Top 5 Best Restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram

By Tushar Saha Sep 16, 2024, 21:51 IST

Thiruvananthapuram is known as the state capital of Kerala but not only on account of its scenic and rich cultural heritage. It also holds its unique food culture - from the traditional Kerala food, to the mouth watering experimental dishes that people fathom as fusions. If one loves sea food, delightful vegetarian dishes, or even international fusions, there's something for everyone's pleasure and palate. Here is the gastronomic journey through some of the very best restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram, turning the city into a food lover's paradise and one of the top places to visit in India in February.

1. Villa Maya: Tradition and Luxury Percolating in Harmony

One of the finest places for dining in Thiruvananthapuram, this is known to provide all that comes from traditions to luxury. This 18th-century Dutch manor house is a residence for the restaurant and allows an alluring environment to swing into this aspect of the lavish culture of Kerala.

  • Address: Palayam Airport Road  
  • Timing: 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Must-Try Dishes: Malabar Parotta A traditional flatbread. Utilize it best by pairing it with rich curries. There are: Zam Zam Kebab ; an aromatic kebab full of spices that symbolize the flavor of Kerala; Welgate Organic Seafood Curry, made from locally sourced sea food and mirrors the coastal traditions of the region; Mustard Seed Infused Duck Roast, a flavor-drenched dish, furthering mustard seeds as an ingredient used in Kerala's cooking.

Not just food, Villa Maya is an experience. Beautifully restored from within and its menu boasting local flavors, this restaurant should not be missed by any one looking for a foray into culinary traditions of Kerala.

2. Mothers Veg Plaza: An Oasis For Vegetarians

Mothers Veg Plaza is a treat for the vegetarian folks, as it is known to be one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Thiruvananthapuram. Being a pure vegetarian restaurant, the outlet offers several mouth-watering dishes that are not only for vegetarians but also for the non-vegetarians.

  • Location: Near Russian Cultural Centre
  • Time: 7 AM to 11 PM
  • Try: Masala Dosa is a crispy dosa served with a sip of sambar and coconut chutney, a classic South Indian breakfast dish. Some notable dishes here are: Chole Bhature: One of the favorite North Indian dishes, fluffy bhature and spicy chickpea curry. Paneer Butter Masala: Soft paneer cubes prepared in creamy, rich tomato-based gravy.Vegetable Biryani: Delicate biryani based with vegetables and spiced well; it is the most wholesome meal.

Mothers Veg Plaza has wide ranges of menus, fresh, and very wholesome ingredients. It is quite a good place to dine in Thiruvananthapuram for anyone who intends to have a refreshing scrumptious feast of vegetarian dishes.

3. Paragon Restaurant: Indulge in Cozy Coastal Flavours

Paragon Restaurant is at its best in terms of offering the finest coastal food. It serves as a paradise for seafood enthusiasts as it is located in Kozhikode. Seafood lovers can enjoy culinary delights directly from Kerala's coastal regions that one must try to taste the finest seafood products of Kerala.

  • Location: Kozhikode
  • Timing: 6 AM to 11:30 PM
  • Seafood Specialties: Fresh Catch: Seafood at paragon, prepared with freshest local produce, epitomizes the distinct taste of Kerala's coastal cuisine. Signature Seafood Curry: Nothing about Kerala seafood would be complete without trying out its seafood curry. It gives you the feel of the country's culinary culture.

Paragon Restaurant is an integral destination for any visitor looking to sample Kerala's seafood offerings, as it offers an elaborate palette of flavors that characterize the state's coastal culture.

4. The Yellow Chilli: A Platter by the Celebrity Chef

The Yellow Chilli, conceptualized by a celebrity chef, comes out with innovative delights from classic Indian cuisine. This Ambalamukku-located restaurant dishes out modern versions of traditional classics leaving you wanting to have more.

  • Address: Ambalamukku
  • Time: 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Special Offerings: Seafood Specials: See how the chef takes Kerala's favorite seafood and infuses it with modern styles. Traditional Indian Delights: From Biryani to curries, all at the Yellow Chilli are cooked with quality ingredients and enormous flavors.

This is a great location to explore fantastic dining in Thiruvananthapuram with the blending of traditional flavors of India and modern techniques.

5. Cafe Mojo: A Hipster's Hot Spot to Chill In

Cafes such as Cafe Mojo, located at the heart of the city, provide the kind of trendy and quirky ambiance that makes the younger crowd hang out there. The local flavor with some international dishes makes Cafe Mojo a wonderful place to just wind down and enjoy good food.

  • Address: Kowdiar  
  • Time: 8 AM to 10 PM  
  • What's on the Menu: At Mojo, one can have signature dishes combining flavors from across the globe with local ingredients; fusion dishes like butter chicken pizzas that brings together two favorite things - pizza and butter chicken; Banoffee pie and mango cheesecake treats that really end your meal on a sweet note.

Because it's laid-back vibe and menu diversities, Cafe Mojo would be there for you at the end of an exploring day in this city further.

Have You Explored Thiruvananthapuram's Food Scene Yet?

Thiruvananthapuram is the place a foodie would love to be at. The city promises to satisfy every craving a foodie could have. From traditional Kerala dishes like appam and stew, banana chips to parippu vada and others, the rich culinary landscape will leave you wanting more. From big restaurants to street food venders, Thiruvananthapuram caters to both kinds of diners.