Tabelog ratingCINNAMON GARDEN (シナモンガーデン) has earned a loyal following for its faithful rendition of Sri Lankan home cooking. Run by a Sri Lankan owner-chef, this small restaurant in Yamato is celebrated for its authentic spice combinations and warm, welcoming atmosphere. It has consistently been named one of Japan's top Asian restaurants.
The menu is focused, with two dishes drawing consistent praise. The first is the three-curry "omotenashi" plate, a platter featuring dal, chicken, and a daily special curry alongside six varied vegetable accompaniments. Guests love the complexity and the experience of mixing the different elements. The second is the chicken biryani, a fragrant rice dish topped with a whole spiced roast chicken leg and sambol, noted for its rich flavour.
While overwhelmingly positive, some reviews note a few minor issues. The small dining room fills up quickly, leading to waits during peak hours. A few diners have reported their food arrived warm rather than piping hot, and some found the amount of sauce on the curry plate a little modest, occasionally ordering extra. Service is generally described as friendly, though a handful of reports found it merely adequate.
The restaurant is considered excellent value. Reviewers in 2024–2026 typically spent ¥1,000–¥1,999 for lunch and ¥2,000–¥2,999 for dinner. The popular three-curry plate was recently cited at around ¥1,500–¥1,650, and the chicken biryani at ¥1,580. Desserts like the traditional watalappan are about ¥400.
- Getting There: CINNAMON GARDEN is a 7-minute walk from the east exit of Minami-Rinkan Station on the Odakyu Enoshima Line.
- Reservations: Reservations are not essential but highly recommended, as the restaurant is popular and often full, especially at lunch and on weekends. Limited-availability dishes like the chicken biryani can sell out.
- Children: Children are welcome, and high chairs and a kids' menu are available.
- Payment: Credit cards (Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, Diners, UnionPay), electronic money (transportation IC cards, iD, QUICPay), and QR code payments (PayPay) are accepted.
- Seating: The restaurant has 22 seats at tables. There are no private rooms, but the entire venue can be booked for private parties.
- Smoking: The restaurant is non-smoking, but there is a designated smoking area outside.
- Parking: Two parking spaces are available in front of the restaurant.
