Lying deep in the Indian Ocean, and often called the ‘Teardrop of India’ due to the island’s distinctive shape and location, Sri Lanka may be small, but when it comes to breathtaking landscapes, incredible wildlife, and, most importantly, world-class cuisine, it stands tall. And, while they might not be able to help with the former, when it comes to the latter, the best Sri Lankan restaurants in London are serving up seriously authentic dishes — no long haul flight necessary.

Though often overshadowed by its powerhouse neighbour, India, Sri Lankan cuisine has a distinct identity, celebrated for its bold flavours, intricate spice blends and diverse range of dishes. The growing number of Sri Lankan restaurants in London is a testament to its irresistible culinary appeal. From hoppers – delicate, bowl-shaped pancakes made with fermented rice flour and coconut milk – to fiery curries, kottu, sambols and dosa, the island’s native dishes are a feast for the senses.

So, what are you waiting for? Read on for our guide to the best Sri Lankan restaurants in London.

Kolamba East, Liverpool Street

First on our list of must-visit spots in the capital is Kolamba East. Following the success of their first restaurant in Soho in 2019, founders Eroshan and Aushi Meewella have brought their modern take on Sri Lankan home cooking to the vibrant crossroads of Spitalfields, Shoreditch, and the City.

Bringing the intense spices of Colombo to East London, Kolamba East offers a fresh menu inspired by the Meewellas’ memories of the island. Kick things off with snacks like mas paan, a fluffy bun stuffed with slow-cooked black pork curry and served with pineapple jam, or idli with sambar, where savoury rice and lentil dumplings meet a duo of sweet and spicy chutneys.

And the feast doesn’t stop there. After polishing off the starters, dive into larger sharing plates, from the fragrant moor king prawn string hopper biryani — a dish rooted in the traditions of the Ceylon Moor community — to the rich and spicy Jaffna lamb shank braised in tamarind. Pair it all with a well-crafted cocktail (we opted for the Arrack Old Fashioned) for the perfect finish.

12 Blossom St, E1 6PL, visit kolamba.co.uk

Hoppers, Across London

For many lovers of Sri Lankan cuisine, Hoppers is the go-to spot for authentic flavours in the capital. As one of London’s most celebrated Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurant groups, Hoppers, with locations in Soho, Marylebone and King’s Cross, draws inspiration from toddy shops, home cooking and the vibrant roadside stalls of the two neighbouring countries.

At the heart of the menu is a lineup of bold, street-food-inspired dishes. Start with a selection of irresistible snacks paired with one of the signature cocktails, before moving on to ‘short eats’ and kothu, featuring crispy banana chips, flavourful mutton rolls and the ever-popular hot butter squid. For the main event, indulge in one of the legendary hoppers served alongside your choice of chicken, lamb or fish kari.

For the ultimate experience, opt for The Hoppers Experience, a curated feast showcasing the restaurant’s best dishes for £35 per person, with a vegetarian option available.

Visit hopperslondon.com

Colombo Kitchen, Putney

Nestled in the heart of Putney, Colombo Kitchen opened in 2019 and quickly established itself as one of London’s buzziest dining destinations, offering an authentic taste of Sri Lanka through innovative creations by award-winning chef Sylvia Perera.

Perera’s culinary journey began in Negombo, Sri Lanka, where she grew up watching her ‘Nanda’ prepare fragrant curries, nourishing rotis and perfectly spiced rolls. Honing these cherished family recipes, she launched a catering business before opening a street food stall in St James’s Courtyard, Piccadilly, which continues to thrive today.

At Colombo Kitchen, guests are immersed in a dynamic, interactive dining experience, with Sri Lankan street food, like hoppers and kottu roti, prepared live in an open kitchen. Bringing the energy of Sri Lankan cooking to life, the restaurant team is meticulously trained to master the perfect hopper — crispy on the outside, soft and airy in the centre.

But the menu goes far beyond just hoppers and kottu roti. From clay pot king fish curry, delicately cooked in a creamy coconut sauce, to Perera’s aubergine moju, every dish is a burst of powerful flavours. Don’t miss out on the restaurant’s renowned lamprais: a Sri Lankan-Dutch Burgher delicacy featuring fragrant rice and an assortment of curries baked in banana leaves.

240 Upper Richmond Rd, SW15 6TG, visit colombokitchen.co.uk

Paradise, Soho

Tucked away on Rupert Street in Soho, Paradise reimagines Sri Lankan cuisine with a bold and contemporary edge. Blending British and Sri Lankan ingredients, the menu delivers fiery, flavour-packed dishes that push the envelope of tradition while staying true to the island’s essence and Paradise’s seasonal, ingredient-led approach.

Paradise’s seven-course tasting menu, priced at £69, offers diners a two-hour experience, with the option to add a thoughtful wine pairing. With choices of land, sea, and vegetarian options for both lunch and dinner, the menu showcases time-honoured techniques, such as heritage claypot cooking, marination with in-house spice pastes and delicate methods like steaming and slow braising in coconut milk. Sound up your street? Book in advance — tables at Paradise are a rare commodity.

61 Rupert Street, W1D 7PW, visit paradisesoho.com

Rambutan, Borough

Last, but certainly not least, is Rambutan. Located within the hustle and bustle of Borough Market, Rambutan is the debut restaurant from Cynthia Shanmugalingam, inspired by Sri Lankan Tamil cuisine from the north of the island. The menu blends heritage recipes with an immigrant twist, using carefully sourced ingredients from Sri Lanka and Borough Market.

So, what’s on the menu? Expect small plates, like chicken sambol buns and fried mutton rolls, alongside vibrant curries featuring Flourish Farm vegetables and native breed meats. Grilled specialties include turbot heads with sodhi broth and the beloved black pork curry, slow-braised with roasted curry powder. The menu also highlights ancient Tamil grains, like chicken pongal, cooked with saffron, coconut milk and cinnamon.

If you have a passion for interiors, then Rambutan will be right up your street. Shanmugalingam has collaborated with independent Sri Lankan designers to create bespoke pieces for the restaurant. Sustainable Ceylon teak chairs and tables and handmade ceramic tiles by Tamil ceramicist Gayi Soori are all woven seamlessly into the space.

10 Stoney St, SE1 9AD, visit rambutanlondon.com

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