The best Indian restaurants South India

Malabar House is located in the heart of the historic center of Fort Kochi, 3 minutes walk from Chinese fishing nets. It is an establishment, certified Relais & Châteaux, which harmoniously combines traditional Indian art with modern design. You will feel at home, a small paradise in the middle of this vibrant and ancient port town. Each room is unique with its color, furniture and art objects. Swimming pool, air conditioning, cable TV, telephone, safe and wireless internet access are available. Three types of room: Luxury rooms, suites with roof terrace and duplex duplex suite. The hotel features a superb restaurant, Malabar Junction, known throughout India for its exceptional cuisine. La Malabar House also houses an unusual wine and tapas bar, the Divine.

This is the right address if you are looking for South Indian cuisine and snacks. At lunch time, it's crowded and you have to wait for a place. Shut up early in the evening.

We asked several people what the best Goanese restaurant in town was, and they all said the Ritz Classic. The authentic, spicy Goanese cuisine attracts every family in Panjim. Try the shark with ambotik sauce(mori ambotik), cafreal chicken, xacuti oysters or vindaloo squid... you won't be disappointed. But remember to specify "not spicy" if you don't want to end up in the emergency room with a burning palate! The Goanese cuisine is undoubtedly the most spicy in the country.

The entrance is small, but after a narrow corridor, you arrive in a large restaurant room with a modern design. This address is very popular with locals and western tourists. The menu is varied (excellent Kerala specialties, noodles, snacks, ice cream...). The dishes are tasty and generously served. However, make sure that the waiter understands your order, as the staff does not understand English well. The walls of the place are adorned with works of art by local artists. There is a smaller branch on Cullen Road.

With its discreet exterior, this restaurant in Pali Naka, the trendy district of Bandra, is a little gem. It has a romantic atmosphere, a sober and wooded decor, with vintage photos on the walls and, above all, a delicious cuisine. Try the Kalonji Macchi (fish in a spicy sauce Mangalore style), the Butter Chicken (the authentic one) or the Tadka Dal (lentil dish)... The portions are generous and the service efficient. To top it all off, the Pali Bhavan also has a bar and sometimes offers concerts.

Hosted by Jiggs Kalra, the "Indian Kitchen Tsar", Masala Library is one of India's finest restaurants. Get ready to discover Indian cuisine in all its wealth, from street food to traditional dishes, every dish is revisited by the chef. Extremely modern, the establishment integrates the molecular gastronomy on the plates, which in addition to giving the most delicate visual, leads to a unique taste full of surprises. An indispensable place for lovers of taste.

A chic canteen that captures the atmosphere of 1970s Goanese restaurants with antiques scattered here and there and a menu to discover on a slate. Delicious fish and seafood specialties, but also thalis, classics of the local cuisine... Food lovers will particularly appreciate the chicken vindaloo, a very spicy dish with a subtle smoky taste, to be eaten with chapatis or pav, the goanese bread inherited from the Portuguese. Don't hesitate to try the local dessert, the Serradura, a sweet half cream, half ice cream.

Chased away from Mullackal Road, this popular restaurant has retreated not far away, on the canal side, next to the YMCA. It serves very good thalis, called mealshere. You'll also find a great selection of local fish, both sea and lake. If you like spicy food, try the meen pollichattu, fish cooked in a banana leaf. The more delicate palates will appreciate the podimeen fry which is similar to our smelt fry. The place is frequented by locals, which is a guarantee of the quality of the cuisine.

A well known chain all over India for more than 50 years, and the place even seems to date back to that time! Good simple Indian food at low prices. The waiters wear fan-shaped hats and the walls are decorated with portraits of historical Congress leaders. They serve snacks and real meals. It's a popular spot among locals. Another open-air establishment is located on the waterfront next to the Raheem Residency. However, its opening hours depend on the season and the weather...

Family restaurant par excellence but not that Paradise is used according to the regulars, the best biryanis in the city. For example that for shrimps and chicken and try as a priority. Other Paradise is spread throughout the city of Hyderabad.

An address known by gourmets! This establishment opened since 1956, a few meters from Marine Drive, has been delighting lovers of good Indian cuisine for decades. Forget the Western dishes on the menu, and linger on the many Indian specialties. Try the Goan Fish Cur ry, Roast Lamb with mint sauce or the classic Murg Tikka Masala. The décor and service from another time are very pleasant.

Considered by the locals as the best biryani restaurant in town, the tables are crowded at lunchtime. You have to pass through the store selling dates, perfumes and sweets to get to the large room lit by neon lights and cooled by fans. The choice of dishes is posted on the wall: chicken biryani, shrimp biryani, fish biryani, mutton biryani... they are all delicious and not too spicy. To be accompanied by the excellent pickle (condiments preserved in vinegar)with home-made dates. Nice setting.

Recently renovated architecture, including high tables with a magnificent view, a bookstore and exhibitions of paintings by local artists: all of these assets make this establishment on the cliff one of the most popular with tourists. Italian menu of course, but also Indian, Chinese and Western. Homemade pasta and bread. You can choose your fish and seafood from the stall at the entrance. As for desserts, the chocolate mousse is worth the detour! Service sometimes a little nonchalant.

This establishment, which was renovated in 2021, is a classic. The large terrace on the waterfront is particularly pleasant and is crowded as soon as the sun goes down. There is also an air-conditioned room upstairs. On the menu are many Kerala specialties, including excellent fish, shrimp and crab dishes, but also some North Indian recipes such as the inevitable biriyani. Various chicken dishes are also available. Beer and wine available. Reservations are recommended in the evening.

The restaurant of the Spice Village Resort is a little wonder. A minimalist menu, which is usually a good sign, and a very fine cuisine, elaborated mostly with organic products from the plantations of the establishment. The setting is pleasant and romantic, with musicians playing while you dine. It is also an opportunity to taste Indian wine, and why not accompany your meal with a fresh Sula Chenin blanc. To finish the meal, ask the waiter to taste one of the local infusions, the specialty of the place.

The cuisine of the South is once again in the contemporary and romantic restaurant of the Taj Deccan Hotel. Seafood lovers will be tempted by the Vepudu Chtpel. The specialties of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, with passion, without unnecessary fat, will convince others. 

This is the hotel restaurant of the same name. Vegetarian thalis at midday.

Even if you have no aircraft to take, you will still have a good excuse to go to the airport. Novotel's very refined restaurant Haldi offers Indian cuisine featuring the best specialities from the sub-continent, all regions. For example, for Northern India, the dal makhani and the lababdar lababdar, for Bengal, the pottal pottal, for southern India, the chicken way chettinad, for Goa the specialities based on fish or shrimp… The fans of original, alcoholic, spicy, sweet or salty cocktails will not be frustrated, but they really do exist for all tastes. Those who prefer wine will only have to choose from a selection of Australian or Californian vintages.

The variety of Indian breads, stuffed with vegetables, paneer, cumin or garlic, is particularly appreciated. Very good non-veg dishes at low prices, especially those with chicken.

A recommended place for its good North Indian cuisine, including Parothas and Dhal Makhni.