Kozhikode, a city known for its rich history, delectable Malabar cuisine, and serene beaches, is also home to a thriving cafe culture. From cozy nooks perfect for a quiet read to bustling spots ideal for catching up with friends, the city offers a diverse range of cafes that cater to every mood and preference.
1. Just Loaf
Founded by childhood friends, Just Loaf uses local and international inspiration to create some of the city’s best burgers, loaded fries, chicken wings, and brunch options. With a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere and commitment to quality, this café is ideal for breakfast, lunch, or a casual evening meal with friends. The menu focuses on fresh, 100% meat burgers and an innovative fusion of Indian flavors and international classics, reflecting a blend of local and global tastes.
Standout dishes include Ghost Pepper Wings for spice lovers, Crispy Thai Asian Wings, Classic golden fries, Loaded fries and signature burgers like the Texas Buff and Nashville hot each with a unique twist. They also have seasonal dishes like mango sticky rice and other mango variants. The brand also launched Daily Bakehouse in Bangalore, extending its appeal to specialty coffee and baked goods.
2. Sixth Avenue Cafe
Sixth Avenue Cafe in Kozhikode is widely praised for its excellent continental food, vibrant ambiance, and friendly service. It is located on PT Usha Road near the Gateway Hotel. The café is especially noted for its delicious dishes like Italian pasta, grilled chicken steaks, and a variety of desserts including waffles, sundaes, and chocolate cakes. Reviewers often highlight the quality of the food presentation and the cozy yet chic European-style interior that creates a relaxing dining experience.
Some popular menu items include custard waffles made fresh (not from pre-mix), chicken club sandwiches, butter garlic fish with mashed potatoes and garlic bread, and sweet and tangy chicken wings. The café also serves great mocktails, cold coffee, smoothies, and classic mojitos. The ambience is described as hip and perfect for dates, casual hangouts, or working on a laptop.
3. Hug a Mug
Hug A Mug is one of Kozhikode’s popular 24-hour cafes, known for offering an exceptional coffee experience alongside a diverse and delectable menu. It is located in the Hilite Business Park area, providing a cozy and inviting ambiance suitable for work meetings, casual hangouts, and relaxed dining.
The café offers a wide multi-cuisine menu inspired by Indian, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, American, Continental, Thai, South American, and Australian cuisines. Their food selection includes pastries, sandwiches, wraps, pastas, cold beverages, and snacks, catering to various tastes and preferences. Hug A Mug is praised for its well-prepared coffee, friendly and courteous staff, and a calm environment away from the bustle of the mall. The café also features dedicated meeting rooms, making it a convenient spot for business discussions or focused work sessions. Despite some reported instances of mixed service experiences, the overall feedback highlights it as a great venue for coffee lovers and those seeking a cozy café feel in Kozhikode.
4. Kadalas Cafe
Kadalas Cafe, located near Kozhikode South Beach, is a charming café known for its stunning sea views and relaxed ambiance. It offers a blend of coastal charm and city elegance, with a menu featuring a mix of global flavors, including pastas, bakes, burgers, and grilled dishes. The café provides an inviting space for lunch, dinner, brunch, and drinks, perfect for friends, families, or solo visitors seeking a peaceful spot by the sea.
The cafe is praised for its friendly and attentive staff, consistent food quality, and beautiful surroundings where guests can enjoy fresh mixed juices, French café-style Americano, and unique dishes like spicy chicken with rice. Its terrace overlooking the beach makes it a favorite place to watch sunsets while relishing good food. Accepting credit cards, digital payments, and offering free parking, Kadalas ensures a convenient and comfortable dining experience.
5. Chicpicado
Chicpicado is a popular hot chicken joint and café located in Kuttichira, Kozhikode, known for its flavorful fast food and vibrant outdoor café setting. It has gained a strong following for its specialty in Nashville-style chicken tenders and hot wings, serving as a trendy spot for locals and visitors who enjoy spicy, well-prepared chicken dishes with an innovative twist.
The café is famous for its lively ambiance, often described as more than just a food spot—it offers a whole experience with a breezy, beachside vibe making it a favorite among young people and food enthusiasts. It has been featured as one of Kozhikode’s best beach cafés, bridging the gap between casual dining and a fun social hangout. Chicpicado stands out in the local food scene for its commitment to quality, bold flavors, and engaging atmosphere, distinguishing itself as a must-try destination for those exploring Kozhikode’s café culture.
6. Khoj
Khoj Cafe is a popular café located in the vibrant heart of Kuttichira, Kozhikode. It is known for blending tradition with innovation, offering a diverse menu that appeals to a wide range of tastes. The café enjoys a beachside location which adds to its charm, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists looking to enjoy good food with scenic views of the waterfront.
Khoj’s menu features an interesting mix of burgers, sandwiches, shawarma, pasta, and loaded fries, along with a variety of refreshing beverages and desserts. Signature dishes include triple-stacked sandwiches, spicy chicken wings, creamy Alfredo pasta, and fiery shawarma with a special spicy sauce. The café is also praised for its creative vegetarian options and innovative use of local flavors in popular fast-food formats. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, perfect for casual outings or group get-togethers.
7. Hustoh
Hustoh Cafe, situated in Eranhipalam, Kozhikode, is becoming a notable spot known for its blend of traditional and innovative culinary offerings. The café has received positive attention for its diverse breakfast menu which includes items like Banana French Toast, Mushroom & Sausage French Toast, and Hustoh Breakfast, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences.
Originating from Kochi, Hustoh has expanded to Kozhikode and continues to impress patrons with its quality food and cozy atmosphere. Besides a varied food menu, Hustoh is appreciated for its specialty cakes, which are available through fast delivery services, highlighting its commitment to both dine-in and takeaway convenience. The café is popular for being a relaxed, aesthetically pleasing space suitable for casual dining, work meetups, or spending quality time with friends and family. It offers a good mix of coffee, desserts, and hearty meals, making it a well-rounded choice for Kozhikode’s café enthusiasts.
