Kerala is not just about the backwaters and lush scenery of the landscape. It is also a grocery lover’s dream. The nation’s deeply rooted culinary traditions and courageous use of spices transform every meal into a celebration. Whether you’re walking through the lively streets of Kochi, drinking tea in the misty hills of Munnar, or treating Varkala’s seas by the sea, you’re not far from a plate that’s surprising and satisfying.
This Kerala food guide in 2025 will take you to the best restaurants in Kerala. Traditional flavours give a global turn, the landscape is as good as the food, and every dish tells a unique and different story.
1. Kochi: A Culinary Melting Pot
Fort House Restaurant – The restaurant is located by the water and combines atmosphere with reliability. Try seafood thali, a symphony of coastal scents.
Dhe Puttu – This famous restaurant is best known for his reinvention of Kerala’s famous traditional dish, Puttu. Here you can find heartfelt and gentle varieties offered in an environment worthy of Instagram.
The Rice Boat Taj Malabar – This floating restaurant is known for its luxurious cuisine and serves traditional Kerala dishes with an elegant touch.
Why you should visit: Kochi is one of the must-see places to dine in Kerala, as it is a mix of inheritance and modern culinary trends..
2. Munnar: Mountains, Mist, and Meals
Saravana Bhavan – A local favorite for vegetarian fare. The dosas and sambar are consistently top-notch.
Rapsy Restaurant – Budget-friendly, multi-cuisine, and beloved by travelers. Their Kerala beef fry and parotta are a must.
Hotel Guru – A hidden gem known for its homely meals and fresh ingredients.
What makes Munnar special: The food here is hearty and warm—perfect after a long day of sightseeing in the chilly hills.
3. Alleppey: Lagoon Lunches and Backwater Bites
Kream Korner – An unexpected gem with eclectic options ranging from Kerala thalis to pasta.
Cassia Restaurant, Ramada – Offering serene views of the backwaters, this is where fine dining meets traditional flavors.
Brothers’ Hotel – Locals love this place for its spicy fish curry meals and affordable pricing.
Food tip: Alleppey is where to eat in Kerala 2025 if you love seafood served fresh from the backwaters.
4. Varkala: Ocean Views and Exotic Menus
Clafouti Beach Resort Restaurant – A cliffside gem serving traditional and continental dishes with a view that’ll steal your heart.
God’s Own Country Kitchen – Known for organic, Ayurvedic-inspired cooking that delights both health buffs and flavor seekers.
Abba Restaurant & Everest German Bakery – Funky ambiance, amazing desserts, and great for breakfast lovers.
Pro traveler tip: These are top Kerala cuisine spots to experience food with a view and a vibe.
5. Wayanad: Spices, Tradition, and Hearty Flavors
1980’s A Nostalgic Restaurant – Take a step back in time with its retro decor and deliciously simple Kerala meals.
The Coffee Grove Restaurant – Surrounded by plantations, it serves rich curries and spicy biryanis.
Wilton Restaurant, Sulthan Bathery – One of the best restaurants in Kerala if you’re hunting for meat dishes done right.
Why foodies love Wayanad: The food is bold, traditional, and laced with spices grown in the region itself.
6. Trivandrum: Tradition Meets Innovation
Villa Maya – Set in a restored 18th-century Dutch mansion, it offers a luxurious take on Kerala dishes.
Mother’s Veg Plaza – Perfect for those craving authentic Kerala vegetarian meals, especially the classic Kerala sadya.
Zam Zam Restaurant – A local legend for biryanis and grilled meats. Great for family outings.
Why visit: It’s one of the must-try places to eat in Kerala for both street food and royal feasts.
Tips for Exploring Kerala Through Its Food
Exploring food all over Kerala is a unique and tasty journey on its own. Here are some tips to make this even better:
- Go Local: Try the street stands and small shops for the most authentic flavors.
- Seek for a catch: Freshness is invincible, especially in coastal areas.
- Don’t hesitate from spices: Kerala dishes must be brave and aromatic.
- Respect for local timing: Many places are approaching between lunch and dinner.
- Try Sadya: a traditional dish that is usually vegetarian and majorly served with banana leaves.
Solis Nature Recommends: Food Meets Stay
At Solis Nature, we believe that food and travel go hand in hand. That’s what makes us distinctive about Kerala, we have the breathtaking scenery that deals soulfully about immersion. Drink freshly brewed coffee in a plantation bungalow or enjoy a homemade Kerala meal with a quiet host family near the backwaters.
Here’s how we bring food into your journey:
- Local Hosts, Local Recipes – Get served what locals eat daily.
- Farm-to-Table – Properties with their own spice gardens or organic farms.
- Curated Food Trails – Discover hidden eateries and food joints only locals know.
When you book with Solis Nature, you’re not just getting a stay but you’re getting a story told through food, place, and people.
Final Thoughts: Taste Kerala, One Bite at a Time
The best restaurants in Kerala are always chic. Sometimes they are small scales on the street, large kitchens on the hills or outdoor cafes on the beach. In 2025, the Kerala cooking scene is more alive than ever, combining the traditions of the time with a modern twist.
Whether you have gourmet food, a traveler, or someone who chases the next big bite, make this Kerala Food Guide 2025 a compass. Pack your bags, bring your appetite with you, and see how Solis Nature guides you to where everyone feels like they’re at home.
Enjoy the flavor. Explore culture. Travel along the path of Solis.
One of the most famous restaurants in Kerala is Paragon Restaurant in Kozhikode. Known for its Malabar biryani, seafood, and authentic Kerala cuisine, it’s a must-visit for food lovers.
Villa Maya in Trivandrum is known for its stunning ambience, architecture, serene gardens, and candlelit dining. The Rice Boat in Kochi (Taj Malabar) also offers an waterfront setting with views of the backwaters.
The Lighthouse Beach Restaurant in Kovalam offers fresh seafood with ocean views. Salt n’ Pepper (Varkala) is another favorite, located on the cliff, facing the Arabian Sea. These spots are perfect for sunsets, seafood, and breezy evenings.
Yes, vegetarian food is widely available across Kerala. Kerala cuisine includes vegetarian dishes like avial, thoran, sambar, and olan. Most restaurants, even seafood or meat-specialty ones, offer vegetarian options.
