Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram with its rich architecture and intricately sculpted temples is a serene and quaint town in Tamil Nadu. While the town is a gold mine for history buffs, it also offers a rich roster of shack-style eateries, quiet cafes, and stellar restaurants. Explore the best restaurants in Mahabalipuram and plan the perfect meals.
A quaint and cosy breakfast spot, Joe’s Cafe is a stone’s throw away from the beach. With a laid-back vibe and calming ambience that echoes the sounds of the waves, the cafe is ideal for breakfast as it opens doors at 7 am. The exhaustive menu here ranges from a continental breakfast spread to sandwiches, burgers, pancakes, and crepes. Their chicken tortillas, vegetarian club sandwich with cheese, banana coconut pancakes and cheese mushroom omelette are worth trying, too.
For beverages, this cafe in Mahabalipuram has coffee, refreshing coolers, smoothies, and even lassi. Their Italian coffee menu is worth checking out with the vanilla cappuccino being an all-time favorite for their loyal diners. However, that shouldn't stop you from trying out their Creme Papaya (papaya juice), Chew Me Smoothie (banana, pineapple, papaya), and Mix Fruit Lassi.
Address: Othavadai Cross Street, Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram - 603104
Price for two (approximately): INR 550
A shack by the beach is the perfect spot to enjoy a seafood lunch in Mahabalipuram, and My Goodness is paradise for pescatarians. Run by a friendly and warm couple, this cafe offers some of the town's yummiest food, served with a side of picturesque sea views. The ingredients are fresh, irrespective of what you choose.
Try their tawa fried prawns and crabs, which have emerged as cult favourites among frequent diners. The dragon chicken, dragon calamari, and gobi manchurian with lemon rice is a great lunch option. Those looking for more cuisines can opt for North Indian delicacies, Italian pastas, or even Chinese-inspired Chow mein. However, choose a cooler, milkshake or lassi to pair with your spicy lunch.
Address: Othavadai St, Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram, Salavankuppam - 603104
Price for two (approximately): INR 900
Mamalla Bhavan is a heritage restaurant that has been serving, as many claim, the "best vegetarian food in Mahabalipuram." Established in 1959, and housed in a small building, Mamalla Bhavan retains its vintage charm, as evidenced by its interiors.
The authentic South Indian Thali here is a standout dish. The sambhar is infused with a balanced taste of pumpkin, making it the star of the meal. People of Mahabalipuram are also all praise about the pongal served here. The shining glory, however, is the fact that the dishes are not only easy on the tummy, but also on the pocket!
Address: S Mada Street, near Sthala Sayan Perumal Temple, Mahabalipuram - 603104
Known for its Asian cuisine, L’attitude at the Grand Bay Resort in Mahabalipuram is ideal for a relaxed dinner starring fresh produce. Their "From The Globe" section on the menu includes mee goreng, Korean bibimbap, teriyaki chicken, and Singapore laksa, among others.
Other sections of the menu include kongunadu spicy potato curry (potatoes cooked in tamarind pulp) and guthi vankayalu (baby eggplants cooked in an Andhra-influenced masala). You can also enjoy a drink from their rather vast beverages menu.
Address: Grande Bay resort, Off East Coast Road, Mamallapuram Road, Mahabalipuram - 603104
Price for two (approximately): INR 1,800
Housed with Radisson Blu Resort, Temple Bay Mamallapuram, the revamped Wharf 2.0 now houses an indoor and outdoor seating by the ocean.
The menu here is based on the four elements of the universe: land, water, air, and fire. The "inspired by Earth" section of the menu, for instance, offers aloo aur chilgoza ki tikki (potato and pine nuts croquette) and organic pineapple with tangy tamarind. The Tuscan brick chicken and Afghani angare jhinga (prwans) are among crowd favourites.
While the restaurant boasts of incredible seafood, it also provides options for vegetarians. Try their bhutte aur gajar ki seekh (corn and carrot kebab) and achari-stuffed mushrooms. End the meal with gulab jamun cheesecake with green tea moss and wild berry. The "Sunkissed" (gin, tender coconut water and vetiver), that is served like coconut water, and "Above Sea Level" (berry-based drink with sugar) are must-tries.
Address: Radisson Blu Temple bay, 57, E Raja Street, Mahabalipuram - 603104
Price for two (approximately): INR 3,500
