Where to Eat in Chikmagalur
Eating out in Chikmagalur is mostly about the town and the coffee estates around it. The town has the dosa places and simple local restaurants, while the estates and homestays are where you taste coffee grown on the hills and home-cooked Malnad meals.
The main sights are spread out and have few places to eat, so plan your meals around your drives. Have a big breakfast in town before heading up to the peaks, and carry snacks for the longer day out to Kemmangundi and Hebbe Falls.
1 place
Aralaguppe
1 place
Around the city
1 place
Chikmagalur town
1 place
Coffee estates
Not sure what to order? The Chikmagalur food guide starts from the dishes — what each one is, when to eat it, and which of these kitchens is known for it.
Tips for Eating in Chikmagalur
- Eat breakfast in town before driving up to Mullayanagiri or Baba Budangiri, as food options on the hills are limited to small stalls.
- Go early to Town Canteen, as the breakfast rush can mean a wait for a table.
- Try estate coffee where it is grown. Many estates and homestays offer coffee with a plantation walk.
- Eat Malnad meals at your homestay if it offers them. Home-cooked koli saaru and akki roti are often better than restaurant versions.
- Carry snacks and water for Kemmangundi and Hebbe Falls, where there are only a few simple eateries.
- Plan dinner early, as many places in town close earlier than in big cities.
- Carry some cash for smaller eateries and stalls, even though many places take UPI.
Questions
Chikmagalur — FAQ
Where should I eat in Chikmagalur?
4 places are listed here, across 4 areas. Each entry says what that kitchen is known for rather than reprinting its menu, so pick by the dish you want and the area you'll be in.
Are there good vegetarian restaurants in Chikmagalur?
Yes — 2 of the places listed are pure vegetarian, and the food-type badge on every card tells you before you set out.
What should I order in Chikmagalur?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Chikmagalur food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Where can I get the best dosa in Chikmagalur?
Town Canteen in the town is the best-known dosa place, famous for its masala dosa and butter-soaked benne dosa. Go early, as it gets busy at breakfast.
Where can I taste coffee in Chikmagalur?
The best coffee is at the estates and estate cafés around the town, where you can drink coffee grown on the surrounding hills and often buy fresh beans.
Are there places to eat near Mullayanagiri and Baba Budangiri?
Only a few small stalls selling tea and snacks. Eat a proper meal in town before you go and carry water and snacks with you.