Kochi is known as the “Queen of Arabian Sea,” which is known for its rich cultural heritage boasts a rich culinary scene. So when you are in Kochi, make sure you take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey! It is a paradise for people who crave authentic Kerala-style food, and these are some restaurants in Kochi that serve you with exactly that.
Table of Contents
ToggleMust-Try Restaurants In Kochi
Paragon Restaurant
Paragon Restaurant is one of the most beloved destinations for relishing authentic Malabar cuisine in Kochi. It is celebrated for its seafood, curries, and biryanis, and is always packed during meal times.
The vibe here is very energetic with attentive and fast service, making it a perfect place for families and foodies looking for quality and consistency.
Where: Lulu Shopping Mall, Edappally Junction, Nethaji Nagar, Edappally, Kochi
When: 11 am to 11 pm
Cost for two: INR 1000
What to try: Malabar chicken biryani, elaneer pudding, Fish mango curry
Grand Pavillion
This restaurant is known for its classic Kerala hospitality and is known to be one of the most loved fine dining spaces in the heart of Kochi.
The place has a very elegant setting, which is the perfect one for formal gatherings, family lunches, festivals, and those who are craving recipes that have been passed from generation to generation. They specialize in authentic Kerala cuisine.
Where: Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Ernakulam South, Kochi
When: 12 pm to 4 pm and 7 pm to 10:30 pm
Cost for two: INR 1400
What to try: Appam with mutton stew, Sadhya
Dhe Puttu
Dhe Putti is the best place to visit if you want to try some iconic Kerala breakfast staple dishes. This quirky and fun restaurant reimagines the traditional puttu in both creative and traditional styles.
Their interiors offer a complete Kerala village vibe, and the menu actually encourages people to experiment with the same traditional dish with new flavors.
Where: 1st Floor, East Service Rd, NH 66, Edappally, Ernakulam
When: 11:30 am to 10:45 pm
Cost for two: INR 800
What to try: Spicy beef puttu, Kappa biryani, and mutta surka
Brindavan Vegetarian Restaurant
Brindavan Vegetarian restaurant is a famous spot among all the vegetarians seeking authentic South Indian meals. Their focus is simple, authentic South Indian cuisine in its simplest and comforting form. It is a go-to spot for lunch and breakfast with modest ambiance and delicious food.
Where: 43/3075, NH 66, near Hotel Rock Rose, Chakkalakkal, Palarivattom, Kochi
When: 7 am to 10:30 pm
Cost for two: INR 1000
What to try: Kerala rice meals, Idlis, and crisp dosas
Restaurant Chef Pillai Kochi
Restaurant Chef Pillai is run by a famous chef, Suresh Pillai, offering modern Kerala cuisine that smoothly blends innovation and tradition.
The menu focuses on creative re-interpretations of classic traditional dishes presented with a very artistic flair. The space is sophisticated and perfect for people looking for chef-style innovation on their plate.
Where: Le Méridien Kochi, Nettoor, Maradu, Kochi
When: 11:45 am to 5 pm and 6:45 pm to 11 pm
Cost for two: INR 1400
What to try: Roast Duck Kerala-style, Coconut Milk Gravy
Rice Boat
If you are looking for a very different dining experience with authentic Kerala food, Rice Boat is the place for you. This place offers an iconic waterfront dining experience, which is set aboard a boat with gorgeous harbor views at Taj Malabar. Rice Boat is known for its unique setting, delicious seafood, and impeccable service.
Where: Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Indira Gandhi Rd, Willingdon Island, Kochi
When: 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Cost for two:
What to try: Karimeen pollichathu, appam with seafood stew, and Lobster curries
Arippa
Arippa Restaurant offers a smooth blend of comforting home dishes with inventive cuisines. Their Kerala-style meals appeal to both locals and tourists. The contemporary and chic interiors create a very lively dining atmosphere.
Where: Multiple locations
When: 12 pm to 12 am
Cost for two: INR 1000
What to try: Kanthari prawns, Beef Ularthiyatu
Matha Hotel
If you are looking for old-school, affordable yet authentic dishes and ambience, well, walk straight into Matha Hotel. They offer authentic non-vegetarian and vegetarian fare in a minimalist and uncluttered setting. Their highlight is delicious banana leaf thali with occasionally fresh fish, curries, and rice. It is a very famous place among Kochi locals for a fulfilling lunch or breakfast.
Where: Samskara Junction, Mahakavi Vailoppilli Rd, Palarivattom, Ernakulam
When: 6:30 am to 10:30 pm
Cost for two: INR 600
What to try: Sambhar rice, fish curry meals
Kerala Cafe Fort Kochi
Kerala Cafe Fort Kochi actually recreates the beautiful charm of Kerala’s heritage and culture through its dishes and decor. The meals are cooked in the traditional way, offering authentic taste, and the ambiance and inviting atmosphere make it the perfect place to enjoy local taste.
Where: Rose St, Fort Nagar, Fort Kochi, Kochi
When: 8 am to 10 pm
Cost for two: INR 1000
What to try: Kerala biryani, Ella Kappayum
Rahumania
If you are a biryani lover and you are in Kochi, you must visit Rahumania. This place is actually very legendary among biryani lovers and also for a range of traditional snacks like cutlets and pathiri. With a very prompt service and good reputation, this place has regular crowds and is a huge hit for authentic Kerala biryani.
Where: RAHUMANIA BIRIYANI, Shanmugham Rd, Menaka, Marine Drive, Kochi
When: 11 am to 11 pm
Cost for two: INR 600
What to try: Kerala biryani, Malabar chicken biryani, Mutton biryani
Grand Entree
Grand Entree is a multi-cuisine restaurant known to serve the best Kerala home-style food. Their menu covers everything from Kerala curries and rice to fresh, delicious seafood. They also have budget-friendly meals that regularly draw families and large groups for heart lunch or dinner here.
Where: Chalikkavattom, Vyttila, Near Hyundai Showroom, Geetanjali Junction, Ernakulam
When: 12 pm to 12 am
Cost for two: INR 850
What to try: Konji crispy chicken, Kathari chicken curry
Cassava, Marriott
Talk about an elevated, contemporary take on Kerala’s culinary traditions, and you will be recommended Cassava. This fine dining restaurant serves specialities like Kerala duck roast, creative seafood entrees, and stunning thali platters. The place offers a stylish, modern setting with local flavors.
Where: Lulu International Shopping Mall, 34/1111, Old NH 47, Edappally, Kochi
When: 12:30 pm to 3 pm and 7 pm to 10:30 pm
Cost for two: INR 2000
What to try: Meen Manga curry, Malabar dum mutton, Mappila mutton curry
Fusion Bay
Fusion Bay is a favourite among the locals and visitors for serving amazing seafood dishes and unique Kerala Christian cuisine (Syrian Christian).
The food dishes here are praised for being authentic and flavorful. They also serve Indo-Portuguese cuisine here. The seafood is prepared in a traditional manner, like in a banana leaf or pots, bringing in the rustic extra flavor.
Where: Santacruse Basilica Junction, 1/568, KB Jacob Rd, Fort Nagar, Kunnumupuram, Fort, Kochi
When: 1 pm to 10 pm
Cost for two: INR 1500
What to try: Paneer Pollichathu, Fish mango curry
Fort Cochin at Casino Hotel
Fort Cochin at Casino Hotel offers a fine-dining experience of classic Kerala meals. You can expect expertly cooked seafood, especially the day’s fresh catch.
The place offers an old-world, charming setting that is also the perfect place for celebrations. Apart from that, they also serve an extensive variety of continental cuisine, which is worth trying.
Where: Casino Hotel, Willingdon Island, Kochi
When: 7 pm to 11 pm
Cost for two: INR 3000
What to try: Ajwaini Fish Tikka, Squid Fry, Meen Mappas
Queen’s Kitchen
Queen’s Kitchen in Kochi is a famous family restaurant that is known for serving a good variety of cuisines like Kerala, Chinese, and Arabic.
They serve an extensive range of Kerala’s local specialities, local seafood, as well as unique Arabic shakes. Queen’s Kitchen is the right spot to experience Arabic influences in Kochi’s cuisine.
Where: K.B Jacob Road, Njaliparambu Junction, Fort Kochi, Kochi
When: 1 pm to 1 am
Cost for two: INR 500
What to try: Calamari, Porotta, Appam, Idiyappam
Summing Up
They say the best way to know about Kerala is through its food, and where better than Kochi can you get that!
So, let Kochi’s best restaurants take you on a journey to Kerala’s culinary wonders.
One Response