Here are the must-visit restaurants in Cuddalore, complete with details for new tourists and city visitors so you have all the essential info in one place.
1. Hotel Ananda Bhavan
- Cuisine: South Indian, North Indian, Multi-cuisine
- Location: Near Club Mahindra, Chinnakadai, centrally placed near tourist hotels.
- What to Try: Meals (banana leaf), Dosa, Chappathi Kurma, Pongal, sweets.
- Ambience: Spacious, family-friendly, fast service and neat dining area.
- Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM, all days.
- Special Tip: Lunch thali is a great option for tasting local flavors; try their home-style chutneys.
2. Abiram Vegetarian Restaurant
- Cuisine: South Indian, North Indian, Chinese, Vegetarian
- Location: Near Cuddalore Port Junction, central and easy to access from hotels, railway station, and bus stand.
- What to Try: Idly, Masala Dosai, Masala Vada, Filter Coffee, Ghee Roast, thali meals.
- Ambience: Air-conditioned hall with comfortable seating. Quick and polite service.
- Timings: 7 AM to 10:30 PM, every day.
- Special Tip: Ask for the day’s special meal; breakfast combos are very popular.
3. Kubera Vilas Restaurant
- Cuisine: South Indian, Chettinad, Multi-cuisine
- Location: Semmandalam, family restaurant close to bus stand and shopping.
- What to Try: Chettinad Chicken Curry, Veg Korma, Parotta, Fish Fry, thali meals.
- Ambience: Well-lit, nicely maintained, friendly staff.
- Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM.
- Special Tip: Evenings best for fried snacks and spicy curries; check for Chettinad specials.
4. Noodle House
- Cuisine: Asian, Thai, Chinese, Vegetarian-Friendly
- Location: Beach Grill Road, close to Silver Beach and tourist hotels.
- What to Try: Thai Noodles, Fried Rice, Indo-Chinese starters, vegetarian options.
- Ambience: Modern casual, open for quick bites and full meals.
- Timings: 11 AM to 10 PM.
- Special Tip: Their pepper BBQ and shawarma are highly recommended; perfect for dinner near the beach.
5. Beach Grill
- Cuisine: Indian, Chinese, Grill, BBQ
- Location: Beach Road, ideal for visiting after Silver Beach.
- What to Try: Pepper BBQ Chicken, Shawarma, Mayonnaise dips, Fish Fry.
- Ambience: Beachside casual, lively place, ideal for groups and families.
- Timings: 1 PM to 11 PM.
- Special Tip: Great for late evening snacks after a beach stroll; order BBQ combos.
Quick Restaurant Reference Table
| Name | Location | Cuisine | Must Try | Timings | Features/Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abiram Vegetarian | Port Junction area | Veg, Multi-Cuisine | Masala Dosa, Coffee | 7AM-10:30PM | Try breakfast sets, ask for specials |
| Hotel Ananda Bhavan | Chinnakadai, Club Mahindra | South Indian | Thali Meals, Pongal | 6AM-10PM | Lunch thali, family friendly |
| Kubera Vilas | Semmandalam | South/Chettinad | Chicken Curry, Fish Fry | 10AM-10PM | Evening Chettinad specials |
| Noodle House | Beach Grill Road | Asian, Veg | BBQ, Shawarma, Noodles | 11AM-10PM | Indo-Chinese evening snacks |
| Beach Grill | Beach Road | BBQ, Indian | BBQ Chicken, Fish Fry | 1PM-11PM | Best after beach walk, BBQ combos |
Secret Tips for Tourists
- Always check local specials and festival dishes—Cuddalore is famous for Meen Kuzhambu (fish curry) and unique banana leaf thalis.
- Many places offer home delivery and takeaway. Swiggy and Zomato apps cover most top restaurants.
- Speak politely to staff in English or basic Tamil to get the best dining experience and recommendations.
- Go early for breakfast—the best idlis and chutneys are served fresh!
- For non-veg lovers, coastal specialities in local spots near the beach are a must-try.
- Look for restaurants near busy markets and attractions; these are authentic and budget-friendly.
- Some places close for lunch and reopen for dinner; check timings before you visit.
- Vegetarian diners have plenty of choices, including Jain-friendly and vegan options.