Top 15 Places To Eat In Thanjavur For Authentic Local Food

Imagine you are walking through the ancient streets of Thanjavur, engulfed in a sense of timelessness. The majestic Brihadeeswarar Temple stands tall,  witnessing to the city’s rich history and architectural brilliance. The aroma of spices and freshly prepared delicacies blows through the air, leading you to crowded eateries where traditional Tamil cuisine awaits.

Located on the east coast of Tamil Nadu, Thanjavur District is famous for not only the Stretch of temples, Thanjavur Paintings, Sculptures, Art, and lush green paddy fields, but also for the food of Thanjavur in the form of various cuisines & delicacies. 

Its fertile soil is one of the largest paddy cultivation areas in South India and hence is also known as the Granary of South India. A city that speaks volumes about the brilliance of Dravidian architecture in one glimpse has numerous options to offer for sumptuous cuisines. 

There are many places to visit in Tamil Nadu and Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu is a lively example of the mixture of cultural heritage and modernity that can be seen in terms of food choices available in the city, be it vegetarian dining in Thanjavur, local food in Thanjavur, authentic Thanjavur cuisine or Thanjavur Thali meals and many more. 

A lot of International food chains are also coming up in the city which add to the memorable experience of the sumptuous food of Thanjavur. While there are numerous places to eat in Thanjavur, do not miss the traditional Thanjavur Thali meal and the street food in Thanjavur in any of the south Indian Thanjavur restaurants.

Sounds so delicious….let’s embark on a culinary adventure of the Top 15 places to eat in Thanjavur 

1. Ideal Beach Resort

This resort is like a bright gemstone nestled in a lush tropical garden, a paradise of birds and butterflies, and has one of the best Thanjavur restaurants. This is one of the best places to eat in Thanjavur and is a true combination of nature’s lap modernized with man-made luxury. 

You can feel the essence of the Local Food of Thanjavur  in this resort in its variety of seafood such as crabs, lobsters, and a wide variety of fish, straight from the nets of the local fishermen. 

• Address : Devaneri, ECR Road, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
• Must-try Dishes: Meen Varuval (Fish Fry), Prawn Masala, Chettinad Crab Curry,
• Cost For 2 : ₹800 – ₹1000
• Timings: Open 24 hours

2. Jigarthanda

A locally popular summer hangout, Jigarthanda at Thanjavur Restaurants is the place to go for some refreshing summer drinks and to enjoy street food in Thanjavur. It is one of the famous places to eat in Thanjavur and is especially known for sumptuous heat-beating drinks of various kinds. 

• Address: Trichy Rd, Parisutham Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001
• Must-try Dishes : Thanjavur Chicken Curry, Kothu Parotta, Mutton Sukka
• Cost For 2 : ₹ 600- ₹ 800
• Timings: 10.30 am- 9.15 pm

Also Read: 9 Best Things To Do In Tamil Nadu

3. Adhi Bhagavan Restaurant

This is one of the best places to eat in Thanjavur particularly if you want to savor vegetarian dining in Thanjavur. Famous for serving South Indian vegetarian cuisine, it also serves its unique dosas, idlis, and vadas, which count it among the must-visit places to eat in Thanjavur for vegetarians. 

• Address: Doha Brothers Centre, Stadium Bypass Rd, Palakkad, Kerala 678001
• Must-try Dishes : Jigarthanda9( a South Indian drink), Parotta and Chicken Curry, Mutton Kola Urundai
• Cost For 2 : ₹ 500 – ₹ 700
• Timings:8 am to 9.30 pm

4. Sathars Restaurant

Famous for its non-vegetarian Chettinad cuisine, Sathars Restaurant is among the best places to eat in Thanjavur, where they serve flavorful authentic Thanjavur cuisine prepared with aromatic spices characteristic of Chettinad delicacies.

• Address: 167, Gandhiji Rd, near Valanadu Silk House, Attar Mohalla, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001 
• Must-try Dishes: Mutton Chukka, Parotta with Salna
• Cost For 2 : ₹500 – ₹700
• Time to visit: 11.30 AM to 11.00 PM

Also Read: Embracing Tradition: The Vibrant Celebration Of The Thanjavur Dance Festival

5. Venkatramana Restaurant

This restaurant is another popular spot for authentic Thanjavur cuisine and is Best Places to Eat in Thanjavur . This restaurant offers a variety of traditional Tamil dishes like sambar, rasam, and different types of rice preparations and is indeed a good option for savoring Local food in Thanjavur. 

• Address: 40, Gandhi Park, North, Karna Kollai Agraharam, Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612001
• Must-try Dishes: Kara Kuzhambu with Rice, Adai Avial, Kumbakonam Degree Coffee
• Cost For 2 : ₹400 – ₹600 
• Time to visit: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

6. Hotel New Thevars

The Restaurant in this hotel is among the best Thanjavur restaurants to visit and also among the best places to eat in Thanjavur, which is conveniently located near the railway station. 

The restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere and authentic food of Thanjavur at affordable prices. Additionally, the restaurant also provides door delivery services for added convenience.

• Address:  2908, Srinivasam Pillai Road, near railway station, Graham Nagar, Shivaji Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001
• Must-try Dishes: Chicken Lappa, Kal Dosai
• Cost For 2 : ₹400 – ₹600
• Time to visit: 7.30 AM – 11 PM

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7. Saravana Bhavan

A well-known chain of vegetarian restaurants across India, Saravana Bhavan is undoubtedly the best place for vegetarian dining in Thanjavur  which provides authentic Thanjavur Thalis to savor among other wide range of street food in Thanjavur. 

Their menu includes dosas, idlis, vadas, and various rice dishes and is indeed among the must visit places to eat in Thanjavur.It serves local food in Thanjavur for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day.

• Address: Medical College, KPR Complex, 3rd Gate Rd, Gandhipuram, Neelagiri, Tamil Nadu 613004 
• Must-try Dishes : Onion Roasted Dosa, Special Rava Dosa, Chilli Paneer
• Cost For 2 : ₹500 – ₹700
• Time to visit: 6.00 AM–10:30 PM

8. Aryaas Restaurant

A well-known chain of vegetarian restaurants across South India, this is among the most popular Thanjavur Restaurants and is recommended for vegetarian dining in Thanjavur. 

It provides authentic Thanjavur Thalis to experience among other wide range of street food in Thanjavur including dosas, idlis, vadas, various rice dishes, snacks, and sweets and is indeed among the must-visit places to eat in Thanjavur. It serves local food in Thanjavur for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day. 

• Address: 5, Krishna Nagar, Jayalakshmi Nagar, Medical College Road, Anna Nagar, Thanjavur – 613004
• Must-try Dishes : Idli Sambar, Idli Sambar, Ghee Roast Dosa
• Cost For 2 : ₹300 – ₹500
• Time to visit: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM

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9. Hotel Karthik

Known for its wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, Hotel Karthik is a favorite among locals and tourists alike due to Local food in Thanjavur . The restaurant offers a family-friendly atmosphere and authentic food of Thanjavur at affordable prices. Their biryanis and seafood dishes are highly recommended.

• Address:  1334, S Rampart Rd, Opp Old Bus Stand, Rajakrishnapuram, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001
• Must-try Dishes : Masala Dosa, Idli Sambar
• Cost For 2 : ₹300 – ₹400
• Time to visit: 9.00 AM – 10 PM

10. Thanjavur Military Hotel

This is among the best places to eat in Thanjavur which is famous for its authentic Tamil Nadu-style non-vegetarian dishes, especially for its mutton preparations. 

This is the first Inheritance Hotel in Chettinad, built on a property that has been with the family for more than 100 years that combines traditional Chettiar hospitality with modern amenities. The ambiance adds to the overall experience of enjoying traditional Tamil cuisine.

• Address: New No.60, Old, 75, Rasappa Chetty St, Edapalaiyam, Park Town, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600003
• Must-try Dishes: Mutton Pulav, Nattu Kozhi Biryani, Paya
• Cost For 2 : ₹400 – ₹600
• Time to visit: 8.00 AM–3.00 PM and 6.00 AM–10.00 PM

Also Read: Best Places To Visit In Sivaganga For An Unforgettable Journey!

11. Vasanta Bhavan

Head here for a typical South Indian breakfast. Try the masala dosa, with a flavourful potato filling, or another of their popular dishes called the ghee roast dosa which is fried to crispy perfection. You’ll notice that their menu also features North Indian and ‘Chindian’ dinner too, but we suggest you stick to southern staples.

• Address: Q4QP+2X9, S Rampart Rd, Rajakrishnapuram, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001, India
• Must-Try Dishes: Masala dosa with a flavourful potato filling, and ghee roast dosa
• Cost For 2 : ₹800 – ₹1000
• Time to visit: 11:30 AM–11 PM

12. Krishna Bhavan

Krishna Bhavan is a popular restaurant with two branches, one on Trichy Road and the other opposite the Big Temple. The food is delicious, offering a wide variety of vegetarian South and North Indian dishes, snacks, and bakery goods. The service is attentive and the entire place is well-maintained with ample parking space. While there may be a wait at times, it’s worth it.

• Address:  60A, Trichy Rd, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
• Must-try Dishes: Madhulai Juice
• Cost For 2 : ₹300 – ₹500
• Time to visit: 7 AM–9:30 PM

Also Read: 25 Best Places To Eat In Sivaganga: Enjoy Sivaganga’s Best Food

13. Hotel Coffee Palace

Hotel Coffee Palace is a vegetarian place to eat in Thanjavur situated conveniently near Thanjavur temple. It boasts a warm and welcoming ambiance, along with a staff that is exceptionally friendly. 

Their menu consists of delectable pure veg delicacies, including must-try items like filter coffee and rava dosa. On Sundays, instead of the usual sambhar, they serve kadappa – a vegetable stew made with potatoes – as a side dish.

• Address: Rajakrishnapuram, South Rampart, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001
• Must-try Dishes: Dosai Varieties, Fish Curry, Filter Coffee 
• Cost For 2: ₹300 – ₹500.
• Time to visit: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM

14. Sree Ariya Bhavan

Sree Ariya Bhavan is a renowned South Indian restaurant and one of the best places to eat in Thanjavur  that has been serving authentic vegetarian cuisine since 1964. The restaurant boasts vibrant interiors and offers a diverse menu featuring classic South Indian dishes such as pot paratha, mud pot biryani, soya mutton curry, dosa, soya fish finger, Madurai style parotta, idiyappam and Thanjavur Thali Meals.

• Address: 1324, South Rampart, Tanjore
• Must-try Dishes : Chilli paneer, Gobi 65 Biryani
• Cost For 2 :  ₹300 – ₹500.
• Time to visit:  6:30 am – 10:30 pm

Also Read: Discover Top 12 Cafés In Sivaganga: Where Taste Meets Tradition

15. Thillana

Thillana is a popular Marathi restaurant in Thanjavur, offering a diverse range of delicious cuisine. The establishment is well-regarded for its Indian and non-Indian food options, providing a great dining experience with courteous staff and a pleasant ambience. Guests can enjoy generous portions of delectable dishes while being entertained by live Tamil classical musical performances during dinner.Hence this restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Thanjavur .

• Address: Sangam Hotel, SH 99A, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
• Must-try Dishes : Misal Pav, Thalipeeth, Solkadhi
• Cost For 2 : ₹200 – ₹400.
• Time to visit: 6.30 AM – 11 PM

16. BBQ Ride Thanjavur

BBQ Ride Thanjavur is a BBQ-themed eatery with a unique concept. Despite its small size, it can accommodate around 6-8 seating arrangements and also allows standing while eating. 

The food offered here consists of fantastic BBQ dishes at highly affordable prices. The presence of a Royal Enfield Bullet adds an extra touch of coolness to the BBQ grill. This place is highly recommended for those seeking quick and delicious chicken or fish BBQ options.

• Address:  opposite Auxilium Girls School, next to ABIs INN, Old Housing Unit, Arulananda Nagar West Extension, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
• Must-try Dishes: Tandoori Chicken, Vegetable Skewers, Grilled Seafood
• Cost For 2 : ₹800 – ₹1000
• Time to visit:  4.00 PM – 11 PM

Conclusion

Hence,Thanjavur offers a delicious fusion of culinary experiences, where every meal is a journey through the region’s rich heritage and diverse flavors. From the tangy delights of traditional South Indian cuisine to the innovative creations of modern chefs, there’s something to tempt every palate. 

So, whether you’re exploring the bustling streets or seeking calm in quaint eateries, Thanjavur promises an unforgettable gourmet adventure that will leave you craving for more.

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