Given that Mangalore is located along the coastal belt of Karnataka, it is an understatement to say that you will taste some of the finest seafood preparations in the country here. But it is not just the only reason why this coastal town deserves a discerning foodies full attention. As a bustling port town and a part of the Madras Presidency once upon a time, Mangalore's culinary culture possesses a distinct character, having been shaped by diverse influences—from the British and Portuguese to the Tuluvas and Konkanis. Add to that the influx of spices from the Far East and Middle East, and you will begin to see the different veins running through all the dishes that are considered authentically "Mangalorean." It is only here that you will taste the best sukka, goli baje and rawa fish fry within a radius of only a few kilometres, as long as you know just the right places to go. And for that, check out our list of best places to visit in Mangalore:
When in Mangalore, the best way to welcome the day is to feast on piping-hot goli bajji and filter coffee, and there is no better spot for it than Indra Bhavan. Established in 1952, the one-room eatery has rightfully earned a legendary status among locals and boasts a long list of devoted patrons. While you can choose any dish from their two columns long menu, the locals swear by the Mangalore buns, uppittu avalakki, tuppa dosa and idli-vada.
Address: Dwaraka Complex, Arya Samaj Road, Balmatta, Mangaluru
Timings: 6:30 am to 1 pm; 3pm-7 pm; closed on Sundays
If you missed out on your chance to try goli bajjis at Indra Bhavan (given that they sell out like hot cakes), The Balli Shop in Bhavathi is where you should head to next. While this hole-in-the-wall eatery is known for serving one of the city's best Mangalore buns, you can also dig into all kinds of favourite snacks loved by locals, such as cabbage vada, biscuit roti, and sanjeera (a sweet kachori-like preparation). The best part is that around 5 pm, you can enjoy these snacks fresh off the stove.
Address: Car Street, Bhavathi, Bunder, Mangaluru
Timings: 11 am to 7:30 pm; closed on Sundays
While there are many places to try Mangalore's famed seafood (read on), Hotel Narayana is, without a doubt, considered to be the best of the lot. At least, it easily comes in the top five, which in a city with 100 options is a notable win. What sets it apart from the rest is its close proximity to the docks, which means that instead of choosing from an elaborate menu, you get to eat whatever their fresh catch of the day is. While the vibe of this hole-in-the-wall maybe extremely basic, their quick preparations have kept them afloat as a local favourite for decades.
Address: MPT Road, behind Indian Overseas Bank, Bunder, Mangaluru
Timings: 12:05–3:30 pm, 7–9:30 pm
As we said, there are scores of best spots for seafood in Mangalore, and Machali is undoubtedly one of them. Run by a Konkani family, the menu at this small but popular restaurant puts forward the choicest of Konkan and Tulu preparations. The most popular pick here is the fish thali, which includes red rice, coconut fish curry or rasam, a Konkani-style yellow dal and an indulgent curry. In addition, you must order the squid ghee roast, taru bhutai (sardines coated with masala), anjal tawa fry, and crab ghee roast.
Address: Behind Ocean Pearl, Sharada Vidyalaya Rd, Kodailbail, Mangaluru
Timings: 11:30 am–3:30 pm, 7–10 pm
If you thought Mangalore's cuisine is all about tongue-numbing spice, this iconic joint will prove you wrong. Established in 1975, Pabba's is to Mangalore what Natural's is to Mumbai. Generations throng to this iconic ice cream parlour to enjoy the many unique flavours you will have a tough time finding anywhere else, such as jack fruit payasam and chikku almond. If you are in the mood for something even more indulgent, Pabbas list of "special ice creams" is what you should pick your treat from. The locals love "gudbud," which includes a tall glass filled with two flavours of ice creams, fresh fruits, nuts, jelly and syrup.
Address: Shree Krishna Prasad Building, Lalbagh, Mangaluru
Timings: 10 am–9 pm