Zircon Restaurant and Bar

In Northcote, Melbourne, Zircon Restaurant casts a bright light on Sri Lankan flavours, folding in beloved South Asian staples with easy confidence. This is food of sizzle and soul - the rhythmic chop of chicken kottu roti, the gentle perfume of saffron carried on steam, and curries that arrive glossy and deeply spiced.

Begin with crisp fish croquettes or a vegetable samosa, then let the kitchen’s range reveal itself. Delicate egg hoppers offer lacy edges and soft centres, while lamprais vegetable lands as a traditional celebration. The barramundi finds lift in a mustard fish curry, and the Sri Lankan chicken drumstick curry is slow-cooked to tenderness.

For the rice-minded, the Zircon special fried rice delivers wok-kissed satisfaction, with saffron rice waiting in the wings to cradle sauces just so.

To finish, a Sri Lankan faluda ticks the box for nostalgia, and a mango lassi keeps things sunny from the first sip to the last.

Taken all together, Zircon favours warmth, balance, and the quiet thrill of spice done right. Set your sights on Northcote and let the flavours lead the way - go on, curry a little favour!