Spotlight | Lakruwana Restaurant

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Throughout the month, Broadway Stages will feature and celebrate exceptional people, businesses, and organizations of Asian and Pacific Island heritage. We invite you to join us in recognizing their accomplishments and contributions! Today, we travel to Sri Lanka via Lakruwana on Staten Island.

Many may not know it, but Staten Island is home to the largest Sri Lankan community in the United States. On Bay Street, you can find Lakruwana, a portal to the splendors of this colorful culture.

Even before you sit down to enjoy your meal, you step into a dining room adorned with textures and colors from floor to ceiling, transporting you to the island nation in South Asia. You will dine among Buddhist statues, wood carvings, textiles, and pottery. The entire experience is curated down to the earthenware bowls and wooden spoons in which your delicious meals are served.

If you choose to explore further, the restaurant also houses the Sri Lankan Art & Cultural Museum, founded by the owner/head chef's daughter, who also serves as the restaurant's general manager. For more information on the museum, check out Broadway Stages' earlier blog about it here.

But the real star of Lakruwana is the food, of course. With fare the Michelin Guide describes as "flavorful" and "refreshing," it is no wonder they listed it as one of the best restaurants on Staten Island.

You may not be familiar with Sri Lankan cuisine, but if you are a fan of Indian food, you will recognize many dishes, such as curries, biriyani, and lassi. These can be used as stepping stones to more traditional Sri Lankan dishes, like the restaurant's 300-year-old recipe for lamprais served with your choice of curry.

Another unique dish is the deviled chicken. This entrée mingles the flavors of garlic, ginger, and tomato and comes with a refreshing raita and vegetable curry. The portions are sizable, but be aware that the food can be fiery, so order accordingly. Ask the staff if you are unsure of something or just curious. They are happy to make your experience second to none.

As one customer noted, "The decor in the restaurant is awesome, with intricate South East Asian tapestries and artwork throughout that really transform the place and add to your dining experience. The food itself was top-notch."

If you aren't sure where to start (or stop), you may want to visit them on Saturday for their All-You-Can-Eat buffet from 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. You can sample from a wide variety of choices and go back for more of your favorites. At $20.99, it is a great deal. If you visit them during the week, their lunch hours are Tuesday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and dinner from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can check out more of the menu here and follow their Instagram page here.

Broadway Stages is continually seeing how much Staten Island has to offer. A short ferry ride can take you halfway around the world. Don't wait. Take a trip today! And when you get there, tell them that Broadway Stages sent you!