Known as the Princess of Indian Hill Stations, Kodaikanal offers the best of breath-taking views, climatic conditions, lush green vegetation, warm hospitality, and of course, the verdant surroundings of the majestic Nilgiris. Any nature lover traveling down south will want a glimpse of this beautiful destination which epitomizes peace and tranquility. And guess what, the food you get here is equally enticing. Kodaikanal may not have mega shopping malls with expansive food courts, but it does have tiny local chocolate and confectionary shops, tea stalls, cafés, and great restaurants. If you are a foodie, read on. We give you a list of restaurants in Kodaikanal where you can eat, eat, and repeat even while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Kodaikanal
1. Hotel Astoria Veg, Kodaikanal
Hotel Astoria Veg | #1 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
Vegetarian foodies will have an amazing experience at this eatery which is one of the best restaurants in Kodaikanal. The idlis and vadas are the signature dishes served here with freshly made chutney and steaming hot sambar. You could also indulge in the variety of dosas or if you are a hardcore lover of North Indian food, you will definitely not be disappointed with their rotis, sabzi, dal, chole bhatura, and other delicacies. Don’t forget to have their amazing tea that completes the wholesome breakfast experience.
- Location: Anna Salai, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 07.00 am to 10.00 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Idli, Dosa, Tea, Chutney, Sambar, North Indian Thali, Kadai Paneer
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 250
2. Tava, Kodaikanal
Tava | #2 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
Serving the best of Indian cuisine, this vegetarian restaurant in Kodaikanal welcomes you with warm décor and the soothing ambiance. You must indulge in the scrumptious parathas and the delectable veg curries listed in the menu. If having a wholesome meal with generous portions at a reasonable price is your idea of dining in Kodaikanal, then this restaurant should top your list.
- Location: PT Rd, 7 Roads Junction, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 11.30 am to 08.45 pm; (Wednesday Closed)
- Must-Try Items: Aloo Paratha, Cheese Paratha, Makai Simla Mirch, Mix Veg. Curry, Paneer Paratha
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 300
3. Sree Krishna Bhojanalaya, Kodaikanal
Sree Krishna Bhojanalaya | #3 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
This lunch-only restaurant serves great soups, appetizers, and mains to the hungry tourists. It is best known for its rich vegetarian fare, especially the Gujarati and Rajasthani thalis. The ambiance here is warm and the hygiene levels are maintained well. After a long day of going around the tourist places in Kodaikanal, you will want to unwind at this restaurant for a royal meal.
- Location: Nellai Nadar Bazaar, Fairy Falls, Pambarpuram, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 12.00 noon to 02.00 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Rajasthani Thali, Jain food, Kadi Khichdi, Gujarati Thali, Punjabi food
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 300
4. Woody’s Kodaikanal
Woody’s Kodaikanal | #4 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
If you are near Kodai Lake, one of the most-visited lakes in Kodaikanal, you must visit Woody’s. Located in its own private valley, Woody’s scores high on food as well as ambiance, making it one of the best Kodaikanal veg restaurants. You can indulge in a variety of dishes from the South Indian, North Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisines including appetizers, mains, and desserts. You can choose to enjoy your meal at the picturesque garden area or sit by the warm fireplace in this 100-years-old building.
- Location: Near Fire Station, Convent Road, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 07.00 am to 11.00 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Dosa, Idli, Fried Rice, Sandwiches, Butter Naan, Palak Paneer, Dal, Soups
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 350
Best Tibetan Restaurants in Kodaikanal
5. The Royal Tibet, Kodaikanal
The Royal Tibet | #5 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
If you are a Tibetan food lover and a hardcore carnivore, then Royal Tibet is one of the best non-veg restaurants in Kodaikanal you must visit. Imagine being wrapped around in a woolen shawl and slurping hot Tibetan soup and binging on steamy momos during the winters. You can experience exactly that here with the Potato and Cheese momos and beef, chicken, and mutton alternatives. The noodles and the soups are freshly prepared and authentic and you will experience a bit of Tibet in every bite.
- Location: P.T Rd, Above J’s Heritage, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 12.00 pm to 04.00 pm and 05.30 pm to 09.00 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Potato and Cheese Momo, Chicken Momo, Beef Momo, Chicken Fried Rice, Lemon Tea, Noodles
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 300
6. Tibetan Brothers, Kodaikanal
Tibetan Brothers | #6 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
The steamed momos served here are just perfect to get your days started. You must try them with Thukpa and their chilli sauce. You get veg as well as non-veg momos and the restaurant also serves noodles, rice, and other mouth-watering Tibetan delicacies at very reasonable prices. The place exudes an unmistakable Tibetan vibe with the wallpapers of Lhasa, the Dalai Panchen Lamas, and Potala Palace.
- Location: Poet Tyagaraja Road, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 11:30 am to 9 pm (Mon- Fri); 12.00 pm to 04.00 pm and 05.30 pm to 09.00 pm (Wed)
- Must-Try Items: Veg Steamed Momo, Chicken 65, Beef Momo, Chicken Fried Rice, Noodles, Thukpa, Tibetan Bread, Chowmein
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 350
Best Multi-Cuisine Non-Vegetarian Restaurants in Kodaikanal
7. Cloud Street, Kodaikanal
Cloud Street | #7 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
This is a great place to hang out with a group of friends, chit-chat, and binge on some thin-crust pizzas that have load of fresh ingredients and cheese toppings. With excellent service, this eatery on P.T Road cannot be missed simply because of its amazing food quality. Pastas, sizzlers, BBQ chicken, and lemon cake are some of the signature dishes worth trying.
- Location: Poet Tyagaraja Road, Opposite to Chandhai Market, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 09.00 am to 09.00 pm; Wednesday Closed
- Must-Try Items: Thin-crust veg and non-veg pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, sizzlers, lemon cake, BBQ chicken
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 400
8. Muncheez, Kodaikanal
Muncheez | #8 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
Known for its amazing rolls with different stuffing options, Muncheez is one of the top restaurants in Kodaikanal that is loved by youngsters. Serving both Indian and Continental food, the restaurant offers quick bites, mains, and desserts to the food-hungry travelers. Indulge in some hot tea that goes well with your rolls and find heaven in each bite or wash down your yummy rolls with some thirst-quenching shakes and smoothies.
- Location: 144 PT Road, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 11.00 am to 09.00 pm; Thursday Closed
- Must-Try Items: Chicken Roll, Egg Roll, Chicken Wrap, Double Egg Roll, Paneer 65 Roll
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 350
9. Hotel Eden Paradise, Kodaikanal
Hotel Eden Paradise | #9 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
Located at Laws Ghat Road near Kodai Lake, Eden Paradise is known for its authentic Malabar cuisine. The picturesque surroundings of this locality and the amazing coastal food are something you will absolutely love about this place. This is among the best non-veg restaurants in Kodaikanal because of its service and the food that is served on a banana leaf. The Malabar Thali that consists of pappadam, rice, sarakara puratti, banana chips, fried fish (for non-veg thali), rasam, and a gamut of other authentic Kerala-based food is lip-smacking and will keep you asking for an extra serving.
- Location: Laws Ghat Road, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 10.00 am to 09.00 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Malabar Thali, Fried Fish, Prawns, Porotta
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 350
10. Silver Oak, Kodaikanal
Silver Oak | #10 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
Silver Oak at the Carlton Hotel serves the best Mughlai, North Indian, and Continental veg and non-veg delicacies in Kodaikanal. The restaurant has an upscale setting and is stylishly done to draw in food lovers coming down to Kodai. Authentic curries and the range of Indian bread served here are heart-warming. What’s more, the generous topping of fresh cream done beautifully in the curries will tickle your taste buds. If you love spicy North Indian food, then this is where you should be dining at during your Kodai holiday. You can also opt for the buffet dining option available here.
- Location: The Carlton Hotel, Lake Road
- Timings: 07.30 am to 10.30 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Rajma Chawal, Naan, Dal Makhni, Chicken Tikka, Tandoor Roti
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 1500
11. Hilltop Inn, Kodaikanal
Hilltop Inn | #11 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
Experience authentic Hyderabadi cuisine at this hilltop gem that also serves the best biryani in town. This is one of the most loved hilltop restaurants in Kodaikanal because of its hospitality and the scrumptious food. The seafood version of the famous biryani is equally yummy while vegetarians will love the indulgent veg biryani. The aromatic spices, long-grained rice, succulent meat, and the right flavors will give you an epicurean spin. The other specialties at Hilltop Inn include south and north Indian appetizers, curries, and rotis, in addition to the amazing desserts on the restaurant menu.
- Location: Hilltop’s Biryani, Club Road
- Timings: 12.00 noon to 03.30 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani, Seafood Biryani, Veg Hyderabadi Biryani, Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Chicken, Appam
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 500
12. Aromas of Kodai, Kodaikanal
Aromas of Kodai | #12 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
This casual dining restaurant located at the Hamuse Hotel serves multi-cuisine delicacies and is a crowd puller. It offers amazing South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, and Continental cuisines at very affordable prices. The pancakes and sandwiches are just wonderful here, while the noodles are great too. You will find many foreigners and tourists at this eatery because of its tongue-tingling food and great hospitality.
- Location: The Hamuse, Anna Salai, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 07.00 am to 11.00 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Pancakes, Burgers, Noodles, Fried Rice, Tandoori chicken
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 500
13. Hilltop Fried Chicken, Kodaikanal
Hilltop Fried Chicken | #13 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
If you are missing KFC back home, then fret not! Kodaikanal has its own version of crispy fried chicken called Hilltop Fried Chicken. Soft, juicy, and deep-fried chicken they serve are super-delicious. You can also go for the burgers and fries to complete your own happy meal while you are in the Princess of Hill Stations.
- Location: Opp. Danish Art, Anna Salai, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 11.00 am to 09.00 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Crispy Fried Chicken, Chicken Burger, Fries, Meals, veg nuggets, chicken nuggets
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 500
14. MannManam, Kodaikanal
MannManam | #14 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
If you are a hardcore non-vegetarian looking for affordable local cuisine, you must try this rustic outdoor restaurant. This military hotel-style restaurant serves the spiciest and most delectable South Indian meat, chicken, and seafood on a banana leaf. Giving you the real deal in local cuisine, MannManam lets you eat your heart out with fantastic views of Kodaikanal. Read also – Lakes in Kodaikalan
- Location: Venus Cottage, Observatory Road, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 12.00 noon to 05.00 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Vanjaram Fish Fry, Varuval Chicken, Mutton Varuval, Mutton Biryani, Non-veg Thali
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 500
15. Hotel New Imran Biryani, Kodaikanal
Hotel New Imran Biryani | #15 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
Often called the “Best Biryani Place in Kodaikanal”, HNIB is indeed a non-fussy, chilled-out place to devour the best biryanis in town. Serving both veg and non-veg items, this restaurant keeps its recipes simple, delectable, and affordable. Other South Indian food varieties are also served here on a banana leaf.
- Location: 6/27 Rifle Range Road, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 08.00 am to 10.00 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Chicken Biryani, Mutton Biryani, Chicken Fry, Chicken 65, Pepper Chicken, Chilly Chicken
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 400
Best Café Restaurants in Kodaikanal
16. PotLuck, Kodaikanal
PotLuck | #16 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
This cozy European style outdoor café serves amazing coffee, Spanish omeletes, pasta, Quesadillas, sandwiches, and more at reasonable prices. You can indulge in some amazing tea, cappuccino, cold coffee, and more to refresh your senses. Great food and peaceful ambiance make this café the favorite hangout place for couples and groups.
- Location: P T Road, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 24 hours; every day
- Must-Try Items: Spanish Omelete, Sandwich, Chicken burger, Cappucino, Pasta
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 300
17. Café Cariappa, Kodaikanal
Café Cariappa | #17 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
Is carrot cake on your list? Are you dying to eat some oh-so-heavenly croissants, sandwiches, burgers, and pasta? Then head straight to this cute little café that serves these along with hot beverages like latte, hot chocolate, cappuccino, and more. The rustic wooden interiors and the modern décor are very inviting.
- Location: PT Road, J S Heritage Complex, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 11.00 am to 06.00 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Carrot cake, Croissants, Sandwiches, Cappuccino, Latte, Hot chocolate
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 400
18. Pastry Corner, Kodaikanal
Pastry Corner | #18 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
The freshest bread and bakes are available at this café run by Daily Bread. You can have their sponge cakes, plum cakes, buns, and loaves right out of the oven. Known for a wide range of pastries like chocolate, pineapple, fruit, and more, this café also serves the best ice creams in town. All-in-all a dessert haven in Kodaikanal is what Pastry Corner is. You can also indulge in the savories at this café which taste fantastic too.
- Location: Bazaar Road, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 10:30 am to 02:00 pm and 03:00 pm to 05:30 pm; every day
- Must-Try Items: Plum cakes, Sponge Cakes, Pear Fruit Cakes, Pastries, Ice cream
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 450
19. Aby’s Café, Kodaikanal
Aby’s Café | #19 of 19 Best Restaurants in Kodaikanal
Another petit café in the heart of the town is Aby’s Café that offers Continental and European cuisines. Their Burritos, pasta, sandwiches, French toast, coffee, fries, burgers and more are just excellent. Accommodating a few board games, this little gem is a must-visit in Kodaikanal.
- Location: P.T. Road, Kodaikanal
- Timings: 11:00 am to 07:45 pm
- Must-Try Items: French toast, Coffee, Pasta, Veg Grilled Sandwich, Mashed Potatoes
- Approximate Cost for Two: ₹ 300
Hope your food fantasies come true in Kodaikanal at the eateries mentioned above. Monsoons are the best time to visit Kodaikanal because of the beautiful weather and the amazing views that you can enjoy while gorging on the lip-smacking food the region has to offer. So what are you waiting for? Book your room in one of the best budget hotels in Kodaikanal and get ready to unleash your wanderlust as well as epicurean fantasies.
Restaurants in Kodaikanal Video:
This post was last modified on 18-Aug-2023