The city of silk, sandalwood, palaces, and horse carriages. Mysuru—formerly called Mysore—is the cultural capital of Karnataka. Famed for its Dussehra, silk sarees, and sandal soap, Mysuru is also a delight for food lovers. It has given the world the iconic Mysore Masala Dosa and the melt-in-the-mouth ghee-soaked Mysore Pak. The heritage city is home to iconic restaurants that have been serving food lovers for decades now. Here, we’ve featured some of the most iconic restaurants in Mysuru for you. By Karan Kaushik
Iconic restaurants in Mysuru every foodie must visit
Hotel Original Vinayaka Mylari
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The first eatery that travellers visit is Vinayaka Maylari in the neighbourhood of Nazarbad. This humble eatery has as little as three items on its menu, but they are more than enough to take you on a divine gastronomical experience. Try their iconic Mylari Masala Dosa, which is nothing like the usual dosas that the rest of India eats. Mylari’s dosa is more like a soft cheesecake. They serve it with different masala variants. They sell more than 200 idlis every day. And the dosas are cooked on a massive iron tawa over a wood fire. End your meal with their jammy Kashi Halwa.
Where: Hotel Original Vinayaka Mylari, Shop No, 79, Nazarbad Main Road, Doora, Mysuru
Gayathri Tiffin Room
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One of the most-flocked restaurants in Mysuru, Gayathri Tiffin Room or GTR is famous for its soft and fluffy Mallige idlis. These are served with a variety of chutneys and sambhar. What makes their idlis special is their distinct texture. They are best enjoyed with their coconut chutney. The mess-style cafe is drenched in old-school charm. They serve an array of dosas, with the GTR Masala Dose being the all-time favourite. Their signature dosa features a thick roast, but it’s soft from the inside. Other recommendations include Green Dosa and Open Butter Masala Dosa. You will also love their Kesari Bhath.
Where: NS Road, near Ramachandra Agrahara, Chamundipuram, Ramachandra Agrahara, Mysuru
Hotel Hanumanthu
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This iconic restaurant is a heaven for meat lovers. They serve the city’s best Mutton Pulav. The restaurant has been serving non-vegetarians since 1930 and is an integral part of Mysuru’s rich culinary heritage. Patrons line up outside the cafe as early as six in the morning to enjoy their legendary Mutton Pulav. Other popular dishes include Mutton Boti and Mutton Chops. You may also try their Liver Fry, Nati Koli Pulav, Pepper Chicken, and Chicken Pulav.
Where: Hotel Hanumanthu Original 1930, 1720, Akbar Road, Mandi Mohalla, Mysuru
Hotel RRR
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While Mysuru may be renowned for its dosas, the city also knows how to cook amazing biryani. The iconic Hotel RRR is a case in point. The biryani establishment serves the best biryani in Mysuru. Their Andhra-style starters and Andhra-style biryani are highly recommended. The restaurant also serves aromatic Chicken and Mutton Biryani, which is delicious in its own right. For starters, you must order Chilly Chicken, which is super tender and juicy with spicy gravy. Their Mutton Pepper Fry is also a bestseller.
Where: Gandhi Square, Near Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Lashkar Mohalla, Chamrajpura, Mysuru
Lakshman Mess
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One of the most popular restaurants in Mysuru, Lakshman Mess makes for a great lunch. They are famous for their non-vegetarian offerings and Naati-style cuisine. Their Chicken Kebabs have a flavourful crunch. Try their delicately flavoured and moist Mutton Pulav. Other popular dish is Mutton Fry, which is made with curry leaves and soy sauce. The dishes are prepared by the owner Lakshman and his son Satya. They started the place as a small pushcart operation. Their story will inspire you, while their meaty preparations will win your heart.
Where: No.87 City Corporation 1, K, 46/1, Santhepete Road, KR Mohalla, Chamrajpura, Mysuru
Tegu Mess
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If you want to enjoy local-style non-vegetarian fare, head to Tegu Mess. This hole-in-the-wall eatery is famous for its wholesome meat dishes which are prepared with their home-ground spices. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner and are packed with customers at any given time. For breakfast, patrons prefer their idlis that are best savoured with either chicken or mutton gravy. Their nourishing Paya Soup is great. Other must-try dishes include Pepper Chicken, Mutton Chops, Ghee Rice, and Mutton Liver.
Where: Adipampa Road, 6th Cross Rd, Vani Vilas Mohalla, Mysuru
Malgudi Coffee Shop
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This scenic cafe located at Green Hotel is set in a beautiful traditional courtyard adorned with plants. If you are looking to unwind with a cup of coffee and a helping of delicious cakes, Malgudi Coffee Shop is where you should be. The cafe sources its coffee from local farmers. Their Lemon Drizzle Cake comes highly recommended. So does their Walnut and Date Cake. Their gooey Chocolate Cake goes well with a cup of strong Mysore Filter Coffee.
Where: 81, Hunsur Road, Near University of Mysore Campus, Mysuru
Hotel Mahesh Prasad
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Located in Chamarajapuram Mohalla, Lakshmipuram, Mahesh Prasad is a gorgeous restaurant built in the traditional architectural style. The restaurant serves lip-smacking South Indian dishes along with Chinese and North Indian fare. Try their Benne Masala Dosa, Sambar Bonda, Bonda Soup, and Bisi Bele Bhaath. Kids love their Karabath and often get it packed for home. Their coffee is worth mentioning too. The restaurant receives a heavy footfall throughout the day. Be prepared to wait.
Where: Ashoka Circle, near RTO Office, Chamarajapura, Chamarajapuram Mohalla, Lakshmipuram, Mysuru
Guru Sweet Mart
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No gastronomical experience in Mysuru will be incomplete without treating your taste buds with the signature Mysore Pak. And Guru Sweet Mart in Devaraja Market Building near K.R. Circle has the best Mysore Pak in town. Be prepared for an instant sugar rush as you devour the melt-in-the-mouth Mysore Pak with a toasty smell of ghee. The popular dessert is made from calcified butter, chickpea flour, and a sugar syrup called pak in Kannada.
Where: Shop No: 1, Devaraja Market Building, Near K.R. Circle, Sayyaji Rao Road, Devaraja Mohalla, Mysuru
Related: Explore The Best Of Mysuru With Our Ultimate City Guide!