Everything in India is either referred to as veg (as in vegetarian), or non-veg (meaning including meat). Historic Hampi is keen on keeping its people healthy and spiritual. As a result, all Hampi restaurants are pure veg.
You are not allowed to smoke in public areas and if you fancy a drink, you'll have to cross the river to indulge.
I've gathered some of the best restaurants in Hampi to tantalize your taste buds!
7 of the best restaurants in Hampi, India for vegetarians
1. Mango Tree
This Hampi restaurant is rated #1 on TripAdvisor and I can definitely see why. It has it all! From an extensive menu to the fastest wifi in town, you're sure to feel right at home here. The setting invites you to relax for the day and is perfect for digital nomads.
The food: We ate here twice and loved it both times. Upon arrival in Hampi, we fuelled up with a delicious breakfast. We enjoyed it so much, we returned on our last day, taking in some lunch, and sipping on tea for the afternoon. Order a mango lassi and we promise you won't be disappointed!
Mango Tree
Janata Plot, Hampi
Click here to read more reviews
2. Suresh Restaurant
This casual restaurant has a lot to offer! Though not much to look at (inside or out), it is a comfortable environment where you are certain to enjoy some tasty food. The family that runs it is beautiful and will make you feel right at home.
The food: Suresh surely knows how to make your tummy happy! If you're in need of a Western fix, don't worry, they've got you covered. We had a yummy homemade Margherita Pizza that really hit the spot!
Suresh Restaurant
Janata Plot, Hampi
Click here to read more reviews
3. Ravi's Rose
This rooftop restaurant is featured in Lonely Planet. Whilst the music may put you into a trance, it ensures you're super relaxed when it comes time to feast.
The food: Can't decide what to eat? Then, the Indian Thali is perfect for you. Literally meaning plate, it includes a variety of dishes, which lets you get a taste of everything. Ravis' tagline is, “a taste of many nations.” So, it's no surprise that the Rose also serves a variety of Israeli, Mexican and Chinese food too.
Ravi's Rose
Janata Plot, Hampi
Click here to read more reviews
4. Funky Monkey
This is the perfect spot to enjoy dinner. Climb the relatively steep stairs to enjoy the rooftop setting. A nice, subdued setting with mood lighting will immediately put you at ease. Grab a seat on one of their cushioned floor seats, kick your feet back, and relax.
The food: Drinks are a bit more pricey here than other establishments, but food prices seem to be on par. We opted for a Masala Dosa. It's a Southern Indian dish, and since we were heading North from Hampi, we wanted to get one last taste. And, Funky Monkey did not disappoint. For a Western meal, be sure to check out their pasta set or Italian pizzas.
Janata Plot
Click here to read more reviews
5. Chill Out in Bamboo Restaurant, Karnataka
Leave your worries (and shoes) at the door, and get ready to chill out! Enjoy your food whilst taking in the riverside views. Watch the locals climb the trees to gather fresh coconuts or the cows graze in the field while you wait for your food at the most relaxed of all veg restaurants in Hampi.
The food: Try Chill Out's Special Thali! You'll be in for a treat. There are heaps of flavours, from savoury to sweet, and spicy to sour. Though portions are small, it forces you to eat slow, ensuring you savour the variety of spices along the way. We promise you won't leave hungry. They have some of the best food in Hampi here.
Bamboo Restaurant
Hampi Bazaar Street, Hampi
Click here to read more reviews
6. Moon Light
A sweet lil' multi cuisine restaurant in Hampi lies at the far end of Janata Plot. Nothing fancy, but its simplicity is what makes it so inviting.
The food: It's clear that the couple running Moon Light put a lot of tender loving care into preparing their food. They take pride in serving their customers and making them feel welcome. They serve English, French and Indian breakfasts. Open all day, they serve a wide variety of dishes for lunch and dinner too. Oh, and their honey-lemon-ginger teas are incredible! If you're looking for a varied menu, this is one of the best places to eat in Hampi.
Moon Light
Janata Plot, Hampi
7. 1985
A trendy restaurant that has changed hands several times in the last few years. Sit at a table or lounge on the floor; whichever way you feel more comfortable. Hook up to wifi and stay a while. While you're there, be sure to pop in and say hi to Raja, who runs the Ayurvedic Massage Center behind 1985. He's amazing at what he does!
The food: Aloo Paneer Masala is an Indian classic. Aloo translates to potato. Paneer is cottage cheese. And Masala consists of 5 traditional spices: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves & black pepper. Put them all together, and you've got yourself a beautiful vegetarian dish. Sure, it looks messy, and it is, but that's part of what makes it taste so delicious!
1985
Hampi Bazaar Street, Hampi
Click here to read more reviews
If you're still hungry and want some Hampi local food, grab a boat and head across the river to the other side of town for more dining options in Hampi. Wait for enough people to fill a small motorboat to cross the river. Or, pay a bit more and experience a manual paddle across in a round boat.
For an extra bonus, go early to catch a glimpse of the elephants being bathed in the ghats. Whatever you do, wherever you eat, we hope you enjoy all the magic Hampi has to offer!
Where to stay in Hampi
Super-Budget: Rasta Homestay
Charmingly rough-and-ready, Rasta Homestay is a particularly budget-friendly option for visiting Hampi. Bright and cheerful, with a fabulous outdoor terrace area to chill in, this hotel is located in lush green countryside not far from historic Hampi. Free WiFi is provided, and breakfast can be purchased for a small surcharge.
Compare prices / View on Booking.com
Budget: Rocky Guesthouse
Rocky Guesthouse is in the heart of the historic center, in Hampi Bazaar, only a stone’s throw from Virupaksha Temple. Beds are provided with a mosquito net, and rooms have private bathrooms and free WiFi. The guesthouse has a 24-hour front desk where you can rent bicycles, and there’s a restaurant on the roof!
Compare prices / View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
Boutique: Lotus Riya
Slightly further away from the hustle and bustle of central Hampi lies Lotus Riya, a classy, pristine hotel, only a ten-minute Tuk-tuk ride from Hampi market. In a tranquil setting, the guest rooms are spacious with air-conditioning. There’s also a fantastic restaurant and a garden and lounge area for socializing.
Compare prices / View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
Luxury: Evolve Back Hampi
Everything about this hotel shouts luxury. Live like royalty – Evolve Back Hampi is palatial in every respect. Rooms are large with lavish drapes, regal archways and a decadent bath. The hotel has a spa, hot tub and beautiful outdoor pool with terrace area and restaurant.
Compare prices / View on Booking.com / Read reviews on TripAdvisor
For a plethora of apartment options, check out Airbnb. While I use Booking to find hotels, I always check Airbnb for apartments as they always have something suitable.
If you don’t have an Airbnb account yet, I can give you a discount on your first booking if you book through my link. This is at no further cost to you.
If you already have an account and found this post of use, please consider booking your next Airbnb through my link. This gives me a small commission which helps me to travel independently and create new content. It doesn’t cost you anything extra.
How to get to Hampi, India
You can fly into Hubli, Bangalore or Goa and then take an overnight train to Hospet, the nearest railroad hub located 13 km away from Hampi. Thus bus is another, less comfortable option.
Click here to find the best flights.
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Kim is a freelance writer and the Co-Founder of Simply Travelled. Simply Travelled is a travel blog that encourages people to take a LEAP! An adult gap year, career break, sabbatical – call it what you will. Despite her klutzy nature, she believes life is all about balance. Being the recipient of so much generosity to date, Kim wants to pay it forward, by offering her top travel tips and advice to everyone keen on traveling. You can also find her on Instagram and Pinterest.
Rajashree Bhagwat says
Deliciously written! The pics were mouth watering. I had been there once though, now after reading your blog, i am thinking to visit again soon.
Sofie says
So happy you like the article! :) Let us know how it went when you went back :)
Kim says
Have you been able to plan a trip back yet Rajashree?
Naresh Jain says
Place Where Egg Is Served, Can’t Be Called As VEGETARIAN Restaurant.
Pls Rectify…. Thanks
Sofie says
Vegetarian = not eating meat
Vegan = not eating anything coming from animals.
A restaurant serving egg but no meat is vegetarian but not vegan.