Kerala, known as 'God's Own Country,' is a lush tropical state on India's southwest Malabar Coast, celebrated for its serene backwaters, verdant tea plantations, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. It is one of the most literate and developed states in India, offering a unique blend of Ayurvedic traditions, diverse wildlife, and vibrant festivals.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Dhe Puttu
Famous for its eponymous puttu (steamed rice cylinders) prepared in dozens of varieties — vegetable puttu, egg puttu, chicken puttu. National Geographic named puttu the best breakfast in the world. Always crowded with locals.
Chittoor Road, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala
Paragon Restaurant
Kozhikode's most legendary restaurant, established in 1939. Paragon is an institution for Malabar cuisine — particularly the Malabar biryani, ghee rice with seafood, and their signature kallummakkaya (mussels) dishes. Always packed.
Kannur Road, Kozhikode, Kerala 673001
Kashi Art Cafe
A beloved art gallery-cafe in Fort Kochi serving filter coffee, fresh juices, and a mix of continental and Kerala fusion dishes in a relaxed colonial courtyard setting. A Fort Kochi institution for art lovers.
Burger Street, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001
Malabar Junction
The restaurant at the Malabar House boutique hotel, serving inventive Kerala-European fusion cuisine in a colonial garden setting. One of Fort Kochi's finest dining experiences, with fresh seafood as the centerpiece.
1/268, Parade Ground, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001
Fusion Bay
Celebrated for its Kerala Syrian fish delicacies — particularly the pollichathu style of cooking fish wrapped in banana leaf and grilled. Also excellent for fish in mango curry and spicy prawn preparations.
Calvathy Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala 682001
Shala Restaurant
A tiny, beloved restaurant run by three housewives serving only 30 guests at a time, located near the Jewish Synagogue in Mattancherry. The food is home-style Kerala cooking — long queues attest to its quality.
Near Jewish Synagogue, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala
Rahmath Hotel
An institution on Kozhikode's famous SM Street (Sweet Meat Street), known for traditional Malabar Muslim cuisine. Their biryani and halwa (the city's iconic sweet) attract loyal crowds of locals and curious travelers.
SM Street, Kozhikode, Kerala 673001
Hotel Saravana Bhavan
Part of the legendary South Indian vegetarian chain, offering excellent dosas, idlis, vadas, and thalis in clean surroundings. A reliable option for vegetarian travelers exploring the capital.
MG Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695001
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
Vineyard Restaurant
A cliff-top restaurant on Varkala's famous promenade with stunning sea views and a relaxed ambiance. Known for fresh catch seafood prepared Kerala-style, excellent sunset views, and a good selection of cold beer.
North Cliff, Varkala, Kerala 695141
Tharavadu Heritage Restaurant
A traditional heritage home restaurant in Alleppey serving authentic sadya (banana leaf vegetarian feast) and fresh backwater fish preparations. An excellent place to experience traditional Kerala cuisine culture.
Mullackal, Alappuzha, Kerala 688011
Buhari Hotel
One of Kozhikode's oldest restaurants, serving Malabar Muslim cuisine since 1965. Famous for seafood preparations, ghee rice, and traditional Calicut specialties in no-frills surroundings.
GH Road, Kozhikode, Kerala 673001
The Rice Boat
The signature seafood restaurant at the Taj Malabar Hotel, styled after a traditional rice boat floating on Kochi Harbour. Considered one of the finest dining experiences in Kerala, with a superb seafood menu and harbour views.
Willingdon Island, Taj Malabar, Kochi, Kerala
Hotel Azad
A popular eatery near Thiruvananthapuram Central Station known for Kerala-style biryani, fish curry, and affordable meals. A local favorite that gives travelers an authentic taste of the city's cuisine.
Central Station Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Koduvally Salkara
A fish market-adjacent restaurant in Kozhikode where customers pick their fish from the adjacent market and have it cooked to order in Kerala style. As fresh as seafood gets anywhere in India.
Fish Market Road, Kozhikode, Kerala
Hotel Sealord
A longtime Kochi institution on Marine Drive with waterfront views. Known for reliable Kerala and multi-cuisine menu, good seafood preparations, and an attached bar. A mid-range staple for decades.
Shanmugam Road, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala
Bamboo Bar & Restaurant
A casual open-air restaurant and bar in Alleppey popular with backpacker travelers and locals alike. Fresh backwater fish and seafood, cold beer, and a relaxed atmosphere make it a great Alleppey evening spot.
Mullackal Road, Alappuzha, Kerala 688011
Clock Tower Restaurant
A well-regarded cliff-top restaurant in Varkala with sea views and a wide menu of fresh seafood, Kerala dishes, and continental options. Popular for both lunch and candlelit dinners.
South Cliff, Varkala, Kerala 695141
Cheraman Cafe
A sea-facing cafe named after the legendary Cheraman Perumal, the first Indian to embrace Islam. Serves Malabar specialties with a view of the Arabian Sea, best at sunset for the sea breeze and local snacks.
Beach Road, Kozhikode, Kerala
Kayal Restaurant
A lakeside restaurant near Punnamada Lake in Alleppey, specializing in backwater fish cuisine. The restaurant has a scenic outdoor seating area and specializes in karimeen (pearl spot) and other local fish.
Punnamada Lake Road, Alappuzha, Kerala
Moplah Bay
A refined restaurant celebrating Moplah (Mappila) cuisine — the unique culinary tradition of Kozhikode's Muslim community blending Arabic, Persian, and Kerala influences. Excellent seafood and biryani in a coastal setting.
Beach Road, Kozhikode, Kerala
Meen Curry Restaurant
A no-frills local restaurant specializing in 'meen curry' (fish curry) with a rotating daily menu based on what's freshest at the morning market. Authentic Alleppey-style fish preparations loved by locals.
KSRTC Bus Station Road, Alappuzha, Kerala
Harbour Restaurant
A well-regarded restaurant in the Abad Plaza Hotel with a comprehensive menu of Kerala seafood, continental dishes, and a full bar. One of Ernakulam's more reliable dining options for seafood lovers.
Hotel Abad Plaza, MG Road, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala
Indian
Dal Roti
A popular North Indian restaurant in Ernakulam serving reliable curries, rotis, and tandoor dishes — a welcome change of pace for travelers missing North Indian flavors during a Kerala trip.
MG Road, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala
Saravana Bhavan Thiruvananthapuram
The iconic South Indian vegetarian chain's Thiruvananthapuram outlet, serving top-quality dosas, idlis, and full meals. An essential stop for vegetarian and budget travelers.
Statue Junction, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Sagar Ratna
A popular vegetarian restaurant chain in Kochi serving both South and North Indian vegetarian fare in clean, comfortable surroundings. A reliable choice for vegetarians in the city.
MG Road, Ernakulam, Kochi, Kerala
Arya Niwas
A budget vegetarian restaurant near Mananchira Square in Kozhikode, popular with locals for its hearty and affordable South Indian meals, Kerala breakfast, and fresh juices.
Mananchira Square, Kozhikode, Kerala
Hotel Pandhal
A beloved local restaurant in Thrissur known for its Kerala meals and traditional breakfasts, popular with temple-going crowds near Vadakkunnathan Temple. Excellent value for money.
Round South, Thrissur, Kerala 680001
Fusion
Villa Maya
Thiruvananthapuram's premier fine dining restaurant, set in a beautifully restored 18th-century Dutch colonial mansion. The menu blends Kerala ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques in an elegant setting.
120 Airport Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695014
Pepper House Cafe
A beautiful heritage warehouse converted into a cafe and artist residency in Fort Kochi. Set in a 16th-century pepper warehouse with high ceilings and waterfront views, offering coffee, light meals, and rotating art exhibitions.
Calvathy Road, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala
Arrowhead Cafe
A charming cafe in Kalpetta, Wayanad's district headquarters, serving specialty coffee from Wayanad's estates, fresh juices, and a mix of Kerala and continental dishes. A welcome respite for Wayanad explorers.
Sulthan Bathery Road, Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala
Kerala
Thekkumudu Restaurant
A popular traveler's restaurant in Kumily (Thekkady) town serving Kerala meals, North Indian, and Chinese dishes. A practical and affordable option for those visiting Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Kumily Town, Thekkady, Kerala 685536
Ginger House Restaurant
A quirky restaurant attached to Kochi's most extravagant antique shop, filled with giant statues and curiosities. The food — Kerala and continental — is secondary to the extraordinary atmosphere, but still good.
Queen's Road, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala
Malabar
Halais Restaurant
Famous since 1890, Halais is Kozhikode's most iconic halwa shop, producing the legendary Kozhikodan halwa in dozens of varieties — jaggery-based, coconut-based, and seasonal fruit versions.
Beach Road, Kozhikode, Kerala
Zain's Hotel
A beloved local institution in Kozhikode serving early morning porridge (kanji), breakfast, and meals. Famous for its Thalassery biryani and traditional Malabar preparations at rock-bottom prices.
Mavoor Road, Kozhikode, Kerala
Cafe
Café Coffee Day Munnar
A cozy cafe in Munnar town with views of surrounding tea hills, serving freshly brewed estate tea and coffee, local snacks, and simple meals. A great stop for warming up in Munnar's cool climate.
Munnar Town, Idukki, Kerala 685612
Chinese
Yodhyas Restaurant
One of Munnar's most popular eateries, serving a broad menu of Kerala meals, North Indian dishes, and Chinese — a common traveler's combination in Indian hill stations. Good value and reliable quality.
Munnar Town, Idukki, Kerala 685612
International
Little Kitchen
A charming small cafe in Fort Kochi serving international breakfast favorites, sandwiches, salads, and daily specials. Popular with foreign travelers for its Western-friendly menu in a relaxed colonial setting.
Napier Street, Fort Kochi, Kochi, Kerala
Kerala Heritage
History Restaurant & Bar
The restaurant at the Old Harbour Hotel in Fort Kochi, set in a 300-year-old Dutch-era building. Features heritage Kerala cuisine, an excellent cocktail bar, and a beautiful colonial courtyard for al fresco dining.
Old Harbour Hotel, Tower Road, Fort Kochi, Kerala 682001
Kerala Street Food
Nettoor Thattu Kada
A traditional roadside stall (thattu kada) serving Kochi's beloved street food — porotta (layered flatbread) with beef or chicken curry, egg bhurji, and chai. Authentic local experience.
Nettoor Road, Kochi, Kerala
Kerala Traditional
Palaaram
One of Kochi's most revered traditional Kerala food restaurants, located in Kadavanthra. Palaaram is celebrated for its authentic, home-style preparations — particularly Kerala breakfast items and traditional meals.
Kadavanthra, Kochi, Kerala
Malabar Muslim
Kayees Rahmathullah Hotel
A legendary biryani restaurant in Mattancherry, established decades ago. Kayees is famous for its aromatic Malabar biryani that locals claim is among the best in all of Kerala.
Mathilakom Road, Mattancherry, Kochi, Kerala
Vegetarian
Ente Keralam
A restaurant specializing in traditional Kerala vegetarian cuisine, particularly the grand sadya — the traditional multi-dish vegetarian feast served on banana leaves during Onam and other festivals. Available year-round here.
Museum Road, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Food tours & tastings in Kerala
Eat your way through Kerala with a guide.
Browse food experiences in KeralaWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |