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Best Places to eat in Mysore : Local’s Recommendation
When you hear of Mysore in southern India, you imagine palaces, silk, and sandalwood. Surely, you aren’t wrong.
Indeed, the city is all about history and traditional festivals like Dasara. But what about Mysore’s food culture? Are there good places to eat in Mysore?
Unlike the food culture in Varanasi or Kolkata, Mysore’s food culture doesn’t make itself loud. However, this doesn’t mean there isn’t good food here – there is plenty, actually.
During my four years in Mysore for undergrad, I tried at least 50 different restaurants as a non-vegetarian foodie. My wife Sahana, a vegetarian food lover, has visited Mysore over 10 times. She has her regular spots and always tries new places.
In our Mysore food blog, we cover everything you need to know about Mysore food and the best places to eat local food.
So dive in and let’s find some cool, cheap, and best places to eat in Mysore!
Heads Up : Many famous food joints in Mysore have fake branches. Use the location links in this blog to find the authentic places for the best experience.
Best places for Breakfast in Mysore
GTR (Gayathri Tiffin Room)
GTR, since the 1960s, is the best place to eat dosa in Mysore.
Their Masala Dosa with the red chutney inside and set dosa are the best in town.Their Khara Bath is also very taste.
Since my college days, this place has been my favourite for various reasons – Deliciousness, healthy (not oily) and affordable.
Despite being famous, you don’t need to wait in long lines.
Price for two people: Rs 50
Locality: Chamundipuram, 1.1km from KSIC Silk Weaving Factory,
Get Directions: Google Maps
New Mysore Refreshments
New Mysore Refreshments, near Mysore Zoo, serves the best Vada and Dahi vada in the city.
Their dosas are good, but the vadas, specifically Dahi vada are even better.
It may not be one of the oldest places, but it’s definitely one of the best places to eat breakfast in Mysore.
Another cool thing about New Mysore Refreshments is that you get to eat breakfast with a view of the giraffes!
Price for two people: Rs 200
Locality: Indira Nagar, Near Mysore Zoo
Get Directions: Google Maps
Old Original Hotel Vinayaka Mylari since 1938
Old Original Hotel Vinayaka Mylari can take you to heaven with their butter dosa.
Unlike the typical crisp dosas, Mylari’s masala dosas are soft and sponge-like, cooked over a wood fire, and served with a blob of butter on top, placed on a steel plate with a banana leaf.
This iconic eatery serves only three breakfast items: Butter Dosa, Butter Masala Dosa, and Idli with chutney and Kurma.
They also offer a sweet dish called Kashi Halwa, which is really delicious.
Probably one of the smallest breakfast places in all of Mysore, it has only six tables. Be prepared to wait in line for at least 30 minutes on weekends to get a seat.
Price for two: Rs 150
Locality: Nazarbad Main Road, 1.2km from Mysore Palace
Get Directions: Google Maps
Best Non Veg Restaurants in Mysore
Hotel Hanumanthu original since 1930
One of the oldest restaurants in Mysore, Hanumanthu Pulav is famous for its Chicken and Mutton Pulav.
The craziest part is that you can even have this pulav for breakfast as they open as early as 7 am. Although it is a rice dish, it is much different from biryani.
The taste is exceptional because of the fresh meat, homemade spices, and the woodfire cooking method.
Apart from their pulav, Hanumanthu Pulav’s Kaal soup and spicy Guntur chicken are must-tries when in Mysore.
The cost is very reasonable, about Rs 220 per meal, and it’s very filling.
I’ve been eating here since my university days in 2005, and the taste has remained the same.
Their timings vary by days, so check before you go.
Price for two people: Rs 400
Locality: Mandi Mohalla, 700m walking distance from Cauvery Emporium
Get Directions: Google Maps
Hotel RRR Mysuru
Spicy Andhra Style Biryani served on a banana leaf is a favourite among Mysore non-vegetarians.
Along with Chicken biryani, you must try Chilly chicken and Mutton Pepper Fry. They have a limited menu but have mastered each dish for over 40 years.
Price for two people: Rs 500
Locality: Chamarajapura, 500m walking distance from Mysore Palace
Get Directions: Google Maps
Poojari Fish Land
Poojari Fish Land is a haven for seafood lovers. The restaurant is famous for its coastal cuisine, particularly the Neer Dosa with Chicken Curry, Chicken Ghee Roast, and Anjal Tawa Fry.
The ambiance is simple, but the food speaks for itself.
Being a Mangalorean and seafood lover, this is one the very few places in Karnataka where I like coastal food outside of Mangalore.
The place is located in the outskirts of Mysore. So when you are visiting Melkote as a day trip, you can plan to have dinner here while coming back
Price for two people: Rs 350
Locality: Kalasthavadi, Outskirts of Mysore
Get Directions: Google Maps
Laxman Mess
Laxman Mess is a hidden gem that has been serving home-style Mysore Naati meals since 1989. Known for its authentic flavours and reasonable prices, this place is popular among local Mysoreans. Not just for lunch, but also it is one of the finest places for dinner in Mysore.
There’s no fancy furniture or flashy lights?just a modest setup where college students and employees come for a quick, hearty, and spicy lunch.
Their must-try dishes include Mutton Chops made on Dum (my favourite), Ragi Mudde with Naati Saaru, and Chicken Pepper Dry.
It’s one of those few affordable places for college students. So I must have had at least one meal here every week when I was living in Mysore.
They are closed on all Mondays.
Locality: Chamrajpura, 500m walking distance from Mysore Palace
Get Directions: Google Maps
Price for two people: Rs 220
Empire Restaurant Mysore
If you’re looking for hearty non-veg food in a polished restaurant in casual dining style, Empire is your best bet.
Empire Restaurant is a chain across Karnataka, and their Mysore branch serves delicious non-veg meals.
Much of their food is influenced by the Middle East.
Although they serve mutton, chicken, and seafood, I recommend you go for the chicken.
The Lemon Chicken and Al Faham are the best.
The most delicious combo you must eat in Empire Restaurant Mysore is Ghee Rice with Chilli Kabab.
While the price is on the higher end, Empire sells food in three portions: quarter, half, and full, allowing you to taste a variety.
Price for two people: Rs 600
Locality: Kalidasa Road Vani Vilas Mohalla, near Kukkarahalli lake
Get Directions: Google Maps
Best Veg Restaurants in Mysore
Mahesh Prasad
The best place to eat in Mysore for vegetarians is Mahesh Prasad, especially for families.
This restaurant, around two decades old, serves one of the healthiest and tastiest South Indian meals, specifically Udupi-style.
My vegetarian spouse, Sahana, and her dad’s favourite is Mahesh Prasad.
The must-try meal at Mahesh Prasad is their South Indian Thali, which consists of bowls of sambar, rasam, kootu, buttermilk, curds, one chapati, vegetable palya, a bowl of rice, and a sweet dish called Payasam – all for just Rs 75.
They also offer something called Executive Meals, which is a smaller portion than the South Indian Thali, featuring North Indian-style roti curry, a small bowl of flavoured rice, and a salad.
This is mainly to cater to the working folks who are there to grab a quick lunch.
They do serve breakfast, and their crispy, steamy bonda soup is the most famous snack/breakfast item.
Price for two people: Rs 200
Locality: Lakshmipuram, 2km from Jaganmohan Palace art gallery
Get Directions: Google Maps
Mayura Veg, Jayalakshmipuram
Mayura Veg is a lovely casual dining place that serves tasty vegetarian North Indian food.
The burnt garlic soup is their speciality along with the usual North Indian curries and rotis such as Paneer Butter Masala and Bhindi Masala.
Price for two people: Rs 400
Locality: Jayalakshmipuram, 1km from Kukkarahalli Lake
Get Directions: Google Maps
The Indian Curry House
The Indian Curry House is a fantastic spot for casual dining, that serves veg North Indian and Italian cuisine in Mysore. It’s perfect for a family meal or a casual dinner with friends
Least spicy to medium, they can change the spice level as per request.
The Indian Curry House also specialises in Jain food (without garlic and onions).
Some of the must-try dishes at the Indian Curry House are Sarson da Saag with Makki Di Roti (Sahana’s favourite), Makki Di Roti with Paneer sides, and Pineapple Raita (tangy-sweet chopped pineapples mixed with curd).
Price for two people: Rs 1000
Locality: Chamrajpura, within 800m walking distance from Jaganmohan Palace.
Get Directions: Google Maps
Mysore Street food
Amruth Gobi Centre (Original)
That one eatery in Mysore that you should never miss, it is Amruth Gobi Centre. Sahana and I have tried Gobi Manchurian across the country, but nobody makes it as good as Amruth Gobi.
The owner started a food cart in 2011, selling Gobi Manchurian for Rs 35. This was our regular place for evening snacks and extended dinners when I was a student. Now it sells for Rs 90.
He even sells a variety of Manchurians like Dry Gobi with onion toppings, Gobi rice, and Gobi noodles.
I say try them all. If not, Gobi Manchurian and Gobi noodles made at Amruth Gobi Centre are the must-try foods in Mysore.
Price for two people: Rs 180
Locality: Kuvempu Nagara, 5m from Mysore palace ( Take an autorickshaw to get here)
Get Directions: Google Maps
Kolhapuri Bhel
One of the best places to try chaats in Mysore is Kolhapuri Bhel. Their best sellers are the Kolhapuri Bhel and Sabudana Vada.
Bhelpuri is a delightful mix of puffed rice, chutneys, and spicy snack available throughout India. But at Kolhapuri Bhel in Mysore, they add a twist with more spices and different garnishing, including green chilli topping.
Sabudana Vada is a popular Indian snack made from tapioca pearls (sabudana), potatoes, and ground peanuts. These vadas are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often flavoured with spices like cumin and green chillies.
The famous Maharashtrian street food Vada Pav is also available here and is pretty popular.
Although I didn’t like their Panipuri much – after all, I have had the best Panipuri in Varanasi and Bangalore’s Nama Bangarpet Bhel House.
They open before lunch, making it a favourite place among college students for their lunch.
Price for two people: Rs 100
Locality: Near Nanjumalige Circle, 1km from KSIC Silk weaving factory
Get Directions: Google Maps
Usman Dry Gobi
Usmaan Dry Gobi with chutney, onion, and cucumber is a street food delight that has earned a dedicated following in Mysore.
Prepared by Abid and his son Usman, this dish is mildly spicy, tangy, and crispy.
The only problem with Usman Dry Gobi is the long waiting line! The place is always crowded, and you may have to wait up to 45 minutes at times
Price for two people: Rs 100-150
Locality: Devaraja Mohalla, 700m walking distance from Devaraja Market
Get Directions: Google Maps
Guru Sweet Mart
Guru Sweet Mart in Mysore is an absolute gem for anyone with a sweet tooth. This legendary sweet shop is where the Mysore special food “Mysore Pak ” was born – a treat that has become a hallmark of the city.
The king loved the sweet prepared by the chef, an ancestor of those behind Guru Sweet Mart, so much that he named it after the city. That’s how Mysore Pak got its name, where “Pak” means a sugary treat.
This sweet delight is made by cooking gram flour in ghee and sugar syrup until it reaches a fudgy consistency.
Then, it’s poured into moulds and left to set, resulting in a soft, slightly crumbly texture that melts in your mouth, leaving a buttery sweetness behind.
Guru Sweet Mart sticks to the traditional recipe and preparation methods, ensuring each piece is as amazing as the original. Besides Mysore Pak, they offer a variety of other sweets and snacks, making it a must-visit spot in Mysore
I love Mysore Pak from Guru Sweet Mart, especially when they are hot!
You can get it packed and take it home. When stored properly in an airtight container, it can stay fresh for about 7-10 days at room temperature.
Make sure you never refrigerate it. Mysore Pak: The Sweet History Mysore Pak was invented in the royal kitchens of the Mysore Palace.
Price: Rs 150/ 250gms (6-7 pieces of Mysore Pak)
Locality: Devaraja Mohalla, right beside Devaraja Market in Saiyaji Road
Get Directions: Google Maps
Mahalakshmi Sweets
Mahalakshmi Sweets is the most famous chain of sweets and savouries seller in Mysore.
Their Mysore Pak is a strong contender to Guru Sweet Mart. So you can always find Mysoreans divided in their friendship for Guru Sweet Mart and Mahalakshmi Sweets.
Their main workshop is located in Vidyaranyapura where normal visitors can’t enter. Their outlets are located in more than 15 locations in Mysore. The main and biggest outlet is located on Urs Road.
Apart from the Mysore Pak, I highly recommend their Kaju barfi, Moti Choor Laddu, and Rose Laddu.
Among savouries, their Palak chakli is unique and the best. You also must try their Nippattu and Kodubale.
It is habitual for people from Mysore to carry a box of sweets or savouries as a gift when they visit others’ houses. Or even if you are visiting someone, buy a pack of mixture from here. – your Mysore host would love it.
Price for two people: Rs 150
Locality: Devraj Urs Road, 500m walking distance from Mysore Palace
Get Directions: Google Maps
Best Beverage Places in Mysore
Brahmin’s Soda Factory
Brahmin’s Soda Factory, established in 1934, is a legendary spot for refreshing drinks in Mysore.
Mysore can get pretty hot in summers and usually has dry weather. This 90-year-old place has been a local favourite for long and, of course, my go-to place in Mysore to quench my thirst. We were regulars here when I was a student.
It’s a humble place with around ten drinks on the menu, each still costing just fifteen to thirty rupees even today!
Known for its refreshing sodas and traditional drinks, it’s a perfect place to cool down after a day of exploring the city.
Try their famous Sogade Beru Juice, Badam Drink, and Rose Milk for a delightful experience.
Price for two people: Rs 90
Locality: Mandi Mohalla, within 650m walking from Mysore Palace
Get Directions: Google Maps
Tea Corner near Mysore Zoo
You get Mysore’s finest tea in a small shop called simply “Tea Corner” with some homemade cookies which started in 1976.
One of the standout features of Tea Corner is its extensive menu of teas, with the Masala Chai and Chocolate Chai being favourites among regulars. However, I vote for Masala Chai.
Unlike other tea shops that sell cigarettes, homemade biscuits are sold here.
Ginger biscuits are the best and most popular ones.
Another best thing about this Tea Corner is that, despite being located in the heart of a tourist attraction area, this place is a local favourite, mainly for oldies.
So it is kind of our ritual to have tea here whenever we eat breakfast at New Mysore Refreshments.
Price for two people: Rs 60
Locality: Indira Nagar, 200m from Mysore Zoo
Get Directions: Google Maps
Grape Juice Corner
You might wonder what’s so special about a simple grape juice that I’m mentioning “Grape Juice Corner” as one of the must-visit places in Mysore – but it truly is something special!
The grape juice made here has a taste and feel reminiscent of wine, thanks to its unique preparation and fermentation process in a cold freezer.
The grape juice here is not just a refreshing drink; it’s a unique experience that stands out due to its rich, slightly tangy flavour that comes from the fermentation process.
This spot is incredibly popular among locals and students, making it a well-known and beloved destination.
Every time I visit Mysore, I make sure to stop by and have at least one glass. It’s one of those local favourites that offers a taste you won’t find anywhere else.
Price for two people: Rs 1000
Locality: Lakshmipuram near RTO Circle, 3km from Railway Museum (Take an autorickshaw to get here)
Get Directions: Google Maps
Best Cafes to Hangout in Mysore
SAPA Sourdough & Pastry
The best café in Mysore is SAPA. This bakery-cum-café is run by a German woman, Dina Weber, and her team, who craft fine breads and pastries at SAPA.
Dina’s journey across India, starting cafés in Goa and Ladakh before settling in Mysore, is fascinating.
But let me focus on SAPA’s food here.
SAPA Sourdough & Pastry is famous for their sourdough bread loaves, such as carrot loaf and roasted pumpkin loaf, made from organic Indian whole wheat atta of freshly milled grains sourced from North Karnataka, like Bijapur. (Oh, you must visit Bijapur market to see the vast variety of grains they grow and sell!)
They even make baguettes. But my favourite remains their éclairs, bombolini, almond orange buns, and cinnamon buns. The only concerning thing about SAPA is they are very expensive!
Price for two people: Rs 300
Locality: Gokulam ( hub of traveller’s hostel and Yoga studios), 2km from Kukkarahalli lake
Get Directions: Google Maps
Malgudi Coffee Shop & Bakery
Malgudi Coffee Shop and Bakery is best known for their Mysore Filter Coffee.
The place is a charmer because a place built in 1916 by the Maharaja of Mysore for his sister is now a café.
The official name of the place is “Chittaranjan Princess Palace” which got converted into Malgudi Cafe in 2013. It is India’s first cafe run by only women.
So sipping coffee here and eating their delicious cake makes you feel as if you are a guest of the Maharaja – the courtyards, antique furniture, old paintings – you enjoy old-world charm with good food.
Their highlight is Mysore filter coffee. Of course, as a cafe they do serve cappuccino, but nothing like sipping coffee in local style – and filter coffee is my spouse’s favourite.
Malgudi Cafe is also known for their Lemon drizzle and date and walnut cake.
The only thing I wish Malgudi Cafe in Mysore would improve is the service!
In general, other than street food sellers, every eating place in Mysore has waiters who seem least bothered about service. But at Malgudi Cafe, it is even higher!
Price for two people: Rs 450
Locality: Near University of Mysore Campus, 2km from Kukkarahalli lake.
Get Directions: Google Maps
Roy’s Cafe
Roy’s Cafe is a charming spot where an old house in Mysore has been transformed into a delightful food joint and community space.
While the food is good, like many other places, the ambiance is exceptional and one of the best places to hangout in Mysore.
When I visited, it was the coolest place to hang out in Mysore.
Techies working from home would come here to work and mingle with others.
They usually have workshops related to art and music. Some evenings, there is even live music, just like on the day I went.
I can’t pinpoint a must-try dish here, though the pasta was good.
However, I highly recommend Roy’s Cafe for its cool, relaxed vibe, with lots of plants and semi-open space around seating area.
Price for two people: Rs 700
Locality: Gokulam, Closer to Funky Buddha hostel.
Get Directions: Google Maps
The Old House
Another famous cafe among locals is “The Old House Cafe”. It is recommended by my cousin who is a Mysorean, and she says it’s young folks’ favourite.
The place is cozy with both indoor and outdoor seating. From morning breakfast with eggs and omelettes, croissants to different kinds of salads, you get a variety of European food here.
People love Old House Cafe’s pasta, pizza, and bruschetta. The Almond & Broccoli Soup, Guacamole & Mozzarella Toast, and Ravioli are also pretty famous and delicious.
They also have an in-house bakery and Gelato station. The only complaint my cousin has about Old House is that portions are small but prices aren’t.
Price for two people: Rs 900
Locality: Chamarajapuram ( Closer to Grape Juice centre and Mahesh Prasad Veg, 2km from Mysore Palace)
Get Directions: Google Maps
What is the food culture of Mysore?
The food culture in Mysore is a blend of Southern Karnataka, especially Udupi-style vegetarian cuisine, Rajasthan-influenced North Indian food, and Naati-style non-veg cuisines. Foreigners who stay in Mysore for Yoga and University students have led to cafe culture in Mysore.
Things to keep in mind while going to any food places in Mysore
It doesn’t matter if it’s a chaat shop, mess, or casual dining spot, don’t expect good service in Mysore. The waiters may seem least bothered about the customers’ presence.
Most times, when you ask them to suggest their restaurant’s best or signature dish, they might say, “You say what you want, I will bring it to you.”
Some of the famous places to eat in Mysore have the slowest and most lethargic service. Just keep this in mind, be prepared, and enjoy Mysore food taste.
Beware of Multiple duplicate Branches
BE cautious of multiple duplicate branches of popular food places in Mysore.
The original Vinayaka Mylari, renowned for its soft dosas, has several imitators.
Mahesh Prasad famous for traditional South Indian meals, also has fake branches.
RRR, known for its biryani, has multiple outlets, but only the original on Gandhi Square consistently delivers quality.
Hanumanthu Pulav, celebrated for its unique flavour, is another with many imitators.
To ensure an authentic experience, seek recommendations from locals or trusted sources.
Always research and ask locals for the best options.
Along with locals’ recommendations, use the Google Map links inserted in our blog to get to the original authentic places of each famous food joint in Mysore.
Which are your favourite places to eat in Mysore? Let us know in the comment section below.
