The best Sri Lankan restaurants in London

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.

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 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.

Paradise Soho is a testament to the fusion of contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine crafted from locally-sourced British produce. Expect an explosion of flavour with dishes like roti infused with lamb fat, paired with smoked seeni-sambol cultured butter. Come some evenings, the venue transforms into an intimate after-hours speakeasy, offering a selection of Sri Lankan craft rums, inventive low-waste cocktails, and snacks to line the stomach.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.