The 8 Best Places to Eat in Mysore, Karnataka
During my first trip to Mysore, Karnataka to study Ashtanga yoga, I was lucky enough to make close friendships with a few locals who introduced me to some of the most amazing food in the city. Every time I chose somewhere to eat on my own, or went with a fellow foreign friend I was disappointed. So I thought I’d put together this list of some of the best restaurants in the city for friends and fellow travelers alike who might be asking themselves the same question I did— where to eat in Mysore? So you can skip straight to the good food. Lucky you!
Where to Eat in Mysore
Yoga Cafes
Since Mysore (Mysuru) is the birthplace of Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga and a majority of travelers make the journey specifically to practice and study there, it makes sense to start with the yoga cafes. These cafes are all located in Gokulum, near the major yoga shalas, and cater specifically to the aforementioned population of foreigners. They all have ‘yogic diet’ sections on their menus which include staples like fresh fruit, oatmeal, and omelets in addition to traditional Indian fare. You can expect a cozy ambiance decked out with hand-painted murals and yoga-related decor complete with cushioned floor seating and great wifi at all 3. I also got to know the owners fairly well during my three-month stay and mention each below.
Zen Kitchen
Located at 151, Gokulam 3rd Stage in Doctor’s Corner, Zen Kitchen is tucked away in a quieter area of Gokulum and is the perfect place to retreat to after practice or to meet up with friends for an evening dinner. The traditional South Indian dishes are bursting with flavor and plenty of aromatic spices but fewer chilies so they aren’t hot. The owner, Shrikanth is delightful and well-known amongst Mysore travelers for his friendliness and sense of humor. He gives great suggestions if you’re not sure what to try, but I highly recommend the super healthy daal palak with two chapattis, or one aloo paratha if you’re feeling indulgent! There is also a lovely little park right next to Zen Kitchen if you fancy a nice after-meal stroll to digest all the yummy food you ate.
2. Chakra House
The breakfast at Chakra House can’t be beaten! They serve all the staples from eggs, muesli, and porridge to organic salads and stews. The owner Rajeesh has a smile that could win awards and can usually be found in the kitchen serving up the best omelets AND pancakes in Mysore in my humble opinion. Beware: if you order their signature cold coffee be prepared for a sugar rush that is TOTALLY worth it. I never liked coffee before I tried it here and was immediately hooked. If you take me up on the indulgence, you can balance that choice with their organic vegetable salad which is packed with fresh veggies and mouth-watering homemade hummus. Their South Indian food is delicious as well and the daily specials for thali and curry can be found on the whiteboard when you enter. Chakra House is located at 829 Chakra House Cafe 1'st a Main Road just off of the main Contour road.
3. Santosha Cafe
“Santosha” means contentment in Sanskrit and more specifically refers to the concept of being at peace in the present moment and accepting and appreciating what is right in front of us. Santosha Cafe lives up to its name and probably has the largest menu of the bunch offering a variety of refreshing smoothies, fresh juices, and lassis (Indian yogurt-based beverages) to complement your meals. They have both indoor and outdoor dining with floor and chair seating if you or someone you’re traveling with is less comfortable sitting on the floor. You’ll find lots of yoga practitioners lounging here after practice and remote workers typing away on their laptops while they enjoy Santosha’s bottomless masala chai refills for just 70 rupees. The cafe is owned by Prasad who is lovely and has been running the establishment for many years. They also host occasional kirtans (an ancient bhakti yoga tradition of chanting the names of the divine in Sanskrit.) Find Santosha at 198, 9th Cross Rd, 3rd Stage.
South Indian Cuisine
Whether you’re traveling to Mysore to study yoga or not, you’d be remiss if you don’t take this amazing opportunity to enjoy the local food and get immersed in the culture. Keep reading to find out where to eat the best South Indian staple foods and thali in Mysore. These are the three best places to get quality dosas in the city. Believe me when I say not all dosas are created equal! Try eating like a local (with your right hand only!) and experience how these foods are traditionally enjoyed. Most of these restaurants don’t offer cutlery anyway!
4. Halli Hatti
This is hands-down my absolute favorite restaurant in Mysore and I made a habit of eating there every Sunday morning which was our designated rest day at the shala. This is an important detail because Halli Hatti is so wildly popular with the locals that it can be difficult to get your favorite foods if you don’t arrive early. Once they run out of ingredients that dish is done for the day. Halli Hatti means village hut in English and it’s a fitting name considering the owners grew up in a nearby village and brought their special homemade recipes to Mysore when they relocated in order to open this restaurant. The food is mouthwateringly fresh, the atmosphere is relaxing and beautiful with traditional straw hut walls and red mud flooring, and the price can’t be beaten. I honestly recommend everything on the menu (I’ve tried it all!) But if I had to pick specifics, their idli is the best in town super soft and fluffy, and pairs perfectly with their signature chutney. Be sure to get the sweet kesari bath to finish off your breakfast or pair it with exquisite kashaya tea. Halli Hatti is located at KC Layout, Mysuru near Chamundi Hill.
5. SPR Veg
SPR Veg restaurant serves a huge range of vegetarian food. They specialize in yummy thali spreads which feature a selection of various dishes and breads served on a platter and even offer an unlimited thali option where they’ll keep refilling your plates until you tap out and tell them '“enough.” You can also order different types of milkshakes and fruit juices and even cold coffee. The restaurant gives a vacation resort vibe with lots of tropical plants and sunny open-air rooms. There is plenty of parking and seating available making it a great choice when you have a larger group or desire little to no waiting time to eat. In my experience, the staff was always very friendly and accommodating as well. Find them at 2944, Adipampa Rd, Gokulam 2nd Stage.
6. Hotel Mylary Agrahara
Hotel Mylari is not what you’re probably thinking of when you hear the word “hotel.” In India, the term "hotel" does not always refer to accommodation. It’s common to refer to a place where food is prepared and served as a hotel, much like a "cafe" or "diner." Mylari is a vintage place known for its super fluffy and decadent dosas and has been a local favorite for decades. If you ask a local for their top restaurant recommendations, 9 out of 10 times Mylari is on the list. The food is served on a banana leaf as per tradition and usually comes with coconut chutney. Try the sagu masala dosa and If you’re a caffeine fanatic be sure to ask for strong filter coffee. This place lives up to the hype. Find them at Agrahara Fort, 67/6, Sayyaji Rao Rd, near Kukkarahalli Lake.
Dessert
7. Shree Mahalakshmi Sweets
This adorable shop sells colorful handcrafted sweets made with pure ingredients. It’s a whole experience just to window shop and appreciate all the beautiful treats but don’t leave without trying the Mysore Pak, a local sweet prepared in ghee that originated in, you guessed it - Mysore. I bought a giant box with assorted options to share with my friends when I was celebrating Christmas abroad. It was a great decision and the perfect excuse to try a bunch of different options. Head to Dodda Gadiyara, Opp Tower Complex, Ashoka Rd to check out all the sugary treats they have to offer.
8. Coco Vault
Coco Vault is a small organic convenience shop in Gokulam that sells all sorts of household items and snacks but I’m sending you there specifically for the chocolate. It’s homemade and totally addictive yet somehow not heavy or overly sugary. They make all sorts of treats including cookies, fudge, and bread with different cocoa percentages. They were even happy to cater to my friend’s custom request when he asked. Find the owner Ranganath (affectionately referred to as “the chocolate man” by generations of yoga foreigners) at 7th Cross Road, Gokulam 3rd Stage.
Amazing Food and Wonderful People
I know how it feels to be totally overwhelmed when you first arrive in Mysore, fresh off a train or bus, and still jet lagged and adjusting when the time comes to feed yourself. Hopefully, this list will help make your life just a little bit easier when asking yourself where to eat in Mysore, especially if it’s your very first trip to India. The locations I listed all have incredible food and even more incredible human beings running them. Enjoy the yummy food and tell them Victoria sent you! If you check out any of the spots above please comment about your experience and what you ate below. And don’t forget to send this list to any fellow ashtangi friends heading to Mysore for their first trip!
