Spread out beneath the shade of two giant tamarind trees, Karavalli transports you to the courtyard of a traditional home in coastal Mangalore. The idyllic setting of a hamlet is just right to savour hot spicy food from the West Coast of India.

 

Kori Gassi (chicken with roti)

 

From Goa through South Karnataka to Kerala, Chef Naren Thimmaiah's menu offers stews and curries to be relished with light and fluffy sannas and neer dosas. Vegetarians might find the aroma of fish a trifle overpowering but they cannot complain about the lack of choice. The sunny outdoors is a natural choice for diners, though you could opt for the air-conditioned indoor restaurant. Do not miss winding up your meal with bibinca, dodhol or the pazham pradaman; this is sweet surrender to a soulful meal.