The eating scene in Hampi is simple and entirely geared to budget travellers. Most places are small guesthouses or rooftop cafes in and around the Hampi Bazaar area, serving a mix of South Indian food, traveller staples, and fresh fruit. Don't expect fine dining — the atmosphere and the views are the point.
Under the Mango Tree is the best-known option: a small cafe about 400 metres west of the bazaar along the river, actually shaded by a large mango tree and surrounded by banana palms. The food — thalis, omelettes, fresh juices — is straightforward and good, and the setting beside the Tungabhadra is excellent. Arrive early for a riverside table.
For South Indian breakfasts (idli, dosa, vada, sambar), the small local stalls near the Virupaksha Temple are faster and cheaper than the tourist cafes and open from early morning. The bazaar itself has a handful of stalls selling fresh coconuts, bananas, and seasonal fruit — useful for a quick, cheap lunch before an afternoon of sightseeing.
Note that alcohol is not sold or consumed anywhere in Hampi — it is a sacred site and the rules are enforced. If you want a beer, head to Hospet.