Best Sri Lankan Restaurants in Melbourne

by Dan Cunningham and Holly Bodeker-Smith

Updated 6 months ago

The Sri Lankan restaurant scene in Melbourne is still quite young. Not too long ago, the only Sri Lankan dishes you could find were hidden on the menus of Malaysian and Indian restaurants, and demand was minimal.

But the Sri Lankan food scene has exploded in Melbourne in recent years. Migration has increased significantly in the last decade, and more Australians are coming back from holidays on the island nation seeking hoppers, curry, short eats, dal and hot butter cuttlefish.

So do as Sri Lankans do – get as many curries, sambals and spicy extras on your plate of rice as possible. Whether you’re picking from a sub-$15 buffet or trying out one of the city’s most exciting restaurants, these are the best spots to sample Sri Lankan cuisine in Melbourne.

Indu
Restaurant
Sitting behind a Victorian terrace frontage, this intimate Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurant employs old family recipes, but the menu isn’t strictly traditional. Find hoppers with goat’s curd and pomegranate pearls, dosas with bacon jam, and chai-infused Old Fashioned cocktails.
Citrus
Restaurant
This Sri Lankan restaurant is a Fitzroy North favourite. It has one of the best (and cheapest) buffets in Melbourne – regardless of cuisine.
Upali's
Restaurant
There's fiery curries, tasty sambols spooned onto roti and hoppers, and more. Order dozens of dishes, ask the staff what goes with what, then share everything.
Maalu Maalu
Restaurant
A homey Sri Lankan buffet where $25 gets you meat and veggie curries, rice, sambol and more.
Serendib
Restaurant
At this Sri Lankan restaurant, the main drawcard is the colourful, affordable buffet that’s made up of more than 20 dishes. Go for aromatic cashew curry, tender Sri Lankan tempered potatoes and a made to order mango lassi.