Food
3 min 24 sec
19th July 2024
by Shethana P
The hunt ends here! After sightseeing ruins and temples, you need a break and a boost with some good food. Before listing the top 7 dining spots let us understand how Hampi is structured. Hampi is split into two regions i.e., one is the cultural and heritage side while the other is the Hippie island which covers the Virupapuru village. This place is called the Hippie iland due to the relaxed and chill vibes with a view of the Tungabhadrara river on the other side. The religious and the heritage sites have the best local food but it’s all veg. The hippie island offers you all types of local and Western cuisines.
Hold on! Do you think the dining spot mentioned below is trustworthy? After an intensive search, watching the best food vlogs, and trying a few restaurants on the field I have shortlisted these must-visit dining spots in Hampi. Featuring the best chill-out Ganesh Restaurant, the Roof, Funky Monkey, and many more which are tagged by Google Maps, Instagram mentions, and other top travel websites. By the end of this blog, you’ll have answers to all the questions regarding when, where, and what to eat in Hampi.

View of Old Chill Out - Ganesh restaurant - Courtesy of Photographer
Visitors rushed into this place to experience the great ambiance. You get to see the Virupaksha temple and beautiful sunset scene from this restaurant. The menu is listed with veg and non-veg starters, thali, and combos along with smoothies and beverages. The major non-veg categories of food include eggs while meat is not that popular in this restaurant. The highlight of this place is they serve food with floor seating with beautifully garnished plates. The most ordered food is - Israeli food..e, hummus, Falafel, etc. pasta, paratha, poori bhaji, curd rice, banana flower sabzi. Don’t miss out on the famous dessert which is on repeat mode - ‘Hello to the Queen dessert’. Here's a pro tip: Visit this place in the evening and late at night to fully enjoy the ambiance. Another point to note is that Wi-Fi availability is not guaranteed.

View of Gopi Guest house and Roof restaurant - Courtesy of Photographer
This place provides stays and serves delicious food. The major advantage of this place is the location, this place is located at the heart of Hampi and all the major attractions are within walking distance. The menu here is completely vegetarian and serves both Indian and Asian dishes. The appetizer list here stimulates your appetite like the mushroom soup, corn fries, and many more. As mentioned this place has the best stay both AC and non-AC but I would prefer to get an AC for hygiene and comfort stay. In case you taking a four vehicler then parking gives you a hard time. So it is better to check in as early as possible. There might be a few issues regarding the stay but those are compromised in their services and delicious food.

View of Funky Monkey restaurant - Courtesy of Photographer
The name is a little too funky! If you’re looking for the best place to relax after all day of sightseeing then you have reached the right location. The types of cuisines served are Indian and International with vegan options. The best time to visit this restaurant is during the night to get a fascinating view of all the ruins and temples decorated with sparkling lights. Highlighted dishes are the momos, banana leaf curry, and an Italian-style breakfast. The best part is the genre of music played during the dinner and if you’re lucky enough you get to see live music bands. People from different parts of the world visit Hampi and choose such a cozy and vibing place to spend time. So give it a try!

View of Chillout Bamboo - Courtesy of Photographer
Attracts all the pizza lovers! This restaurant is known for its ambiance and best services with a tempting menu setup. If you’re an Indian then try non-Indian cuisine options like Israeli shakshuka or Milkybar chapati for a different culinary experience. This is the most happening place in Hampi where you get to meet and interact with locals and foreigners. The working hours are 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM but as always avoid stepping in during the peak hours. After careful research, the reviews on the food might vary but the most highlighted dishes are flavors of pizzas and pasta along with suitable beverages. Hygiene is maintained but can’t be guaranteed all the time. On the whole, this place is worth giving a try!

View of Sagar Hotel - Courtesy of Photographer
Authentic Paddu! This is a pure veg restaurant and you get to taste the best South Indian breakfast dishes. Paddu, also known as Gundponglu or Paniyaram, is a beloved South Indian dish from Hampi. Made from a fermented batter of rice and black gram, similar to dosa and idli, Paddu is cooked in a unique paniyaram pan with round cavities. The seasoned batter, often mixed with onions, green chilies, curry leaves, and grated coconut, is poured into the pan, creating crispy, golden-brown spheres with a soft interior. Served hot with coconut, tomato, or spicy onion chutneys. Isn’t the recipe tempting? So never miss out on munching a delicious traditional breakfast from Sagar Hotel.


View of Benjamin Live Music Cafe - Courtesy of Photographer
Gathering all the music enthusiasts! The beautiful place is located near the Hampi Sanapur crossing welcoming all the couples and friends gang. This place is so lively almost all the time and due to this reason, the cafe is always crowded. They follow the first come first served procedure while online bookings are enabled and disabled according to the needs. Along with music, there are pep talks, jam, and debt sessions conducted by the visitors with management permission. Narrating about the ambience I have missed out on the dishes served! Well, that’s how well this place is! Highlighted dishes are Poratta and chicken curry, hot tea, bread omelet, etc. If you’re in Hampi visit this cafe located in Hippie island and enjoy the vibe.

View of The Nest – Lakefront Restaurant - Courtesy of Photographer
The Nest – Lakefront Restaurant at Hampi is a hidden culinary gem that combines delicious cuisine with breathtaking lake views. Gathering reviews from Google and Instagram mentions highlights of the restaurant are the rustic charm and modern comfort, offering indoor and al fresco dining options. The menu features fresh seafood, succulent steaks, and flavorful vegetarian options, with Katti Rolls and masala tea with jaggery recommended for an authentic taste. While service could improve, the mesmerizing sunset view over the lake makes it perfect for romantic dinners or special celebrations. Guests can also enjoy Theppa and jeep rides on the resort premises. Visit during breakfast for a buffet spread or during lunch/dinner to witness nature's beauty reflected on the water.
Hope you don't let your diet ruin the fun when you visit the ruins of Hampi! From authentic local vegetarian fare to eclectic international dishes Hampi has it all. Whether you’re savoring Israeli dishes in a cozy setting, enjoying vegetarian delights at a centrally located guest house, or relaxing with international cuisine and live music in a funky cafe, each place provides a unique experience. For a traditional South Indian breakfast, featuring the beloved Paddu dish, you’ll find perfect local eateries. Music enthusiasts can enjoy vibrant cafes with delicious food and lively atmospheres. Lastly, a lakefront restaurant offers breathtaking views and a diverse menu, making it an ideal choice for romantic dinners or special celebrations.