ආයුබෝවන්Ayubowan, the Sri Lankan welcome
The taste of Ceylon, on Via Valassina
Sri Lankan cooking in Milan
Kottu chopped on the griddle, spiced yellow rice, coconut milk curries and the short eats of Colombo's streets. Home cooking, as spicy as you like it.
The island once called Ceylon
For centuries the world knew Sri Lanka by another name, and here that name has stayed. On the walls, black-and-white photographs of Colombo and Kandy as they once were; carved wooden masks; beneath the beams, a portrait of a king. You settle onto the leather banquettes and the room does the rest: you feel like a guest in a house on the island.
From the kitchen comes what Sri Lanka eats every day, on the street and at the family table: kottu chopped on the griddle, rice with coconut milk curries, devilled dishes, string hoppers and, to finish, watalappan made with coconut and palm sugar. Guests from Sri Lanka find a taste of home here; neighbours have discovered it and keep coming back. Extra chilli, for anyone who wants it, is always on the house.
The menu
The full menu. Many dishes also come in a large portion to share: just ask.
Allergens are marked on the printed menu: just ask our staff.
Where to start
Six dishes for your first visit: what Sri Lankan guests order when they want a taste of home.
Old Ceylon special rice
Old Ceylon Biriyani
Hot butter cuttlefish
Short eats
Devilled chicken
Old Ceylon lime pie
At lunchtime
Lunch menu
€9.90water included
The dish of the day with half a litre of water. The menu changes every day: ask in the restaurant or message us on WhatsApp to find out what's on today.
Full menu
From 17:00 to 19:30
Aperitivo, the Sri Lankan way
A drink of your choice with three hot short eats, the fried snacks you buy on the street in Colombo. Still hungry? You can order more during the evening.
€8drink and 3 short eats
The drink
- Aperol or Campari Spritz
- Gin & Tonic
- Negroni
- Americano
- Negroni Sbagliato
- Vodka
Three short eats of your choice
- Fish Roll
- Vegetable Spring Roll
- Samosa
- Fish Cutlet
- Lentil Vadai
- Beef Patty
Parties and private events
Birthdays, anniversaries, First Communions, weddings: we set up the room for you, with a long table, flowers and a menu we plan together. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll take care of the rest.
In the kitchen and dining room
4.7
252 reviews on Google
What reviewers mention most
- Friendly staff
- Generous portions
- Spicy
- Cosy atmosphere
What our guests say
“Had a real Sri Lankan Kottu and Chicken Biryani after a long time—the taste was just like in Sri Lanka! If you want curry or chilli paste to make it spicier, they’ll gladly provide it at no extra cost, just like back home.”
“The Old Ceylon Kottu was the best I have ever tasted — full of flavor and perfectly cooked. … The restaurant beautifully represents Sri Lankan culture with old photographs, which I truly appreciated.”
“We loved this place so much that we came back for dinner two nights in a row! The food is full of rich, authentic flavors, and the staff is warm and welcoming.”
Come and see us
We're at Via Valassina 16, a short walk from Maciachini on the M3 line, with tables outside under the awning. Eat in, take away, or order on Glovo and Deliveroo.
Via Valassina 16
20159 Milano
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Opening hours
- MON, WED, THU, FRI
- 12:00 – 15:30 · 17:00 – 22:30
- SAT, SUN
- 12:00 – 22:30
- TUE
- Closed