GiriManja’s — Restaurant in Karnataka

One of the best place to have seafood and Mangalorean dishes at perhaps the most economical rates. This restaurant was featured in BBC as one of the best restaurants in India, among 5 others. It is well over 35 years old now and the quality has been top-notch!

It is said that they have the same chef from the time they opened this restaurant all those years ago and hence the quality remains unchanged.

Keep in mind that is open only for lunch on Monday to Saturday. It remains closed on Sundays. It is only dine-in and they do not deliver or have not tied up with any of the food delivery apps. They have limited seating capacity and you can't reserve a seat in advance.

The meals here are quite simple. You get to choose between the local boiled rice or the white rice. Along with that, you're served a vegetable dish, pickle, and fish curry/veg curry. After that comes the best part. The service staff keep bringing out fish displayed on large plates for you to choose from. You can pick as many as you want, whenever you want.

Some of the commonly found fish are Mackerel, Sardines, Seer Fish, Pomfret, Prawns, King Fish, Squid and Sole Fish. Occasionally they also have special varieties of fish and if you're really early, you'll also get chicken dishes which are limited in quantity.

Do try the Prawns Ghee Roast, Prawns Golden Fried and Pomfret Tawa Fry. Some of the most popular dishes out there.

To finish your meal, do try out their special coconut juice. It's served chilled and is really a blessing for your full stomach. They also serve buttermilk. Water served is warm and is your friend while tasting all the spicy dishes 😋.

No one in Mangalore would have not heard of Giri Manja's. There are local, state and national celebrities visiting the place often.

If you're in Mangalore and are a serious foodie plus a seafood lover, this place can not be missed at any cost!!! Speaking of cost, the meals are very reasonable and the fish are inexpensive to moderately expensive, depending on what you choose.

The place itself is located in a narrow lane, so finding parking is quite difficult. Your best bet is to take public transport or walk to the location as it is very close to the centre of the city.

I'd give this place a 100/100 and will keep visiting as...

This was my second visit after a very long gap. My first visit was memorable one and had high expectations. Here is what we ordered (3 adults)

meals 6/10 Anjal Tawa fry 7/10 Bangude Tawa fry 8/10 Prawns golden fry 6/10 Prawns Hinguadda 8/10 Silver fish rava fry 8.5/10

Meals are very basic with rice & fish curry replenishing options. To our disappointment the fish curry was made of dried fish which we don’t enjoy much so we ordered Prawns Hinguadda. It came with good quantity of medium-small prawns and taste was fresh but bland and not the punch of flavours expected in coastal region.

Silver fish was freshest and enjoyable but quantity was less compared to what we have normally seen elsewhere. Bangda & Anjal(seer fish) didn’t leave expectations. Anjal fish masala was salty and both fishes were not fresh (not stale) but seemed frozen fish being used. My personal opinion masala was ordinary and nothing out of world or that we would remember after the meal.

Prawns golden fry was disappointing. It felt as if refried prawns were served as the prawns were rubbery and coating was 10 shades darker to golden.

Service was fast & good. We got a place to seat even at 130 pm as some tables were empty.

At the time of entry it gives that homely feeling especially in the first seating area but the restaurant needs to understand that people come from long distance so having a single washroom kept in not easily accessible area was a let down.

If was disappointing meal. I can understand to an extent the fish freshness due to monsoon but lacklustre currys & masala are bad signs.

I will certainly...

Giri Manja’s in Mangalore is an absolute gem for anyone who loves authentic coastal cuisine and homely seafood meals. Tucked away in a modest lane near Car Street, this legendary eatery might not look fancy from the outside, but once you step in and taste the food, you’ll understand why it’s one of Mangalore’s most loved spots. The atmosphere is simple, no-nonsense, and always buzzing with locals — a true sign of great food and loyal patrons.

The menu is focused on traditional Mangalorean seafood, prepared in authentic home-style recipes that bring out the best of local flavors. The fish thali is the star here — a perfect combination of rice, fish curry, vegetable sides, and fried fish that’s crispy, fresh, and bursting with flavor. The prawn fry, seer fish tawa fry, and bangda curry are must-tries for anyone visiting for the first time. Each dish carries the signature Giri Manja balance of spice, coconut, and freshness that defines coastal cooking.

Service is quick and efficient, and the staff are friendly despite the constant rush. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and freshness of the seafood served.

Overall, Giri Manja’s captures the heart of Mangalore’s food culture — simple, soulful, and unforgettable. A must-visit for every seafood lover who wants to taste the true essence of...