15 Best Restaurants in Kochi That Will Change How You See Kerala Cuisine
Written by Mishna Sherin Tuesday, september 16 2025
Kochi, a coastal jewel in Kerala, is as much a feast for the palate as it is for the eyes. While it’s known for its colonial charm and scenic backwaters, what truly sets it apart is its dynamic food scene.
The best restaurants in Kochi serve more than just meals—they offer an immersive experience of Kerala’s rich culinary heritage.
From age-old toddy shops to contemporary fine dining, these 16 handpicked restaurants will challenge everything you thought you knew about South Indian cuisine.
Prepare to taste Kerala like never before
Visiting Kochi? Make every meal count with these top dining spots.
Non-Vegetarian Restaurants in Kochi
Image Credits: Barbeque Nation in Kochi
1. Barbeque Nation in Kochi
Barbeque Nation in Kochi is a popular spot for food lovers who enjoy buffet dining with a twist.
Known for its unique live-grill concept, guests can cook their starters right at the table using skewers of meat, seafood, or veggies.
With a wide variety of dishes, from spicy chicken wings and prawns to grilled paneer and crispy corn, it’s a treat for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
The main course features biryani, Indian curries, noodles, and more, followed by a tempting dessert counter with gulab jamun, cakes, ice cream, and kulfi.
The restaurant offers a comfortable and family-friendly atmosphere.
It has two major outlets in Kochi—one at Lulu Mall, Edappally, and the other at Imperial Trade Centre, MG Road (Kacheripady).
The Lulu Mall branch is perfect for combining shopping with a delicious meal, while the MG Road outlet is easily accessible from most parts of the city.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure guests have a smooth and satisfying dining experience.
Barbeque Nation is open every day of the week.
The Lulu Mall outlet operates from 12:00 PM to 4:30 PM for lunch, and 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM for dinner.
The MG Road outlet is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Whether it’s a weekend gathering, birthday party, or casual dinner, Barbeque Nation Kochi is a great place to enjoy unlimited food, good service, and great memories
Image Credits: ananthankothamanalathujyothi
2. The Salt Restaurant Kochi
The Salt Restaurant in Kochi is a popular place to enjoy tasty food in a calm and modern setting. Located in Thoppumpady near Marina Mall and also in Panampilly Nagar, the restaurant offers a mix of Indian, Arabic, Chinese, and Continental dishes.
The stylish interiors and riverside views make it a great place for family outings and friends’ meetups.
The menu includes delicious items like English biryani, alfaham chicken, dragon momos, beef steak, and Singapore noodles.
Non-veg dishes are especially loved by visitors, but they also offer vegetarian and gluten-free options.
The restaurant is known for serving food with bold flavors and good presentation.
The Salt Restaurant is open every day from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM. It’s a good choice for both lunch and dinner.
The average cost for two people is around ₹700 to ₹800.
With good food, friendly staff, and a lovely ambience, The Salt is a nice place to enjoy a relaxing meal in Kochi
Image Credits: md hasib
3. Downtown Cafe Kochi
Downtown Cafe is a cozy and stylish café located in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, near Avenue Centre.
It’s a popular hangout spot for youngsters, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful meal or a good cup of coffee.
With its calm ambience, friendly staff, and modern interiors, the café creates the perfect setting for casual catch-ups or solo chill time.
The menu offers a great mix of Continental, Italian, and fast food.
Some of the crowd favorites include burgers, quesadillas, pasta, sandwiches, and their special Nutella shake and Cold Milo.
They also serve delicious fries, chicken steak, and vegan-friendly dishes.
Whether you’re in the mood for something cheesy or something light, Downtown Cafe has something for everyone.
The cafe is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, making it a great option for lunch, dinner, or even a late evening snack.
The average cost for two people is around ₹800.
With good food, a relaxed atmosphere, and an easy location in the heart of the city, Downtown Cafe is one of Kochi’s go-to spots for café lovers
Image Credits: arippa
4. Arippa Restaurant Kochi
Arippa Restaurant is a great place in Kochi to enjoy traditional Kerala food with a modern twist. Located on MG Road, Pallimukku, the restaurant has a fun and casual vibe with walls decorated using Malayalam movie posters.
It’s a popular spot for people who love spicy and flavorful local dishes.
The menu includes Kerala favorites like kappa biryani, beef ularthiyathu, fish curry, puttu with beef, appam with stew, and chicken fry.
The portions are generous and the prices are affordable.
Many people enjoy the homely taste and variety of dishes that remind them of homemade meals.
Arippa is open every day from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, perfect for lunch or dinner.
The average cost for two people is around ₹500 to ₹1000.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Arippa is a nice place to enjoy authentic Kerala food in the heart of Kochi
Image Credits: shine ps
5. Manna Restaurant
Manna Restaurant in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi, is a small and cozy eatery known for its tasty Kerala-style food.
It’s a favorite among locals, especially for quick bites, tea, and biryani.
The place has a friendly atmosphere and is perfect for casual dining with friends or family.
The menu includes popular dishes like chicken biryani, beef biryani, ghee rice with curry, and snacks like pazham pori, cutlets, and porotta.
Their special tea, including the famous Mohabbat tea, is also loved by many. The food is simple, affordable, and full of flavor.
Manna Restaurant is open every day from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, making it a great place for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack.
The average cost for two people is around ₹400.
With quick service and delicious food, Manna is a great choice for anyone craving homely Kerala dishes in Kochi
Image Credits: ajith chandran
6. Ramees Restaurant Kochi
Ramees Restaurant is a popular dining spot located in Maradu, near Forum Mall, Kochi.
It is a spacious and clean restaurant, perfect for families, friends, and group gatherings.
The cozy atmosphere and neat interiors make it a nice place to relax and enjoy a good meal.
The menu offers a wide variety of dishes, including Kerala, North Indian, Chinese, and Arabian cuisines.
Some of the most loved items are Beef Bellari Rice, Chicken Kung Pao, Dragon Chicken, and Afghani Chicken.
They also serve tasty biryanis, noodles, and vegetarian dishes.
The food is full of flavor, and many customers recommend trying their signature rice dishes.
Ramees is open every day from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
The average cost for two people is around ₹1,000.
With tasty food, friendly service, and a relaxed setting, Ramees Restaurant is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy a fulfilling meal in Kochi
Image Credits:nitha antony
7. Grand Pavilion Kochi
Grand Pavilion is a best restaurant located at the Grand Hotel on MG Road, Ernakulam South.
It has been serving delicious food since the 1960s and is loved by both locals and tourists.
The restaurant has a calm and elegant setting, making it great for family dinners or business meals.
The menu offers a variety of dishes, but the highlight is the traditional Kerala cuisine.
Popular items include Karimeen Pollichathu, fish curry meals, and dum biryani.
They also serve North Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes, so there’s something for everyone. The food is fresh, well-prepared, and full of flavor.
Grand Pavilion is open every day for breakfast (7:00–10:30 AM), lunch (12:00–3:30 PM), and dinner (7:00–10:30 PM).
The average cost for two people is around ₹1,400.
If you love Kerala-style seafood and a comfortable dining experience, Grand Pavilion is a great place to visit in Kochi.
Image Credits: siya chorghade
8. Rasoi Fort Kochi
Rasoi is a lovely North Indian restaurant located on Rose Street in Fort Kochi, close to St. Francis Church.
The place has a charming look with indoor and rooftop seating.
It’s peaceful and perfect for both families and couples looking to enjoy a good meal in a relaxed setting.
The restaurant serves delicious North Indian dishes like butter chicken, paneer tikka, kebabs, and biryani.
They also have tasty seafood like saffron prawns and nice vegetarian options such as dal fry and malai kofta.
The portions are generous, and the food is well-presented and full of flavor.
Rasoi is open every day from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
The average cost for two people is around ₹900.
With good food, nice service, and a peaceful vibe, Rasoi is a great place to enjoy North Indian cuisine in the heart of Fort Kochi
Veg Restaurants in Kochi
Image Credits: muhsin raza
9. Brindhavan Vegetarian Restaurant
Brindhavan is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Kochi with branches in Palarivattom, Vennala, and other locations.
It is known for clean surroundings, quick service, and a wide range of South and North Indian dishes.
The restaurant is perfect for families and people looking for pure veg options.
The menu includes delicious items like masala dosa, ghee roast, idli, paneer dishes, chaat, pav bhaji, and full South Indian meals.
They also serve hot filter coffee and fresh juices.
The food is tasty, fresh, and served in good portions.
Many customers enjoy their thali meals and evening snacks.
Brindhavan is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
The average cost for two people is around ₹300 to ₹1000, depending on the dishes.
It’s a great place to enjoy vegetarian food in a clean and friendly setting in Kochi
Image Credits: dilok sherlekar
10. Ambiswamy’s Vegetarian Restaurant
Ambiswamy’s is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Kochi with branches in Pallimukku (MG Road), Kadavanthra, and Edappally.
It is known for its clean space, quick service, and simple, tasty food.
The restaurant is a favorite choice for families, office-goers, and anyone who loves veg meals.
The menu includes many South Indian dishes like masala dosa, ghee roast, puttu with kadala curry, Kerala meals, and more. They also serve North Indian and Indo-Chinese items.
Their chocolate dosa and paper roast are popular among regular customers.
Ambiswamy’s is open every day from around 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM.
The cost for two people is around ₹500.
It’s a great place to enjoy affordable, pure vegetarian food in a peaceful and comfortable setting in Kochi
Arabic Restaurants in Kochi
Image Credits: Bab Arabia
11. Bab Arabia
Bab Arabia is a well-known restaurant located in Panampilly Nagar, Kochi.
The restaurant has a warm and cozy setting with nice lighting and comfortable seating.
It’s a good place to enjoy Arabic food with friends or family.
The menu offers a mix of Arabic, North Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes.
Some popular items include Chicken Mandi, Beef Kapama, Grilled Platters, and sweet treats like Kunafa and Umm Ali.
The food is flavorful, and the portions are generous.
Bab Arabia is open every day from 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
The average cost for two people is around ₹1,000. It’s a great spot for lunch, dinner, or a late-night meal if you’re looking for delicious Arabian flavors in Kochi
Image Credits: ziad abbas
12. Zaatar Restaurant Kochi
Zaatar is a popular Arabic restaurant with branches in Palarivattom and Panampilly Nagar, Kochi. The restaurant has a stylish and cozy setup, making it a nice place for families and friends to enjoy a meal together.
The warm lights and clean space add to the experience.
The menu offers tasty Arabic and Middle Eastern dishes like mandi, alfaham, kebabs, shawarma, falafel, and kunafa.
Their Zaatar Special Platter, Leham brisket, and seafood grills are loved by many customers.
The food is full of flavor and served in generous portions.
Zaatar is open every day from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM.
The average cost for two people is around ₹1,000.
If you enjoy Arabic food in a calm and elegant setting, Zaatar is a great choice in Kochi
Punjabi Restaurant In Kochi
Image Credits: sethi da dhaba
13. Sethi Da Dhaba
Sethi Da Dhaba is a popular Punjabi-style restaurant located in Kadavanthra, Kochi.
The place has a vibrant dhaba-style theme with both indoor seating and a cozy atmosphere.
It’s a great spot for family dinners or a relaxed meal with friends.
The menu offers tasty North Indian dishes like butter chicken, dal makhani, mutton burra, paneer tikka, and sarson ka saag.
One of the must-try items here is the Patiala lassi, which is thick, creamy, and very filling.
The food is full of flavor and served in large portions.
Sethi Da Dhaba is open every day from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The average cost for two people is around ₹700.
If you love Punjabi food with a dhaba-style vibe, this is a great place to visit in Kochi
Image Credits: Sooraj nair
14. Paul’s Creamery Kochi
Paul’s Creamery is a well-loved dessert café with outlets in Kakkanad and Kadavanthra, Kochi. The place has a bright and cozy vibe, perfect for families, friends, or anyone with a sweet tooth. It’s known for its fresh, handcrafted ice creams and desserts.
The menu includes a variety of ice cream sundaes, waffles, milkshakes, and cheesecakes. Favorites like Caramello Extravaganza, Berry Bomb, and Cloud 9 Waffle are very popular.
All desserts are made using fresh milk and quality ingredients, giving a rich and creamy taste.
Paul’s Creamery is open every day from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM. The average cost for two people is around ₹200 to ₹300.
It’s a great spot in Kochi to enjoy yummy desserts in a relaxed setting
Image Credits: nikhil sebastian
15.Hoy Punjab
Hoy Punjab is a North Indian restaurant located near Metro Pillar 619, Kacheripady, Kochi.
The place has a modern and cozy setup with warm lights and wooden décor.
It’s a nice spot for families and friends to enjoy Punjabi food in a relaxed setting.
The menu includes delicious Punjabi dishes like butter chicken, palak chaat, paneer tikka, naan, biryani, and sweets.
Their butter chicken with naan and chaat items are popular among regular visitors.
They also have Keto-friendly options and free Wi-Fi for customers.
Hoy Punjab is open every day from 11:45 AM to 11:30 PM.
The average cost for two people is around ₹1,500.
It’s a good choice for those looking to enjoy rich North Indian flavors in Kochi.
Kochi’s food culture is a melting pot of flavors, stories, and traditions—and these 16 dining spots are proof of its incredible depth.
Whether it’s the punch of freshly ground spices or the subtlety of coconut-laced curries, each dish offers a new perspective on Kerala cuisine.
The best restaurants in Kochi not only satisfy your appetite but also invite you into the heart of Malayali hospitality and innovation.
After this culinary journey, you’ll see—and taste—Kerala in a whole new light
Kochi offers a rich mix of traditional and modern dining experiences, making it a must-visit for food lovers. If you’re planning to explore more of Kerala’s culinary gems, don’t miss our guides to the best restaurants in Edappally, best restaurants in Kakkanad, and best restaurants in aluva. Each location brings its unique flavors and local favorites worth discovering.