Here is a detailed guide to the must-visit restaurants in Vellore, specially curated for new tourists and city visitors. Whether you’re craving authentic South Indian delicacies, international cuisine, or vegetarian delights, this list includes ambience, signature dishes, pricing, timings, and nearby landmarks, so you don’t have to search further.
1. Darling Residency – Roof Top Restaurant (Gingee)
Why Visit:
Fine dining with a rooftop view, ideal for families, romantic dinners, and business travelers. It offers a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes with a pleasant breeze.
- Must Try: Paneer Butter Masala, Mutton Biryani, Ginger Chicken, Butter Naan
- Cuisine: Multi-Cuisine
- Ambience: Rooftop, peaceful, elegant
- Avg. Cost for 2: ₹700–₹1000
- Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Location: No. 11, Officers Line, Anna Salai, Vellore
- Landmark Nearby: Vellore Fort, 5 mins walk
- Good For: Families, business meals, romantic evenings
- Parking: Available
Tourist Tip: Go for dinner around sunset to enjoy the rooftop view and a calmer environment.
2. Saravana Bhavan – Vellore Cantonment
Why Visit:
World-renowned South Indian vegetarian chain known for consistent taste, hygiene, and variety.
- Must Try: Mini Tiffin, Ghee Roast Dosa, Filter Coffee, South Indian Thali
- Cuisine: Pure South Indian Vegetarian
- Ambience: Family-friendly, clean, and fast service
- Avg. Cost for 2: ₹250–₹400
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Location: Near Old Bus Stand, Vellore Town
- Landmark Nearby: Jalakandeswarar Temple, 3 mins walk
- Good For: Breakfast, lunch, vegetarian meals
- Parking: Limited
Tourist Tip: Visit in the morning for the freshest idlis and strong filter coffee.
3. Hotel Aryaas – Katpadi
Why Visit:
Budget-friendly and tasty spot offering vegetarian dishes, very popular among students and families.
- Must Try: Pongal Vada Combo, Chilli Parotta, Meals (Veg Thali)
- Cuisine: South Indian, North Indian (Vegetarian)
- Ambience: Simple, clean, quick service
- Avg. Cost for 2: ₹200–₹350
- Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Opposite Katpadi Junction
- Landmark Nearby: Katpadi Railway Station
- Good For: Quick bites, vegetarian meals
- Parking: Street parking
Tourist Tip: Great for train travelers; also try their evening snacks like samosas and bajji.
4. The Vellore Kitchen (TVK)
Why Visit:
Upscale restaurant known for modern interiors and extensive Indian and international menu.
- Must Try: Chicken 65, TVK Special Biryani, Paneer Tikka, Cheesecake
- Cuisine: Indian, Tandoor, Indo-Chinese, Continental
- Ambience: Air-conditioned, lounge-style seating, premium decor
- Avg. Cost for 2: ₹800–₹1200
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Location: 6th East Cross Road, Gandhi Nagar, Katpadi
- Landmark Nearby: Near VIT University (5 mins drive)
- Good For: Business travelers, celebrations, students
- Parking: Ample space available
Tourist Tip: Visit during weekday lunch for quieter service and lunch combos.
5. Hotel Sri Krishna Bhavan – Vellore Old Town
Why Visit:
Local’s favorite for homely, spicy South Indian meals and dosa varieties, famous for value-for-money.
- Must Try: Rava Dosa, Masala Dosa, South Indian Veg Meals, Lemon Rice
- Cuisine: South Indian Veg
- Ambience: Modest seating, high turnover, no frills
- Avg. Cost for 2: ₹150–₹250
- Opening Hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Long Bazaar Street, Near Vellore Fort
- Landmark Nearby: Vellore Fort
- Good For: Daily budget meals, authentic Tamil Nadu taste
- Parking: Limited street parking
Tourist Tip: Go before 1:00 PM to get fresh meals; avoid peak time crowd on Sundays.
Final Foodie Travel Tips for Vellore:
- Best Time to Eat Out: 7:30–9:30 AM for breakfast, 1–2 PM for lunch, 7–9 PM for dinner.
- Drinking Water: Always prefer bottled or filtered water from reputed places.
- Language: Basic English and Tamil menu options available; staff are usually helpful with tourists.
- Dietary Options: Many vegetarian options; some halal-certified restaurants available.