Temples and beaches are not the only thing in Ganpatipule. It is also about sitting down to a plate of steaming hot Puran Poli or biting into freshly fried fish withthe sea breeze messing up your hair. This small sea side town of Maharashtra knows how to feed its guests and does so with a heart. After a daylong wandering around the temple or lazing around the shore, finding a good meal is the highlight. Luckily, the town has some brilliant spots that serve everything from traditional Maharashtrian thalis to coastal seafood that tastes like it was pulled from the water just hours ago. And with easy hotel room booking options available online, planning a food-filled trip here has never been simpler.
Mehendale’s Swaad Dining
Like Eating at Grandma’s House
If there is one place that feels like home, then it is the Swaad Dining in Mehendale. This little vegetarian restaurant serves a proper Maharashtrian thali comprising all the classics. Imagination includes Puran Poli with sweet lentil filling, soft Modak that melts in your mouth and seasonal sweets such as Aamras and Amrakhand, which appear during the mango season. In addition to being tasty, the food is light and easy on the stomach. It is perfect for travellers who have been on bumpy roads through the Konkan hills and just want something comforting. The setting is simple, the service is warm, and the vibe is unhurried. Calling ahead is a good idea if there is a specific dish someone wants to try, especially during busy times.
Aaswad Pure Veg
Cool, Clean and Convenient
Aaswad Pure Veg is a boon for everyone who is seeking a respite from the heat. This air-conditioned vegetarian restaurant is a short walk from the beach as well as the temple, hence super convenient. It is open throughout the day and offers all sorts of Maharashtrian, Punjabi and Chinese food. Whether it is a quick breakfast before temple darshan or a filling dinner after a beach walk, Aaswad has something for every mood. The interiors are neat, the service is professional, and the food is consistently good. It is the kind of place where families feel comfortable and solo travellers can eat in peace.
Konkan Spice Fine Dine
A Little Bit of Everything
Variety and quality come together at Konkan Spice, which is housed inside the Greenleaf Resort. The menu covers everything from pink sauce pasta, exotic veg pizza to South Indian favourites like Uttapam and Idli. However, the greatest attraction here is the freshly prepared Ukdiche Modak, a steaming dumpling which is a specialty of the Konkani. Saloni, Darshana, and Neha in particular are famous for their kindness and helpfulness. They make sure everyone is pleased and offer food ideas fast. Fast service, a family-friendly setting, and a very good breakfast spread are all features. On weekends, it’s a good idea to book a place in advance and visit during off-peak hours to escape the crowds.
Coral Restaurant and Bar
Food with a View
Where good food meets a gorgeous view, Coral Restaurant and Bar delivers. The dining area has sea views, so guests can eat their food while watching the waves roll in. The menu puts a lot of emphasis on local flavours, with seafood being a major highlight. Biryani and chicken tandoori are well-liked meals, while the mango cream is a must-try during certain seasons. The careful team, which includes Yuga, Diksha, Veda, and Saurabh, improves the experience. For those that drive down, the big parking lot is an advantage. It’s a great place to enjoy a casual supper with loved ones or friends.
A Town That Feeds the Soul
Ganpatipule may be small but its food scene is rich, honest and full of flavour. There’s a certain charm to each place, and every meal feels like a small party. Having one of these meals is the ideal way to wind down after having booked a hotel room and toured the area all day.
