The Ceylon Tavern

I confess I'm mystified by the universally excellent reviews of this restaurant. My wife, who's Sri Lankan, and I visited while on holiday in London in July. Since we can't find Sri Lankan food very easily, if at all, where we live in the Middle East, I made an effort to seek out what looked to be the best option during our stay in London. To say this proved to be a disappointment would be a gross understatement.

On the positive side, I'd agree that the service was very welcoming and friendly and that the meal was reasonably priced. However, the food ranged from dull and mediocre to, frankly, lousy. Overall, the experience was just bland - quite an achievement with Sri Lankan food. I'm really pretty easy-going when it comes to restaurants, but this one has prompted me to submit a review in the interests of balance. I'm truly sorry, because I really wanted to like this place.
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Fraser
Overall rating
Food 2 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 7
Sunday, August 10, 2008

This is our favourite restaurant, not just in this area! The food is unique and we can't get enough! We continue coming back again in again!
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Anna + Danilo
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Friday, June 27, 2008

Possibly the best restaurant in south London....absolutely beautiful food, and wonderfully helpful staff.
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Sarah
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 10
Friday, April 18, 2008

The food was execellent !!! each dish was different in tasete & service was great ! would recomend to others & come back, Thank you.
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Ags & Celeste
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Saturday, March 22, 2008

What an absolute little gem of a restaurant.

My friend and I stumbled across this restaurant last Friday.

The restaurant is divided into 3 seperate rooms.

Each room is decorated in a different theme.

We sat in the main restaurant where the style was very colonial.

We sipped Masala tea from a mismatch set of fine bone china tea cups which just added to the experience.

The walls were decorated with various clocks although we noted none were working!

The choice of tasty dishes will have going back for a return visit because you can't sample all the dishes available in one sitting!

No complaints apart from why there weren't more diners in the restaurant.
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Georgie
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Great Restaurant! Highly recommended.
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Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Thi is our 3rd visit to this lovely local restuarent & we continue to love the food ! taste is verry unique, not like other curry houses. The food is fresh & not oily. the service is friendly with a big smile. The restaurant setting is beautiful & we will be back.
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Mr & Mrs Terry
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Wednesday, January 23, 2008