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
Paragon Restaurant
Fusion Bay
Vineyard Restaurant
Tharavadu Heritage Restaurant
Buhari Hotel
The Rice Boat
Hotel Azad
Koduvally Salkara
Hotel Sealord
Bamboo Bar & Restaurant
Clock Tower Restaurant
Cheraman Cafe
Kayal Restaurant
Moplah Bay
Meen Curry Restaurant
Harbour Restaurant
Indian
Hotel Saravana Bhavan
Dal Roti
Saravana Bhavan Thiruvananthapuram
Sagar Ratna
Arya Niwas
Hotel Pandhal
Fusion
Kashi Art Cafe
Malabar Junction
Villa Maya
Pepper House Cafe
Arrowhead Cafe
Kerala
Dhe Puttu
Thekkumudu Restaurant
Ginger House Restaurant
Malabar
Rahmath Hotel
Halais Restaurant
Zain's Hotel
Cafe
Café Coffee Day Munnar
Chinese
Yodhyas Restaurant
International
Little Kitchen
Kerala Heritage
History Restaurant & Bar
Kerala Street Food
Nettoor Thattu Kada
Kerala Traditional
Palaaram
Malabar Muslim
Kayees Rahmathullah Hotel
Traditional Kerala
Shala Restaurant
Vegetarian
Ente Keralam
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. |