Where to Eat in Mahabalipuram: The Best Restaurants and Bars

March 27, 2018 Agatha Simes

Just 45 minutes out of the city, the East Coast Road first stops at the historic town of Mahabalipuram. The 7th century erstwhile port city is famous for its rock-cut shore temples. A lone lighthouse on a hill watches over a group of temples below. Mahabalipuram also has some great cafes that serve good sea food. A backpacker’s delight, one can find cheap accommodations and plenty of activities.
Things to do in Mahabalipuram

1. Motel Mamalla

East Coast Road, Mahabalipuram 603104, India Takeout, Reservations, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Seating, Waitstaff, Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Private Dining, Valet Parking, Accepts Credit Cards Indian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Brunch, Dinner HK$16 - HK$24 +91 44 2744 3560
Excellent
23%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
20%
Poor
5%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 80 reviews

Motel Mamalla

Many a traveler on the East Coast road would have stopped by Motel Mamalla to whet their appetite and recharge themselves during their course of their journey on this scenic stretch of roadway bordering the seas . Located at the doorway to Mamallapuram, this drive-in vegetarian restaurant has been in existence for close to a decade now and has been the toast of those who have savored the matchless service and mouthwatering spread of vegetarian food.Motel Mamalla, was established with the motto of providing hygienic and quality food for the highway travelers at affordable costs. The restaurant can accommodate up to 250 people and authentic South Indian vegetarian delicacies are served to your heart's content. Valet parking facilities are available, so you can stop worrying about a shelter for your car or bike and start feasting on the food instead.As an earnest traveler, whatever your destination may be, Motel Mamalla is one pit stop you cannot afford to miss while going via ECR.

Reviewed By Suzan C

Weve been here a few times. Superfast service, crisp dosas, tasty chutney and sambar, refreshing lime sodas, air-conditioned, and they even offer a car washing service for 200 rupees while you eat! The only downside is when we ordered a filter coffee (30 on the menu) they served us a 'latté' which they then charged us 55 for, and we felt they were trying to rip us off a little. Otherwise fantastic value for money, high quality and great service! Thanks!

2. Le Yogi

19, Othavadai Street, Fisherman's Colony, Near Gangai Amman Temple, Mahabalipuram, Mahabalipuram 603104, India Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol Indian, Seafood, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +91 98407 06340
Excellent
46%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
4%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 343 reviews

Le Yogi

Reviewed By anniewayjustgo - Saint-Paul, Reunion Island

"Le Yogi" is my favourite spot at Mamallapuram. A cozy restaurant with a large choice of food: seafood, curries, pasta, momos... Very friendly staff, good atmosphere and good music. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone and I'll definitely be back again and again...

3. Nautilus

Othavadai Cross Street, Mahabalipuram, India Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Outdoor Seating Indian, European, International, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Brunch, Late Night
Excellent
38%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
11%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 150 reviews

Nautilus

Reviewed By Michael1052 - Armidale, Australia

They moved around the corner and upstairs over the main Othavadai street while we were in Mahabalipuram. The food in this restaurant is such a relief from all the other places around town. Their curries are really very good, and that is saying something in India which is renowned for the difficulty in finding a good curry. They also do fine fish and prawn meals.
It was such a relief to be able to eat here, on the few times it was open due to the relocation issues. I had the feeling, that every dish they offered would be beautifully prepared.

4. Gecko Cafe

No 14 Othavadai Cross Street, Mahabalipuram 603104, India Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Reservations Indian, Seafood, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Late Night HK$39 - HK$78 +91 98407 34229
Excellent
43%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
4%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 226 reviews

Gecko Cafe

Reviewed By Olivier R - Montreal

Gecko is a small family restaurant, catering, as others, mainly to tourists, but with a careful and respectful service. You feel instantly welcomed upon entering the place, then the owner takes the time to explain the day's specials and how he cooks it. And when the food arrives at your table, you'll taste quality Indian meals. The day fish and calamaris are highly recommended. It comes with a delicious rice.
Overall a very good choice for a good dinner at reasonnable price.

5. Buddha Cafe Restaurant

46 Otthavadai Street, Mahabalipuram, India Seating, Waitstaff, Takeout Indian, International, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +91 80560 13492
Excellent
34%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 86 reviews

Buddha Cafe Restaurant

Reviewed By Naraini - Bengaluru, India

Inthu (unique name), he was there to serve us. Not sure if he was the owner or staff, but he was very friendly and ensure that each one of us select the best food. Since my mother is pure veg, so he suggested good options for her so that she dont feel left out. I love sea food and was very happy with the options. The Ambiance is good, airy and comfortable for the family.
Drinks: Beer and some mocktails. We liked Mojito
Food: Good, Hygine
Service: I found it it little slow as he was the only person to serve
Location: Good. Close to the beach so you can take a walk after heavy dinner.

6. Golden Palate

Hotel Mamalla Heritage, No. 104, East Raja Road, East Coast Road , Mamallapuram, Mahabalipuram 603104, India Seating, Waitstaff, Reservations Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast HK$39 - HK$71 +91 93801 26188
Excellent
40%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 86 reviews

Golden Palate

Reviewed By VicfromATL - Atlanta

Perfect for vegetarians, Uma and Ranga took good care of our special vegetarian requirements. A must when visiting this town!! Good location/ambience. Thank you!!

7. Cafe Coffee Day

53, East Coast Road, Thirukazhukundram Taluk, Near JK Nursery & Primary School, Mahabalipuram, Mahabalipuram, India Takeout, Seating Cafe, Fast Food Breakfast, Dinner +91 93451 71209
Excellent
40%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
23%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 26 reviews

Cafe Coffee Day

Reviewed By Preeti_Purohit - Noida, India

This CCD is located just at the entrance of Mahabalipuram city. The service is great. We had veg corn and spinach sandwiches which very fresh and yummy. It is spacious with comfortable sitting area and clean washrooms. Great place if you want to relax for an hour or so.

8. L'attitude 49

Grande Bay Resort & Spa, 123, East Raja Street, Kovelong Road, Near Bay Treasure Hotel, Mahabalipuram, Mahabalipuram 603104, India Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Buffet Indian, Seafood, Asian, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$63 - HK$110 +91 44 2744 3060
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 256 reviews

L'attitude 49

Reviewed By SanjeevAgrawal - Greater Noida, India

The heat in Mahabalipuram, even in mid-December, hits you and leaves you exhausted very soon. After the morning and the early afternoon spend roaming around the Mahabalipuram monuments, we needed a shaded, air conditioned and comfortable place to eat our lunch. Ended up at L'attitude. Whew! The Seating was great.
The food when it arrived, was a very pleasant surprise.
I had Meen Kozhambu (Seer/Surmai) with steamed Basmati rice - rice was perfectly cooked and the fish curry was as good as any I have had, definetly the best in this trip. The Sula white was also perfectly chilled.
My wife had an excellent Pineapple and Coconut Punch with Cauliflower Varuval.
Great view and good service.
Wish we had more time to go again.

9. Namaste Restaurant and German bakery

Restaurant 7,Othavadi street, At Uma Lodge | Good Food Good Momo- cheese cake - apple pie- pizzas-- ravioli. saka hari .mansahari, Mahabalipuram 603104, India Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff German, European, Asian, Nepali, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Excellent
45%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 53 reviews

Namaste Restaurant and German bakery

Reviewed By anessexcouple - Colchester England

Had all our breakfasts here... nothing to much trouble.... the menu is a guide... he.ll do anything.
We actually became quite boring ate there each day with no hassle after 6 weeks in India it was a refreshing . Just good good food with a smily man.
What attracted us in the first place was the selection of cakes/bread which he bakes himself

10. The New Cafe

Othavadai Cross Street | Mamallapuram, Mahabalipuram 603104, India Seating, Waitstaff, Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Serves Alcohol Indian, Asian, Seafood, International, Barbecue, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +91 90805 92166
Excellent
70%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 65 reviews

The New Cafe

Reviewed By Aniruddha B

A good place to stay.. Awesome food.. Jothi (hotel owner) is very helpful,, Always there to help you at anytime of the day.. He has become our best buddy and we have been a regular customer here.. I would strongly recommend this place to everyone..
Love this place..

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