Banana Leaf Restaurant — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

First the positives - the ambiance. Thats it.

Having being to the restaurant in 2015 and being less than impressed, i decided to give Banana leaf another not one, but two goes for good measure. After being greeted by a clearly sri lankan boy with an accent, we began speaking in sinhalese and was responded to in English and avoided our table thereafter. This took away from the authentic experience that could have been. There is no shame in speaking in native language in a sri lankan restaurant.

Now for the food. The prices are RIDICULOUS. If the food was anywhere near authentic, then you could somewhat justify the price. The food was abysmal. Both times. We tried pretty much all the sri lankan food including kotthu lampraise and rice and curry (the latter being the most basic and cheapest meal in sri lanka is the most expensive here - blew my mind!!!) I asked for chillie paste to accompany the food and was given a Malaysian style sambal... I was extremely disappointed having spent so much money for less than average food.

I was fooled by the high rating by non lankans who have no idea how sri lankan food really is. I would highly recommend Little Lanka in Harrison for a much much better experience. Canberra curry pot, a caterer on Facebook, is also another better...

A Culinary Gem in Canberra: Banana Leaf Restaurant Delivers an Exceptional Dining Experience

Banana Leaf in Canberra offers a delightful journey into the flavors of Sri Lanka right in the heart of the city. From the moment we stepped in, the warm ambiance and attentive service made us feel welcome. The restaurant balances modern design with touches of Sri Lankan charm, creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.

The food at Banana Leaf is nothing short of phenomenal. Each dish is packed with authentic spices, fresh ingredients, and beautifully balanced flavors. Each bite transported us to the streets of Sri Lanka, where these flavors are celebrated.

One of the most impressive aspects is the chef’s ability to adjust the spice level for any palate, making it ideal for those new to Sri Lankan cuisine as well as seasoned spice lovers.

Service is impeccable. The staff was knowledgeable about the dishes and happy to provide recommendations, adding to the warmth and friendliness of the experience.

Banana Leaf is a must-visit for food lovers in Canberra or anyone interested in exploring new cuisines. It’s a hidden gem offering an unforgettable culinary experience. We’ll definitely be returning to savor more of this...

I was quite excited to try out this Sri Lankan restaurant and it did not disappoint. Our dinner here last night felt like a spicy yet delightful adventure of tantalising flavours🌶️✨

We were treated to a festival of well-balanced flavours with warm spices that teased but never overwhelmed the palate. The Barramundi was unanimously voted as a showstopper, winning over even my partner who’s usually fish-shy. The Lamprais was a treasure chest of ingredients and fragrances! The eggplant, in particular, was such a revelation, marinated thoroughly to perfection.

We eyed the dessert menu with craving, but the generous servings had us too full for an encore. There will definitely be a next visit, though!

The service was stellar. We arrived before their opening time, but the gracious staff welcomed us in from the icy blast outside. Throughout the evening, they remained attentive and professional despite a full house of customers.

I loved the ambiance too. Walking in felt like being transported to a vibrant corner of Sri Lanka. The decorated walls told stories of the land, while the soft zen-like music provided a serene backdrop to our culinary journey.

Such a flavor-packed gem. Can't wait for...