Kodaikanal, lovingly called the “Princess of Hill Stations”, is not just about misty mountains, serene lakes, and pine forests. It’s also a delicious destination for food lovers. Whether you crave South Indian flavors, wood-fired pizzas, cozy cafés, or street food delights, Kodaikanal has it all.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the best restaurants in Kodaikanal, must-try dishes, hidden cafés, and street food experiences — everything you need for a complete culinary journey in this beautiful hill town.
Top Restaurants in Kodaikanal You Must Try
1. Cloud Street
Located on P.T. Road, Cloud Street is famous for its cozy ambiance, wood-fired pizzas, pasta dishes, and desserts. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a relaxed evening with live music and good food. Their thin-crust pizzas and Tao Chicken are highly recommended.
- Location: P.T. Road, near the main bazaar.
- Cuisine: Italian, Continental.
- Specialties: Thin-crust pizzas, Tao Chicken, pastas, desserts.
- Ambiance: Cozy interiors, wooden furniture, fireplace, live music on weekends.
- Price Range: ₹400–₹800 per person.
- Pro Tip: Visit early evening to grab a seat near the fireplace during peak tourist seasons.
2. Astoria Veg
For an authentic South Indian vegetarian meal, Astoria Veg is a classic choice. Known for its crispy dosas, steaming idlis, and traditional pongal, this place offers delicious, hearty meals at very reasonable prices. Don’t leave without trying their aromatic filter coffee.
- Location: Bazaar Road, close to the bus stand.
- Cuisine: Pure South Indian vegetarian.
- Specialties: Ghee roast dosa, pongal, vada, idli, filter coffee.
- Ambiance: Simple, clean, family-style dining.
- Price Range: ₹150–₹300 per person.
- Pro Tip: Ideal for breakfast or a quick traditional South Indian lunch.
3. Passiflora Ristorante Italiano
Set near Poombarai village, Passiflora serves an excellent selection of Italian dishes like handmade pasta, steaks, and burgers. It’s the perfect stop if you want to enjoy stunning terraced hillside views with your meal. Their Penne Aglio Olio with chorizo sausage is a favorite.
- Location: Near Poombarai Village (about 30 minutes from town center).
- Cuisine: Italian, Continental.
- Specialties: Penne aglio olio with chorizo, homemade pasta, burgers, steaks.
- Ambiance: Outdoor seating with spectacular valley views.
- Price Range: ₹500–₹1000 per person.
- Pro Tip: Best to visit during lunch hours to enjoy clear panoramic views.
4. The Royal Tibet
Tucked away on the quieter streets of Kodaikanal, The Royal Tibet offers an authentic taste of Tibetan cuisine. Their piping hot thukpa, steaming momos, and egg noodles are the best companions for a chilly Kodai evening.
- Location: Near Coaker’s Walk entrance.
- Cuisine: Tibetan, Chinese.
- Specialties: Momos (veg and chicken), thukpa, Tibetan noodles.
- Ambiance: Laid-back, casual, pet-friendly.
- Price Range: ₹250–₹500 per person.
- Pro Tip: Order thukpa during evenings — perfect to beat the chilly weather.
5. Daily Bread Pastry Corner
One of the oldest bakeries in town, Daily Bread is loved for its cream buns, cupcakes, and ice creams. This spot is perfect for grabbing a quick snack or indulging your sweet tooth with fresh bakery delights.
- Location: Bazaar Road (opposite the Astoria Hotel).
- Cuisine: Bakery and Confectionery.
- Specialties: Cream buns, cupcakes, homemade chocolates, ice creams.
- Ambiance: Takeaway focused, small casual seating.
- Price Range: ₹50–₹200 per item.
- Pro Tip: Go early — their fresh bakery items often sell out by noon!
6. Altaf’s Café
Perched in Vattakanal, Altaf’s Café offers breathtaking valley views and a Middle Eastern-inspired menu. Their hummus and pita, fresh salads, and pancakes are not just tasty but beautifully presented. It’s also very popular among backpackers and international travelers.
- Location: Vattakanal, near Dolphin’s Nose viewpoint.
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Continental, Café Food.
- Specialties: Hummus & pita bread, falafel, Nutella pancakes, shakshuka.
- Ambiance: Rustic, backpacker-friendly, breathtaking valley views.
- Price Range: ₹400–₹700 per person.
- Pro Tip: Sit by the edge tables for the best panoramic valley view.
7. Mann Manam
For a traditional Tamil Nadu meal experience, head to Mann Manam. Operated by local women, the restaurant specializes in spicy home-style dishes served in clay pots. Their mutton biryani and fried anchovies are local favorites.
- Location: Near Observatory Road.
- Cuisine: Tamil Nadu Traditional Meals.
- Specialties: Mutton biryani, anchovy fry, chicken curry, parottas.
- Ambiance: Local homely setting with clay pot serving.
- Price Range: ₹200–₹400 per person.
- Pro Tip: Meals are freshly prepared — a slight wait is worth it!
8. Meltiez
If you’re craving sweets, Meltiez is your heaven. Offering everything from gooey brownies and chocolate fondue to waffles and milkshakes, this dessert place is guaranteed to satisfy your sugar cravings.
- Location: Near Seven Roads Junction.
- Cuisine: Desserts, Shakes.
- Specialties: Chocolate fondue, hot brownies with ice cream, waffles.
- Ambiance: Cute and modern dessert café vibe.
- Price Range: ₹150–₹350 per dessert.
- Pro Tip: Perfect post-dinner dessert spot for sweet cravings.
9. Tava Vegetarian Restaurant
Located close to Poet Tyagaraja Road, Tava serves flavorful North Indian vegetarian dishes. Their butter naan, dal makhani, and paneer butter masala are cooked to perfection and attract foodies from all over.
- Location: Poet Tyagaraja Road.
- Cuisine: North Indian Vegetarian.
- Specialties: Paneer butter masala, butter naan, dal makhani, lassi.
- Ambiance: Simple yet neat interiors, family-friendly.
- Price Range: ₹250–₹500 per person.
- Pro Tip: Great place if you’re craving rich gravies and freshly baked naans.
10. Ten Degrees
Colorful interiors, valley views, and an impressive menu of Indian and continental fusion dishes make Ten Degrees a top choice for casual dining. Their coconut mousse dessert is a must-try.
- Location: Observatory Road, near Bryant Park.
- Cuisine: Fusion (Indian, Continental).
- Specialties: Burmese Khow Suey, coconut mousse, pasta, fusion biryani.
- Ambiance: Colorful, artsy, casual cafe with valley views.
- Price Range: ₹400–₹700 per person.
- Pro Tip: Ideal for brunch or relaxed afternoon chilling.
Must-Try Local Dishes in Kodaikanal:
(i) Homemade Chocolates
Kodaikanal is renowned for its homemade chocolates. Available in dark, milk, and exotic fruit flavors, they are perfect souvenirs or treats for yourself.
- Where to Find: Daily Bread Pastry Corner, Kodai Chocolate Factory, Chocolate Corner.
- What to Expect: Wide variety — dark, milk, fruit-filled, nutty chocolates.
- Price Range: ₹150–₹500 for small gift packs.
- Pro Tip: Buy freshly packed ones — avoid heavily refrigerated stock.
(ii) Momos and Thukpa
Thanks to its chilly weather, Tibetan dishes like momos and thukpa are incredibly popular here. Available at small eateries and cafés, they are a warm, hearty choice.
- Where to Find: The Royal Tibet, Tibetan Brothers Café, roadside stalls near Coaker’s Walk.
- What to Expect: Steamed or fried momos with spicy dipping sauces; hearty thukpa noodle soups.
- Price Range: ₹80–₹180 per plate.
- Pro Tip: Best enjoyed hot during the evenings when the air turns crisp.
(iii) South Indian Breakfast
Nothing beats a breakfast of crispy dosas, idlis, and pongal served with fresh coconut chutney and sambar. Most restaurants open early and serve traditional meals.
- Where to Find: Astoria Veg, Sri Krishna Bhavan, Hilltop Woodlands Restaurant.
- What to Expect: Dosa varieties, idli, vada, pongal, served with coconut chutney and sambar.
- Price Range: ₹100–₹200 per person.
- Pro Tip: Wake up early — breakfast hours are usually between 7 AM to 11 AM.
(iv) Fresh Fruits
Kodaikanal is a fruit lover’s paradise. Avocados, oranges, bananas, and passion fruits are grown locally and sold fresh. Don’t miss the seasonal fruit platters.
- Where to Find: Local fruit vendors near Kodai Lake, Bryant Park entrance.
- What to Expect: Avocados, passion fruits, oranges, bananas, hill plums.
- Price Range: ₹50–₹150 per fruit basket.
- Pro Tip: Look for organic farm produce — they are fresher and tastier!
(v) Cheese Varieties
The local cheese scene in Kodaikanal is vibrant. You’ll find everything from soft cheeses to herbed varieties in local stores like Kodai Cheese Factory.
- Where to Find: Kodai Cheese Factory, local dairy shops.
- What to Expect: Herbed cheese, gouda, cheddar, spiced cheese blocks.
- Price Range: ₹250–₹500 per 200g pack.
- Pro Tip: Ask for sample tasting at cheese outlets before you buy.
Best Street Food to Explore
The streets of Kodaikanal bustle with food vendors selling an array of snacks. Some of the best include:
- Bhajji (fried fritters) served hot with chutney
- Roasted Corn with a dash of lemon and masala
- Sweet Corn Soup to warm up on chilly evenings
- Masala Tea brewed with spices, perfect after a long walk
Take a stroll around Bryant Park, Coaker’s Walk, and near Kodai Lake to enjoy these simple yet flavorful treats.
Fine Dining Experience: The Carlton Kodaikanal
For a luxurious dining experience, The Carlton offers elegant options:
- Silver Oak Restaurant: Multi-cuisine meals with a focus on authentic Indian and continental dishes.
- The Hearth – Coffee Café: Warm and cozy for a perfect coffee break.
- End of the Road – Bar: A rustic bar with lively cocktails and a view of Kodai Lake.
- The Terrace Restaurant: Live counters serving barbecue and pasta, set against a stunning outdoor backdrop.
Pro Tips for Food Lovers Visiting Kodaikanal
- Peak Season Tip: During summer and festive holidays, popular restaurants get crowded. Reserve your table or plan for early dinners.
- Local Delights: Look out for home-run cafés — they often serve the freshest food with local ingredients.
- Street Food Safety: While street food is tempting, choose vendors with good hygiene practices.
- Vegetarian Friendly: Kodaikanal is highly vegetarian-friendly with many pure-veg restaurants.
- Carry Cash: Some small eateries may not accept cards, so it’s handy to keep some cash.
- Vattakanal Cafés: For a more bohemian vibe, explore Vattakanal’s lesser-known cafés.
Conclusion: A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Kodaikanal offers not just misty hills and breathtaking views but also a rich and diverse food scene that caters to all tastes. Whether you’re savoring a simple dosa, biting into a gooey chocolate brownie, enjoying a Tibetan momo, or sipping coffee over the valley, every meal becomes an experience.
No matter what your craving — Indian, Italian, Tibetan, or good old comfort food — you’ll find something memorable in Kodaikanal.
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