Lankan Filling Station, a beloved and award-winning Sri Lankan restaurant in Darlinghurst, Sydney, has announced its shock closure after a seven-year run.
Owner and chef O Tama Carey made the announcement, saying the restaurant will close soon, likely by the end of winter.
While no exact date has been confirmed, diners are urged to head in over the coming weeks for a last taste of the restaurant’s famous flavours.
Lankan Filling Station first opened its doors on Riley Street in Sydney’s East in 2018, after two years of market stalls and pop-ups.
It quickly gained cult status for its lacy, bowl-shaped fermented rice pancakes – known as hoppers – which fans would tear apart and drag through rich black curry or slow-cooked coconut lentils.
The restaurant’s tiny, atmospheric space and ever-evolving menu made it a go-to for diners craving something bold, hearty, and resembling authentic Sri Lankan home cooking.
It earned a coveted hat in every edition of the Good Food Guide since its opening, with the most recent guide describing it as ‘a celebration of spices’ and praising the depth and complexity of every dish.
O Tama reflected on the restaurant’s journey, saying, ‘We have changed, adapted, and grown. We lived through COVID and the general chaos that comes with a restaurant.’
She also hinted that the spirit of the restaurant will continue in other forms, including her second cookbook, Lankan Filling, which will be released on September 30.
The news is bittersweet, with Carey’s cookbook and its launch events set to keep the spirit of the restaurant alive long after the final dish is served.
Until then, there’s still time for one more crab curry, another spoonful of sambol, and maybe just a few more hoppers, while you still can.