Need a Sri Lankan fix with cultural overflow of decor this is the place to be . Weekend lunch buffet filled with traditional Lankan dishes add some freshly made hoppers or egg hoppers if you are craving some. Very friendly service.

+3

Stopped by and had their weekend buffet yesterday. It's not hyperbole to say this was one of the best buffet meals I have ever had. I made the tactical error of not noticing (until I was nearly full) that there is a dessert buffet separate from the regular buffet. I would humbly suggest that you do not make that mistake.

SOOO delicious. Fun warm atmosphere and family run. My sister and I (both Sri Lankan) took two of our non-Sri Lankan friends and got lamprais and the buffet and had an AMAZING time. We are so beautifully stuffed (personally loved the sago pudding to top off the food). Honestly, I was surprised that they have a buffet for dinner as well as lunch, and so glad they did! Wouldn't have wanted to miss out on all those wonderful curries. 😊 I have a life-threatening allergy to eggs and they handled that really well, modifying the lamprais no problem and giving me accurate information about the other menu items and buffet items. They were easy to communicate with and I felt really safe, so that I could focus on the lovely spicy food! One note - they're cash only, so make sure you have that ready (but if you don't, there's an ATM across the street so nbd)

Hidden gem, feels like a sanctuary, food is very different with plenry of vegetarian options. They serve desserts at the back too. It's a must to visit while on Staten Island :)

+1

Very beautiful, family owned establishment. This is more than a restaurant, it’s an experience. The food is authentic and absolutely delicious. The owner handcrafted all decorations on his own, given you the real feel that you are in Sri Lanka. I was lucky enough to meet the owner, his wife and daughter. Their daughter gladly served us. She was extremely sweet and polite.

+6

A must visit! Lakruwana is in my opinion not just a restaurant, rather a cultural experience for your senses. Right from the point you arrive at the entrance, you are greeted by the beautiful murals on the side walls and the elaborate and intricately etched metal plaques that almost mimic a temple. once you are in, it certainly feels like you are transported to a world of ethnic beauty. Everything in this place is worth your attention. I was thrilled to be seated at the extraordinary table on chairs that are nothing like you have seen before and read the menu that is on the backside of a wooden mask! The menu has limited items but the food is excellent! We ordered the Lamprais which was finger-licking good! Every item in this multi-item dish was unique and a treat! The chicken kottu roti was extraordinary! The taste is very rustic and flavor-fully spicy! Of course, you can choose the level of spiciness that is acceptable to you! They also have a buffet only during the weekend. We certainly will be heading back to try that too! If you ever find yourself in Staten Island, give Lakruwana a try, you will be very pleased with the food and your eyes will have a cultural feast of Sri Lanka too!

+6

The place was great! I came semi before closing but still was treated with kindness and patience. The food was amazing too. Butter chicken, goat curry and garlic nann x2. Drinks: mango margarita and mango juice = $84

This restaurant is a must! An absolute must go to! Whenever I try new cuisines, I like to rate it with an "American pallet". I'm not sure if I've had Sri Lankan food before, but this place was incredible. Everything was delicious. I ordered the Lamprais, because it was described as a taste of everything. Everything that I tried was a nine or a ten. I was fortunate to not go on a buffet day, which is Saturdays or Sundays, because I was able to get a very personalized experience from my server. I learned that everything in the restaurant, even the paper menu, is from Sri Lanka. As you can imagine, the atmosphere was off the chart authentic. I learned about their family and why they chose their current location. If you're like me, from Brooklyn or you're from Manhattan, this is worth the trip! The prices are very reasonable, and if you choose a Saturday or Sunday buffet day, it's a steal. However, I would recommend a Friday or any weekday evening. They are closed Mondays and closed between 3:00 and 5:00 on weekdays. They're open all day on the weekends. I didn't use public transportation, I drove in and parking was very easy to find. I'm a meat eater, however the person I was with is a strict vegan. Most everything is vegan friendly. However, there are many lamb, chicken and beef choices, as well as great seafood dishes. The servings are very generous. I'll be going back!

Love the weekend buffet and food choices. Great place to experience slice of Sri Lankan culture. The interiors of the restaurant are spectacular. Filled with wood work, pottery, idols, ethnic stuff from Sri Lanka and South East Asia. Easy walk or Uber from the Staten Island ferry. Also good for vegetarians. Have been here multiple times taking different people and always came out happy.

+6

I love the authentic Sri Lankan deco concept that they have adopted to design the place. It is far beyond a normal restaurant experience. Food is good and staff is friendly. A great place to have a meal while enjoying the Sri Lankan culture.

+5

Sep 16, 2023 (Saturday) -- We visited Staten Island for the first time and finally got to dine here for lunch. Lakruwana has been on my list for a long time. The interiors (and exteriors) are Srilankan themed, its a small tightly packed place, we had to wait for ~15 minutes to be seated. I had the buffet for $21+taxes. Apart from two meat/egg based items, all the other items were vegetarian. 1. Red rice and 2. Basmati (white) rice -- These two rice varieties were the only main-dish/staple on the menu, typical of a South-Indian/Srilankan meal. 3. Mix veg stew - Western vegetables (like carrot, brocolli, cauliflower etc.) cooked in a mildly spiced coconut milk gravy. I love such Kerala/Thai-style dishes and rate them highly, but today, despite being tasty, it was no match for the other curries to follow. I suspect the gravy could've been thicker, but that's an American expectation. 4. Eggplant curry -- Indian eggplants fried with excess oil and tangible amount of jaggery. This was so delicious, with an eclectic mix of sweetness, spice, and natural flavour of eggplant. It was easily the best dish in the buffet, and I took multiple servings of this. It reminded me of 'brinjal (eggplant) pickle' that I once ate at Mahabaleshwar in the Wester Ghats of India. 5. Pineapple curry - I am a big fan of fruits in cooked food. The pineapple curry was cooked as a wet-subji. It was fruity-juicy and hot-spicy at the same time, I loved it! 6. Dal (lentils) - Mild and well cooked (i.e., the lentil wasn't hard to bite). Beyond the yellow toor dal, there was perhaps a tinge of kadalai paruppu (bengal gram) also. Very satisfying it was. 7. Boiled yam? -- a no frills boiled and mildly salted starchy vegetable. It was filling and good. There were also Kale salad, and sambal (I understand it poorly as a spicy red onion chutney). Both tasted normal to me, while my family appreciated the sambal a lot. From the buffet, I didn't try the meat-based food and desserts (some flavoured mousse that I don't think has anything to do with Srilanka, and a milk-pudding/payasam that I wish I had space in my stomach to try.) The kitchen was small, and they frequently came out to refill the earthen mud pots/vessels in which the food were placed in the buffet. Outside the buffet, I got as take-away (as my stomach was full) the... 8. Mango Lassi - I am not sure if this is Srilankan, but every South-Asian restaurant now has this in its menu by the following logic. Mango is a famous Indian fruit. Curd (roughly Yogurt) is a famous Indian dairy product, lets combine the two to make a dessert! Cold, sweet, flavourful and thirst-quenching. I ate as much as I could, totally worth the price, and I shall come back again some day.

Eclectic seemingly family-owned restaurant with an amazing decor! It’s a visual treat as you sit down, and it doesn’t end there. The menus are handed to you in the form of huge half statuettes, the food is pretty good (and large portions). Definitely a place to check out when in Staten Island

Sunday Buffet It was random day I just wanted to tey something new with the family and I came to this place without knowing that Sunday it's buffet day. Food was very fresh and delicious and for 16 bucks per person it's steal. Rice you got 3 choices, many curry dishes and desserts. Friendly service and beautiful decoration.

This is a must go in Staten Island with very unique atmosphere! The food was excellent! Never had Lamprais until now and now it will be my go to dish!

This was my first experience eating Sri Lankan food and I was so impressed. I got to try a variety of Sri Lankan delicacies cooked by the restaurant owners. The food feels like home cooked so you can have multiple servings. The owners are so warm and make sure you’re having a good time. I loved the ambiance too. It was very unique. Def a must try and 5* place.

Loved it!!! We happened to be there on the weekend and enjoyed the buffet. So much wonderful food! Tasty and delicious. We can’t wait to return.

+1

This is my first time having Srilankan Cuisine. Must say it was definitely worth the commute to Staten Island. They serve Buffet during the weekends and I thoroughly enjoyed the authentic flavors. Love the authentic vibe and service!!

Go for the buffet - it's everything you want it to be. The vegetarian dishes are far better than the meat dishes. It's so colorful! You'll leave with a true understanding of what Sri lankan food is meant to be! The decor as well is just amazing.

+3

My friend and I had a whole adventure on Staten Island yesterday, and were so excited to try this place. Let me just say they did NOT let us down. The service was so incredibly welcoming, and the food was mouth watering. Every bite brought my mouth more and more joy. Will be going back just for the food.

I got the buffet and it was excellent. I had never had Sri Lankan food so the buffet was a great way to sample a lot of different things. I thought everything was delicious!

Phenomenal food. A bit of Colombo in NYC. Well worth the ferry ride to Staten Island. There is no more authentic Sri Lankan eatery in New York.

Visit this place for a good authentic SriLankan food experience and ambience. We went to this place for a Sunday Lunch. I did not expect that the food will be so tasteful. My favourite was Pineapple Curry and Red Rice from the large selection of buffet Pro Tip - Reach there before 12.30pm on weekends so you don’t have to wait. Waiting goes up to 1-1.5hr as it is a small place and many people visit.

Amazingly decorated cozy spot. Food is great and very well presented. Nothing is too spicy or too hot. Some outdoor seating. This would be a great place for a date. Weekends they do a dinner buffet which is nice if you haven’t had Sri Lankan food and don’t know what to order or simply want to try everything.

We chose the lunch buffet and the spread was delicious. A wonderful variety of veg and non veg authentic SriLankan dishes on the menu.

+3

The food is delicious. The people that work here are also kind and friendly as well. The decor is very nice and unique. It’s so nice to try Sri-Lankan food through a buffet. They have a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes for everyone to try. The buffet area is clean and tidy and they replenish it several times during the day. The service is a little tough as you have to catch someone’s attention to order a drink or something else off the menu. They are quick however to help take your dirty plates away and turnover fast which is awesome. The desserts they offer are also tasty especially the tapioca pudding! The only down-side is the funky smell in the back of the restaurant like a smoker who sprayed mist on top to cover it up. All in all, I highly recommend this restaurant.

I went with my family and we had the buffet style meal (available on weekends) and it was delicious! The vibe of the restaurant was marvelous as well and all the staff were very kind. You are transported into a different world, and staff were very understanding of our different spice tolerance levels. I loved trying all kinds of different foods! Make sure to bring cash for the buffet as it is the buffet is cash only.

I've passed by this restaurant many times, but it wasn't on my radar enough for me to want to try it. Now that I have finally dined here, I feel like slapping myself across the face due to the regret of not having tried it sooner. This Sri Lankan restaurant is located in a neighborhood that is on the edgy side, but once you pass through it's unassuming doors, you enter a world fully immersed in Sri Lankan decor and ambience. After closing the front door, my visual senses were in overdrive experiencing all the details put into this space that made it feel as if I entered a sacred buddhist temple. As I was seated at the table by the waitress, I noticed a sign promoting a $15.95 buffet with a stack of clean plates at the end. I grabbed a plate and scanned the buffet from end to end. About one-third of the buffet offered meat options while the other two-thirds were vegetarian. There were three kinds of rices at one end and a plethora of many colorful and savory offerings going towards the other end. Everything looked so good that I just had to drop a spoonful of every item onto my plate. There were a huge pile of papadams which are a kind of Indian tortilla chips that can be eaten with your dish. With each different food item that I sampled, a burst of flavor shot through my taste buds. Some of the items were mild while others had a spicy kick to them. By the end of my visit, I had polished off three platefuls of food, a record at my tender age of 54. There was another area in the restaurant that was dedicated to Sri Lankan desserts. Again, I had to sample each dessert so that I could get the full Sri Lankan gastronomical experience. I was so enamored by the warmth of the overall ambience of this sanctuary and the tastiness of the food that I plan to visit this place again soon. For those who are sensitive to spicy foods, I recommend that you first try a small sample of each food item before committing to larger portions. Also, the vegetarian dishes are vegan and one of the dessert items is vegan too.

+6

I absolutely loved the ambience of this Sri Lankan restaurant. The buffet had varieties of authentic curries, rice , condiments and desserts. They also have a menu, if you prefer to order some other traditional items and you choose not to opt for the buffet. The staff was courteous and welcoming. Definitely worth the money!

+2

Really good Sri Lankan/ South Indian food at very good prices ($19 for buffet and $15ish for most entrees). Tons of options (25+ items for the buffet) and great flavor (easily manageable spice) and a really good ambience with their incredible exhibits. Definitely recommend. Cash only but there are ATMs close by. We went for the weekend buffet and our favorites were the cooked tapioca, deviled chicken, black pork curry, mango mousse, pineapple curry, mixed vegetable curry and the eggplant curry. Nearly everything was very good. Will definitely go back multiple times. The non buffet options are also very good.

+6

Lakruwana has a very charming atmosphere. I opted for the dinner buffet, which they are known for, and I wasn't let down. The pork and lentils were delicious, along with the pineapple was so well done I had seconds. Definitely looking forward to trying additional Sri Lankan food on their menu.

Well worth the long trek from anywhere in New York. The large golden doors and authentic exterior is just a hint of the experience you’re in for inside. Chaotic, colorful, and a bit mystically beautiful, the food and variety of south East Asian flavors are a highlight. Lakruwana pulls no punches and is worth every dollar. Be sure to get the buffet, you’ll be coming back for thirds!

+1

Went here on the weekend. We were going to order from the menu but the owners recommended trying the buffet since there were a lot more vegan options in the buffet ! The food was amazing, for the vegan options there were 2 types of rice, 3 curries, 1 dal, 2 sides and 1 dessert ! The food was very tasty and definitely not over the top spicy. It was worth taking the ferry to staten island, would highly recommend this place. Will try to get the kottu roti next time !

Wow. A truly one of a kind restaurant. The food was immensely flavorful and so delicious! The ambiance was gorgeous and so beautifully thought out. Our server was wonderful, and the food came out in a very timely fashion. We had the kottu roti and hathmaluwa curry. The lentil soup and vegetable cutlet appetizers were delicious as well. SOME OF THE BEST WATER IVE HAD IN NEW YORK. They made the pitcher cold too, which was key. I can’t wait to come back.

The weekend buffet is great for the price. Worth checking out if you’re in the area, but not worth a special journey to Staten Island if you live far away unless you’re really, really curious about Sri Lankan food. The place fills up fast. I expected Sri Lankan food to be similar to Indian dishes, but they’re actually very distinct. It felt halfway between South Asian and Southeast Asian cooking without being either one. The pork curry and deviled chicken were the highlights. The pork reminded me of mole, with the aroma of chili (not spicy at all) and earthy undertones that harmonize with the aroma and sweetness of pork. Other must-try dishes include the eggplant, which tasted like gudeg because of the palm sugar (or coconut sugar?), and the shredded coconut that go well with rice. The interior is stunning, with many religious imagery and cultural artifacts. It felt like I got whisked somewhere else far away.

Love the ambiance, pretty delicious and healthy food, lots of veggies, it feels good to eat here! Lovely family. The hours should be updated on here and their website because they definitely open for dinner service at 5pm on Thursdays... But I'll be back for the weekend buffet to try more variety next time! Thank you!

+6

I’ve wanted to try out this restaurant for a while now but never seemed to remember the name or arrive when they open for business. Finally, I visited this restaurant with my cousin and we were blown away with the entire ambience such as the cultural decor, the therapeutic scent, music chanting and the delicious food. We had the opportunity to meet the owner of this business named Riuwan and his daughter Julia whom were attentive, sweet, inviting and fast with services. The entire ambience of this place really makes you feel like your in India 🇮🇳 from top to bottom. I love visiting Staten Island cultural restaurants that represents the owners country and what it means to them. For appetizers we had assorted vegetable and fish cutlets. For entree we had Shrimp Biryani, Fish Lamprais, and Sizzling Chili Shrimps. For drinks we had Mango and Passion Juice. The food was extremely flavorful with a burst 💥 of seasoning in your tastebuds such as tamarind, ginger, curry and spices. The overall pricing was extremely reasonable from the drinks, two appetizers, and 3 entrees we shared. I must say this is a must visit restaurant on Shaolin aka Staten Island, you won’t be disappointed if your into cultural dishes. We will definitely be visiting again. Thank you Julia and Riuwan for an amazing experience.

+6

So delicious authentic Sri Lanka food there. I thought it would be as spicy as Indian food but unexpectedly it was not. My favorite dishes were eggplant, pineapple and chicken with onion.

+2

The buffet is on the weekends, i visited this place during a weekday, it wasnt busy, great atmosphere with a friendly service. The food we ordered took some time to arrie, which was okay as the food tasted really good with flavours. They say the dishes are spicy but as a true sri lankan the spice level is just mild not at all spicy but full of flavors.

+6

Amazing decorations and atmosphere. If you planning spontaneously trip somewhere for couple hours let's say Sri Lanka, with your love or friend or even family, I would definitely recommend Lakruwana restaurant. In this place you will forget about everything while enjoying your delicious meal. Professional and kind staff, amazing service, extraordinary decorations and cutlery. Different kind of meals for vegetarian. I love this place! Thank yoU!

+6

I had the buffet which has a wide variety of options. I would suggest taking a small sample of nearly everything the first round then maybe go back for what pleased you more than the others but honestly you will prob not have room for seconds. The food is so flavorful. Save some room to sample one of their dessert mousses which is something I neglected to do due to my own time restraints. The decor was exotic and truly added to the dining experience. I will be back.

Delicious egg curry! Kale too. Interesting decor, Love their rice but the meat, was too salty. I would go back again tho, the ambiance is very chill and the desserts was refreshing and new.

+6

Delicious Sri Lankan cuisine in a beautiful authentic setting! We visited Lakruwana for a father-daughter catch-up evening in May 2024. We chose it based on reviews, looking to try Sri Lankan cuisine for the first time and check out the nice decor we saw on the pics. What a great choice we made! The restaurant was small, beautifully decorated, cozy, and quiet. The interior was gorgeous, the food was tasty, savory, and interesting. Our waitress Julia was super friendly and helpful. She explained the dishes, gave recommendations, and told us about restaurant history and the owners. Overall, it was absolutely perfect place for our get-together! We definitely recommend trying Lakruwana restaurant if you are in the area! Dishes ordered Malligatawny Soup with Chicken - perfectly balanced with spice and mild heat level, having pleasant texture this cream soup was delicious! Hoppers with Fish Curry - this is traditional Sri Lankan "crepes" dish. We really liked the softness and texture of the hoppers and fish curry accompanied them very well. The King fish in the curry was quite tough and dense like a meat, but were told it was traditional Sri Lankan, and hence we were glad we tried it. Kottu Roti with Chicken - this was soft and savory. I would say a bit mushy, but it was my first time trying it so I suspect that's how it's supposed to be. Lamprais with Lamb - this one was delicious! The combo of lamb, eggplant, cashews, caramelized onion over soft rice. I initially planned to leave the rice and just eat the combo on top, but the rice complimented the combo so well that finished it all! The sauteed eggplants were so good I would take them a separate dish. The only component I personally didn't like was fish cutlet. The texture was too fine to my taste. Mango Lassi - we took it for dessert and didn't regret! It had very fresh mango taste and was very sweet (perhaps too sweet for me:)) and smooth!

+5

Excellent family run business. Ive frequented for years. Food and service is very consistent. Buffet is very relaxed and welcoming and great value. SO MANY GLUTEN FREE and VEGAN options. Not too spicy in my opinion but they have spicy sauces, red chilli and green chilli available.

This place is an absolute GEM! I never could have expected it to be as good as it was. buffet was 10/10. atmosphere was 10/10. tea was 10/10. I also loved how they gave everyone a glove & mask to wear when picking out food. It honestly made me feel really comfortable about the level of cleanliness they expect in their resturaunt. Everything was to such a high standard it blew me away.

Had made reservations for 3 pm on a Sat and the place was at 40% occupancy. The people I was with had tried this place before and spoke very highly about their food. We were seated right away on an 8 person table and the overall restaurant setup is very welcoming. Noise levels were on the quieter side. We tried their $21 buffet ($10 for kids) and one thing you can never go wrong with is the deliciousness that Sri Lankan food brings with it. From the very first time I had Kothu Roti (not on buffet) to trying out their various curries, Sri Lankan food never disappoints. Lakruwana has raised the bar further higher with their amazing buffet selection. Being a vegetarian, I can't comment on their rather inviting Pork Curry, or Egg curry - but what was interesting was my table, who is primarily meat eaters were enjoying their vegetarian entrees more! The Pineapple Curry, Mix Vegetables curry, and Egg Plant (the best eggplant I've ever had) - were packed with spices. Egg plant never tasted better and now, I can never enjoy egg plant any other way! Their Kale salad and coconut salad, along with the spicy chillies brought absolutely fantastic flavors with every bite. Spice levels were on the milder side, and the chicken actually was on the sweeter side (per our table). Their dessert included an extremely delicious Sago Pudding which takes you by complete surprise with its extremely balanced sweetness which comes through in the second or third bite. I will highly recommend this place for anyone who appreciates and likes flavorful food. This was a perfect five star experience for us.

+5

A Taste of Sri Lanka in Staten Island: Lakruwana Restaurant Lakruwana Restaurant is a delightful addition to Staten Island, offering an unparalleled Sri Lankan dining experience. From the moment you enter, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and an ambiance that reflects the rich culture and traditions of Sri Lanka. The intricate decor, with hand-carved woodwork and vibrant art, sets the perfect stage for an extraordinary meal. The food is simply outstanding. Every dish is a masterpiece, packed with bold, authentic flavors. The chicken curry is tender and perfectly spiced, while the fish ambul thiyal is a tangy, flavorful delight that truly showcases Sri Lankan cuisine at its finest. The hoppers (bowl-shaped crepes) and coconut sambol are must-tries—they transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Colombo. Vegetarian options are equally impressive, with dishes like the jackfruit curry and dhal (lentils) stealing the show. The flavors are complex yet comforting, and each bite feels like a celebration of Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage. The service is top-notch. The staff are attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing their culture with every diner. Whether you’re familiar with Sri Lankan food or trying it for the first time, they ensure an unforgettable dining experience. Lakruwana Staten Island is more than just a restaurant; it’s a journey into the heart of Sri Lanka. For authentic flavors, exceptional service, and an ambiance that wows, this is the place to be. Five stars all the way!

+6

*Not to be a missed place in NYC*. The moment you enter, you feel like you are in a museum, it is very very beautiful adorned with Sri Lankan artifacts. The place looks and smells great. It’s not spacious and that makes it cozy, there might be around 12 to 15 tables. For the weekend brunch menu, once you get seated, you can pick up a plate and get started on the unlimited food. It was my first time trying Sri Lankan food and I must say I am quite impressed; plenty of vegetarian & vegan options, along with two meat options (pork and chicken). The only underwhelming part were the desserts. There was sago pudding along with various mousse (mango, gooseberry, chocolate) options, and one caramel custard. That was a disappointment as we expected more authentic & extensive Sri Lankan dessert options. Otherwise, a fabulous place to visit to relish Sri Lankan food and vibe.

+3

I love this restaurant. Delicious sri lankan food. It's a family run restaurant and wonderful people. I am a sri lankan and drove 6 hours from Massachusetts to try some hoppers. Their weekend buffet was great too. Enjoyed pot of Ceylon tea. This place gave me the feeling of being back home. I was very happy, So, I went back next day before leaving the city for more food. They have a museum but need advanced reservations due to covid. However, the restaurant gives a glimpse to srilankan culture. I parked my car in the st George ferry parking in Statan Island and took the free ferry to financial district. Ferry Station in financial district is close to everything.

+6

This is the second time I have been here! I have amazing experiences in both of them. First one was during the weekdays and service was very authentic (food was served in the leaves). Second one is today, on Sunday and they have open buffet. I have a chance to taste all the food. Literally amazing!

It was my first time in Staten Island and I went there just for this restaurant. It was well worth the trip. You see the incredible maximalist Sri Lankan interiors and feel transported, and still the food tops the feels. The flavors are incredible and the owner is the one who makes buffet meals. I saw a man go up and shake her hand, because he was so happy with her cooking. Outside of the restaurant there isn’t much going on in that part of town, at least not that I could tell. But this is a testament to how incredible it is to have people come over from all over, share their delicious food and culture and make something out of nothing. Love everything about this place and the family that makes it happen.

A pleasant Sri Lankan authentic spot on staten island. Nicely decorated with delicious food and pleasant service. I suggest to visit. Enjoy!

+6

Rohantha Rukshan

This is such a beautiful place with amazing traditional Sri Lankan décor that makes the dining experience feel special. The atmosphere is warm and unique. I had the lumpice and kiri pani, and both were superb. The lumpice was very flavorful, not too spicy, and wrapped perfectly in a banana leaf. Everything tasted fresh and authentic. The kiri pani was creamy and lightly sweet, a perfect dessert. Highly recommend Lakruwana if you want authentic Sri Lankan food in NYC

A B

I don’t live in Staten Island, but I gladly travel here because I absolutely love their weekend buffet. I accidentally discovered this place while passing by, and once I stepped inside, I was completely mesmerized by the interior design and the incredible taste of the food. The place feels like a museum. It has so much character, and every time I visit, I enjoy looking around and taking in the details. The food is amazing, and the prices are very fair for the quality you get. This was my first time trying Sri Lankan food, and it left such a strong impression that it actually made me want to travel to the country. A truly unique and memorable experience.

Vera Mar

Dining here called me into mindfulness. My health was nourished & the staff helped me charge my phone and get oriented which was very kind. The buffet is very accessible (cash only) and each dish is rich & flavorful. Some of the best food I've had all year- fresh ingredients and not overly salty. Tysm. I'm gluten sensitive and everything I ate felt great in my belly.

Fahim Chowdhury

Went for the Sunday buffer The resturant had some a nice aesthetic to it. It felt like I was in Sri Lanka. The decoration really brought the experience to a next level. Not to mention the service is nice. Food had unique taste to it. Felt so hearty and warm. Will definitely go back again to try some non buffet food next.

+2

Adam Sherman

Paper thin roti! If you know you know. Mind blowingly great food, spectacular service, fantastic atmosphere! There’s a reason this place was featured in the top 100 restaurants in New York two years in a row and it shows.

+1

Chanaka Hettige

Excellent food and service. We had multiple dishes: Lump Rice, Kottu and Parata are all excellent. Passion Fruit drink was made from MD Concentrate and that was nostalgic. The deco inside is bit too over the top, but I can see that being someone's jam. But not for me. All in all, great food and service. So a great experience.

N Podpiska

An exotic place worth your attention. Unusual and delicious food. The interior reflects the atmosphere of the country and culture. Reasonable price. I felt like I was not in New York at all. I recommend! Truly unique!

+14

Riti

Went for the brunch buffet for approximately $21/ per person for about 1.5 hours. This includes their desserts as well. A perfect option to try a little bit of everything. Cash only for the buffet but I highly recommend it. No reservations for parties less than 7 people.

Iryna Stoietska

We had a great time here! We went for the buffet and got to try a bunch of different dishes — everything was super tasty. The coconut curry was definitely a highlight, so flavorful and comforting. Prices were really reasonable too, especially for the variety you get. Plus, the interior is beautiful — cozy, stylish, and full of character. We’ll definitely be coming back!

+20

Vishva Oralie

Hands down the best sri lankan food across NY, NJ and MD. The interior itself is so tasteful and uniquely sri lankan. I felt like this was true homecook meal. The weekend buffet was so worth it but remember cash only for weekend buffet. Other than that incredible food. We were stuffed after our feast. There’s also dessert included in the buffet. Love. Call me crazy but even the water tastes different in a good way.

+2

Adam Lein

Family recommended that I try Sri Lankan food, but it's very difficult to find a Sri Lankan restaurant anywhere north of Staten Island, so this was the choice for my first try of Sri Lanka food and it was fantastic. I had the lunch buffet for $22 to get a nice variety of choices. Everything was delicious, but I think the pineapple curry is my favorite.

+2

Patricia Caguana

Sri Lankan food is showcased in its most natural taste and presentation. The entire atmosphere of the restaurant is amazing, from the exterior of the building to the entrance. You truly feel transported to a different place, discovering new flavors and enjoying food in new ways. We opted for the buffet experience, which was incredible, from the presentation to the moment we began eating. I must admit I don't know much about Sri Lankan culture beyond what I have read, but I find it fascinating to explore what their culture has to offer and to experience something new. The staff is extremely kind and ready to assist you. I definitely plan to return to try their menu; it’s a must-visit spot in Staten Island. I will write again after I sample their food once more, and I’m sure I’ll be amazed again! Parking the car was not difficult.

+7

Jane Wood

Definitely a must try!! the moment you stepped in it seems like you're transported to Sri Lanka! we went on Sunday buffet and it didn't disappoint.. The price is good and a lot of varieties.. so worth it!

+2

Mahalingam Rajasutha

Went in at 7ish...they still had the buffet. Took me back to the memory lane of Sri Lanka. The decorations and ambience was so good and nostalgic. The staffs were also kind and nice. The only thing I missed was the milk tea and no watalappam in the buffet spread. However they replaced it with few other desserts like sago pudding and custards which was all yum. Just the sri lankan in me wanted more for sure. Lol. Well loved and definitely a attraction of staten island on its own.

+14

Rajarshi Das

Really nice food and decor. The assorted sampler and fish cutlet were delicious. The mulligatawny soup was actually mind blowing and I highly recommend that. We also shared a chicken lamprais and a shrimp vermicelli kothu and I thought both were nice.

+5

Buffet was good. It was $15 on a Saturday night. Only disappointing fact was that it does not include any rotis or idiappams. You have to order them separately. There were 3 different types of rice - one of which was red basmati which I had for the first time. The decor of the restaurant is unique and amazing almost like a mini museum. There are quite a few Sri Lankan restaurants in Staten island. I wouldn't call this home style food. You get them elsewhere in the smaller restaurants nearby.

+3

Small place. Buffet had lot of vegetarian options! Pineapple curry was the highlight. Desserts need improvement. But overall good experience!

Came here around 230pm on a Saturday and there was tons of space. Buffet food was good with a wide selection of curries and sambols. Was a bit disappointed that Ala carte orders were not readily orderable as their kitchen team takes a break together - think they can stagger it a bit. Cash only so make sure you bring it. Decor is phenomenal.

Nice buffet and great place to get a taste of Sri Lanka. The food is a bit more authentic in Little Sri Lanka, but the vibe here is definitely worth the trip and the food is good!

So I came there for their all you can eat offer which is available every weekend. As I remember it was $22 per person. Considering this price and the fact that it is all you can eat it is definitely good value for money. The selection of dishes wasn’t big. What I want to tell is that you shouldn’t expect buffet like in the big hotel. The food itself was tasty but not outstanding. The staff was friendly.

Somewhat limited menu. Their hallmark dish is interesting because it is a little like a Outh Indian thali without the separating vessels all thrown together in a balled-up banana leaf. The flavors are distinct. Not Indian or Thai, a little reminiscent of African.they offer four levels of spiciness and I found the top level (hot) to be rather mild. The string hopper dish is plentiful but gets a bit boring half way through eathing the meal. I prefer the South Indian way of serving starch and vegetables separately. I also wish they would serve more of the accompanying sauce/stew. Apropos service: it was lackluster. No soul or energy. The opposite of the effort that went into the museum-like decoration of the place, which has been around for 20+ years. I wonder how much longer though because we were the only guests on Friday night.

This was my first time having Sri Lankan food and it was good overall. Great service and staff, and reasonable prices. We ordered a La carte even though most people opted for the weekend buffet. The chicken Godamaba Roti, Fish Lamprais and Fish cutlet. Definitely a try.

This restaurant one of my favorite Srilankan restaurants in Staten Island. Most I like view of the in side restaurant. It is look like a beautiful Srilankan museum. You can see authentic Srilankan handy crafts. It is a beautiful collection. Food is really delicious. Place is very clean, great hospitality. Thank you guys. Keep it up 👍🏿

We went on a Sunday around 12.30 pm and had to wait for about 20-30 min until we got a seat. There were so many options. I would say for $20.99 ( baby about $4 and kid about $12), it was totally worth it. It was a Sri Lankan villag style buffet, offerinv three types of rice: white, red and fried rice. The available curries included pol sambol, papadam, Brinjal, cassava, vegetable curry, dhal curry, devilled chicken and a fish curry. Desserts included caramel pudding, sago pudding , and a mango pudding. The mango pudding was delicious, and the best part waa the devilled chicken.

B C

When I first saw the exterior of this restaurant, I was absolutely intrigued. The ornate carvings, majestic statues, and shimmering golden doors beckoned me to come in. The place was crowded and everyone seemed to be enjoying their meal. Upon being seated in one of the elaborate chairs, I had to pause and take in the visual feast around me. The cozy interior was adorned with 360 degree of stunning ornate collectibles from Sri Lanka, exquisite tchotchkes adorning the walls and hanging from the ceilings, creating a continuous visual stimulus. The hostess greeted me and explained that I could either scan the menu code or enjoy the wonderful lunch buffet for $21. (Since I visited during the weekend lunch hour, I'm unsure if the price changes at other times.) Noticing that everyone else was enjoying the buffet, I decided to follow suit, and I'm so glad I did. I'm a huge fan of Sri Lankan cuisine, and the buffet was a delight. They have hot entrées in shallow cauldrons that are constantly being refilled. The spread consisted of many vegetarian delights alongside a few meat entrées, such as deviled chicken and pork curry. My personal favorites were the eggplant, dal lentils, and the kale and coconut salad. Their papadam was light and delicious, so definitely don't skip those! Along another wall, the dessert station featured sago, chocolate, caramel, mango, and gooseberry puddings. The latter two were my absolute favorites.

+31

Julie Ramos

An amazing exotic atmosphere adds to your dining experience. Food is presented well and almost like eating art. Friendly staff. It would have been better if the waitress could have explained the dishes. As a 1st time , it was tasty and well presented. I’d like to try the buffet to be able to experience a variety of options.

+15

Good food! But make sure you take cash if you are going to the buffet (even though it is not advertised - cash only). Owner and his daughter prefer cash payments rather customers making payments with cards (for the obvious tax reasons :D). Good luck IRS.

A lot of Srilankan influence in Staten Island you can see many restaurants out here. It’s a 1.5 mile walk/bus ride from the Staten Island ferry to this restaurant. This is a very small restaurant where only one person can walk at once narrow lanes with closed seating area. Interiors has been hugely filled with buddha statues and other Buddha decorations. Food- $15+tax for Saturday buffet— I am not sure about 20 items on the buffet as there are 3 different types of rices, 4 same kind of jello deserts , chicken curry which is filled with bones, egg curry which is basically egg in coconut milk, pork curry, few vegetarian dishes which were good but this is an insufficient number of items for the price paid. It could have been way better. It’s not worth all the ride taking the ferry and going there if your around worth the ride.

+6

The decor is unique and is the best part of the restaurant. From what I tried of the food, there was much to be desired. All the appetizers tasted pretty much the same and the Lamprais didn't stand out to me. It was good, but it was just good. If you want to take some great pictures though this is a nice spot.

+6

Caroline M

went for the weekend brunch buffet, which was a good deal at $25/pp (incluidng tax, though it's cash only and no ATM inside), The atmosphere is lively and interesting - I thought there was a museum inside, though I didn't see any indication of one (and didn't ask). The food was pretty good, though it was all a little cold, and the meat didn't feel that fresh, but the veggie options were very tasty, and the dessert bar was great. We got there a few minutes after it opened and were seated right away, but there were lines forming quickly after so get there early.

Sujay Viswanath

We went there on Saturday and for the lunch buffet. The food was average, but the ambience was quite unique and captured the culture of Sri Lanka well and service was great. Having loved Sri Lankan food, we went with high expectations, but were quite disappointed with the buffet food. Spread was good, but the food lacked flavors. Also buffet is cash only. Go with low expectations, maybe you will like it.

Lisa Williams

I was really excited to try this place as I've never had Sri Lankan food before and the hype I was seeing about it from the NYTimes and social media. I went on a Sunday for the buffet and...it was just okay. While there was decent variety, everything was just...fine. I wonder if I ordered from the a la carte menu I would have had a different experience. I'm not sure that this first visit would make me want to try again. The staff were lovely, the decor was interesting and the price is good. Heads up that the buffet is cash only.

+2

I personally cannot enjoy this food. The mango lassi is too sweet. The lamprais beef and the kottu roti chicken are too salty! My friend appears to enjoy the food here. I like the well designed environment here!

+1

The man hooked up to the medical machines and coughing every 10 seconds is what really scared me. I use to enjoy this place but the service and atmosphere went down hill. When we walked in, there was no greeting. The table we were sitting at was about to break in half so we had to move. The waiters (never said their names) were teenagers and sitting in the back with EarPods on while on their phones. After 20 minutes of eating I had to go ask them for something to drink because they were so into their phones they forgot to ask, and I kept getting up and asking through out the whole time there. They looked annoyed that I bothered them. Then a random guy walked in through the side door and everyone looked scared. Also, they are overly clustered now. Doesn’t look right. Wouldn’t recommend. Food was cold but tasted decent.

Interior design: 10/10 Customer service: 2/10 Food: 0/10 Price: 0/10 This place is completely a scam. I read the menu online which stated it will have 20 dishes and 5 desserts. They were only three protein-based dish which included a very salty chicken dish which was very hard to swallow, pork curry and eggs. They included sides such as peppersauce (which is labeled as hot on my picture) as one dish. three out of the five so-called desserts were the same exact desert in three different flavors (which contains gelatin). It was a total waste of my money as nothing was good to eat. They went all out on the interior design but forgot to serve quality food so that people can come back for more. FYI, they tax you on cash payments. I took picture of all the dishes that was available so you make the judgement whether this was okay to call a buffet. The picture with a blue circle on it shows that one of their centerpiece that was on the eating table had a roach stuck to it. Please like the review if it was helpful 😁

+6

I can only speak for the buffet here: Lakruwana serves Sysco food in an environment that has the audacity to claim authenticity. I’ve had better meals in a hospital, both as a patient & a guest.

Today I buy string hopper one kottu. unfortunately They sell to me noodles kottu🙄 it’s not nice. i’m not American. I am a Sri Lankan.👎👎

Today we visited Lakruwana for lunch. The food was exceptional and delicious. However, they charged for my babies as kids' meals, which I did not object to. Nevertheless, my youngest child is only 10 months old and merely had egg yolk and some dessert from my wife's plate. In our experience with various buffets, we were never charged for our children, including our 2.5-year-old elder child. I chose not to dispute the charge, given the festive atmosphere. Nonetheless, the cashier seemed to have some issues.

If I can give this restaurant negative stars, I definitely would. The restaurant smells so bad because of the food and the food itself did not even seem edible or even sanitary. There are so many good restaurants out there and this might not be one of them! I only went to this restaurant because it was a friend's birthday and because the food did not look appetizing, I did not eat it!