Little Lanka: Authentic Sri Lankan Plates

In a rustic log cabin nestled in the mountains near Nishinomiya, Little Lanka (リトル ランカ) offers an authentic taste of Sri Lanka, distinguished by its warm hospitality and beautifully composed dishes. The owner-chef's dedication is clear, from the use of home-grown vegetables to the careful, decorative plating that has won the restaurant a loyal following and a spot in the Tabelog "Top 100" for Asian cuisine multiple years running.

The main draw is the Lanka Plate, a culinary ritual that begins with an Ayurvedic soup. This is followed by a vibrant platter centered around rice, two types of curry (such as chicken, mutton, or tuna), and a dazzling array of small, flavorful side dishes like pol sambol (coconut relish) and dal (lentil curry), all meant to be mixed together as you eat. Reviewers consistently praise this variety, along with the occasional special of lamprais—a complete meal steamed in a banana leaf. The experience is often rounded out with fresh mango juice, a dessert, and Ceylon tea.

The restaurant is popular and can be busy, with seating often limited to two hours and walk-ins sometimes seated at the counter. A few guests have noted that special items like the Lanka Plate may have limited availability, so it's wise to inquire when booking. These are minor points, however, in what is otherwise a widely praised experience.

Lunch typically costs between ¥2,000 and ¥2,999, with dinner ranging from ¥3,000 to ¥3,999. Reviewers recently paid around ¥2,350–¥2,550 for the signature Lanka Plate and ¥2,050–¥2,450 for the "A Lunch" set. Guests overwhelmingly find it to be excellent value for the generous portions and high quality.

• Reservations: Booking is highly recommended, especially for lunch and on weekends. Walk-ins are accepted but may face a wait or be offered counter seating.
• Getting There: The easiest way to visit is by car, with parking for 15 vehicles available. By public transport, take a bus from Takarazuka or Nishinomiya stations. Note that the last bus departs around 5 PM, making a car or taxi necessary for dinner.
• Payment: Accepts credit cards (VISA, Master, JCB, AMEX), electronic money (transportation IC cards, iD, QUICPay), and QR code payments (PayPay, d Barai, Rakuten Pay).
• Children & Pets: Children are welcome and a kids' plate is available. Pets are permitted at the outdoor garden tables only.
• Dietary Notes: You can choose the spice level for your dishes.
• Other Services: Takeout is available and well-regarded by reviewers. The entire venue can be booked for private parties of 20–50 people.