Summary: ( Last Updated: August 2026) Explore some of the most memorable restaurants in Kerala, from artistic cafés and luxury waterfront dining to traditional South Indian eateries. Discover what makes each restaurant special, the type of cuisine and experience to expect, and useful tips for planning your Kerala food journey.
Kerala is known for much more than its backwaters, beaches and lush landscapes. Food is an important part of the Kerala travel experience, with flavours influenced by local traditions, coastal ingredients, spices and different culinary communities.
From the artistic atmosphere of Kochi to the traditional food culture of Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur and Calicut, travellers can discover restaurants offering everything from authentic Kerala cuisine to international dining experiences.
If you’re searching for the best restaurants in Kerala, this guide brings together 10 dining options mentioned in the original article. Each offers a different experience, making it easier to choose a restaurant based on your interests, location and preferred dining style.
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Housed in one of Fort Kochi’s heritage buildings, Kashi Art Café is trending on social media for its lovely interiors and perfect artsy views. It attracts locals and tourists just the same and is one of the loveliest cafes in the city. Indian and overseas tourists are most commonly found extending their breakfast here, as it keeps one wanting more.
If you’ve seen the café, you’ll know why to visit it again; and if not, then you’ll have to visit it to know why people visit it again and again. Under any circumstances, Kashi Art Café is a must-visit.
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If you want the merger of your world and the South Indian world, then consider this: eating authentic South Indian cuisine in fine dining. Rice Boat, Taj Malabar Resort and Spa in Kochi serves delicious South Indian cuisine in a luxurious, huge boat that boasts fresh catches on the menu every day.
The restaurant offers a unique experience of eating what you catch from the sea, meaning the guests staying at the hotel can fish, and the hooked fish will be made for them in whichever way they’d like it to be.
It isn’t for nothing that Villa Maya has earned the reputation of one of the best cafes in Asia for its ambience and theme. The ambience here is to die for; it is as good as dining in an 18th-century Dutch mansion with perfect service and delicious food. Villa Maya is an experience in its own self which no tourist should miss out on.
With a lovely courtyard garden and private curtained alcoves, this place will take you back in time to an era of grace, sophistication, and royalty. Don’t miss out on the Pineapple Shikanji here.
A themed restaurant is common, a colored café is common, but what is uncommon is dedicating an entire restaurant to one single dish. That’s right, Dhe Puttu in Kochi is dedicated to Kerala’s quintessential breakfast dish – Puttu. Thanks to the Malayalam superstar – Dileep, Dhe Puttu elevates a simple dish like Puttu to a luxury gourmet experience.
Needless to say, you’ll be able to enjoy Puttu in every form that you can think of and every combination that you can’t even think of in your wildest dreams. Chocolate Puttu is said to be amongst the restaurant’s most delicious dishes.
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If you’ve booked your Kerala tour package from Mumbai, then you’ll understand what a crime it is for a foodie to go to Mumbai and not have Bombay vada pav; in the same way, to go to Trivandrum and not enjoy the typical local lifestyle with a filter coffee and dosa by the side from Indian Coffee House is another crime no food enthusiast should commit.
Located in a red brick building, Indian Coffee House on Central Station Road in Trivandrum is a must-visit for a lot of locals; it is what Starbucks is to America, so enjoy a cup of filter coffee from the oldest and biggest chain of restaurants in all of Kerala.
Thai Soul is Kochi’s first Thai restaurant, which focuses on bringing the street food from five broad culinary regions to luxury dining. Gai Hor Bai Toey is one of Thai Soul’s finest made dishes and an absolute must-try besides their pomelo salad and curries.
If you are a vegetarian who can’t stand the sight of meat but wants to enjoy authentic South Indian food, then Hotel Annapoorna is a good option to consider. Named after the goddess of food, Hotel Annapoorna serves pure vegetarian authentic Mallu breakfast and other traditional food.
If you are visiting Thrissur and love biryanis, then don’t think twice before going to this 36-year-old restaurant, which specializes in Briyanis and has been able to maintain its original taste and quality of food since 1972.
A heaven for vegetarians, Saravana Bhawan has more than 100 branches in India alone. This premium, top-notch restaurant is known for its authentic food and good service. It is hard to miss out on this one, given the number of branches it has all around.
To eat the best Malabar food in town, you may have to stand in the queue, but it will be worth every minute of your time. Paragon Hotel in Calicut serves perfect biryani in the perfect ambience.
Don’t be surprised if you see a queue on a weekday here; the food here deserves more attention than anywhere else around. The restaurant has branches in Dubai and Sharjah as well, and you’ve got to try it once before you ask why.
Kerala’s food culture adds another layer to the travel experience, whether you’re enjoying traditional Kerala flavours, South Indian vegetarian food, Malabar cuisine, international dishes or a relaxed café meal.
From Kochi and Trivandrum to Thrissur and Calicut, the restaurants featured in this guide offer different ways to experience the region’s diverse dining culture. Choose restaurants according to your destination, preferred cuisine, budget and dining atmosphere, and always check the latest information before visiting.
If you’re planning a Kerala holiday, combining sightseeing with local food experiences can make your trip even more memorable. Explore Kerala tour packages and create an itinerary that allows you to discover the state’s landscapes, culture and cuisine together.
The list includes Dhe Puttu, Hotel Annapoorna, Hotel Sapphire and Paragon Hotel for travellers interested in exploring Kerala’s local and regional food culture.
Rice Boat, Villa Maya and Thai Soul are suitable choices for travellers looking for a more premium or memorable dining experience.
Saravana Bhawan is a suitable option for travellers looking for South Indian vegetarian food. Indian Coffee House can also be considered for a casual dining experience.
Kochi has several options featured in this guide, including Kashi Art Café, Rice Boat, Dhe Puttu, Thai Soul and Saravana Bhawan, offering different cuisines and dining styles.
Kashi Art Café in Kochi combines café dining with an art and cultural atmosphere, making it an interesting option for travellers exploring Fort Kochi.
Paragon Hotel in Calicut is included in the guide as a dining option for travellers interested in exploring the culinary culture of northern Kerala and the Malabar region.
Yes. Rice Boat and Villa Maya can be considered by couples looking for a more relaxed and premium dining experience.
Travellers looking for casual dining can consider options such as Indian Coffee House, Dhe Puttu and Saravana Bhawan, depending on their location and cuisine preference.
It is advisable to check the latest opening hours, menu, prices, availability and reservation requirements directly with the restaurant before visiting, as these details can change.
The guide covers dining experiences across Kochi, Trivandrum, Perumbavoor, Thrissur and Calicut, giving travellers options across different parts of Kerala.
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