Where to Eat in Mangalore
Eating out in Mangalore is mostly about seafood and coastal home-style cooking. Many of the best places are simple dining rooms where the fish comes straight from the day's catch and the menu changes with it.
The central areas of Hampankatta, Balmatta and the roads around them are the easiest places to eat while sightseeing. For local food, ask for fish curry with rice, kori rotti, neer dosa or chicken ghee roast, and save room for gadbad ice cream.
1 place
Balmatta
1 place
Hampankatta
1 place
Nandigudda Road
Not sure what to order? The Mangalore 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 Mangalore
- Hampankatta and Balmatta are central and easy to reach, with local restaurants and ice cream parlours close together.
- Go at lunchtime for seafood, when the fish is freshest and the thali-style meals are served.
- Popular seafood places can have a queue at lunch and dinner, especially at weekends.
- Ask what fish is fresh today before you order, as the best dish often is not on the printed menu.
- Many restaurants close in the afternoon between lunch and dinner service.
- Carry some cash for smaller eateries and tea shops.
- Visit an ice cream parlour in the evening, when locals come out after the heat of the day.
Questions
Mangalore — FAQ
Where should I eat in Mangalore?
3 places are listed here, across 3 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 Mangalore?
Yes — 1 of the places listed is pure vegetarian, and the food-type badge on every card tells you before you set out.
What should I order in Mangalore?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Mangalore food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Where can I eat seafood in Mangalore?
Giri Manjas on Old Kent Road and Machali on Nandigudda Road are both known for Mangalorean seafood such as fish curry and fish fries. Go at lunchtime for the widest choice.
Where can I try gadbad ice cream in Mangalore?
Ideal Ice Cream, also known through its Pabba's parlour, is the best-known place for gadbad in Mangalore. Evenings and weekends are busy, so expect to wait for a table.
Is it easy to find vegetarian food in Mangalore?
Yes. The city has many vegetarian hotels serving neer dosa, dosas, idlis and full meals, and places like Hotel Kudla serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.