During a day trip to Coonoor, there are several outstanding spots to savor local specialties, from traditional South Indian flavors to unique Nilgiri and Anglo-Indian twists. The town features a vibrant blend of heritage restaurants, boutique cafes, and home-style kitchens, making it a rewarding culinary destination for those keen to taste Coonoor’s “soul food”.
La Belle Vie at McIver 180
This iconic colonial villa restaurant, featured in Bollywood films, blends its rich heritage with a menu that matches Coonoor’s cosmopolitan spirit. Besides panoramic views, La Belle Vie offers both local favorites and continental classics. Notably, their menu sometimes includes regional specialties made with local produce, along with must-try desserts like Crème Brûlée. The setting is perfect for relaxing over lunch while sampling Nilgiri teas and locally-sourced ingredients.
Café Diem
A standout vegetarian café, Café Diem brings together Italian, Mediterranean, and French influences while spotlighting fresh local vegetables and produce. Popular menu items — like goat cheese fig pizza and pumpkin soup — are often prepared from ingredients sourced in the Nilgiris, giving a fresh twist to familiar flavors. Their desserts and coffee are cherished, and the serene view of the hills elevates the Coonoor dining experience.
The Culinarium
This picturesque patisserie and café lies between Ooty and Coonoor, offering European-inspired meals and baked goods with a Nilgiri touch. The bakery’s cakes and pastries are local favorites, while the menu highlights regionally-grown ingredients and herbs. It’s a charming stop for brunch or an afternoon snack, especially for those who appreciate “farm-to-table” experiences.
Open Kitchen
Open Kitchen is loved by those seeking comfort food with a local twist. Renowned for thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas and homemade ice creams, it encapsulates Coonoor’s creative new-age food scene. Burgers and breakfast fare are also popular, and the café’s welcoming vibe makes it excellent for families or solo travelers. While not strictly traditional, the use of local produce gives a distinctive flavor to every dish.
Try Traditional South Indian and Nilgiri Specialties
For authentic local fare, seek out small eateries and messes near the main market or bus stand, where you can enjoy dishes like rajma with avare beans, spicy Chettinad curries, or classic South Indian breakfast staples: crispy vadas, fluffy idlis, and aromatic filter coffee. Many family-run spots serve hearty meals at lunch, while tea stalls offer hot snacks — fried varkey biscuits or fresh samosas — perfect for an afternoon recharge.
Sweet Treats and Local Produce
Don’t miss local jams made from peaches, mulberries, or passion fruit, often available at roadside stalls or small town shops. Nilgiri honey and handmade chocolates make for excellent souvenirs or travel treats.
Unique Recommendations
- Cherrie Berry: Known for farm-to-table dishes and location amidst tea plantations, it serves Buddha bowls, baos, and mushroom truffle pizza using regionally sourced ingredients.
- Bird House Café: This spot is renowned for its delicious breakfasts, desserts, and relaxed ambiance — ideal for those wanting lighter fare or artisanal coffee.
Wherever you dine in Coonoor, the blend of local ingredients, heritage atmospheres, and genuine Nilgiri hospitality ensures a memorable meal with every stop.
