Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 best restaurants in Kollam, Kerala, offering a variety of cuisines including traditional Kerala food, seafood, and international dishes. These restaurants cater to tourists and visitors, providing quality meals at various price points.
1. The Raviz Ashtamudi – Restaurant
- Location: Ashramam, Kollam
- Cuisine: Kerala, South Indian, Seafood, Multi-Cuisine
- What to Expect: The Raviz Ashtamudi is a luxury restaurant located at the famous Raviz Resort. It offers a stunning view of Ashtamudi Lake along with traditional Kerala cuisine and fresh seafood. The ambiance is elegant, making it an ideal place for special occasions or romantic dinners.
- Highlights:
- Fresh seafood like karimeen pollichathu and prawn curry
- Traditional Kerala Sadhya (feast)
- Lakeside dining with a serene view
- Cost: ₹1,000–₹2,500 per person (depending on the meal and choice of dish)
- Best For: Luxury dining with authentic Kerala flavors and backwater views.
2. Karimeen Grills
- Location: Chinnakada, Kollam
- Cuisine: Kerala, Seafood
- What to Expect: A specialty restaurant focusing on Kerala’s famous Karimeen fish (pearl spot). Karimeen Grills offers a wide selection of grilled seafood along with Kerala’s signature dishes. It’s a must-visit for seafood lovers.
- Highlights:
- Karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish)
- Grilled prawns and other seafood delicacies
- Cozy, no-frills atmosphere
- Cost: ₹600–₹1,500 per person (depending on the dish)
- Best For: Seafood enthusiasts who want to experience authentic Kerala-style fish dishes.
3. Sree Mahalakshmi Hotel
- Location: Chinnakada, Kollam
- Cuisine: South Indian, Vegetarian, Kerala
- What to Expect: Famous for its vegetarian South Indian food, Sree Mahalakshmi Hotel is an ideal place for those craving authentic Kerala breakfast dishes like appam, dosa, and idli. It’s a great option for budget-conscious tourists who prefer simple but delicious meals.
- Highlights:
- Appam with stew, dosa, idli, and sambar
- Traditional Kerala breakfast items
- Casual, budget-friendly dining
- Cost: ₹150–₹300 per person
- Best For: Vegetarians and those looking for a traditional Kerala breakfast.
4. Vasco’s Restaurant
- Location: Kollam Beach Road
- Cuisine: Kerala, Seafood, Multi-Cuisine
- What to Expect: Located near Kollam Beach, Vasco’s Restaurant offers a wonderful beachside dining experience with a variety of Kerala and international dishes. The seafood is freshly prepared, and the setting offers a relaxed, breezy atmosphere.
- Highlights:
- Beachside dining with views of the Arabian Sea
- Signature seafood dishes like crab curry, prawn fry
- Multi-cuisine options with vegetarian dishes as well
- Cost: ₹600–₹1,500 per person
- Best For: Beach lovers and those looking for a relaxed meal with a view.
5. Hotel All Season – Restaurant
- Location: Near Kollam Junction
- Cuisine: Kerala, North Indian, Chinese
- What to Expect: Hotel All Season offers a multi-cuisine experience with an emphasis on Kerala and North Indian dishes. It is a comfortable spot for both locals and tourists, with a focus on serving hearty meals at an affordable price.
- Highlights:
- Kerala sadhya (traditional feast)
- North Indian curries and biryanis
- Good quality and variety at reasonable prices
- Cost: ₹300–₹800 per person
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers and families looking for variety in a central location.
6. Sultan’s Kitchen
- Location: Kollam Beach Road
- Cuisine: North Indian, Mughlai
- What to Expect: A royal dining experience offering Mughlai and North Indian specialties. Sultan’s Kitchen is known for its grilled meats, kebabs, and rich curries. The restaurant’s ambiance is fitting for a relaxed, indulgent meal.
- Highlights:
- Grilled kebabs, tandoori dishes, and rich curries
- Mughlai-style biryanis and rotis
- Elegant, royal ambiance
- Cost: ₹800–₹1,500 per person
- Best For: Those craving North Indian and Mughlai flavors in Kollam.
7. Dreamcatcher Café
- Location: Near Kollam Beach
- Cuisine: Café, Snacks, Tea & Coffee
- What to Expect: Dreamcatcher Café is a cozy, casual café serving a variety of coffees, teas, and light snacks. It’s a perfect spot for tourists looking for a relaxed environment to enjoy a cup of coffee or a sandwich after a day of sightseeing.
- Highlights:
- A wide range of teas and coffees
- Sandwiches, wraps, and baked goods
- Relaxed ambiance with a chill vibe
- Cost: ₹200–₹500 per person
- Best For: Coffee lovers and those looking for a quiet café experience.
8. Ramada Kollam – The Restaurant
- Location: Punalur Road, Kollam
- Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine, International, Kerala
- What to Expect: Ramada Kollam’s in-house restaurant offers a mix of international and Kerala cuisine in a luxurious setting. It’s great for both casual dining and special occasions, offering a wide range of options to suit different tastes.
- Highlights:
- Buffet-style meals and à la carte options
- International and local Kerala dishes
- Elegant, upscale ambiance
- Cost: ₹800–₹2,000 per person (Buffet), ₹1,000–₹1,500 per person (À la carte)
- Best For: Families and groups looking for a varied dining experience with a high standard of service.
9. Food World Restaurant
- Location: Near Kollam District Court
- Cuisine: Indian, Kerala, Chinese
- What to Expect: Food World Restaurant is a well-established restaurant in Kollam offering a variety of Indian, Kerala, and Chinese dishes. It is a popular choice for families and groups looking for a diverse range of options at an affordable price.
- Highlights:
- Indian and Kerala thalis
- Chinese dishes and quick bites
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Cost: ₹400–₹800 per person
- Best For: Families and groups looking for variety and affordable meals.
10. Kollam Ayurvedic Resort – Restaurant
- Location: Near Ashtamudi Lake
- Cuisine: Ayurvedic, Kerala, Vegetarian
- What to Expect: For those interested in a wellness retreat, Kollam Ayurvedic Resort offers Ayurvedic dining options that focus on organic and health-oriented meals. It’s a great choice for tourists looking to combine wellness and delicious, traditional Kerala cuisine.
- Highlights:
- Organic, Ayurvedic vegetarian meals
- Healthy, locally-sourced ingredients
- Tranquil, nature-filled dining experience
- Cost: ₹500–₹1,000 per person
- Best For: Wellness enthusiasts and those seeking Ayurvedic meals during their stay.
These restaurants in Kollam offer a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences, from luxury waterfront dining to casual cafés and traditional Kerala meals. Whether you are a seafood lover, craving a Mughlai feast, or seeking a healthy Ayurvedic meal, Kollam has something to satisfy your culinary desires. The prices listed are indicative and may vary based on the season and dish selection.