Pettah Road - Restaurant & Beer Garden Hawthorn — Restaurant in Melbourne

My recent dining experience at Pettah Road restaurant left much to be desired. Unfortunately, several aspects of the meal fell short, making it difficult to recommend this establishment.

To start, the lamprais, which I had high hopes for, turned out to be below average. Instead of the authentic flavor and complexity I expected, it resembled more of a simple yellow rice and curry dish. This lack of authenticity was disappointing.

Another letdown was the lime juice, which was excessively sweet and tasted more like a cordial drink than a refreshing citrus beverage. The overpowering sweetness overshadowed any natural tanginess that should accompany a lime-based drink.

Furthermore, the hot butter cuttlefish failed to meet expectations. Rather than being a well-executed dish of cuttlefish prepared in a hot butter sauce, it resembled more of a devilled cuttlefish dish. This deviation from the promised flavors was a letdown.

Considering the overall experience, I must say that the food at Pettah Road restaurant was not worth the price. The shortcomings in the lamprais, lime juice, and hot butter cuttlefish, coupled with the lack of value for the cost, make it difficult to justify returning or recommending this establishment to others.

It is my hope that the restaurant takes these feedback points into consideration and makes necessary improvements to enhance the quality and authenticity of...

I had the pleasure of experiencing the rich flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine at Pettah Road, and it was an unforgettable culinary journey. The restaurant's commitment to authenticity truly shines through in their rice and curry as well as their lamprais.

The rice and curry, a staple of Sri Lankan dining, was a true highlight. The selection of curries presented an array of vibrant colors and aromas, each with its distinct blend of spices that transported my taste buds to the heart of Sri Lanka. The curries were impeccably balanced, offering a harmonious fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The fragrant basmati rice served as the perfect canvas to absorb and complement the intricate flavors of the curries.

Now, let's talk about the lamprais—an absolute masterpiece. The moment the banana leaf-wrapped parcel was placed before me, I knew I was in for a treat. Unwrapping the layers revealed a medley of flavors and textures that told a story of tradition and expertise. The tender, aromatic rice was infused with the essence of spices, while the assortment of curries, meat, and accompaniments added depth and complexity to each bite. It was a symphony of tastes that left a...

The atmosphere at this restaurant was acceptable, featuring some touches of Sri Lankan design that added a bit of cultural flair. Unfortunately, the service left much to be desired. We requested hot water for two people, which was delivered in a single coffee mug. The waiter instructed us to pour it ourselves into our glasses and mix it with tap water, resulting in water spilling all over the table.

We ordered a string hopper kothu and biryani. The string hopper kothu was mediocre at best—mostly soggy and bland. The biryani was served 10 minutes later, leaving one person to eat while the other had to wait and watch. Throughout our meal, no one came over to check if we were doing okay or if we needed anything else, not even to ask if we needed more hot water.

The food was overpriced considering the quality. The biryani contained different shapes of rice and had an odd sour flavor, as if the rice was cooked separately and then mixed with the meat upon request. Overall, the food was bland and disappointing

Overall, the experience was just okay, but we will not be returning. There are many other Sri Lankan restaurants in the city that offer better...