UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN
Lungi
Sri Lanka and India's southern tip, on one banana leaf on First Avenue.
Chef Albin Vincent grew up in Kanyakumari, at India's southern tip, with family roots across the water in Sri Lanka, and Lungi cooks that shared coastline. The menu moves easily between the two: Sri Lankan lamprais and string hoppers beside dosas, kothu roti, and fish cutlets, with curry leaf, coconut and black pepper running through everything.
The signature is kingfish, pan-fried with chili and served on a banana leaf under crisp fried makrut lime leaves. On Sundays a banana-leaf thali lays out the whole repertoire. Michelin has given it a Bib Gourmand and the New York Times added it to its 2026 list of the city's best restaurants — a lot of attention for a modest room on First Avenue.
Editor’s tip
Come on a Sunday for the banana-leaf thali; any other day, order the kingfish and the lamprais.
Make an evening of it — beautiful stops nearby
Also in the neighborhood
UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN
Sant Ambroeus (Madison Avenue)
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Café · Neighborhood Café · $$$
UPPER EAST SIDE, MANHATTAN
Bemelmans Bar (The Carlyle)
Madeline murals, gold-leaf ceiling, live piano — the old New York bar that still exists.
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Editorial draft — core details last reviewed October 13, 2026. Confirm practical details with the official site before you go.