Sri Lankan restaurant 'Virundhu' crowned Harrow’s Restaurant of the Year

A family-run Sri Lankan restaurant has been crowned Harrow’s Restaurant of the Year after a public vote, foredign media reported.

Virundhu, in Field End Road, Pinner, saw off competition from its rivals – including three other finalists – to take the title.

According to This is London , the restaurant prides itself on providing an “authentic” Sri Lankan experience and promises its visitors a “melting pot of flavours”.

The restaurant has been placed at the top of the shortlist compiled by The Harrow Times.

The restaurant is overseen by Sri Lankan Ravi and Nirthiga Ravithasan, a husband and wife duo who always harboured ambitions to run their own joint.

Ravi, explains  how they believed they could use their own skills and heritage to produce something genuine.

He said: “We noticed how there was a lot of Sri Lankan restaurants about but a lot of the time the ingredients and the dishes weren’t what we expected.

“We thought ‘we can do better’ and so we set about creating something where everything would be fresh and everything would be authentic.”

The report  claimed that  while their mutton rolls, curries and Kothu are exquisite, Ravi and Nirthiga, with their knowledge and warmth, are the star attractions.

They are far from patronising and more than willing to talk guests through what’s available, adding their own little anecdotes and recommendations along the way.

Guests who have visited the restaurant – at which booking is essential at weekends – are hardly surprised that it has proven so successful in its relatively short tenure.

As for the owners themselves, they were delighted to have been named Restaurant of the Year 2017.

“We’re really pleased to have been chosen by the public and we hope to continue to welcome them through our doors,” said Ravi.