Where to Eat in Ooty
Most of Ooty's restaurants, bakeries and cafés are in the town centre, around Charing Cross, Commercial Road and the market, so it is easy to eat between the Botanical Garden and the lake.
For a sit-down meal, head for the centre or one of the older dining rooms off Sylks Road. For something quick, the bakeries and chocolate shops are the local habit, with tea or hot badam milk on the side.
2 places
Upper Bazar
1 place
Commercial Rd
1 place
Kandal
1 place
Sylks Road
Not sure what to order? The Ooty 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 Ooty
- Charing Cross and Commercial Road have the widest choice of restaurants, bakeries and chocolate shops, all within walking distance of each other.
- Try the town's bakery treats, like varkey, alongside a cup of Nilgiri tea.
- Eat dinner early. Many places close earlier than in big cities, especially on cold winter nights.
- Expect queues and slow service in May and on long weekends, when the town is at its busiest.
- Carry some cash for small bakeries, tea stalls and snack carts.
- Bring a reusable bottle, as single-use plastic bottles are banned in the Nilgiris.
- Allow extra time to walk between areas, as the roads in town are steep.
Questions
Ooty — FAQ
Where should I eat in Ooty?
5 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.
What should I order in Ooty?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Ooty food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Where can I buy good chocolate in Ooty?
Commercial Road and the area around Charing Cross have the most chocolate shops. King Star Chocolate Factory on Commercial Road is one of the best known.
Is Ooty expensive for food?
Ooty suits most budgets. Bakeries, tea stalls and snack carts are cheap, while hotel dining rooms and cafés in the centre cost more.
Do restaurants in Ooty close early?
Many do, especially in winter, when the town gets cold after dark. Plan dinner in good time, particularly outside the main shopping streets.