Thimmappa Fish Hotel Udupi — Restaurant in Karnataka

If you’re looking for an authentic seafood experience, Thimmappa Fish Hotel is the place to be. Known for its unpretentious ambiance and focus on delivering the freshest seafood, this eatery has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. We recently visited for lunch and decided to dive into their all-fish menu—a decision that left us thoroughly impressed.

The Ambiance

Thimmappa Fish Hotel keeps it simple and traditional. The setup is clean, modest, and functional, with no unnecessary frills. It’s evident that the focus here is entirely on the food. The atmosphere is lively, and the aroma of spices and freshly prepared fish immediately whets your appetite as you enter.

The Service

The service at Thimmappa Fish Hotel is efficient and welcoming. Despite the bustling crowd during lunch hours, the staff was attentive and prompt. They were knowledgeable about the menu and helped us pick some of their best offerings, ensuring we had an unforgettable meal.

The Food: A Seafood Extravaganza

The menu at Thimmappa Fish Hotel is a paradise for seafood lovers, with a focus on showcasing the best of coastal flavors. The variety and preparation styles—ranging from fries and curries to tawa-fried and ghee-roasted options—make it hard to choose just a few dishes.

Here’s what we enjoyed:

Pomfret Fry

The pomfret fry was a fantastic start to our meal. Coated in a perfectly spiced masala and fried until golden, the fish retained its natural juiciness. The crispy exterior contrasted beautifully with the tender, flaky meat inside.

Mangalorean Fish Curry

This dish epitomized the rich culinary traditions of the region. The curry had a robust flavor profile, with coconut, tamarind, and a medley of spices blending harmoniously. Paired with steamed rice, it was comfort food at its finest.

Prawns Sukka

The prawns sukka was another highlight, prepared with grated coconut and a dry, spicy masala. The prawns were cooked to perfection, and the earthy, aromatic spices made this dish an absolute winner.

Bangude Tawa Fry

The mackerel (bangude) tawa fry stood out for its bold flavors. The fish was marinated in a fiery masala and pan-fried to achieve a slightly smoky finish. It was simple yet packed with flavor.

Crab Masala

The crab masala was a delightful indulgence. The thick, spicy gravy clung to the shell, and though messy to eat, it was worth every effort.

Fish Ghee Roast

Cooked in a rich ghee-based masala, this dish was the perfect blend of spice, richness, and aroma. The buttery flavor elevated the overall experience.

Freshness and Quality

The freshness of the seafood was evident in every bite. There’s no substitute for locally sourced, high-quality fish, and Thimmappa Fish Hotel delivers on this front without compromise.

Conclusion

Thimmappa Fish Hotel is a must-visit for seafood enthusiasts. The food is flavorful, the service is impeccable, and the prices are reasonable for the quality and portions. If you love authentic coastal cuisine, you won’t be disappointed.

Rating: 4.7/5 A true celebration of...

We heard a lot about this restaurant before coming to Udupi. Everyone told me that this is a must place to eat if you are in Udupi.

We went to this place on a Sunday afternoon for lunch and we saw a huge crowd waiting outside this restaurant. We didn’t even get a free parking slot . We came back again on a weekday afternoon , and we found that there was less crowd and also found free parking slot. I would request everyone to come to this restaurant on a weekday when there is less crowded. This restaurant is hugely popular in Udupi and in social media.

This restaurant has a crisp set menu which comprises of rice , dal, fish curry and 8-10 types of popular fishes and fish dishes. Fish dishes are prime items here. The food what is serves here is also in a very straightforward way. Once you find a seat for yourself, you will be served with banana leaf, pickle, a sabji of the day, and choice of fish. They will come with special fish of the day. Or you can order fish dish from their menu.

We ordered suggested items by the waiter at this place, Anjal fish fry, prawn ghee roast, res rice , fish curry and cold soda. The fish fry and ghee roast tasted very good.

This is not your regular uptown restaurant. It is like a highway line hotel. There is no a/c here. Normal table chairs, small windows, small seating space. The menu doesn’t have a wide spread of food items. It only has a set variety of fish dishes which tastes very good. There is washroom at this place . There is a handwash place though. The restaurant is very old and has very less space, but its very clean and well maintained.

This restaurant is very very popular so you can expect crowd every-time you come to eat here. There is a dedicated parking area beside this restaurant. The security guard will guide you while...

This place is actually very mediocre. It just thrives due to google reviews.. People travelling from Bengaluru crowds this spot due to the reviews (me as well).

First and foremost, if atmosphere, ambiance, and hygiene matter for you at an eatery, then certainly this is not the place for you. Right from the word go, it's a red flag.

Cons:

1. Get ready to take sunbath for an hour since it's a small outlet, and they don't serve promptly as to cater the inflow of the crowd. Give your name and wait in the queue. Also, bear with the uncle who is shouting at you while managing the crowd and taking names.
2. Coming to the main part, is the food really worth the hype?? A BIG NO!! I tried Anjal and Bangda, of which I didn't like the masala taste, and it wasn't fried properly ( Anjal at Machali was extremely good ), Bangda was decent. But the fish gravy was bland, and that's the only thing served for taking along with rice, which was extremely disappointing after an hour wait. Chicken Kabab is a must avoid one.
3. On the hygiene part, it's not there.. so please don't expect it
4. Since Udupi is humid throughout the year, air conditioning should have been there. IMHO
5. They didn't even serve Raitha with briyani..
6. Exprience on the whole is not up to the price they charge
7. No parking space or assistance is there. Just leave the car somewhere on the road as everyone does and create traffic!!

Pros:

1. Just the briyani was mid, and Bangda was fried properly

Certainly not a must visit spot. It doesn't live up...