The Best Restaurants in Cochin

For us, History Restaurant at Brunton Boatyard is easily the best dinner spot in Fort Kochi. When we were there recently, we found they'd launched a new menu featuring some brilliant old Kerala dishes that have mostly been forgotten - each one comes with its backstory, which we loved. The food, drinks and setting are reliably good, so it's a great choice if you want something a bit special. They've also started doing a proper English afternoon tea with local touches in the evening - it's free for hotel guests, and non-guests can come for a small fee.

Kashi Art Café is still going strong and really set the tone for café culture here, but there's also a nice café-bakery at David Hall Art Gallery just nearby with a wood-fired pizza oven - good for a break between wandering around or early evening.

If you're after seafood, Malabar Junction at Malabar House is still the place. We're also really fond of East Indies Restaurant at the Eight Bastion Hotel - small, relaxed, no fuss - they do interesting Malabari dishes with a Dutch influence. The meat sliders with crispy eggplant chips are brilliant, everyone seems to order them.

For proper local food, we always go to Rahmuthala Hotel in Mattancherry - everyone calls it Kayees Biryani. It's a bit of an institution. People queue up despite it being very basic inside because the biryani is that good. It's incredibly rich - cooked with loads of ghee - and absolutely worth it. You need to get there well before lunch or you won't get a table, and if you want takeaway you need to order early too. Once service starts it sells out almost immediately.

And we always, always stock up on banana chips and jaggery sweets from the shops on the way to the airport. They pack them properly so they travel well, though they never last long.

History Restaurant, Brunton Boatyard

Indian, Fine Dining Story-driven menu highlighting forgotten Kerala dishes; excellent cocktails and ambience

Why we like it: A thoughtful, atmospheric dinner that feels rooted in local history.

Kashi Art Café, Fort Kochi

Café Food, Casual Dining Casual café serving sandwiches, soups, and salads

Why we like it: The heart of Fort Kochi’s café scene and a natural gathering point.

David Hall Art Gallery Café

Café Food, Casual Dining Café-bakery with open wood-fired pizza space

Why we like it: Relaxed, artistic, and ideal for a slower break.

Malabar Junction, Malabar House

Indian, Relaxed Dining Well-regarded for seafood in an intimate setting

Why we like it: Still one of the best places in town for seafood lovers.

East Indies Restaurant, Eight Bastion Hotel

Fusion, Relaxed Dining 
Malabari favourites with Dutch influences

Why we like it: Creative but approachable dishes in a charming, understated space.

Rahmuthala Hotel (Kayees Biryani), Mattancherry

Local Dining
Legendary biryani cooked in pure ghee; sells out quickly

Why we like it: An iconic local experience that’s all about flavour, not frills.

Fort House, Calvathy Road

Multi-Cuisine, Relaxed Dining Waterfront restaurant with a pleasant ambience

Why we like it: A calm spot by the water for an easy meal.

Terrace Grill, Brunton Boatyard

Seafood, Relaxed Dining
Dinner-only restaurant known for grilled seafood

Why we like it: A polished option for seafood-focused dinners.