Smoke & Bitters, a coastal venue on Pehembiya Beach in Dikwella, Sri Lanka, 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 over 300 members of the Asia's 50 Best Bars Academy, recognizes an establishment that has delivered exceptional hospitality over the past 18 months, setting a new benchmark for guest experience across the region.
Since opening in January 2020, Smoke & Bitters has risen steadily. 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.
Co-founded by 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—smoked or chargrilled—as signified by 'Smoke' in the name, while 'Bitters' reflects indigenous Sri Lankan herbs and spices that dominate a cocktail menu inspired by global cultures. Hospitality lies at the core of the experience, with a relaxed yet attentive service that reflects Sri Lanka's culture of warmth and generosity.
The drinks menu draws inspiration from early Tiki pioneers while integrating local ingredients and techniques. Signature serves include the Bananarama, combining smoked wild bee honey with Rockland arrack, banana peel, falernum and smoked hellfire bitters; the Mai Chai, blending Ceylon chai tea with rum, triple sec, spiced orgeat and chai syrup; and Pani Like Dodang, balancing Sri Lankan sweet orange and gin with ginger honey, triple sec, salt and pepper, mint and orange bitters. The bar is recognized for its ingredient-led cocktails built around seasonal local produce such as 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." Don Ranasinghe and Lahiru Perera, Co-Founders of Smoke & Bitters, 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 as well."
The Michter's Art of Hospitality Award is the first of two special accolades 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 also be livestreamed on the 50 Best YouTube channel.
