Best Places to eat in Karjat: A Guide for Foodies

Karjat, a scenic hill station in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, is a hidden gem for food lovers. Surrounded by the lush Sahyadri mountains and located just a short drive from Mumbai and Pune, it offers a rich culinary experience rooted in Maharashtrian culture. Whether it’s hearty thalis packed with local flavors, farm-to-table cafés serving fresh regional produce, or classic street eats like misal pav and vada pav, Karjat has something for every palate. This guide to the best places to eat in Karjat will help you discover where to enjoy these authentic bites. From market stalls to serene cafés, we've handpicked the best places to eat in Karjat so you can fully experience the town’s flavorful charm—ideal for weekend wanderers and foodies alike.

Why Karjat for Food Lovers?

Karjat’s culinary appeal lies in its deep-rooted Maharashtrian heritage, influenced by the Konkan coast and the Deccan plateau. The region’s agricultural abundance ensures fresh ingredients, especially in farm-to-table settings, while its vibrant street food culture offers affordable, flavorful bites. The best time to explore Karjat’s food scene is October to March, when pleasant weather (15°C–25°C) complements outdoor dining, though the monsoon season (June–September) adds a lush backdrop to farm-fresh meals. With easy access via road, train, or air, Karjat is a convenient destination for a food-focused getaway.

Top Culinary Experiences in Karjat

Below is a curated list of the best food experiences in Karjat, organized into three categories: Maharashtrian thalis, farm-to-table cafés, and market snacks. Each entry includes specific locations, dishes, prices, ratings, and recommendations, drawn from recent reviews and local insights.

1. Maharashtrian Thalis: Savoring Authentic Flavors

Maharashtrian thalis in Karjat offer a flavorful mix of puran poli, varan bhaat, batata bhaji, koshimbir, and solkadhi, with both veg and non-veg options.

• Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat
  • Description: This luxury resort serves a Kolhapuri-style Maharashtrian thali with spicy curries like bharli vangi, dal amti, and bhakri. Dine with Sahyadri mountain views in an elegant setting.
  • Location: Near Karjat Railway Station (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E).
  • Price: ₹1,000–₹1,500 per person (approx.).
  • Rating: 4.5/5 (based on TripAdvisor reviews).
  • Recommendations: Perfect for a premium meal, book ahead on weekends. Pair the thali with solkadhi and add a spa or nature walk for a full retreat.
  • Why Visit: Perfect for those seeking a luxurious taste of Maharashtrian cuisine in a scenic setting.
  • Source: Grazia India
• Mango Tree Farm
  • Description: Set on a peaceful farm, Mango Tree Farm offers authentic Maharashtrian thalis—veg and non-veg—made with fresh, local ingredients like varan bhaat, bhakri, and seasonal curries.
  • Location: Jambhivali, Karjat (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E).
  • Price: ₹500–₹800 per person (approx.).
  • Rating: 4.5/5 (based on Thrillophilia reviews).
  • Recommendations: Perfect for families or groups; try the seafood-rich non-veg thali. Pre-book for overnight stays.
  • Why Visit: Combines authentic Maharashtrian flavors with a rustic, farm-fresh ambiance.
  • Source: Mango Tree Farm
• Ravinath Residency
  • Description: A local favorite, Ravinath Residency serves pure veg Maharashtrian thalis with thalipeeth, koshimbir, and puran poli. Its simple setup is perfect for budget travelers seeking authentic flavors.
  • Location: Karjat Raigad, near Kacheri Road (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E).
  • Price: ₹200–₹500 per person (approx.).
  • Rating: 3.5/5 (based on Justdial reviews).
  • Recommendations: Check the menu for daily specials, as thali offerings may vary. Visit for lunch to enjoy the freshest preparations.
  • Why Visit: Affordable and authentic, ideal for a quick, traditional meal.
  • Source: Justdial
• Hotel Prakash
  • Description: Near Padargad Fort, Hotel Prakash serves authentic Maharashtrian thalis ,spicy curries, rice, chutneys,for both veg and non-veg eaters, ideal for groups.
  • Location: Chawk Highway, Karjat Raigad (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E).
  • Price: ₹300–₹600 per person (approx.).
  • Rating: 4.2/5 (based on Justdial reviews).
  • Recommendations: Pair the thali with a local dessert like shrikhand. Ideal for trekkers visiting nearby forts.
  • Why Visit: A reliable choice for hearty, traditional meals with a local vibe.
  • Source: Tripxl

2. Farm-to-Table Cafés: Fresh and Local

Karjat’s agricultural landscape makes it a hub for farm-to-table dining, where fresh, seasonal ingredients take center stage. These cafés, often part of farm stays or resorts, offer a unique blend of Maharashtrian and regional flavors in serene settings.

• Mango Tree Farm 
  • Description: This farm stay doubles as a farm-to-table café, serving Maharashtrian thalis and snacks made with produce from its 8-acre farm of mango, chikoo, and coconut trees. The open-air dining area enhances the rustic charm.
  • Location: Jambhivali, Karjat (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E).
  • Price: ₹300–₹800 per person (approx.).
  • Rating: 4.5/5 (based on Thrillophilia reviews).
  • Recommendations: Try the seasonal vegetable curries and fresh coconut water. Book a stay to fully immerse in the farm experience.
  • Why Visit: Perfect for those seeking fresh, organic meals in a natural setting.
  • Source: Mango Tree Farm
• The Green House Restaurant
  • Description: Known for its emphasis on local flavors, this restaurant offers a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, including Maharashtrian-inspired meals with farm-fresh ingredients. The menu features items like bhakri with vegetable curries and seafood specials.
  • Location: Karjat Raigad (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E).
  • Price: ₹300–₹800 per person (approx.).
  • Rating: 4.0/5 (based on Tripxl reviews).
  • Recommendations: Ideal for a relaxed meal after exploring nearby forts or waterfalls. Try the Konkani-style fish curry if available.
  • Why Visit: Offers a refined dining experience with a focus on local produce.
  • Source: Tripxl
• Sanket Snacks
  • Description: A simple eatery near Padargad Fort, Sanket Snacks serves farm-fresh snacks and light meals, including Maharashtrian dishes like thalipeeth and koshimbir. Its proximity to trekking trails makes it a convenient stop.
  • Location: Near Chawk Highway, Karjat Raigad (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E).
  • Price: ₹100–₹300 per person (approx.).
  • Rating: 4.0/5 (based on Tripxl reviews).
  • Recommendations: Perfect for a quick bite; try the thalipeeth with chutney. Check for daily specials.
  • Why Visit: A budget-friendly option for fresh, local flavors.
  • Source: Tripxl

3. Market Snacks: Street Food and Local Delicacies

Karjat’s street food scene is vibrant, offering affordable and flavorful Maharashtrian snacks that capture the essence of local culture. From spicy vada pav to tangy misal pav, these treats are perfect for a quick bite while exploring the town.

• Karjat Railway Station Area
  • Description: The area around Karjat Railway Station is a hub for street food stalls serving classics like vada pav (spicy potato patty in a bun), misal pav (spiced lentil curry with bread), and batata vada (fried potato balls). These stalls are busy, ensuring fresh preparations.
  • Location: Karjat Railway Station (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E).
  • Price: ₹20–₹100 per snack (approx.).
  • Rating: 4.0/5 (based on general traveler feedback).
  • Recommendations: Look for stalls with high turnover for the freshest food. Try the misal pav with extra farsan (crunchy toppings) for a spicy kick.
  • Why Visit: Affordable and authentic, perfect for a quick, flavorful snack.
• Local Markets in Karjat Town
  • Description: The town center’s markets offer a variety of Maharashtrian snacks and sweets, including shrikhand (sweet yogurt), puran poli, and sabudana vada (tapioca pearl fritters). These markets are lively, especially in the evenings.
  • Location: Karjat town center (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E).
  • Price: ₹20–₹100 per snack (approx.).
  • Rating: 4.0/5 (based on general traveler feedback).
  • Recommendations: Ask locals for the best vendors, as quality can vary. Pair snacks with a glass of sugarcane juice or coconut water for a refreshing touch.
  • Why Visit: A vibrant way to experience Karjat’s street food culture.
• Highway Stalls
  • Description: Along the Mumbai-Pune Highway, small stalls serve Maharashtrian snacks like bhutta (roasted corn) and kothimbir vadi (coriander fritters). These are great for a quick stop during road trips.
  • Location: Mumbai-Pune Highway, near Karjat (18.9167° N, 73.3167° E).
  • Price: ₹20–₹50 per snack (approx.).
  • Rating: 3.8/5 (based on general traveler feedback).
  • Recommendations: Opt for freshly prepared snacks and check for cleanliness. Try the bhutta with a sprinkle of chili powder and lime.
  • Why Visit: Convenient and tasty for travelers on the go.

Planning Your Culinary Adventure

Best Time to Visit

• October to March: Pleasant weather (15°C–25°C) makes dining outdoors enjoyable, especially at farm stays or street stalls.
• June to September (Monsoon): Lush greenery enhances the farm-to-table experience, but check weather forecasts on www.imd.gov.in to avoid heavy rain disrupting outdoor dining.

How to Reach Karjat

• By Road: Karjat is 90 km from Mumbai (2 hours via NH66) and 120 km from Pune (3 hours via NH48). State buses (₹100–₹200) or taxis (₹2,000–₹3,000) are available.
• By Train: Karjat Railway Station, on the Mumbai-Pune line, is well-connected (₹50–₹150 from Mumbai, 1.5–2 hours; ₹100–₹200 from Pune, 2.5–3 hours). Local transport like taxis or auto-rickshaws (₹100–₹300) can take you to dining spots.
• By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai (90 km) is the nearest, followed by a taxi ride (₹2,000–₹3,000).

Tips for Foodies

• Timing: Many local eateries and street stalls operate from morning to evening (typically 8:00 AM–10:00 PM); resorts may have extended hours. Check specific hours before visiting.
• Hygiene: For street food, choose stalls with high customer turnover to ensure freshness. Resorts and farm stays generally maintain high hygiene standards.
• Local Insights: Ask locals or resort staff for recommendations on hidden gems or daily specials to discover the best culinary experiences.
• Reservations: For upscale dining at places like Radisson Blu, book tables in advance, especially on weekends, via their website or platforms like www.zomato.com.
• Cash: Carry cash for street stalls and small eateries, as digital payments may not always be available.
• Safety: Avoid consuming raw or undercooked food from street vendors during monsoon to prevent health issues.

Comparative Table

Food Experience	Location	Key Dishes/Features	Price (Per Person)	Rating	Recommendations
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa	Near Karjat Railway Station	Kolhapur-inspired thali, spicy curries, solkadhi	₹1,000–₹1,500	4.5/5	Book in advance, try solkadhi
Mango Tree Farm	Jambhivali, Karjat	Veg/non-veg thalis, farm-fresh ingredients	₹500–₹800	4.5/5	Book with stay, try seafood
Ravinath Residency	Karjat Raigad, Kacheri Road	Pure veg thali, thalipeeth, puran poli	₹200–₹500	3.5/5	Check daily specials, lunch visit
Hotel Prakash	Chawk Highway, Karjat	Veg/non-veg thali, spicy curries, chutneys	₹300–₹600	4.2/5	Pair with shrikhand, ideal for trekkers
The Green House Restaurant	Karjat Raigad	Farm-fresh meals, Konkani fish curry	₹300–₹800	4.0/5	Try seafood, post-trek meal
Sanket Snacks	Chawk Highway, Karjat	Thalipeeth, koshimbir, farm-fresh snacks	₹100–₹300	4.0/5	Quick bite, daily specials
Karjat Railway Station Area	Karjat Railway Station	Vada pav, misal pav, batata vada	₹20–₹100	4.0/5	Choose busy stalls, try misal pav
Local Markets	Karjat town center	Shrikhand, puran poli, sabudana vada	₹20–₹100	4.0/5	Ask locals, pair with sugarcane juice
Highway Stalls	Mumbai-Pune Highway	Bhutta, kothimbir vadi	₹20–₹50	3.8/5	Fresh snacks, chili-lime bhutta

Wrapping Up

From riverside dhabas to stylish hill-view cafés, the best places to eat in Karjat offer something for every mood and appetite. Whether you're on a weekend getaway or a day trip, good food is never far away. And if you're planning a full itinerary beyond just food, don’t miss our guide on the Top 15 Things to Do in Karjat for an Unforgettable Weekend — it’s packed with ideas to make your trip truly memorable.

With the best places to eat in Karjat mapped out, all that’s left is to pick the perfect homestay. For charming, affordable, and verified stays across Karjat, explore BidYourStay — your go-to platform for curated homestays that match your vibe.