20+ best restaurants in surat (2026) - honest reviews with prices

tldr: surat is the food capital of gujarat and it’s not even close. my top picks: sasumaa gujarati thali (best thali, rs 340 unlimited), jani farsan house (best locho in the city), and the lime tree (best date spot with rooftop vibes). this is a research-backed guide with 22 restaurants covering everything from rs 25 kulfi to rs 2500 fine dining.

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let me be upfront: this is a research-backed post. i’ve visited surat multiple times and eaten at several of these places, but not all 22. the ones i haven’t personally visited are based on extensive research, local recommendations from friends who live in surat, and hundreds of reviews i’ve gone through. i’ll be honest about which ones i’ve been to and which are research-based.

surat doesn’t get enough credit. while everyone talks about mumbai and delhi food scenes, surat quietly sits there being the food capital of gujarat, and arguably one of the best food cities in india. the city has its own food culture that’s completely unique. locho, undhiyu, ghari, ponk, sosyo. these aren’t just dishes, they’re an identity.

the surti palate leans sweet. even their snacks have a hint of sweetness. if you’re used to spicy food, this will be a culture shock. but give it a chance. once you get it, you get it.

this guide covers everything: gujarati thalis, street food legends, fine dining, casual spots, non-veg options, and budget eats. i’ve organized it by category because “best restaurant in surat” means nothing if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

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the awards (my personal picks)

• best overall: sasumaa gujarati thali, athwa - the quintessential surat dining experience
• best street food: jani farsan house, parle point - locho that’ll change your life
• best fine dining: sansai, piplod - upscale vegetarian done right
• best non-veg: chhote miyan, varachha - no-frills mughlai that delivers
• best budget eat: hajoori’s kulfi, anand mahal road - rs 10 kulfi, enough said
• best date spot: the lime tree, ring road - rooftop fairy lights, city views
• best gujarati thali: sasumaa, athwa - unlimited thali at rs 340 that feels like home
• best for families: kansar gujarati thali, athwa - traditional setting, kid-friendly
• best chinese: golden dragon, ghod dod road - two decades of consistent indo-chinese
• best hidden gem: dattatrey ponk vada, athwa - seasonal genius (winter only)

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the full list

#	restaurant	area	category	cost for two	my rating
1	sasumaa gujarati thali	athwa	gujarati thali	rs 680	9/10
2	kansar gujarati thali	athwa	gujarati thali	rs 600	8/10
3	jani farsan house	parle point	street food	rs 100	9.5/10
4	dattatrey ponk vada	athwa	street food	rs 100	9/10
5	jai jalaram khaman house	multiple	street food	rs 100	8.5/10
6	kailash sweets & snacks	adajan	street food	rs 150	8/10
7	hajoori’s kulfi	anand mahal road	street food	rs 50	8.5/10
8	sansai	piplod	fine dining	rs 2500	9/10
9	thyme & whisk	piplod	fine dining	rs 1800	8.5/10
10	pavilion	vesu	fine dining	rs 2000	8/10
11	the lime tree	ring road	casual dining	rs 1200	8.5/10
12	level 5 terrace restro	adajan	casual dining	rs 1400	8/10
13	sizzling salsa	piplod	casual dining	rs 1000	7.5/10
14	leonardo italian mediterranean	vesu	casual dining	rs 1200	8/10
15	together & co. by hilton	lal darwaza	multicuisine	rs 1800	8/10
16	p. bhagat tarachand	ring road	north indian	rs 800	7.5/10
17	jalaram khichdi	multiple	budget	rs 200	8.5/10
18	babubhai sweets	multiple	sweets	rs 300	8/10
19	chhote miyan	varachha	non-veg	rs 600	8/10
20	golden dragon	ghod dod road	chinese	rs 800	8/10
21	sugar n spice	ring road	non-veg	rs 700	7.5/10
22	spice villa	adajan	fine dining	rs 1500	8/10

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gujarati thali & surati specialties

these are the restaurants that define surat. if you’re visiting for the first time, start here. the gujarati thali is an experience, not just a meal. and surati snacks like locho and khaman are unlike anything you’ve had elsewhere.

1. sasumaa gujarati thali

athwa / rs 680 for two / 9/10

been here twice. this is what a gujarati thali should be. established in 1999, sasumaa has been doing unlimited thalis for over two decades and they’ve gotten really, really good at it. rs 340 per person gets you an unlimited spread: dal, kadhi, multiple subzis, rotis served fresh and hot, rice, papad, pickle, buttermilk, and 2-3 sweets.

the interiors are plush but not pretentious. feels like eating at a really wealthy gujarati family’s home. the staff keeps coming back to top up your plate before you even ask. the dal especially is something i still think about.

verdict: best gujarati thali in surat. if you visit surat and don’t eat here, did you even visit?

2. kansar gujarati thali

athwa / rs 600 for two / 8/10

research-based. kansar has been around for 15+ years and is the other big name in surat’s thali scene. the setting is more traditional gujarati, think colorful walls and brass utensils. the thali has a similar format to sasumaa: unlimited everything with multiple subzis, breads, rice, dal, sweets.

reviews are slightly more mixed than sasumaa. some people swear by it, others say it’s gone downhill. but it’s been consistently ranked in surat’s top 15 restaurants on tripadvisor, which says something. the variety is the selling point here, you’ll get items you won’t find at other thali places.

verdict: solid thali option, especially if sasumaa is too crowded. the traditional ambience adds to the experience.

3. jalaram khichdi

dumas road / multiple outlets / rs 200 for two / 8.5/10

been here once, on the dumas road outlet. the story is beautiful: nimesh varnamia left his corporate career in 2003 to sell fresh khichdi from a stall. now it’s one of surat’s most loved restaurants. the rajwadi khichdi is the star, but they have a full range of gujarati and kathiyawadi food.

it’s simple, honest food. nothing fancy about the decor. you come for the khichdi, the kadhi, the papad, and you leave happy. they also do a decent gujarati thali if you want more variety. the prices are almost absurdly low for the quality.

verdict: best budget gujarati food in surat. the rajwadi khichdi alone is worth the trip. bring your family.

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street food legends

this is where surat truly shines. the city’s street food scene is legendary in gujarat. some of these places have been around for decades and are institutions in their own right.

4. jani farsan house

parle point / rs 100 for two / 9.5/10

been here. this is the place for locho in surat. no debate. jani farsan has been at parle point for over 30 years, sitting right next to shreeji farsan house (which is also great). the locho here is a steamed, spongy snack made from chana dal, urad dal, and poha, served with spicy chutney and a mountain of sev on top.

they have variations: regular locho, garlic locho, cheese locho. the garlic one is my pick. weekends are insanely crowded, surtis literally queue up for this stuff. go on a weekday morning if you want to avoid the chaos.

this isn’t a restaurant. it’s a small shop. you eat standing or take it home. and it’s one of the best things you’ll ever eat.

verdict: the undisputed king of locho. if you eat one thing in surat, make it this. rs 50 per plate.

5. dattatrey ponk vada

athwa / rs 100 for two / 9/10

research-based but high confidence. ponk is green jowar (sorghum) that’s only available in the winter months of december and january. dattatrey makes vadas (fritters) from these tender grains and they’re incredible. rated 4.3/5 on zomato.

this is seasonal street food at its best. the colder the weather, the sweeter the ponk. dattatrey also does ponk bhajiya and ponk soup. if you’re visiting surat in winter, this is non-negotiable.

located on ashwini kumar road in athwa. the place is small, the experience is big.

verdict: seasonal genius. winter-only ponk vada that makes the cold worth it. if you visit surat between december-january, find this place.

6. jai jalaram khaman house

multiple outlets / rs 100 for two / 8.5/10

been here. multiple branches across surat, all consistently good. this is the place for khaman, fafda, jalebi, and other gujarati farsan (snacks). their nylon khaman is incredibly soft. the sada khaman, vagharela khaman, and cheese khaman are all solid.

saturday and sunday mornings are packed. every surti family has a weekend ritual of fafda-jalebi and this is one of the places they go. the queues are long but they move fast.

also try their locho and samosa. basically anything on the menu is a safe bet.

verdict: best farsan shop in surat for khaman and fafda. go on a weekend morning for the full surti experience.

7. kailash sweets & snacks

adajan / nanpura / athwa / rs 150 for two / 8/10

research-based. kailash has been a known name in surat for years. multiple branches across the city serving a really inclusive menu: traditional snacks, chaats, sweets, and light meals. the adajan patiya and nanpura branches are the most popular.

it’s the kind of place where you go for a quick bite and end up ordering way more than you planned. the samosa, kachori, and pav bhaji are reliable. sweets are fresh and properly made. nothing groundbreaking, just solid, consistent execution.

verdict: reliable all-rounder for snacks and sweets. when you want something quick and familiar, kailash delivers.

8. hajoori’s kulfi

anand mahal road / rs 50 for two / 8.5/10

research-based. the cheapest entry on this list and possibly the best value for money in all of surat. kulfi starting at rs 10. ten rupees. the hajoori family has been in the food business in surat since 1923 (they also invented sosyo, surat’s iconic cold drink). their kulfi is creamy, dense, and comes in multiple flavours.

located near subway on anand mahal road. this is an after-dinner tradition for many surti families. you eat dinner somewhere fancy, then come here for rs 15 kulfi. that’s the move.

verdict: rs 10-25 kulfi that puts expensive ice cream parlours to shame. a surat institution.

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fine dining

surat’s fine dining scene has grown massively in the last few years. these are the places for special occasions, celebrations, or when you want to feel fancy.

9. sansai

piplod / rs 2500 for two / 9/10

research-based. sansai is pure vegetarian fine dining and it’s one of the highest-rated restaurants in surat right now. the menu is multicuisine but the execution is what sets it apart. open from 12pm to 10pm, the interiors are elegant without being stuffy.

at rs 2500 for two, it’s the most expensive entry on this list. but the reviews consistently praise the presentation, flavour, and service. if you’re celebrating something or want to impress someone with a vegetarian meal, this is the place.

verdict: surat’s best fine dining experience. vegetarian food that proves you don’t need meat to do fine dining right.

10. thyme & whisk

piplod / rs 1800 for two / 8.5/10

research-based. over a decade in the business. thyme & whisk sits near iscon mall in piplod and serves asian, indian, continental, and sizzlers with creative twists. they describe themselves as jain/vegan friendly which is a huge plus in gujarat.

the menu is diverse. if your group has different preferences, this is the diplomatic choice. everyone finds something they like. the sizzlers seem to be a crowd favourite based on reviews.

verdict: versatile fine dining with a creative menu. great for groups that can’t agree on a cuisine.

11. spice villa

adajan / rs 1500 for two / 8/10

research-based. spice villa is rated 4.5/5 on tripadvisor and ranked #19 of 319 restaurants in surat. that’s solid. the restaurant does indian and oriental cuisines with the right balance of authenticity and fine dining presentation.

they have live music some nights with old and new unplugged songs. the ambience is meant for lingering, not rushing. charcoal grill starters are a highlight.

verdict: fine dining with personality. the live music nights make it special.

12. pavilion

vesu / rs 2000 for two / 8/10

research-based. pavilion is that chic glass-walled restaurant in vesu with lush gardens and city skyline views. especially stunning at night. the menu is international and indian, and the setting does half the work for you.

this is the kind of place you bring someone you want to impress. the architecture alone is a conversation starter. food is solid but you’re really paying for the ambience and views.

verdict: best ambience in surat for fine dining. the glass structure and garden views make it a standout.

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casual dining & multicuisine

these are the reliable mid-range restaurants. good food, decent ambience, won’t burn your wallet. the kind of places you go to regularly, not just for special occasions.

13. the lime tree

ring road (lords plaza) / rs 1200 for two / 8.5/10

research-based. the lime tree is a rooftop restaurant at lords plaza and it’s been described as a hidden gem by multiple reviewers. fairy lights, live kitchen, barbecued snacks, and a gorgeous open-air setting. the vibe is romantic without being over-the-top.

the menu covers indian, chinese, and mughlai. it’s both veg and non-veg. the staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable for the experience. rated 4.4/5 on restaurant guru with 700+ reviews.

verdict: best rooftop dining in surat. perfect for dates or evening hangouts with friends.

14. level 5 terrace restro & cafe

adajan / rs 1400 for two / 8/10

research-based. another rooftop option, but level 5 stands out with its bamboo-lined interiors and private booth seating. if you want privacy on a date without sacrificing good food, those booths are the move.

the menu is global: think continental, asian, indian. craft drinks are available. the atmosphere is trendy and the crowd skews young.

verdict: best restaurant in surat for couples who want privacy. those private booths are a game changer.

15. sizzling salsa

piplod / rs 1000 for two / 7.5/10

research-based. opposite iscon mall. sizzling salsa has been around for a while and is known for its sizzlers. it’s purely vegetarian and also does italian and mexican food. they offer unlimited food options on some days which is decent value.

parking is easy, location is accessible. it’s a safe family choice. not going to blow your mind but consistently solid.

verdict: reliable vegetarian sizzlers in a convenient location. good for a casual family outing.

16. leonardo italian mediterranean dining

vesu / rs 1200 for two / 8/10

research-based. the best italian food in surat according to multiple lists. vegetarian italian and mexican fusion. the outdoor terrace seating is lovely, and the interiors are well-lit and welcoming. they do proper italian breads, pastas, pizzas, and mediterranean dishes.

at rs 1200 for two, it’s reasonably priced for what you get. sizzlers are in the rs 775-815 range. the staff is friendly and the location in vesu is easy to get to.

verdict: surat’s best italian restaurant. the terrace dining is a nice touch, especially in the evenings.

17. together & co. by hilton

lal darwaza / rs 1800 for two / 8/10

research-based. located at hilton garden inn opposite the railway station. rated 4.9/5 on tripadvisor and ranked #9 in surat. that’s an incredibly high rating. the restaurant serves both veg and non-veg from 6:30am to 11pm, which is unusual for surat’s fine dining scene.

it’s a hotel restaurant so the service standards are consistently high. the breakfast spread is apparently excellent. if you’re staying near the station or in old surat, this is a convenient option.

verdict: hotel dining done right. the ratings speak for themselves. great for business meals or when you want reliable quality.

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non-veg & mughlai

surat is predominantly vegetarian, but there’s a solid non-veg scene if you know where to look. these restaurants cater to meat lovers.

18. chhote miyan

varachha / rs 600 for two / 8/10

research-based. chhote miyan is one of the top-rated non-veg restaurants in surat. north indian, mughlai, and chinese. fully air-conditioned, family-friendly, and the prices are genuinely pocket-friendly for non-veg food. the chicken angara, mutton curries, and biryanis are what people come for.

the restaurant is comfortable with a separate family hall. it’s the kind of non-veg place where the food does the talking. no fancy decor, no pretension, just good meat dishes at fair prices.

verdict: best non-veg restaurant in surat for the price. the mughlai dishes are the highlight.

19. golden dragon

ghod dod road / rs 800 for two / 8/10

research-based. golden dragon has been doing indo-chinese in surat for over two decades and maintains a 4.4/5 rating. that kind of consistency over 20 years is rare. the food is spicy, tasty, and the delivery is quick.

this is old-school indo-chinese. not the trendy pan-asian stuff, but the classic chilli chicken, hakka noodles, schezwan fried rice kind of place. it works because they’ve perfected it.

verdict: surat’s best chinese restaurant. two decades of consistency speaks louder than any review.

20. sugar n spice

ring road / multiple / rs 700 for two / 7.5/10

research-based. sugar n spice has grown from one outlet to multiple locations across surat. their non-veg thali with rice, lachcha paratha, butter chicken, tandoori leg piece, and mutton rogan josh gets consistently great reviews. some people call it the best butter chicken in surat.

multiple branches mean varying quality, but the ring road and science city outlets are the most reliable. decent value for the quantity of food you get.

verdict: solid non-veg all-rounder. the non-veg thali is great value.

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north indian & budget eats

these are the everyday restaurants. nothing glamorous, just good food at prices that won’t make you think twice.

21. p. bhagat tarachand

ring road / vesu / rs 800 for two / 7.5/10

research-based. bhagat tarachand is a chain that originated in mumbai and has become a surat staple. pure vegetarian north indian food: soups, starters, chinese, breads, rice, and their special thalis. open 11am to 11pm.

it’s the reliable choice when you want north indian food without any risk. the paneer dishes and dal makhani are safe bets. multiple branches in surat including ring road and vesu.

verdict: reliable north indian vegetarian chain. you know exactly what you’re getting, and that’s the appeal.

22. babubhai sweets

multiple outlets / rs 300 for two / 8/10

research-based. you cannot write about surat food without mentioning ghari. and you cannot talk about ghari without mentioning babubhai. this is a legacy sweetmeat shop with branches across the city. ghari is a ghee-stuffed sweet with dry fruits that has a soft, fudge-like texture.

surat celebrates chandni padva (the day after diwali) with ghari. it’s not just a sweet, it’s a cultural event. babubhai is where most surtis go for theirs. also get their other mithai, everything is fresh and properly made.

verdict: the definitive ghari experience. if you’re visiting surat, take a box home. trust me.

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quick picks

visiting surat for one day? eat locho at jani farsan house (morning), thali at sasumaa (lunch), ponk vada at dattatrey if it’s winter (evening snack), dinner at the lime tree, kulfi at hajoori’s (dessert).

vegetarian and want the best? sasumaa > sansai > kansar > thyme & whisk.

non-veg and starving? chhote miyan for mughlai, golden dragon for chinese, sugar n spice for butter chicken.

on a tight budget? hajoori’s kulfi (rs 10), jani farsan locho (rs 50), jalaram khichdi (rs 100), jai jalaram fafda-jalebi (rs 80).

impressing a date? the lime tree (rooftop vibes), pavilion (skyline views), level 5 (private booths), sansai (upscale).

with family? kansar gujarati thali (traditional), sizzling salsa (family friendly), thyme & whisk (something for everyone).

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things i learned about eating in surat

1. surat runs on snacks. the city eats more snacks than meals. locho, khaman, fafda, ponk vada - these aren’t sides, they’re the main event.

2. the surti palate is sweet. even savoury dishes often have a hint of sweetness. don’t fight it.

3. ponk is seasonal. december-january only. if you visit in winter, do not miss ponk vada.

4. sosyo is real. surat has its own cold drink, invented in 1923. it tastes vaguely like a sweet cola. every surti is unreasonably proud of it.

5. undhiyu is a winter thing. the traditional mixed vegetable dish cooked upside down in earthen pots. mostly available november to february.

6. restaurants close early. compared to mumbai or pune, surat shuts down earlier. plan accordingly.

7. vegetarian dominates. finding non-veg in surat takes a bit more effort than other cities, but it’s there.

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FAQ

which is the best restaurant in surat?

depends on what you’re looking for. for gujarati thali, sasumaa in athwa. for fine dining, sansai in piplod. for street food, jani farsan house at parle point. for non-veg, chhote miyan in varachha. if i had to pick one overall for the full surat experience, it’s sasumaa gujarati thali.

what is surat famous for food?

surat is the food capital of gujarat. it’s famous for locho (steamed snack with chutney and sev), undhiyu (winter mixed vegetable dish cooked upside down in earthen pots), ghari (ghee-stuffed sweet with dry fruits), ponk vada (jowar fritters available only in winter), khaman, fafda-jalebi, and sosyo - a unique cold drink invented in surat in 1923.

best vegetarian restaurant in surat?

sasumaa gujarati thali for unlimited thali at rs 340, kansar gujarati thali for the traditional experience, and sansai in piplod for upscale vegetarian fine dining. surat is predominantly vegetarian so you’re spoilt for choice.

cheapest good restaurants in surat?

hajoori’s kulfi (rs 10-25), jani farsan house for locho (rs 50-100), jalaram khichdi (rs 150-200 for two), kailash sweets (rs 100-200 for two), and jai jalaram khaman house for fafda-jalebi under rs 100. surat’s street food scene means you can eat really well for almost nothing.

best restaurant in surat for couples?

the lime tree at lords plaza for rooftop vibes with fairy lights, level 5 terrace restro for private booths, pavilion in vesu for skyline views, or sansai in piplod for upscale vegetarian. depends on whether you want romantic or impressive.

best street food in surat?

jani farsan house at parle point for locho, dattatrey ponk vada in athwa for ponk items (winter only), jai jalaram khaman house for khaman and fafda, kailash sweets for snacks, and hajoori’s for kulfi. honestly the entire city is a street food paradise.

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this post is research-backed. i’ve visited surat multiple times and eaten at several of these places, but not all 22. the research ones are based on local recommendations, hundreds of online reviews, and cross-referencing multiple sources. no restaurant paid me anything. all opinions are mine. prices are approximate and may vary.

if you found this useful, i’m working on more surat guides:

• best cafes in surat
• best street food in surat (coming soon)
• best restaurants in ahmedabad
• best cafes in ahmedabad

and if you’re curious about who writes this stuff and why, here’s a bit about me.