Banana Leaf Restaurant & Cafe

2.8 Not Recommended

Food  3      Ambience  6      Service  1      Value  1     

This was apalling. We went as a family group for an important celebration. The worst service I have ever seen. We were served by an open-mouthed gum chewing waiter reaching across everyone, dumping food unceremoniously. And what food, bland, overcooked, over-sugared food, completely nondescript or tough. Roadside cafes prepare better food. Down the road there is somewhere else for the same prices. Go there.

Dec 15, 2011 

6.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  4      Service  7      Value  7     

For me in Canberra, this about as good as it gets. The food is good, and the server was actually knowledgeable and made some suggestions when we asked for them, and they were great suggestions. We were of course abandoned to the wolves after that, regrettably, because it is Australia after all and we can never get post-order service, but I'd go back. The wattleseed mussels as an entree were fantastic, and we had the string hoppers and Kottu Rotti as mains, which were both just fantastic.

Jul 26, 2011 

7.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  7     

I went to Banana Leaf 2 weeks ago with my mother before a show at the Canberra Theatre. I ordered the Pittu, which was presented beautifully and tasted great (however, I was expecting a bit more chilli), I especially enjoyed the side of 'Sri Lankan gravy'. Mum ordered the Sri Lankan Style Rice and curry, which was also good, but I struggled to find the difference in taste between my own dish and hers.

Wasn't completely Wow'ed by the food, but it was satisfying enough to intrigue me to return for a 2nd visit at another time. Service was exceptional. Loved the Mango Lassi.

Jun 11, 2011 

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

If you want to experience excellent food complimented with A1 service and atmosphere, then treat yourself to a meal at Banana Leaf Cafe Restaurant in Canberra. I have visited this establishment a number of times and cannot fault it, plus the prices are reasonable too. Congratulations to management and staff for a wonderful dining experience. Please try! M

Nov 17, 2010 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  7     

As a first try for me at Sri Lankan food, this place was delicious. Layout was tidy and the noise level perfect. Good idea to reserve for dinner though. Nice simple menu with a whole bunch of local ingredients thrown in. Service was exceptional, with wonderful waiter staff who never left us waiting more than a few seconds. A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Try the Limprisht, mmmm

May 22, 2010 

3.5 Below Average

Food  1      Ambience  7      Service  5      Value  1     

Absolutely disgusted at the food. Nothing authentic about the sri lankan food. When we asked for the food to be spicy we were told we would get chilli on the side. The biryani turned out to be rice with chicken curry served on the side, it was cooked prior, definitely not fresh since it came within 3 minutes of ordering. The staff did come and ask how we liked the food to which I politely replied it was not even close to spicy and the 'chilli' served was nothing more than bottled sambal. Very disappointing! Over priced including the corkage of 9 dollars a bottle (we didn't get time to finish even half a glass before the meal.

Feb 02, 2010 

3.3 Below Average

Food  1      Ambience  4      Service  7      Value  1     

I was expecting more from this well known banana leaf trade name. Unfortunately, it is the worst banana leaf/sri lankan restaurant I have ever been before. The meals are well presented but the taste is extremely awful. The portion is little and the price is expensive.

The chicken Yaka Ge Kaama is very very sour, (it seem like it was prepared with a full bottle of tomato sauce and vinegar), and only served with a small portion of rice. I didn't get to finish it and it is just unbearable to swallow. The Lomprisht, which was a highly recommended dish but it ended up with a great disappointment. The basmati rice is not fragrant at all and the curry doesn't taste like curry.

Think this is the only sri lankan restaurant around town. But if you want something nice, I recommend you to go somewhere else.

Apr 08, 2009 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  9     

Lost count of the number of times I have been to Banana Leaf for both lunch and dinner. Never disappointed. Great food and great service in a central location. If you do not want to be disappointed, I suggest booking and putting a reserve on the Lomprisht - rice and curry cooked in banana leaves. Does it get any better? Best thing is that this place is open when others are not - like Melbourne Cup night.

Feb 14, 2009 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

Had lunch here on impulse a couple of weeks ago, and can see why it's received awards. The meal (can't recall its name) was quite beautifully presented and delicious to boot. Service was attentive and friendly and the surroundings are very pleasant. The value for money was excellent. Will be dining there again soon.

Oct 13, 2008 

7.3 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  6     

Nice restaurant serving Sri Lankan food. Good for lunch in Civic.

Aug 01, 2008