Town Canteen — Restaurant in Karnataka

Stepping into Town Canteen felt like stepping into a slice of local history, a place that’s been buzzing in every foodie’s conversation. We made this our first stop for breakfast while on our trip around Chikmagalur, drawn by the legendary reputation that precedes it. The name alone carries so much weight in local circles that it felt almost mandatory to try it—and I’m so glad we did!

The first thing that strikes you is the unmistakable hum of an early-morning crowd—chatter filling the air, stainless steel tables, and a simple but practical decor that speaks to its long-standing roots. The atmosphere inside is basic but functional, with straightforward seating and that charming South Indian canteen vibe. The floor showed some signs of wear, but the place still felt authentic and real, like a classic breakfast joint that’s been around forever.

We ordered a spread of idli, vada, and dosa—including their much-talked-about crispy masala dosa—and of course, a round of filter coffee. The dosa lived up to its legendary status: golden brown, paper-thin, and delightfully crisp. Each bite had that satisfying crunch and a subtle hint of ghee, pairing beautifully with the fresh coconut chutney. The idli was soft, and the vada had that perfect balance of crispiness and fluff inside. The sambar was decent—though it could’ve been a bit more robust in flavor, it still complemented the meal nicely.

I especially enjoyed watching the staff whip up dosas in rapid succession, serving them piping hot to several tables at once—adding to the lively, bustling vibe. It’s clear this place knows its strengths, and dosa is definitely their crown jewel.

A small note: while the seating area was functional, it could have used a bit more attention to cleanliness, especially around the floor and the corners. It didn’t detract too much from the experience, but it did make me think twice about giving a full five stars.

Overall, Town Canteen delivered a memorable breakfast experience, a testament to why it’s so beloved by locals and visitors alike. I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone looking to dive into an authentic South Indian breakfast with that unbeatable...

I've been visiting this restaurant for the past 16 years. I've seen the restaurant undergoing many changes over the years. But the taste of the Dose has remained constant all these years and even now my first choice when it comes to breakfast in Chikmagalur is Town Canteen!

After the recent renovation, space management inside the restaurant is quite good. It can manage the weekend crowd. However, there will be a waiting time during peak weekends. The ambience is pretty basic with old school furniture. They serve on two floors only during crowd hours. Other than that, they use only the ground floor.

Service is quite good and to the point. Don't expect too much royal treatment here. The service level depends on the crowd. More the crowd, less the delightful experience.

I usually go for Benne Masale Dose which will be lovely. Moderately crispy and the texture of the dose is lovely. The butter adds a layer of extra deliciousness. The watery chutney served with it well compliments the taste. And for me, one serve of chutney is never sufficient. I usually go for 2-3 rounds of chutney per dose. The Vada served here tastes good, but it will be too oily. Even all these years they haven't figured out a way to drain the excess of oil from it. You'll get Gulab Jaamun from morning to evening which is the USP of this place. Over the years this is another dish which has remained constant. Filter Coffee will be good and aromatic.

The hygiene factor is satisfactory, they accept all kinds of digital payments. However, acceptance of cards is subjected to the bill amount and depends on the mood of the cashier!

This restaurant is part of Chikmagalur history and I highly recommend this restaurant for everyone for it's legendary...

The Town Canteen in Chikmagalur is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to explore the vibrant food scene of this city, specially You have to try Butter masala dose The canteen has a wide range of dishes on the menu, all of which are prepared from fresh and local ingredients. The ambiance of the canteen is welcoming and homely, and the staff is always hospitable and helpful.

The canteen is popular with both locals and tourists, and it is easy to see why. The food is delicious with a mix of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes ranging from the traditional South Indian delicacies such as dosas and idlis, to the more exotic biryanis and curries. The portions served are also very generous, and the prices are quite reasonable.

Apart from the food, the canteen is also known for its exceptional service. The staff is incredibly friendly and always goes the extra mile to ensure that the customers are comfortable and satisfied. The canteen is very clean and well-maintained, which adds to the positive experience of dining here.

Overall, the Town Canteen in Chikmagalur is an excellent place to go if you are looking for great food, friendly service, and a comfortable ambiance. It is definitely worth visiting when in the city, and you are sure to leave feeling well-fed...