Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top restaurants in Shivamogga (Shimoga), Karnataka, ensuring that new tourists and city visitors have all the information they need for a delightful culinary experience.
1. ISIRI Multi Cuisine Restaurant
- Cuisine: Chinese, North Indian, South Indian
- Highlights: Known for its diverse menu and consistent quality, ISIRI offers a range of dishes catering to various palates.
- Ambience: Modern and spacious, suitable for family gatherings and group outings.
- Location: Near KSRTC Bus Stand, Shivamogga
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings, especially on weekends
- Secret Tip: Reserve a table in advance during peak hours to avoid waiting.
2. Hotel Shubham
- Cuisine: Pure Vegetarian – South Indian, North Indian
- Highlights: Renowned for its authentic vegetarian dishes, Hotel Shubham offers a homely dining experience.
- Ambience: Simple and clean, with a focus on quality food.
- Location: Opposite Vinayaka Talkies, Gandhi Bazar, Shivamogga
- Best Time to Visit: Lunch and dinner hours
- Secret Tip: Try their Mushroom Pepper Fry and visit around 7:30-8 pm to avoid crowds.
3. Anmol The Family Cuisine
- Cuisine: Indian, Chinese, Mughlai
- Highlights: Offers a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, with a separate bar area.
- Ambience: Elegant and family-friendly, suitable for both casual and special occasions.
- Location: Gopi Circle, Durgigudi, Shivamogga
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings, especially for dinner
- Secret Tip: Specify your spice preference while ordering to ensure the dish meets your taste.
4. Vidhatri Bhavan
- Cuisine: South Indian Vegetarian
- Highlights: Famous for its traditional South Indian breakfast items like Rava Idli, Vada, and Masala Dosa.
- Ambience: Traditional and bustling, offering an authentic local dining experience.
- Location: Near Bharat Gas, Shivamogga
- Best Time to Visit: Morning hours for breakfast
- Secret Tip: Arrive early to enjoy the freshest dishes and avoid the morning rush.
5. Donne Biriyani Mane
- Cuisine: South Indian – Specializing in Donne Biryani
- Highlights: Known for its aromatic and flavorful Donne Biryani, a must-try for biryani enthusiasts.
- Ambience: Casual and local, offering a quick and satisfying meal.
- Location: Near KSRTC Bus Stand, Shivamogga
- Best Time to Visit: Evenings, especially for dinner
- Secret Tip: Opt for the chicken biryani for a tender and flavorful experience.
Nearest Transportation Hubs
Nearest Bus Stops
- KSRTC Bus Stand: Central hub for intercity and interstate buses.
- Gandhi Bazar Bus Stop: Convenient for accessing restaurants like Hotel Shubham and Vidhatri Bhavan.
Nearest Railway Stations
- Shivamogga Town Railway Station (SMET): Approximately 12 km from the city center.
- Shivamogga Railway Station (SMG): Approximately 6 km from the city center.
Nearest Metro Stations
Shivamogga does not have a metro system. The nearest metro stations are in Bengaluru, approximately 300 km away.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Language: While Kannada is the local language, Hindi and English are widely understood in commercial areas.
- Payment: Most restaurants accept digital payments; however, it’s advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments.
- Peak Hours: Lunch hours (12:30 PM – 2:30 PM) and dinner hours (7:30 PM – 9:30 PM) can be busy; reservations are recommended.
- Local Specialties: Don’t miss trying local dishes like ‘Neer Dosa’, ‘Korri Gassi’ (chicken curry), and ‘Mysore Pak’ (dessert).
- Hygiene: Opt for restaurants that maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.