Long before Andaman’s food scene became a scrollable afterthought, it quietly built itself on fresh produce, island ingenuity, and places worth lingering over. This guide is among the first of its kind you’ll find online: a carefully curated edit that informs you of the spotlight, where the islands are really eating right now. Featuring top picks from Srivijayapuram and Swaraj Dweep, the two most vibrant stops on every traveller’s Andaman itinerary, it’s timed for the tourist season and designed to keep you well-fed, pleasantly surprised, and never short of a good meal or a good moment, whether that’s at the table or on your Instagram stories.
It’s a vast island, but you’ll likely spend most of your time in the south. Life moves at an easy, unhurried pace in the capital, where spots like Marina Park, the Cellular Jail, and Aberdeen Bazaar quickly become your landmarks for getting around. As you wander through its many chapters of history — plenty of food for thought — don’t forget to keep your stomach just as well fed.
Mavi Rooftop Lounge is a lively hideaway tucked into the alley beside Zostel in Srivijayapuram. A popular name among families and young adults alike, it’s the sort of place you come to for live music, global plates, and a drink or two as the evening sets in. The space carries a subtle nautical undertone, which gently finds its way into the menu, opening out into crowd-pleasing Italian, Indian, and Middle Eastern fare. Must-orders include the Calamari and Prawn Fritto Misto and Summer Sardines for seafood lovers, while vegetarian picks such as the Snapper Sliders and Mushroom Cappuccino hold their own. Choose a cocktail from the live bar to round off the meal, and save room for the Whipped Serradura to finish on a sweet note.
Address: TSG Emerald View, #25, Maulana Azad Road, Phoenix Bay, Srivijayapuram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
On Great Andaman Trunk Road in Srivijayapuram, Madera by Driftwood is a rooftop landmark perched atop their resort, offering sweeping ocean views and a steady coastal breeze. A favourite for laid-back dinners in the Andaman capital, the space lends itself well to unhurried evenings and easy conversations. The kitchen turns out a thoughtfully curated menu of continental plates, global favourites, and a lively selection of mocktails and beverages. From mastered island classics like Steamed Rice with Coconut Prawn Curry to inventive offerings such as the Peri Peri Paneer Rice Bowl, the rice-based, pre-plated mains are a clear must-order. Indianised takes on familiar comfort dishes, think Stroganoffs and Quesadillas — sit comfortably within Madera’s relaxed, crowd-pleasing repertoire.
Address: 88, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Coast Guard Enclave, Haddo, Srivijayapuram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744102
Run by the husband-wife duo of Bindiya Nair and Prashant Panicker, Maven Food Truck is a wholesome, homegrown venture serving authentic South Indian fare, cooked fresh and with care for families and solo travellers alike. This pure vegetarian, evening-and-night kitchen offers a comforting spread of Dosas, Idlis, and Uttapams, alongside simple pleasures such as Filter Coffee and Coconut Thamboolam. Pull up a chair by the truck and you’re rewarded with old Bollywood melodies playing softly in the background and a view of the Indian flag fluttering at the edge of Andaman’s coastline. From the homemade depth of the Podi Chutney to the generous dollop of ghee atop the Pongal, it’s the warmth of the flavours, and the owners’ easy smiles, that make this one of the most scenic and soulful food stops along Sri Vijaya Puram’s Marina Park stretch.
Address: Marina Park, Near Girls School, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Srivijayapuram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744104
A subtly tropical patisserie, Lisola dishes out some of the most tempting cheesecakes, eclairs, gelatos, and sorbets in Andaman’s capital. Easy to miss at first glance, the space surprises with a small seat indoors and a bench set right beside the gleaming gelato counter, showcasing handmade, organic flavours such as blueberry cheesecake, hazelnut chocolate, and vanilla rose. The pastry display is just as inviting, with options like tres leches, a matcha and berry roll cake, and, in the summer months, a standout Alphonso cake. Open until 10 pm, Lisola makes for an ideal stop to end the evening on a sweet note in Srivijayapuram.
Address: Gandhi Bhavan, 8, Below Indian Bank, Near Light House, Srivijayapuram, DAG Colony, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744101
Known for its quality ingredients and a menu that champions creativity, The Yellow Ancora is run by Zhulfia Nawaz and has quickly carved a niche for itself. Located directly opposite the exit gate of Srivijayapuram airport, the quick coffee-and-bake stop makes for an ideal first pause: perfect for a well-made Coffee or Matcha before slipping into island life. Innovation is the backbone here, seen in offerings such as Brookies, Pistachio Matcha Cookies, Korean Cream Cheese Croissants, and even a playful Matcha Thecha Croissant. The beverage menu is equally inventive, with brews flavoured with blueberry, lemon, bourbon vanilla, lavender cacao, and rose.
Address: Srivijayapuram Airport Exit Gate, Lamba Line, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744103
What Anjuna is to Goa, Swaraj Dweep is to the Andamans, the “cool cousin.” Everything feels a little more happening here: more beaches, more travellers, more colour in both the markets and the landscapes. There’s a strong chance your scuba-diving session will leave you hungry — for more adventures, yes, but food first — and there’s no better gear for that than this guide.
A beachside establishment that is half sandy, half muddy, but entirely fitting, Full Moon Cafe in Swaraj Dweep has been run by its owner, Adil, since 2006. Having witnessed the ebb and flow of tourism in the Andamans, the cafe has consciously resisted trends, choosing instead to remain grounded, calm, and unhurried. Quietude is the defining ingredient here, complemented by a menu that mirrors the mood, and a charming ‘exchange one for two’ bookshelf that fosters a sense of community and draws in a no-nonsense crowd. The philosophy is simple and steadfast: fresh food, great coffee. The menu follows suit, with a strong selection of fresh juices alongside Indian, Italian, and Mediterranean offerings, as well as wholesome staples such as Muesli, Porridge, and made-to-order Omelettes. The organic Andaman Calamari dishes are a must-try, consistently delivered and always spot on.
Address: Havelock no. 3, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211
Capturing the easygoing spirit of Vijaynagar Beach No. 5, 5th Bistro Cafe & Bar sits within the lobby of Coral Reef Resort in Swaraj Dweep, dressed in warm wooden finishes and sandy hues that echo the shoreline outside. A dedicated bakehouse turns out crisp, buttery croissants, while the menu rounds out with fresh, crunchy salads and sandwiches toasted just right. For heartier meals, choices range from spaghetti meatballs and veg au gratin to a rotating pizza of the day. Open to both residents and non-residents, it’s as much a stop for good food as it is for an easy round of foosball, making it a laid-back must-visit on the island.
Address: Coral Reef Resort, Swaraj, No-5, Vijayanagar, Dweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211
Narra in Swaraj Dweep is coastal dining at its most effortless, and easily one of the island’s standout addresses for a leisurely meal. The menu strikes a confident balance between global cuisines and inventive local twists, think French Fries dusted with chaat masala, Pesto reimagined with a coriander base, and Roasted Chicken paired with Middle Eastern accompaniments. The mixology programme is equally considered, with pours such as a clarified Pina Colada, in-house Limoncello, and a Spirited Picklecini. Built almost entirely from wooden logs and softened with rattan accents, Narra is enveloped by tropical greenery and opens out onto a charming porch, where DJ nights roll in from time to time, adding just the right amount of energy to the setting.
Address: Wild Orchid, No.5 Havelock Island, Vijayanagar, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211
Something Different in Swaraj Dweep lives up to its name, offering a dining experience that stands apart from the island’s usual fare. Founded by Akshay and Benazir, the cafe boasts a sophisticated, bohemian aesthetic with a menu known for its generously prepared Indian, Continental, and Chinese dishes, rounded off with playful desserts. The atmosphere is relaxed and familial, the staff warm, the music on point, while the outdoor space adds its own charm, complete with a trampoline. A complimentary pick-up and drop service for dinner guests only adds to the ease. Don’t leave without trying the chilled beer, a rich Veg Stroganoff, the SD Burger, Banger Prawns, or the comforting homestyle Chicken Curry.
Address: Beach No. 2, behind Havelock Power House, Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211
An extension of the Gypsy Divers community of seasoned and first-time scuba enthusiasts, Cafe Lava in Swaraj Dweep is a mellow, yellow-lit spot designed for easy, post-dive bites. The air is filled with the easy chatter of people who bond over food, scuba stories, and, more than anything else, island life. The menu keeps things simple yet satisfying, with a line-up of burgers, a house-special shakshuka served with pita, fresh lobster when available, and a Diver’s Breakfast that plays neatly into the theme. Vegetarian options lean towards familiar Indian and Continental comfort dishes, including parathas, pizzas, and pastas. For solo travellers in particular, this community-pro cafe is an easy place to settle in and feel at home.
Address: Havelock no.2, Gypsy Divers Resort, Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744211
