Karthiyayini Seafood Restaurant — Restaurant in Kerala

After seeing so many reviews on YouTube, dining here was on my bucket list. I've heard they charge a premium price for a good dining experience. Parking can be an issue, but we managed it with the help of the security staff, who did an excellent job guiding us (5/5).

The restaurant has two dining areas, one in the front and one in the back. We parked close to the second dining area. A hand wash area is situated between the first and second dining areas. Unfortunately, our first issue arose at the washing area: one of the two washbasins wasn't functioning properly. The water flow was slow and made it hard to wash our hands. Additionally, the mirror and surroundings appeared rustic and poorly maintained. It would be greatly appreciated if the restaurant provided a better hand-washing experience, as this is the first step for customers. Regular cleaning would easily keep it clean and tidy. I hope the restaurant owner considers this request.

As it was our first time, we chose to sit in the back dining area. There are options for groups of 4 and 6 people. Since we were only two, the staff didn't seem interested in assisting us. They were chatting in the corners, so we had to approach them and ask if we could sit at an available table. One employee asked if we had given our names at the front, and when we said no, they instructed us to do so first. However, we noticed they had walkie-talkies to communicate between the front and back areas. Despite a few tables being available, the staff's attitude made us uncomfortable. Eventually, they checked with the front desk and allowed us to sit in the back, as there was no place for two people in the front. It seemed they valued larger groups over individual customers, possibly following instructions from their management.

Upon sitting, we noticed a mineral water bottle and glass on each table, which felt like an indirect push to purchase mineral water. None of the staff asked if we wanted normal water or served any. This corporate tactic left us feeling disappointed.

The food was served on banana leaves and tasted good, especially the kadala mixed with vegetables, the sweet pickle, and the chamanthi. The tapioca gravy was also excellent. However, the sambar was watery and tasted like sambar masala water, which was disappointing. The fish gravy, on the other hand, was delicious, with a perfect blend of coconut that enhanced the taste.

We ordered one kalangi fish tawa fry, which was small in size but tasted okay, accompanied by cucumber salad. The price for this dish was around 400 Rs. The highlight was the Tiger prawn fry with shredded coconut, which was exceptional. Both the prawns and the fried coconut tasted amazing, earning a 10/10 from us. Five tiger prawns for 400 Rs was a reasonable price.

However, when I asked for more fish gravy, the second serving was more watery and tasted different, which was suspicious. Since the fish gravy was complimentary, we didn't complain, but it was strange to experience such a variation in taste.

We also had soda nanari sarbath, a decent mix of lemon and soda flavors, not too sweet. Given that we hadn't been offered water, we enjoyed this drink more.

Our total bill came to around 1300 Rs. Payment is done in the dining area. I informed the staff member in the light blue shirt about the hand-washing experience. When running a place with a premium price tag, providing top-notch amenities and regular inspections is essential.

Overall, while the food had its highs and lows, improving customer service and maintenance would greatly enhance the...

Are you in Kochi and find yourself near the Forum Mall at lunch time? Well, if you are a sea-food lover there's only one place to be – Karthiyayini @ Kochi, as long as it is not a Monday and it isn't 4:30 PM yet ;-)

Ideally one should plan to get there sufficiently early - say 1230 hrs - or be prepared to wait for 15 minutes or longer. The restaurant can serve approximately 50 diners in its three halls, the first and the last ones being temperature-controlled. The main dishes and their prices are displayed on the blackboards so take a glance to get a feel of the prices. Also, menu items are prepared in limited quantities hence if you arrive after 2:30 you may find some of the dishes crossed out. Finding parking can be a bit of a problem, with limited space available inside the premises. However, one can park on the kerb outside while your partner drops in and gives your name to the (walkie-talkie brandishing) reservation agent.

The halls are set up with a focus on larger groups with most tables set up to seat 8 people but tables for two are available along the edge of the wall. The décor is sparse with just a few marine-themed sketches adorning the walls. We ordered meals along with the Kalanji (Asian Seabass) tawa fry, the Karthiyayini special Tiger prawns and the Thirutha (Grey Mullet) curry. The only beverage available is the Naruneendi (Indian sarsaparilla) juice which is supposedly a diuretic, and was refreshing.

The rice is served on banana leaves placed on plastic serving plates. There are enough side dishes, both vegetarian and otherwise. You are offered a choice of either fish curry or prawns curry along with the rice. We tried the Thirutha curry and as we had as soon as we had our first bite, we understood our mistake – we should have just ordered this dish. The curry is head and shoulders above the other dishes, not that they taste bad – but this is one epic dish. The curry is full-bodied, thick and creamy. The single piece of fish is large enough for two people; the soft and tender flesh subtly contrasting with the rich gravy. Chillies, coconut and tamarind are perfectly blended and then wrapped in coconut oil, elevating this curry to a different level. I would have happily had just the rice and the sauce of this dish, if there was an option to do that. The dish was so good that we simply parcelled the other two menu items from our order. This is hands-down the second-best fish curry I’ve had in my life – all the married people will know who makes the best fish curry in the world 😉

While making the payment at the first hall, met the owner, Jeena who personally prepares some 50-60 servings of the dish from home, while the other menu items are made on-site. Apparently, her father-in-law taught her how to craft this dish and we were so grateful that she has decided to share it with the world. This was the best lunch we had had in a long time and are definitely...

Karthiyayini in Kochi is hands down one of the best seafood experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment we walked in, it was clear that every detail of the restaurant—right from the ambiance to the food—was carefully thought out and executed to perfection. The flavors were absolutely unforgettable, and each dish left us more impressed than the last.

We started with the Karthiyayini Special Tiger Prawns (₹400), and they were nothing short of spectacular. The prawns were perfectly cooked, with a crispy, flavorful coating that melted in your mouth. It was like a bite of heaven—fresh, tender, and bursting with taste.

Next, we tried the Kalanji (₹400), a traditional dish that featured fish cooked in an aromatic masala. The combination of spices was perfect, and the fish was tender, retaining all its natural flavors. Every bite was a delight.

The Seafood Thoran (₹350) was another standout dish. It was a delicious mix of seafood with finely shredded coconut and spices, giving it a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Though simple, it was incredibly satisfying.

For something a bit different, we had the Kaka (₹120)—a dish made with a local variety of bird. The meat was flavorful, tender, and perfectly cooked, making it an exciting addition to our meal. We also had the Squid Kanthari (₹300), which was absolutely delicious. The squid was tender and well-cooked, not rubbery as you sometimes find in lesser-prepared seafood. The spices gave it a nice heat, and the overall flavor was spot-on.

To refresh ourselves after such a rich meal, we enjoyed their Sarbath (₹40). This cool, refreshing drink was a perfect balance of sweet and chilled, with just the right amount of sugar. It was the ideal way to cleanse our palates.

Their meal set (served with four sides and two curries) was another highlight. The sides were all incredibly flavorful, and the Chemmeen Chammanthi (a shrimp chutney) was particularly memorable. It was full of bold flavors, spicy yet tangy, and perfectly complemented the meal.

Beyond the food, the overall service and atmosphere at Karthiyayini were outstanding. The staff were incredibly welcoming, providing a homely, friendly environment that made us feel at ease. The restaurant manages its large crowds exceptionally well, ensuring that the experience remains smooth and enjoyable. The open kitchen is an added bonus, allowing guests to see the chefs at work and adding a personal touch to the meal.

The only small downside was the parking situation. While the restaurant itself is easy to find, the parking area is somewhat limited. However, if you drive a bit further and park under the nearby overbridge, it’s a convenient solution.

Overall, Karthiyayini offers an exceptional seafood dining experience, combining amazing food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s definitely a must-visit for...