If you need a reason to visit Staten Island, let it be the incredible Sri Lankan cuisine. This outer borough boasts one of the world’s largest Sri Lankan communities and is home to some of New York City’s best Sri Lankan restaurants.
So if you find yourself with a hankering for some kottu roti or watalappam, you’ll want to hop on the ferry and make your way over to Tompkinsville, Staten Island. From sit down spots to fast-casual joints, here are some of our favorite Sri Lankan restaurants in Staten Island’s Little Sri Lanka.
1. New Asha
This restaurant will forever have a place in my heart. As soon as you walk in, the wonderful owner, Viji, welcomes you warmly and makes you feel like part of the family. She’ll ask if you’ve ever tried Sri Lankan food and offer up some of her best recommendations.
But if you take one thing from this article, you MUST order the Mutton Kottu Roti. I have been fantasizing about the next time I’m in Staten Island so I can specifically eat this. It’s chopped roti, mutton in a curry sauce, vegetables and spices to create this magical blend of flavors that we’ll instantly make you plan your next visit back. Wash it all down with some Mango Lassi and ask if Viji’s got any homemade tapioca pudding left over.
📍322 Victory Blvd, Staten Island
2. Lakruwana
This Michelin-recognized restaurant made it in the NYT’s 100 best restaurants of 2025, and we understand why! Lakruwana is best known for its all-you-can-eat weekend brunch for just $20.99. However, if you can’t come visit on the weekend, we recommend ordering the Lamb Hoppers. Hoppers are a crispy oval-shaped pancake. Three are served plain, while the other comes with an egg hopper.
Beyond the food, the exterior and interior decorations are absolutely jaw-dropping. Catch a stunning mural and three-dimensional art adorning the outdoor walls of the restaurant, before entering into a transformative space full of Sri Lankan ornamentation.
📍668 Bay St, Staten Island
3. Ceylon Curry House
If you’re looking for an easy, fast-casual spot, be sure to stop into Ceylon Curry. The menu boasts traditional Sri Lankan staples from Lamprias, which typically consist of a meat curry with rice, ash plantain, seeni sambol, eggplant pahi, frikkadels (meatballs), etc. all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked, to various rice and curry specials.
Want something small? Try one of their fish buns or parippu wade (lentil fritter).
📍324 Victory Blvd, Staten Island
4. Lanka Grocery
Whenever I stop by one of NYC’s many micro-neighborhoods, I make sure to walk into a local grocer to grab some snacks to bring home. In Little Sri Lanka, you’ll want to find Lanka Grocery, a purveyor of Sri Lankan spices, teas and cultural goods. I left with numerous bags of Lankasoy chips—perfect for the ferry ride back.
📍344 Victory Blvd, Staten Island