Kochi is a food lover’s paradise, offering a mix of authentic Kerala cuisine, seafood specialties, luxury dining, and street food. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal or a fine dining experience, this guide will help you find the best restaurants in Kochi.
1. Dhe Puttu
Best for Authentic Kerala Breakfast & Puttu Varieties
Why Visit?
Owned by famous Malayalam actor Dileep, Dhe Puttu is a specialty restaurant dedicated to Puttu, Kerala’s famous steamed rice cake.
What to Eat?
- Kadala Curry with Puttu (Black Chickpea Curry)
- Chemmeen Puttu (Prawn-Stuffed Puttu)
- Meen Puttu (Fish Puttu)
- Nutella Puttu (Sweet Version)
Location: Edappally, Near Lulu Mall
Timings: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Cost for Two: ₹500 – ₹700
Nearest Metro: Edappally Metro Station
Pro Tip: Try their specialty seafood puttu – a unique dish only available in Kochi!
2. Paragon Restaurant
Best for Malabar Biryani & Seafood
Why Visit?
One of Kerala’s most famous biryani and seafood restaurants, Paragon is a must-visit for authentic Malabar cuisine.
What to Eat?
- Malabar Chicken Biryani
- Prawn Mango Curry
- Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot Fish in Banana Leaf)
- Thalassery Mutton Curry
Location: Lulu Mall, Edappally
Timings: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Cost for Two: ₹800 – ₹1200
Nearest Metro: Edappally Metro Station
Pro Tip: Go early during weekends – it’s always crowded!
3. The Rice Boat (Taj Malabar Resort & Spa)
Best for Luxury Dining & Seafood with a Backwater View
Why Visit?
Located inside the Taj Malabar Resort, The Rice Boat is Kochi’s most luxurious seafood restaurant with a stunning backwater view.
What to Eat?
- Lobster Thermidor
- Tiger Prawns with Butter Garlic Sauce
- King Fish Fry Kerala Style
- Seafood Thali
Location: Willingdon Island
Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Cost for Two: ₹2500 – ₹4000
Nearest Ferry: Willingdon Island Ferry Terminal
Pro Tip: Reserve a table in advance for the best backwater sunset view!
4. Grand Pavilion
Best for Traditional Kerala Sadhya & Syrian Christian Cuisine
Why Visit?
A legendary restaurant in Kochi famous for Kerala Sadhya (Traditional Veg Feast) and Syrian Christian cuisine.
What to Eat?
- Kerala Sadhya (On Banana Leaf) – Lunch Only
- Duck Roast
- Beef Fry & Porotta
- Nadan Kozhi Curry (Traditional Chicken Curry)
Location: MG Road, Ernakulam
Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Cost for Two: ₹600 – ₹900
Nearest Metro: MG Road Metro Station
Pro Tip: Visit during Onam Festival for the best Sadhya experience!
5. Fusion Bay
Best for Fusion Kerala Cuisine
Why Visit?
A hidden gem in Fort Kochi that offers a modern twist on Kerala flavors with continental fusion dishes.
What to Eat?
- Fish Moilee (Coconut Milk Fish Curry)
- Crab Masala
- Spicy Mussels Fry
- Jackfruit & Coconut Payasam
Location: Fort Kochi
Timings: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Cost for Two: ₹700 – ₹1000
Nearest Bus Stop: Fort Kochi Bus Stop
Pro Tip: Try their homemade pickles – they’re a local favorite!
Other Notable Mentions
6. Kashi Art Café – Best for Breakfast & Coffee
- Location: Fort Kochi
- Cost for Two: ₹500 – ₹800
- Pro Tip: Try their French Toast & Cold Coffee!
7. Ginger House Restaurant – Best for Waterfront Dining & Seafood
- Location: Jew Town, Mattancherry
- Cost for Two: ₹800 – ₹1200
- Pro Tip: Try their Seafood Platter with a harbor view!
8. Oceanos Restaurant – Best for Portuguese & Kerala Fusion Cuisine
- Location: Fort Kochi
- Cost for Two: ₹700 – ₹1000
- Pro Tip: Try their special Prawn & Mango Curry!
9. Kayees Biryani – Best for Mutton Biryani
- Location: Mattancherry
- Cost for Two: ₹500 – ₹800
- Pro Tip: Visit before 2 PM – their Biryani sells out fast!
10. Pandhal Café – Best for Quick Bites & South Indian Meals
- Location: MG Road, Ernakulam
- Cost for Two: ₹400 – ₹700
- Pro Tip: Perfect spot for a light evening snack & filter coffee.
Final Foodie Tips for Tourists
- Try Kerala’s Traditional Breakfast – Appam with Stew or Puttu with Kadala Curry.
- Spice Level Warning – Kerala food can be very spicy! Ask for mild spice if needed.
- Cash & UPI Payments – Most restaurants accept digital payments, but some small eateries prefer cash.
- Weekend Reservations – Top places like Paragon & Rice Boat get fully booked on weekends.
About the Author
I’m a travel blogger and slow-travel explorer passionate about nature, culture, and real-life journeys. Through KeralaOrbit, I share authentic travel stories from Kerala—covering backwaters, hills, beaches, local food, and everyday experiences that reflect the true rhythm of life in God’s Own Country.
Travel Stories & Journey Narratives
HolidayLandmark Stories
– A storytelling platform capturing immersive travel journeys, quiet moments, and meaningful experiences.
Daily Travel Logs (Real-Time Experiences)
Bangalore Orbit – Everyday urban movement, neighborhoods, and city life.
Bhopal Orbit – Calm city walks, lakeside moments, and heritage-rich experiences.
Chennai Orbit – Coastal culture, temples, food streets, and local discoveries.
Gujarat Orbit – Cultural cities, heritage towns, and regional travel moments.
Kerala Orbit – Slow travel through backwaters, hill stations, and coastal Kerala.
Mera Apna Bihar – Grassroots stories and everyday life journeys.
Mumbai Orbit – Fast-paced city life, streets, and urban moments.
City Blogs & Travel Guides
HolidayLandmark Blog – Destination guides, travel tips, and curated experiences.
Bangalore Orbit Blog – Urban exploration, food spots, and city insights.
Bhopal Orbit Blog – Heritage walks, culture, and thoughtful travel.
Chennai Orbit Blog – History, temples, food culture, and coastal travel.
Gujarat Orbit Blog – Regional travel routes and cultural destinations.
Kerala Orbit Blog – In-depth Kerala travel guides, nature, and slow journeys.
Mera Apna Bihar – Stories rooted in Bihar’s people and traditions.
Mumbai Orbit Blog – Travel guides and city exploration from Mumbai.
Through KeralaOrbit and this interconnected travel network, my mission is to promote slow, mindful travel and share authentic experiences that inspire deeper connections with places, people, and local culture across India.