Sri Lankan restaurants in London

Sri Lankan restaurants in London

·

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Sri Lankan cuisine, a fragrant blend of histories and flavours shaped by Indian, Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. No need to journey over 8,000 km – London's bustling dining scene boasts several spots serving up authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. From aromatic curries to egg-filled hoppers, these restaurants effortlessly capture the essence of Sri Lankan culinary heritage right in the heart of the city. Here's your guide to getting a taste of Sri Lanka without stepping foot outside of the Big Smoke.

In this guide
  1. Sri Lankan restaurants in London
    1. Hoppers – Premium Sri Lankan fare
    2. Rambutan – An ode to the chef's heritage
    3. Apollo Banana Leaf – A taste of island life
    4. Jaffna House Restaurant – A snapshot of Sri Lankan cuisine
    5. Colombo Kitchen – A trip to Sri Lanka in London
    6. Kothu – Sri Lankan in Tooting
    7. Kolamba – Home-cooked Sri Lankan food
    8. Kottu House – Kottu heaven
    9. Karapincha – Accessible Sri Lankan food
    10. Everest Curry King – A South London favourite
    11. Watch Me – All the authentic dishes and more

Sri Lankan restaurants in London

Hoppers King's Cross – Sri Lankan restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Sri Lankan restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Sri Lankan restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Sri Lankan restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Sri Lankan restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Sri Lankan restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Sri Lankan restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Sri Lankan restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Sri Lankan restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Sri Lankan restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Sri Lankan restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers King's Cross – Sri Lankan restaurants
Hoppers King's Cross
Hoppers Marylebone Hoppers King's Cross Hoppers Soho
Hoppers Marylebone
hopperslondon.com/marylebone
Hoppers King's Cross
hopperslondon.com/kings-cross
Hoppers Soho
hopperslondon.com
Hoppers Marylebone Hoppers King's Cross Hoppers Soho

Premium Sri Lankan fare

Enjoy the fusion of modern Sri Lankan cuisine with Soho's buzzy vibe at this chic restaurant in bustling Frith Street. Try Sri Lankan classic egg hoppers, perfect for dipping into the black pork curry, along with other aromatic Sri Lankan favourites. However, the real highlight is the bone marrow – two coconut-infused bone halves served with warm roti.

  • 77 Wigmore St, Marylebone Unit 3, 4 Pancras Sq, King's Cross 49 Frith St, Soho
    Hoppers Marylebone
    77 Wigmore St, Marylebone
    Hoppers King's Cross
    Unit 3, 4 Pancras Sq, King's Cross
    Hoppers Soho
    49 Frith St, Soho
  • Hoppers Marylebone
    hopperslondon.com/marylebone
    Hoppers King's Cross
    hopperslondon.com/kings-cross
    Hoppers Soho
    hopperslondon.com
  • Hoppers Marylebone Hoppers King's Cross Hoppers Soho

Rambutan

An ode to the chef's heritage

Rambutan, by British-Sri Lankan chef Cynthia Shanmugalingam, is a homage to her culinary heritage, rooted in the tradition of cooking over an open flame. Spanning two floors kitted out with artworks from independent Sri Lankan designers, the restaurant offers a menu of street-style snacks and hearty, flavour-packed dishes, with daily rotations and authentic seasonal curries. On the ground-floor bar, you can enjoy a selection of cocktails, craft beers, and low-intervention wines.

Apollo Banana Leaf

A taste of island life

Apollo Banana Leaf in Tooting is a Sri Lankan restaurant celebrated for its authentic cuisine and warm and welcoming vibe. Adventure through Sri Lanka's culinary delights via their menu of fragrant dishes, ranging from classic rice and curry to seafood specialities. This restaurant has become a beloved haunt for both locals and out-of-towners hoping to satisfy their cravings for authentic Sri Lankan fare.

Jaffna House Restaurant

A snapshot of Sri Lankan cuisine

Jaffna House Restaurant is renowned for its aromatic spices and comforting fare, the restaurant boasts a tempting variety of authentic Sri Lankan specialties. From bold curries to fragrant rice dishes and tasty side snacks, offering a culinary venture that captures the essence of Sri Lanka's rich cuisine.

Colombo Kitchen Worcester Park Colombo Kitchen Putney
Colombo Kitchen Worcester Park
colombokitchen.co.uk
Colombo Kitchen Putney
colombokitchen.co.uk
Colombo Kitchen Worcester Park Colombo Kitchen Putney

A trip to Sri Lanka in London

Colombo Kitchen, awarded as the Sri Lankan Restaurant of the Year 2023, specialises in crafting beloved Sri Lankan classics such as hoppers, kottu, and more. Boasting an effortlessly cool vibe, Colombo Kitchen provides a laid-back space where you can unwind, indulge, and enjoy the flavours of Colombo without stepping foot outside the UK.

  • 25-27 Central Rd, Worcester Park, Sutton 240 Upper Richmond Rd, Putney
    Colombo Kitchen Worcester Park
    25-27 Central Rd, Worcester Park, Sutton
    Colombo Kitchen Putney
    240 Upper Richmond Rd, Putney
  • Colombo Kitchen Worcester Park
    colombokitchen.co.uk
    Colombo Kitchen Putney
    colombokitchen.co.uk
    019-059 540 72
  • Colombo Kitchen Worcester Park Colombo Kitchen Putney

Kothu

Sri Lankan in Tooting

Tooting boasts endless outstanding Asian restaurants, including top-notch Sri Lankan hotspots. Among them, Kothu is as a must-visit spot for its tasty mutton kothu roti and a variety of fragrant dishes, you can even choose your spice level. There's a laid-back atmosphere and booths for larger gatherings.

Kolamba

Home-cooked Sri Lankan food

Located within Soho's Kingly Court, surrounded by lush greenery, weathered brick walls, and dim lighting, Kolamba serves authentic Sri Lankan fare in a laid-back space. Standout dishes include the hearty Ceylon chicken curry, cooked to perfection in creamy coconut milk, and the toasted pumpkin made with a blend of black pepper and red chilli.

Kottu House

Kottu heaven

Located within the Howling Hops Tank Bar and Brewery, Kottu House is a street food venture led by co-owner Chelaka Gunamuni, renowned for his earlier stint in New York City. From their snug kitchen within the bar, they serve up boxes of fragrant kottu, a Sri Lankan specialty made with chopped flatbread blended with meat, vegetables, and spices.You can also enjoy Asian sandwiches, stuffed parathas, and things like mutton rolls and spicy devilled wings. Wash it all down with a freshly brewed Howling Hops pint straight from the on-site brewery.

Karapincha

Accessible Sri Lankan food

Karapincha was birthed by two twin sisters who wanted to bring their mother's recipes to life through fragrant Sri Lankan dishes. Everything is inspired by their mother's homemade meals in Sri Lanka, using locally sourced meat, fresh vegetables and coconut milk, meaning their veggie options are also vegan. They also price their food at an affordable price point so that it's more accessible for all.

Everest Curry King

A South London favourite

Everest Curry King, a no-frills Sri Lankan restaurant, has become a favourite among diners in South London. The restaurant is set up in a simple canteen-style with a few tables and chairs for dining in. They also offer takeaway. Choose from a menu of hearty curries, stuffed rotis, and set meals that highlight the richness of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Watch Me

All the authentic dishes and more

Located in southwest London, Watch Me is a Sri Lankan restaurant that serves authentic dishes taking customers on a journey through the vibrant flavours of the country. The menu boasts dishes brimming with traditional spices and fresh ingredients, allowing diners to feast on fragrant curries, traditional hoppers, and other Sri Lankan specialities in a laid-back space.

Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.