Restaurant SpotLight
The rise of Sri Lankan restaurants around the country is palpable and this is a list of restaurants that I love or have been on my radar for a very long time. When I put a spotlight on Sri Lankan food I want it to be authentic, interesting and, sometimes, just that little bit elevated to bring it to a celebratory restaurant standard.
Rambutan (Borough Market)
Rambutan is probably one of the highest rated and reviewed Sri Lankan restaurants in the UK. Chef Cynthia is a force of nature, building this restaurant to be an important introduction to the cuisine for many people in London and an introduction that goes off with a bang. She’s put time and heart into the exploration of Sri Lanka to further bolster both her menu and her fantastic cookbook Rambutan. We’re kicking this list off with a very strong entry.
ADOH! (Covent Garden)
This spot is a fantastic place for some casual Sri Lankan dining. There are lot of Sri Lankan street food staples on the menu and they’ve brought a really fun and bright dining experience to the Sri Lankan restaurant scene.
Kolamba (Soho and East London)
These two restaurants have a touch of class and elevate Sri Lankan cuisine into a slightly more elegant but still delicious and bold experience. The food is complimented by wonderful atmosphere and beautiful interiors to make a restaurant that serves to be an incredible, special, Sri Lankan treat.
Jaffna House (tooting)
If you’re looking to eat like a proper Sri Lankan this is the place to go. With dishes like pittu, idli, idiyapam (string hoppers) and crab curry this is a restaurant that serves the most iconic, but also everyday, food of the island.
Banana Leaf (Ilford)
This restaurant has served my family and the entire Tamil Sri Lankan community of Ilford, Essex and beyond for a very long time. Both their restaurants and their catering services are vibrant, authentic and super tasty.