Hey there! If you’re here seeking some insider tips on the best cafes and restaurants in Fort Kochi, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve put together this blog after two amazing trips to Kochi, spending a total of 2.5 days exploring all the delicious food spots in town.
Fort Kochi is a foodie’s paradise, with a mix of cozy cafes and fantastic eateries that cater to all tastes. From hidden gems tucked away in narrow streets to classy restaurants serving up a variety of cuisines, this historic neighborhood has it all. Read my blog post about things to do in Fort Kochi.
Best Cafes in Fort Kochi
Trouvaille Cafe
This cute little spot located on Princess Street is perfect for anyone looking to grab a quick bite, or a for digital nomad looking to get some work done. The cafe’s minimalistic decor and fascinating artwork add to its modern industrial-like vibe, and you can’t help but feel drawn into the relaxed atmosphere as soon as you step inside.
Their food is lovely, particularly the savory items. I also appreciate that Trouvaille Cafe provides excellent coffee options like cappuccino or Americano, which was a nice change from the usual filter coffee that is ubiquitous in Kochi. I couldn’t resist giving their orange coffee a try, and to my surprise, I loved its oddly delicious flavours! Overall, this is a great spot for foodies, with options like French toast with bacon and maple syrup, prawn tempura, bagels with cheese, and even a hearty English breakfast. The caramel cheesecake can be skipped.
Lila Art Cafe
I had a deja vu moment dining at Lila Art Cafe! This pretty art cafe that goes by Lila Curated Experiences on Google Maps, is located in a beautiful, meticulously restored 450-year-old space, complete with a well inside. The exteriors and interiors exude a charming heritage feel, not only making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time but also making it one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Fort Kochi.
Spread over two floors and around an indoor courtyard, the cafe has the most irresistible bakes, coffee, juices, breakfasts, and soulful food. From the layout to the ambiance to the type of food served, It had so much resemblance to a cafe in Panjim that I like. You can’t miss spotting the display case by the entrance – stocked full of big, glossy croissants and danishes. All through my meal, I was mentally saving space for them, but didn’t order any in the end!
I had my eye on quite a few items here, but I went with the chefs’ recommendations – some fusion dishes like Kandhari Prawn with butter croissant, Vindalho and coconut rice, fish mango curry, and coffee vattelappam. Being a Goan, I’d obviously prefer the authentic curries from back in Goa rather than interpretations of them in other places, but the bakes and desserts here were yummy! If you’re looking to pick up some souvenirs or to shop, don’t forget to wander into the little boutique on the premises.
Teapot Cafe
Kitch-y cafes have my heart and this one was no different! Every inch of the facade is covered in lush creepers, leading you to rooms bearing traces of peeling yellow paint, and antique furniture. It’s not until you sit down and glance around that you notice a touch of whimsy – a delightful collection of teapots from different periods. From tiny pastel teapots to rows of rustic ones, and colorful ones hanging from the ceiling – they’re everywhere! You’d also find square teapots and porcelain ones shaped like camels.
The handwritten menu is as endearing as the decor. Presented on your table with a charming teapot doodle, it unveils a hand-written list of offerings ranging from chaat, breakfast items, sandwiches, pastries, and samosas, to pancakes, teas, and coffees. While the food was slightly above average, the masala chai I savored was delightful, and the service was prompt and attentive. With no music playing in the background, it can get pretty quiet in here, which is nice if you just want to relax and engage in conversation.
Loafer’s Corner Cafe
This cafe’s interesting name amused me, as a multitasking, on-the-go individual, and so I walked in. The food at Loafer’s Corner Cafe arrived quickly – I ordered their beef wrap, cheesy fries, and a chicken sandwich. The prices were reasonable, neither too cheap nor too expensive. The drinks I had were on the sweeter side and seemed to have some artificial enhancements.
One thing I should mention is that the cafe does not have air conditioning, and when I visited around 6 PM, it was stifling. Even though I’m used to the heat, coming from Goa, I must admit that the lack of proper cooling made the experience quite uncomfortable. It would be great if they could install a few more fans or an air conditioner to make it more pleasant for diners. One positive aspect of sitting at this cafe was the window-seat view of Princess Street below.
Classic Art Cafe
Classic Art Cafe exudes a vibrant and loud ambiance that art lovers will adore – paintings, antiques, decor pieces, and even an old typewriter. As you wander through Jew Town, exploring the various stores brimming with antiques and timeless treasures, this non-air-conditioned cafe provides respite, a space to rest your feet and soak in the artistic atmosphere.
While we didn’t have the chance to sample their food offerings, we did try some beverages. Unfortunately, we found the drinks, such as the cold coffee and lemon iced tea, to be very underwhelming and we abandoned both drinks after a few sips. I would recommend exploring alternative options in the area if you’re hungry.
Top Restaurants in Kochi
Loving Earth
Wow, wow, wow! I am so glad I went to Loving Earth Cafe! Seriously, you won’t even believe that everything on the menu is vegan because it’s so unbelievably delicious. I mean, we’re talking food that’s fresh, healthy, and bursting with vibrant colours. The vibes at Loving Earth are on point. They’ve got this beautiful courtyard, although we ended up going at night and sitting indoors. And let’s talk about the service – top-notch. Even though we showed up close to closing time, the staff was super polite and friendly, making us feel right at home. Don’t miss the art on the walls!
If you visit Loving Earth, get the pizza! Oh my goodness, it was absolute perfection. The crust was like a fluffy pillow, and the vegan cheese was just as satisfying as the real deal. I couldn’t believe I wasn’t eating dairy! Sure, the prices were a bit on the high side, but given that this is the only fully vegan spot in the area, I expected it. Trust me, it’s worth every penny.
Oh, and did I mention? This place is pet-friendly! Loving Earth is hands down the ultimate destination for vegan and even non-vegan foodies in Fort Kochi. It’s got the best vegan food I’ve ever tasted, period.
What to Avoid
There’s a cluster of open-air, roadside restaurants on Tower Road. Do yourself a favour and avoid them.
One of the fantastic things about Fort Kochi is that everything is within walking distance. So, don’t worry about indulging in all the scrumptious food you’ll come across. You can walk off those calories as you explore the charming streets and immerse yourself in the beauty of this city. That’s exactly what I did, from my hotel, Niyati Boutique Stay. Follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as I eat my way through more Indian cities!
