Ceylonta Restaurant

Never again...

The search for a proper Sri Lankan/South Indian restaurant in Ottawa continues....Ceylonta may have been a good restaurant in 2008 when it did receive its last reward, but seems like they fell off the map ever since. Ceylonta definitely needs a restaurant makeover because it is a kitchen nightmare! Gordon Ramsay, please help this franchise.

Never again...

I placed a pickup order today for traditional Sri Lankan dishes which I am quite fond of being a Sri Lankan myself. As a Toronto resident experiencing Sri Lankan dishes for the first time in Ottawa, I must say I am thoroughly disappointed considering that Ceylonta has been given acclaimed reviews of being one of Ottawa's best. However, the food was not freshly made, the curries were days old -- probably microwaved and recooked with a variety of spices. Trust me, this brownie knows his curry. Every single dish is tripled in pricing compared to Toronto South Indian restaurants (ex. Mutton Kothu Roti is $12.95 @ Ceylonta, in Toronto - a freshly made and much flavourful version is $5.) I originally requested a chicken biriyani but the owner (who I had the unfortunate privilege of meeting) suggested that the dish is unavailable @ the Somerset location so he said he would give me the briyani rice and a double leg curry - instead he gave me steamed rice and "devilish chicken" which is not even an authentic south indian/Sri Lankan dish. Tells you a lot about the place when the owner of a franchise can't provide a dish at 1 selective location and deliberately lies to you about what is being provided...Also, there was a 10% discount for pickup orders valid until June 30 2010 which he did not credit! very sneaky character - beware! The search for a proper Sri Lankan/South Indian restaurant in Ottawa continues....Ceylonta may have been a good restaurant in 2008 when it did receive its last reward, but seems like they fell off the map ever since. Ceylonta definitely needs a restaurant makeover because it is a kitchen nightmare! Gordon Ramsay, please help this franchise.

It was a very pleasnt visit... as soon as we entred the restaurant I told the server that we want to catch movie in next 20 mins can they serve something quick.... The person sited us suggested us the entrees which can be served quickly..... and did serve them in no time... Food was awesome (I have revisited this place and no disappointments ever). Only suggestion would be to keep longer ladles which will not drown in the curry... (for the buffet)

Very tasty, very spicy at times. The lunch...

Very tasty, very spicy at times. The lunch buffet is small but quite worth the price and has a nice selection that is kept fresh throughout. The dinner menu us great to order from as well, and the restaurant has a wide selection so you won't get bored. Good mango lassi and the spiced coffee is also wonderful.

Best South Indian Food, a Unique experience

I've been going to this restaurant for at least 8 years, once or twice a year. I have a South Indian background. This food is authentic, tasty, and made-to-order. The staff are helpful and accomodating. For vegetarians there is wide and delicious selection. For Muslims, all meat dishes are halal, and there is no pork on the menu. The decor is pretty good.

The waitstaff was very attentive and the food was...

The waitstaff was very attentive and the food was great. The restaurant was relatively crowded, but the service was not too slow. We were happy.

After walking past Ceylonta many times thinking...

After walking past Ceylonta many times thinking it smelled delicious and making reservations at Ceylonta for our anniversary, we were extremely disappointed with the service, to the point that we walked out. Once seated and given menus, the waiter never returned. People were seated after us at the next table, they ordered and even got their food while we continued to wait patiently for the waiter to return. After waiting for 25 minutes we got up and left and then went for a delicious dinner at another restaurant. On such a special evening, we were very disappointed with the service at Ceylonta and will never recommend this restaurant to friends and family. Sadly the Ceylonta website doesnt't have an email to take up my concerns with them directly.

Oh how I love Ceylonta. I would eat there...

Oh how I love Ceylonta. I would eat there 5 nights a week if I could. There are so many great dishes at Ceylonta. I strongly recommend the shrimp curry. This dish is similar to Chicken Makni (if you're familiar with this tomato based buttery curry. It's great with a little white rice and some rothi. I prefer the roti at Ceylonta to the naan. The roti is not like West Indian roti (love that too). Don't know how to describe it but it's delicious. I love the Thali's. The little curry dishes that make up the Thali are almost all superb. The green cocunt chutney (think that's what it's called) is great to help cool down the burning hot curry dishes. You must enjoy spicy food to eat at Ceylonta. They don't prepare dishes as mild, medium, hot. It's all hot. Very inexpensive. Cute surroundings. Nothing fancy. Lovely staff (often a little too busy)

I love their prawns in curry! It is my first...

I love their prawns in curry! It is my first time having Sri Lankan cuisine and I will definitely go back.

Delicious! Inexpensive. Very Friendly Staff Service is a little slow.