Nestled in Soho, this Brutalist gem offers a unique twist on contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine, blending seasonal British ingredients for a delightful tasting menu experience.
"When Paradise opened in 2020, it was an innovative, moody, and effortlessly cool Soho restaurant that was limited in seating but not in incredible dishes. The interiors are still stunning but the menu, which once made it one of London’s best Sri Lankan restaurants, has had a complete makeover too—and we wish it didn’t. photo credit: Bhavya Pansari photo credit: Bhavya Pansari photo credit: Bhavya Pansari The two-hour, six-course dinner tasting menu is made up of dishes that don’t quite hit the mark. Kimbula banis, a traditionally sweet croissant-shaped snack, is reimagined as a savoury bite-sized cube of pastry, filled with green chilli custard and chutney, with a small tower of grated cheese on top. The buttermilk roti—which is still a major highlight—has been shrunk to a cookie-cutter size, and a fine dining swipe of black garlic curry with hay-smoked celeriac isn’t enough to make this dish enjoyable. The chef circles around each table explaining the dish being served as if reading from a script, and despite the charming hidden drawers where you’ll find your cutlery, it all feels a little bit more serious—and a lot less exciting. photo credit: Bhavya Pansari photo credit: Bhavya Pansari" - Rianne Shlebak
"This tiny restaurant has the feel of an American speakeasy with its shelves loaded with spirits and its distressed, tiled interior. The menu has an Italian slant and includes sliders, pizettes and salads, which are served up to diners at the long counter. Great for a quick bite at lunch or dinner." - Hyperkit
"Vibrant sharing plates fuse Sri Lankan family recipes with British, Portuguese, Malay, South Indian and Dutch influences. Meats come from some of the finest farms in the UK, whilst vegetables and spices come from Sri Lanka. The on-trend industrial setting features counter seating and booths." - Michelin Inspector
"Walking through Rupert Street, you might go straight past this small moody Sri Lankan spot. But that would be to the detriment of your stomach, because this is a place you’ll get exciting, flavourful sharing plates like a spicy, sweet breadfruit pastry with tangy pineapple ketchup. And a sea bass curry which pairs excellently with layered, lamb fat-infused paratha roti that will leave your fingers greasy and your heart happy. Come with a small group to try a little bit of everything—although the bar stools facing the window also make this one of our favourite places for solo dining." - Jake Oliver, Rianne Shlebak, Sinead Cranna
"A small, moody spot on Rupert Street, Paradise serves Sri Lankan small plates with exciting twists. The menu here changes daily, which means a meal can either start with something like a breadfruit vadai doughnut, or an equally delicious koffman potato pastry—just know that whatever's on the menu, you’re in good hands. They’re doing some great things with fish too, so order anything that comes in the coastal-style red curry sauce and don’t forget a paratha roti. It’s predominantly bar seating, with only a couple of booths for small groups and a single table at the back for bigger groups. " - Rianne Shlebak, Jake Oliver, Heidi Lauth Beasley
