The Merchant

We had dinner with the family on a very hot night and chose the indoor A/C area, though there's a lovely outdoor space too. The food came without a wait, and the grilled prawn with olive oil and garlic dip was the best dish I had. Everything tasted great and the portions were generous. Service was amazing. It's a bit pricier than other restaurants, but worth trying.

I'm very disappointed by our experience at The Merchant – Galle Fort. As a chauffeur guide, I brought guests there after driving for many hours and expected basic courtesy. I couldn't even get a simple glass of water or a small sign of respect as the driver. It seemed the attention was only for the paying guests and their money. Hospitality should include everyone involved in getting visitors there safely, including drivers who work long hours. This felt like the opposite of the warmth and kindness Sri Lanka is known for, and it was an eye-opening experience. Very disappointing.

The service during our visit was inattentive and below what we expected. More care and efficiency from the staff would have made the experience much better. The Merchant is in a beautiful, charming spot inside Galle Fort, and that location is its strongest feature. The setting has real potential, but the service needs to improve to match it. For now, it's decent if you're there for the surroundings.

The clean, comfortable room was very well maintained, and everything felt welcoming and easy throughout our stay at The Merchant Galle Fort. The staff were wonderfully friendly and helpful, the service was excellent, and the food was delicious. Thanks to Chamika and the team. We'd happily return and highly recommend it.