indigenous Sri Lankan herbs and spices, drawing inspiration from myriad global cultures.
In 2025, Smoke & Bitters 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 held the title of Best Bar in Sri Lanka on the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list for four consecutive years.
The bar’s drinks menu draws from early Tiki pioneers while integrating local produce and technique. Signature serves include the Bananarama — smoked wild bee honey, Rockland arrack, banana peel, falernum, and smoked hellfire bitters — alongside the Mai Chai, which blends Ceylon chai tea with rum, triple sec, spiced orgeat, and chai syrup. Seasonal ingredients such as rambutan, mangosteen, and woodapple feature throughout the menu, underscoring the bar’s ingredient-led approach.
Hospitality, however, is described by the founders as the experience’s true foundation. Reflecting Sri Lanka’s culture of warmth and generosity, the team at Smoke & Bitters delivers service that is relaxed yet attentive — a balance of informality and care that has become a defining feature of the bar and the basis for its recognition with this award.
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. Congratulations to Don, Lahiru and the entire team on this well-deserved recognition.”
Co-founders Ranasinghe and Perera responded to the recognition in a joint statement”It’s honestly pretty crazy to receive the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award and see Sri Lankan hospitality being recognised 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 as well. From day one, Smoke & Bitters has been about creating a warm, relaxed space genuinely rooted in our culture — so to be recognised for our hospitality is incredibly meaningful.”
“Congratulations to Don Ranasinghe, Lahiru Perera, and the entire Smoke & Bitters team on winning the Art of Hospitality Award. Smoke & Bitters has become recognised as a destination for thoughtful hospitality, and we’re delighted to celebrate this well-deserved achievement,” said Matt Magliocco, Executive Vice President for Michter’s.
The Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award is the first of two special accolades to be announced ahead of the ceremony. The 11th edition of Asia’s 50 Best Bars will culminate in a live awards event at Wynn Palace, Macau on 28 July 2026, featuring a red-carpet celebration and the official unveiling of The Best Bar in Asia 2026.
The ceremony will be livestreamed on the 50 Best YouTube channel. Curated events surrounding the programme include the Bartenders’ Feast, highlighting Macau’s food and beverage culture, and Meet the Bartenders, an intimate media roundtable.
Smoke & Bitters
Pehebiya, Pehebiya Rd Dickwella, south 81200, Sri Lanka
