Sri Lankan restaurants

Loku

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

298 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia $20–40
4.3
67 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Nestled in the heart of Northcote, Melbourne, Loku is a vibrant Sri Lankan restaurant that brings the rich and diverse flavors of Sri Lanka directly to your plate. From the moment you walk through its doors at 298 High St, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting atmosphere paired with the intoxicating aroma of spices, herbs, and freshly cooked curries that promise a truly authentic culinary journey.

Loku’s menu is a celebration of traditional Sri Lankan dishes, each crafted with care and authenticity. Standout offerings such as the lamprais—a fragrant rice dish wrapped in banana leaves—transport you to Sri Lanka’s coastal charm with every bite. The pot biryani, aromatic and perfectly balanced with tender meat and an intricate blend of spices, is another fan favorite that has garnered consistent praise. For those seeking vibrant flavors, the prawn curry and chicken curry deliver deep, layered heat and a satisfying richness that lingers long after the meal is finished.

Guests also rave about complementary treats like the crispy cutlets and the unique betel leaf, adding dynamic textures and tastes to the dining experience. The presentation is thoughtful, reflecting respect for Sri Lankan culinary heritage with a modern touch that engages all the senses.

While some have noted the absence of air conditioning making for a warmer dining environment on hot days, the friendly and attentive staff at Loku more than make up for it by providing personable service that enhances the overall experience. The passionate team’s expertise shines through, creating a welcoming vibe that makes you feel like a guest in a Sri Lankan home.

Reviewers consistently highlight the authenticity and value for money at Loku, with generous portions and reasonable pricing that make it an accessible gem for those craving genuine Sri Lankan cuisine in Melbourne. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to these vibrant flavors, Loku is a destination that invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan spices in an authentic and heartfelt setting.

For anyone eager to savor the “best Sri Lankan food in Melbourne,” as one happy customer put it, Loku promises an unforgettable dining experience filled with bold flavors, excellent hospitality, and a true sense of place.

03 Notes from regulars

67 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.3
Based on 67 verified notes
5 53
4 8
3 5
2 5
1 6
All
R Ds.
2 month ago
The best Sri Lankan food in Melbourne! We ordered lamprais, fried rice, biryani, prawn curry, roast paan and cutlets and everything was delicious. The food was presented nicely and the staff were very friendly and attentive. Keep up the great work and wishing Loku the very best. You’re doing really well and you haven’t even been open for a month!
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Hassan.
4 month ago
If you’re craving authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, Loku delivers in a big way. The food is incredibly flavorful, well-portioned, and very reasonably priced. Every dish we tried was bursting with spice and depth — clearly made with care and true to its roots. It’s hard to find this level of authenticity, and for that, Loku deserves serious credit. However, the dining experience left a lot to be desired. The restaurant is clearly understaffed, and we ended up waiting nearly an hour for our food. The staff were friendly, but the delay did take away from the overall experience. The seating arrangement is also uncomfortably cramped. At one point, people waiting for a table were standing so close we felt like we should offer them a seat with us. It made for a rather awkward and rushed meal. To top it off, the restaurant was freezing. A serious lack of heating made it hard to relax and enjoy what should have been a warm and comforting meal. It’s a shame, because the food really deserves a better setting. Would I go back? Probably — but only if I hear they’ve addressed some of these issues. Loku has all the potential to be a local gem, but until they sort out the staffing, seating, and heating, it’s hard to recommend it wholeheartedly.
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M Zubair.
4 month ago
Tried the Sri Lankan food at Loku and absolutely loved it! The food was full of flavour and such great value for money. The staff were friendly and made the experience even better. A perfect spot if you’re craving authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. This place is a hidden gem. We ordered chicken curry, vegetables rice for main dishes. Will definitely be back!
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Ariel Magid.
4 month ago
We came on a hot day and there was no AC. The food was good, it was my mother-in-laws first time trying Sri Lankan and she enjoyed it! We tried the lamprice which is very traditional Sri Lankan, a chicken curry and the betel leaf (which was my favorite).
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Nishama Amarakon.
4 month ago
I recently had the pleasure of dining at “Loku,” and it’s safe to say this new Sri Lankan restaurant has set a high standard for authentic flavors and exceptional service. The pot biryani was one of the main highlights—aromatic, rich, and cooked to perfection. The blend of spices and tender meat created a dish that was both hearty and satisfying. The lamprais, another must-try, was a delightful combination of rice, meat curry, and sambol. The dessert menu didn’t disappoint either. The falooda was hands down the best I’ve ever tasted at a Sri Lankan restaurant in Melbourne. Its creamy texture, fragrant rose essence, and perfect balance of sweetness made it a dessert to remember. If you’re craving authentic Sri Lankan food, “Loku” should be at the top of your list.
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April Sacluti.
5 month ago
I would highly recommend the scallops, chicken lamprais and black pork curry. It was delicious and my brother who is normally not satisfied from one meal - could not get enough and ended up finishing off the rest of our families dishes. Although understandable the interior was pretty cold despite the shut door so wear a warm layer if you're eating in. Thank you for your lovely hospitality. Will definitely be dining here again.
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Heather Ryan.
5 month ago
The most incredible food. Everything from appetisers to dessert is completely delicious. The biryani is to die for, the vegetable rolls are a perfect starter, not to mention the mouth watering betel lead tacos, and every piece of potato I had was out of this world. Highly recommend!
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Ruvidunu Karunaratne.
6 month ago
A must try!! Loku is a tiny new Sri Lankan restaurant with delicious home style yet elevated dishes! Everything we tried was full of flavour and nostalgia. From our table, we had a direct view of the kitchen and could see Chef Lanka and the other chef cooking away! The starters we ordered came out pretty fast, and even though the mains took a little time, it didn't impact our experience as we kept ordering more of the amazing roast paan, which was crispy on the outside and fluffy soft on the inside!! They even made us off menu pol sambola upon request! The service was really good, there was just one server and somehow she managed to keep up with our big group who kept asking for more food! I'd heavily encourage everyone to give Loku a try!!
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday 05:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Wednesday 05:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Thursday (today) 05:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Friday 05:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Saturday 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM 05:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Sunday 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Finding the door

298 High St, Northcote VIC 3070, Australia

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
Popular for
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Table service
Atmosphere
  • Casual
Crowd
  • Groups
Planning
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • Good for kids
Parking
  • Free street parking
  • Parking
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