A Guide To The 9 Best Restaurants In Varanasi

No exploration of Varanasi’s culinary scene is complete without indulging in its famous chaat which is one of the must places to visit in Varanasi. These savoury snacks are a quintessential part of the city’s street food culture, and no visit is complete without sampling them. 

Make your way to Kashi Chaat Bhandar, a beloved institution known for its mouthwatering variety of chaat offerings. From the tangy goodness of golgappas to the decadent indulgence of aloo tikki, every bite is a burst of flavour that will leave you craving more.

For a dining experience that combines exquisite cuisine with breathtaking views, head to Bona Café Restaurant. Situated overlooking the Ganges River, this upscale eatery offers a menu that blends Indian and international flavors with finesse. 

Indulge in dishes like tandoori salmon, butter chicken, and paneer tikka, all prepared with the freshest ingredients and served with an amazing presentation. As you savour each bite, let the sights and sounds of the various best restaurants in Varanasi that are situated by the river below transport you to a state of blissful contentment.

Food scene of Varanasi

One of the most historical cities in the world to have been inhabited continuously, Varanasi is known for its mouthwatering cuisine, which combines creativity, history, and mouth-twisting flavours.

Varanasi has an unmatched culinary experience, from elegant dining venues to fragrant street food booths.

Discover the best restaurants in Varanasi, a vibrant city that has to offer by traveling with us through the narrow streets and busy ghats on a foodie adventure.

1. The Palate at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham JHV Varanasi

World cuisine: This restaurant doesn’t limit itself to a single regional cuisine. They offer a buffet spread featuring dishes from all over the world, including Indian favourites, Continental delights, and even Oriental specialties.

Interactive dining: They might have live cooking stations, like a Teppanyaki grill, where chefs cook your meal right in front of you, adding a fun and interactive element to your dining experience.

Ambiance: The Palate boasts a vibrant and lively decor, creating a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy your meal.

Buffet and a la carte: While information on a la carte options might be limited, they are known for their extensive buffet spread. 

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets are available, with prices ranging from ₹999 (plus taxes) for breakfast to ₹1500 (plus taxes) for dinner. 
• Buffet timings also vary slightly between weekdays and weekends. Breakfast is served from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM (Mon-Sat) and 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Sunday). 
• Lunch buffets are from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM, and dinner buffets are from 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM.

One of the highlights of dining at the Palate is the live cooking stations, where guests can watch as skilled chefs prepare their meals to perfection right before their eyes. Whether it’s freshly grilled seafood, made-to-order pasta, or sizzling tandoori specialties, the interactive cooking experience adds an extra layer of excitement to the dining experience.

Location: The Mall Road, Cantonment, Varanasi

2. Sushi Cafe & Continental Restaurant

Sushi: Sushi Cafe & Continental Restaurant is a haven for sushi lovers. They likely offer a wide variety of nigiri (sliced fish on pressed vinegar rice), sashimi (thinly sliced raw fish), and maki (rolled sushi with various fillings and seaweed exteriors). Whether you’re a seasoned sushi lover or a curious first-timer, their menu is likely to have something to tempt your taste buds.

Continental cuisine:  This restaurant goes beyond just sushi and offers a delectable selection of Continental dishes. Continental cuisine is a broad term encompassing European dishes, so you might find classic Italian kinds of pasta, cheesy pizzas, or juicy grilled steaks gracing their menu. If you’re in the mood for a lighter option – they might also have a selection of fresh and flavourful salads.

Diverse menu:  They also offer a selection of refreshing juices and healthy smoothies, perfect for beating the Varanasi heat. 

Don’t forget to leave room for dessert, they might have tempting waffles, ice cream sundaes, or other sweet treats. For those craving some American comfort food, there’s a possibility they even offer burgers, omelettes, or other familiar favourites.

This is one of the best restaurants in Varanasi for families with kids and for those looking to eat something out of the box.

Location:  32/16A, Bangali Tola Road, Bangali Tola, Varanasi

3. Canton Royale Restaurant

Decor: Canton Royale offers an elegant heritage space with a colonial ambiance. The place has a sophisticated and stylish atmosphere, possibly with comfortable seating, classic decor, and tasteful lighting. You might find exposed brick walls, chandeliers, or ornately framed artwork adorning the space, creating a sense of old-world charm.

Fine-dining experience:  Canton Royale positions itself alongside other fine-dining restaurants in Varanasi. This means attentive service, well-presented dishes, and a focus on creating a memorable dining experience.

Multi-cuisine menu: Canton Royale offers Indian and global fare. They have a diverse menu encompassing dishes beyond Cantonese cuisine, perhaps including North Indian curries, European delicacies, or even some Southeast Asian specialties.

Bar: They have a full-fledged bar where you might find a selection of wines, beers, and cocktails to complement your meal making it one of the best restaurants in Varanasi with bars.

Location: S.20 / 51, Hotel Surya A-5, The Mall Road, Cantt, Varanasi

4. Wife On Leave – Veg and Non Veg Family Restaurant

Whether you’re craving classic North Indian curries, flavourful vegetarian selections, or some popular Indo-Chinese dishes, Wife On Leave is likely to have something to satisfy your taste buds.

Variety: Wife On Leave caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians with a mix of Indian and Chinese dishes on their menu. This makes it one of the best restaurants in Varanasi for families or groups with diverse palates.

Indian dishes: You can expect North Indian favourites like butter chicken, malai kofta, and various dals alongside vegetarian options like paneer dishes, vegetable curries, and biryanis.

Chinese dishes: Their menu likely includes popular Indo-Chinese fare like Manchurian curries, fried rice variations, and noodle dishes.

Family-friendly: It has a casual and comfortable ambiance, making it suitable for a relaxed family outing.

Ambiance: Reviews mention a warm and inviting atmosphere, possibly with comfortable seating and pleasant decor.

Location: Fatman Road, Kashi Vidyapith, Chetganj, Varanasi

5. 1916 Cafe & Restaurant

A fresh young aesthetic cafe in noisy crowded Varanasi and is budget-friendly to a mid-range price point.

Seating availability: They have both indoor and outdoor seating options with comfortable and casual indoor spaces with wooden furniture, and booth seating.

Takeaway: You can order food for takeaway from 1916 Cafe & Restaurant. This is a convenient option if you’d prefer to enjoy your meal at your hotel or residence.

Breakfast place: They serve breakfast, making it a good option for an early morning meal. Their breakfast menu might include options like pancakes, waffles, eggs, toast, and cereals.

Vegan options: The restaurant offers vegan options and can also make some dishes vegan upon request. This caters to those following a plant-based diet, and their willingness to customise dishes indicates a commitment to accommodating dietary restrictions.

Menu: They have a menu with options like burgers, pasta, pizzas, falafel, soups, and desserts. This indicates a diverse menu with a mix of Western and Indian-inspired dishes.

Location:  Police booth, 1916, inside Hotel Ganesha Palace, opposite Girja Ghar Chauraha, Girja Ghar, Ramapura Luxa, Varanasi

6. Shree Shivay Thali Dining

Thali specialists: Unlike restaurants with a vast menu, Shree Shivay focuses on creating a delectable Thali, a platter featuring a variety of dishes served in individual bowls. This allows you to experience a range of flavors in a single meal.

Unlimited vegetarian thali: They offer an unlimited vegetarian thali, meaning you can go back for seconds (or thirds!) of any dish you particularly enjoy. This is a great option for those with a healthy appetite or who want to sample everything.

Focus on satvik food: Shree Shivay emphasises on Satvik food, a concept in Ayurveda promoting foods considered pure and promoting good health. This means their Thali likely features dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, minimal spices, and limited use of onion and garlic.

No onion & garlic: One of their specialties is that their entire Thali is prepared without onion and garlic. This caters to those with dietary restrictions or preferences that avoid these ingredients.

Traditional setting: Shree Shivay strives to recreate the traditional Indian dining experience. They use Kansa plates, a bronze metal believed to have health benefits in Ayurveda. The ambiance is likely warm and inviting, focusing on the pleasure of communal dining.

Variety in thali: While the exact menu items might change daily, descriptions suggest their thali includes:

• Welcome Drinks: A refreshing drink might be offered to start your meal.
• Farsan (Snacks): Small appetizers like fritters or samosas might be included to kickstart your taste buds.
• Main Course: This is the heart of the Thali, featuring an array of curries, vegetables, and dals.
• Rice & Roti: Steamed rice and roti or poori are staples to accompany the curries.
• Salad and Papad: A light salad and crispy papad might be offered for a refreshing contrast.
• Dessert: A sweet dish like kheer or gulab jamun might be served to end the meal on a happy note.

Location: Ground floor, S-1/118-6-M-1P, Gate, Central Jail Rd, opp. Shivpur Central Jail, Chotta Chuppepur, Varanasi

7. Phulwari Restaurant & Sami Cafe

Their menu transcends geographical boundaries, offering a delightful mix of South Indian, North Indian, Italian, and even Israeli dishes. This makes them a great option for groups with diverse palates or those who want to explore different cuisines during their visit to Varanasi. 

Whether you’re craving a plate of piping hot idlis for breakfast, a comforting bowl of butter chicken for lunch, a cheesy pizza for dinner, or something entirely different, Phulwari Restaurant & Sami Cafe seems to have something to satisfy your taste buds.

Variety: Phulwari Restaurant & Sami Cafe offers a diverse menu encompassing:

• South Indian: Dosa, idli, vada, and other South Indian staples might be on the menu.
• North Indian: Butter chicken, dal makhani, and other popular North Indian curries are likely to be available.
• Italian: Pastas and pizzas might be offered for those craving Western fare.

Location: D 37/33, near Badadev, Badadev, Godowlia, Varanasi

8. Behind Yellow Doors Diner

Imagine stepping off the vibrant streets and into a tranquil oasis, where lush greenery and a relaxed atmosphere welcome you. 

Behind Yellow Doors Diner is one of the best restaurants in Varanasi which allows tourists to savour a delicious meal in a setting that feels miles away from the city’s energy

Fusion fare: This diner goes beyond typical Indian cuisine, offering a delightful mix of Continental, Chinese, and Indian dishes. This makes it a great choice for those seeking familiar flavours or something more adventurous.

Continental: Expect dishes like pasta, pizzas, and grilled meats, catering to Western palates.

Chinese: Menu offerings might include popular Indo-Chinese fare like Manchurian curries, fried rice variations, and noodle dishes.

Indian: While details are scarce, reviews suggest they offer some Indian dishes alongside their Continental and Chinese options.

Ambiance:

• Serene and inviting: Reviews consistently praise the restaurant’s serene and inviting ambiance. Imagine lush greenery, a relaxed atmosphere, and a break from the vibrant streets of Varanasi.
• Outdoor seating: The diner likely offers outdoor seating, allowing you to enjoy the fresh air and greenery while you dine.

Possible amenities:

• Family-friendly: The relaxed atmosphere and diverse menu make it a good option for families with children.
• Vegetarian & vegan options: Vegetarian and vegan options, cater to a wider range of dietary needs.
• Good service: Reviews generally commend the friendly and attentive service at Behind Yellow Doors Diner.

Location:  Hotel Stay Banaras C-33/52-9A-1A, Chittupura, Sigra, Varanasi

9. Charcoal Fine Dining Restaurant

Situated in the heart of the city, this upscale dining establishment redefines the culinary landscape of Varanasi with its focus on premium ingredients, innovative cuisine, and impeccable service.

As you step into Charcoal Fine Dining, you are greeted by a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere, characterized by soft lighting, contemporary decor, and attentive staff eager to cater to your every need.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a memorable meal, Charcoal sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

Vegetarian diners will also find plenty to tempt their palates, with an array of innovative dishes featuring farm-fresh produce and bold spice blends.

From aromatic vegetable biryanis to creamy paneer tikka masala, each vegetarian creation is a celebration of flavor and texture.

To complement your meal, Charcoal offers an extensive selection of fine wines, craft cocktails, and artisanal spirits, curated to enhance the dining experience and delight even the most picky foodies.

Location: 14, Sigra – Mahmoorganj Rd, Near Sarin Inn Hotel, Sigra, Varanasi

From humble street food stalls serving up savoury chaat to upscale restaurants offering gourmet delights, the best restaurants in Varanasi cater to every palate and preference.

Whether you’re craving the rich flavours of traditional Indian cuisine, the tantalising aromas of sizzling street food, or the refined elegance of international fare, Varanasi has something to satisfy every culinary craving.

So, the next time you find yourself in Varanasi, be sure to explore its vibrant dining scene and indulge in the flavours of this ancient city which is also one of the best weekend getaway destinations from Delhi.