Zircon Restaurant and Bar

In Northcote, Melbourne, Zircon Restaurant and Bar 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. Egg and Prawn Hoppers offer lacy edges and soft centres, while Lamprais lands as a traditional celebration, with chicken, lamb or mixed as you please. Barramundi finds lift in a Mustard Fish Curry; Lamb Rogan Josh is slow-cooked to tenderness. For the rice-minded, Lamb Shank Biryani promises fall-off-the-bone comfort, and the Zircon Special Fried Rice delivers wok-kissed satisfaction, with saffron rice waiting in the wings to cradle sauces just so.

To finish, Sri Lankan Faluda ticks the box for nostalgia, and a Mango Lassi keeps things sunny from first sip to 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.