Top Restaurants in Mahabalipuram
Where to Eat in Mahabalipuram: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Just 45 minutes out of the city, the East Coast Road first stops at the historic town of Mahabalipuram. The 7th century erstwhile port city is famous for its rock-cut shore temples. A lone lighthouse on a hill watches over a group of temples below. Mahabalipuram also has some great cafes that serve good sea food. A backpacker’s delight, one can find cheap accommodations and plenty of activities.
Things to do in Mahabalipuram
1. Motel Mamalla
Overall Ratings
4 based on 80 reviews
Many a traveler on the East Coast road would have stopped by Motel Mamalla to whet their appetite and recharge themselves during their course of their journey on this scenic stretch of roadway bordering the seas . Located at the doorway to Mamallapuram, this drive-in vegetarian restaurant has been in existence for close to a decade now and has been the toast of those who have savored the matchless service and mouthwatering spread of vegetarian food.Motel Mamalla, was established with the motto of providing hygienic and quality food for the highway travelers at affordable costs. The restaurant can accommodate up to 250 people and authentic South Indian vegetarian delicacies are served to your heart's content. Valet parking facilities are available, so you can stop worrying about a shelter for your car or bike and start feasting on the food instead.As an earnest traveler, whatever your destination may be, Motel Mamalla is one pit stop you cannot afford to miss while going via ECR.
Reviewed By Suzan C
Weve been here a few times. Superfast service, crisp dosas, tasty chutney and sambar, refreshing lime sodas, air-conditioned, and they even offer a car washing service for 200 rupees while you eat! The only downside is when we ordered a filter coffee (30 on the menu) they served us a 'latté' which they then charged us 55 for, and we felt they were trying to rip us off a little. Otherwise fantastic value for money, high quality and great service! Thanks!
2. Le Yogi
Overall Ratings
4 based on 343 reviews
Reviewed By anniewayjustgo - Saint-Paul, Reunion Island
"Le Yogi" is my favourite spot at Mamallapuram. A cozy restaurant with a large choice of food: seafood, curries, pasta, momos... Very friendly staff, good atmosphere and good music. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone and I'll definitely be back again and again...
3. Nautilus
Overall Ratings
4 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By Michael1052 - Armidale, Australia
They moved around the corner and upstairs over the main Othavadai street while we were in Mahabalipuram. The food in this restaurant is such a relief from all the other places around town. Their curries are really very good, and that is saying something in India which is renowned for the difficulty in finding a good curry. They also do fine fish and prawn meals.
It was such a relief to be able to eat here, on the few times it was open due to the relocation issues. I had the feeling, that every dish they offered would be beautifully prepared.
4. Gecko Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By Olivier R - Montreal
Gecko is a small family restaurant, catering, as others, mainly to tourists, but with a careful and respectful service. You feel instantly welcomed upon entering the place, then the owner takes the time to explain the day's specials and how he cooks it. And when the food arrives at your table, you'll taste quality Indian meals. The day fish and calamaris are highly recommended. It comes with a delicious rice.
Overall a very good choice for a good dinner at reasonnable price.
5. Buddha Cafe Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Naraini - Bengaluru, India
Inthu (unique name), he was there to serve us. Not sure if he was the owner or staff, but he was very friendly and ensure that each one of us select the best food. Since my mother is pure veg, so he suggested good options for her so that she dont feel left out. I love sea food and was very happy with the options. The Ambiance is good, airy and comfortable for the family.
Drinks: Beer and some mocktails. We liked Mojito
Food: Good, Hygine
Service: I found it it little slow as he was the only person to serve
Location: Good. Close to the beach so you can take a walk after heavy dinner.
6. Golden Palate
Overall Ratings
4 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By VicfromATL - Atlanta
Perfect for vegetarians, Uma and Ranga took good care of our special vegetarian requirements. A must when visiting this town!! Good location/ambience. Thank you!!
7. Cafe Coffee Day
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Preeti_Purohit - Noida, India
This CCD is located just at the entrance of Mahabalipuram city. The service is great. We had veg corn and spinach sandwiches which very fresh and yummy. It is spacious with comfortable sitting area and clean washrooms. Great place if you want to relax for an hour or so.
8. L'attitude 49
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 256 reviews
Reviewed By SanjeevAgrawal - Greater Noida, India
The heat in Mahabalipuram, even in mid-December, hits you and leaves you exhausted very soon. After the morning and the early afternoon spend roaming around the Mahabalipuram monuments, we needed a shaded, air conditioned and comfortable place to eat our lunch. Ended up at L'attitude. Whew! The Seating was great.
The food when it arrived, was a very pleasant surprise.
I had Meen Kozhambu (Seer/Surmai) with steamed Basmati rice - rice was perfectly cooked and the fish curry was as good as any I have had, definetly the best in this trip. The Sula white was also perfectly chilled.
My wife had an excellent Pineapple and Coconut Punch with Cauliflower Varuval.
Great view and good service.
Wish we had more time to go again.
9. Namaste Restaurant and German bakery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By anessexcouple - Colchester England
Had all our breakfasts here... nothing to much trouble.... the menu is a guide... he.ll do anything.
We actually became quite boring ate there each day with no hassle after 6 weeks in India it was a refreshing . Just good good food with a smily man.
What attracted us in the first place was the selection of cakes/bread which he bakes himself
10. The New Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Aniruddha B
A good place to stay.. Awesome food.. Jothi (hotel owner) is very helpful,, Always there to help you at anytime of the day.. He has become our best buddy and we have been a regular customer here.. I would strongly recommend this place to everyone..
Love this place..
