Fodor's Expert Review Il Marinaio

Come here, in a lane off Samudra Beach opposite Uday Samudra hotel and near the gates of the Taj Kovalam, to a pleasant garden restaurant that serves sample reasonably authentic Italian food (as well as some Indian dishes). Service is a bit slow, but the food is all freshly made and wholesome. Try the pastas or the pizzas. The vegetarian or meat lasagna is a good choice; it's made with homemade pasta. They have great soups as well, and an expansive breakfast menu expansive. Indian food is also available. An ATM is nearby, and there are a few handicraft shops nearby that are worth poking around in (be sure to bargain).