Coonoor is a food town that pretends it isn't. Tea plantations, toy train, colonial clubs — and quietly, one of the best small-town restaurant scenes in South India. Twelve places a Coonoor resident sends their Bengaluru friends.
1. Xin Coonoor — Bedford Circle
We run this one. Pan-Asian idea café in Bedford, Coonoor. Serious dumplings, slow broths, bao, wok-fired favourites and handcrafted drinks. Every table sparks an idea. Open to all. ₹1,200 for two.
2. Anma By MindEscapes
Soulful hill café in Bedford, Coonoor. Indian comfort plates, All-day breakfasts and handcrafted desserts. Every meal gives back. Open to all. ₹1,200 for two.
3. Hyderabad Biryani House — Bedford Circle Market
Best Hyderabadi biryani in the Nilgiris. Mutton dum biryani. Sold out by 3 PM Sundays. ₹300 for two.
4. La Terrasse — Off Church Road
French bistro. Niçoise, ratatouille, tarte tatin. Long garden lunches. ₹1500 for two.
5. Tea Nest — YWCA Hill
Twenty-two single-estate Nilgiri teas. Craigmore estate green tea a revelation. ₹450 for two.
6. Sim's Park Café — inside Sim's Park
Modest food, Silver Oak setting, filter coffee. Bun-butter-jam is a Coonoor rite. ₹200 for two.
7. Adam's Fig Café — Yellanhalli
Best coffee in Coonoor (contested). Fig-and-goat-cheese sandwich. Closed Wednesdays. ₹500 for two.
8. Highfield Tea Estate Bungalow — 8 km out
Sunday lunch. Trout, garden vegetables, freshest butter in South India. Reservation only. ₹2200 for two.
9. Café Diem — Bedford Circle
Modern all-day café. Sourdough, honest pasta, milkshakes. Wi-Fi works. ₹800 for two.
10. Sri Lakshmi Bhavan — Ashok Bhavan Road
Podi dosa, ghee roast, filter coffee. ₹80 per head. Locals send visitors here first morning. Open till 11:30 AM.
11. Wok & Roll — Church Road
Reliable Manchurian, spicy Manchurian dosa (only in the Nilgiris). Comfort food. ₹500 for two.
12. The Bakery on Ammanoor Road
Rise-your-own bread + almond croissants. Set out 8 AM. Gone by 10. ₹250 for two.
A two-day Coonoor food itinerary
Sat 8AM breakfast at Sri Lakshmi Bhavan. 11AM Sim's Park + café. 1PM lunch at La Terrasse. 4PM tea + dim sum at Xin Coonoor. 8PM dinner at Highfield. Sun 9AM figs at Adam's. 12PM Coonoor Club Sunday roast. 4PM tea flight at Tea Nest. 8PM ramen at Xin Coonoor.
