Udipi is definitely worth the trip off of the beaten path. If getting off the beaten path is not enough of an excuse for you, let me be the eleventh to tell you how great the food is: Udipi serves some of the best cuisine I've ever had the pleasure to taste. The samosas are near perfect and served with hari (green) and meethhi (tamarind) chutneys that must be blessed by Annapurna, as I can offer no other explanation as to why they were so much better than your typical Indian condiment offerings. Aloo Gobi and Baingan Bartha are two of my favorite dishes and though it is hard for me to stray, I am eager to try other things on the menu. I believe that Udipi takes great care in preparing food, as if it all should be fit for prasada . Eat like a deva but accept your fate of eternal samsara, as the kama of dining at Udipi will keep you coming back for more.
Notes on the service: The service was just as service should be -- just plain service. Our main server had a most pleasant smile. They leave a pitcher of water for you at the table, so that you may refill as needed (I like that). There were several children dining in the restaurant while we were there with whom the employees established very friendly rapport.
My apologies for any inaccurate allusions to Hinduism.