Search any restaurant by name and city. We research the must-order dishes across critic reviews, food media, and regulars, and surface the inside knowledge most first-timers never find.
★ The LegendThe dish the restaurant is most famous for.
◆ Fan FavoriteWhat regulars reorder every single visit without thinking twice.
● Chef's PickExplicitly endorsed by the chef or kitchen.
◇ Hidden GemWhat first-timers walk past. Often a side or starter regulars always order.
Results are AI-generated and may not always be accurate. Always verify dishes and hours before visiting.
Lakruwana was founded by Lakruwana Wijesinghe, who arrived in the US in 1983, and his wife Jayantha, a chef from Colombo, after their first Manhattan location was destroyed by a fire. Every intricate detail of the current Staten Island restaurant, from the stone walls and Buddha statues to the colorful masks and spears, was personally transported from Sri Lanka, creating an immersive cultural experience. Regulars know that stepping through its doors is like being instantly transported to the heart of Sri Lanka, a true escape from city life.
★ The Legend
Lamprais
This traditional Sri Lankan dish, with Dutch influences, is a banana leaf-wrapped package containing basmati rice, eggplant curry, seeni sambol, fish cutlet, cashew curry, and a choice of meat (chicken, mutton, beef, or fish), often topped with a hard-boiled egg. It's consistently highlighted by critics and the owner as a must-try for its unique and explosive flavors.
◆ Fan Favorite
Kottu Roti
This popular street food is a stir-fry of chopped godamba roti (a traditional Sri Lankan flatbread) with your choice of protein (chicken, lamb, beef, pork, fish, shrimp, or vegetables), mixed with vegetables and a flavorful curry. The rhythmic chopping sound from the open kitchen as it's prepared adds to the sensory experience, and regulars rave about its satisfying texture and spice.
● Chef's Pick
Hoppers
These delicate, bowl-shaped crepes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk are a traditional Sri Lankan specialty. They are often served with a fried egg and a choice of spicy curries, and the owner/chef, Jayantha Wijesinghe, encourages diners to order them off the buffet to experience their authenticity.
◇ Hidden Gem
Mulligatawny Soup
While many focus on the curries, this vibrant green, coconut milk-softened soup, infused with curry leaves, offers a spicy yet comforting start to the meal. It's a dish often overlooked by first-timers but cherished by those in the know for its complex flavors and warming spice.
Insider Tip
First-timers often miss out on the full breadth of Lakruwana's offerings by only ordering from the à la carte menu. Instead, visit on a weekend for their renowned all-you-can-eat buffet. This allows you to sample a wide array of curries, sambols, and other traditional dishes, providing a comprehensive introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine that you wouldn't get otherwise.