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Indian food is famous all over the world. But the restaurants in Varanasi are especially famous. The spicy curries, succulent biryanis and mango lassi have captured the imagination of people all over the world. From crowd favorites such as Baati Chokha and Tamatar Chaat to lesser known sweets you can find good an abundance of good food in Varanasi. Here I have listed the top 30 restaurants in Varanasi.

Famous Dishes of Varanasi

Varanasi is famous for its Benarasi chaat and street food. There are a number of hole-in-the-wall shops that have some of the most amazing and spicy street food in India. The top three street food in Varanasi are – 

1. Thandai And Lassi
2. Baati Chokha
3. Tamatar Chaat

What is Baati Chokha?

Baati Chokha is a local food in Varanasi that is regularly eaten by the local villagers. The baati is deep fried dense flour balls that are served hot. Chokha is a type of curry. The dish is eaten by smashing the balls with your hands, mixing it with the curry and eating hot. It has very high calorie content which is perfect for the hard working villagers that burn a lot of calories all day long.

What is the famous sweet of Varanasi?

Benarasi Thandai and Lassi are the most famous sweet foods. These dishes are made by churning milk into a thick consistency and then adding flavours such as mango, pistachio, papaya and any other combination that you prefer. The most famous shop for thandai and lassi is the Blue Lassi.

Where to find the best chaat in Varanasi?

The best chaat in Varanasi is found in two overcrowded hole-in-the-wall shops that are loved by locals – Deena Chat Bhandar and Kashi Chat Bhandar.

Is street food in Varanasi safe?

Street food in Varanasi is safe as long as you have the stomach to process any Indian street food. The restaurants I have recommended in this article are the best in Varanasi and you do not have to worry about the quality of food. However I would advise against going up to any stall or restaurant that is not on the list because I cannot assure the quality of the food in that case. Food poisoning is very common in travelers coming to Varanasi from outside India and its always better to be safe than sorry.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Varanasi?

No, it is not safe to drink tap water anywhere in India. You should only be drinking water filtered through an R.O. or bottled water. No restaurants in India serve tap water.

Where can I find vegan food in Varanasi?

Checkout this guide to Vegan Restaurants in Varanasi.

Top 30 Best Restaurants in Varanasi

Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe

One of the famous riverside cafes in Varanasi frequented by international travelers is Vaatika Cafe. The cafe prepares their own fresh pizza crust everyday that is oven baked and served with various toppings of your choice. A great way to finish off your meal is with some hot Apple pie.

Hayat Mediterranean

At Hayat Mediterranean you can enjoy seating in a relaxing lounge area by the quiet Assi Ghat. You can find authentic Mediterranean cuisine made by the amazing chef Mohammed Ainbosi. If you want to relax on some soft pillows and smoke sheesha while sipping some great Middle Eastern drinks then this restaurant in Varanasi will provide that.

Behind Yellow Door Diner

This cute upbeat cafe with bright yellow awnings, colorful wallpapers and an impeccable taste in European decor will remind you of cafes in Paris. The cafe is the perfect place to feel at ease in a city that usually tends to overwhelm your senses. You can sit down amidst the plants and enjoy dishes from an extremely well curated continental menu.

Varuna & Chowk Restaurants

At the Taj Ganges Hotel you will find a new meaning to fine dining. The Satvik Thali, a traditional Varanasi dinner with multiple local dishes served on a silver platter is the most requested item on the menu.

The Bread of Life Bakery

This buzzing bakery has become the talk of the town since opening up. You can smell the fresh baked breads and muffins as soon as you enter the shop. If you are nostalgic for home back in the West then the steaming hot goulash, moussaka and salads will soothe your heart. This is one of the most amazing restaurants in Varanasi with food that is clearly made with a lot of love

Brown Bread Bakery

The view from this rooftop restaurant makes it one of the most famous restaurants in Varanasi. The breads, muffins and pizzas are freshly made and the hot coffee is delicious. The rooftop area with cushioned seating makes for the perfect place for a cool nice lunch.

Lotus Lounge

This absolutely gorgeous lounge has bright aqua lounge beds that face the beautiful river and ghats. The food is piping hot and freshly cooked. The Tibetan and Asian dishes are some of the most delicious food in Varanasi. You will find it hard not to come back here over and over again for both the good vibes, cozy lounge beds and someplace to chill all afternoon.

1951 at Clarks Hotel

Being the oldest hotel in the city, Clarks has a reputation to uphold and everything they do surpasses expectations. The newest addition, a multi-cuisine restaurant, 1951 is the perfect example. Some popular dishes include Chicken Tangri, Mirch Masale ke Paneer Tikke and Babarchi’s Veggie Platter. The cafe and bar are also located next door making it the perfect place to spend the entire evening.

Eden Restaurant at Hotel Pradeep

Want a romantic candlelit dinner? The most romantic garden rooftop restaurant in the city is Eden. Their Indian and Mexican menu with some beer is very pleasant. I have always loved romantic places like these and went back multiple times to spend dinner time here.

Canton Royale at Hotel Surya

Hotel Surya’s Canton Royale is known for its global cuisine ranging from Mexican, Thai, Chinese to local Indian dishes. The thali, a platter of various local dishes is of course the most popular option. You can find people hogging the outdoor seating on pleasant evenings and the general upbeat chatter permeating the air. The heritage building makes for an amazing venue for dinner.

Mangi Ferra Cafe

Mangi Ferra Cafe is known for attracting the trendy crowd in town. The high-end cafe’s parties are the place to be on the weekends. Built under an indoor tree it is one of the coolest and best restaurants in Varanasi.

Kashi Chaat Bhandar

Thronged by hundreds of people everyday, this is the most famous spot in Varanasi for street food. My father went here everyday during his college days and he introduced me to it. Nothing comes close to how good the food is here. The chaat is absolutely the most heavenly thing you will taste in India. If there is one place you cannot miss, it is Kashi Chaat Bhandar. Be prepared though, the place is so famous that there is barely enough space to stand outside.

Aum Cafe

Looking for some vegan and gluten free options? Aum Cafe has the best recipes involving lemons. Lemon pancakes, organic lemon green tea lassis and bread pudding with lemons are just a few. They of course also have the best vegetarian recipes like their famous lentil pancakes with Indian spices and other Indian dishes.

Flavours Cafe

If you are a fan of breakfast for dinner then head to Flavours Cafe for their all day breakfast. Fresh baked muffins, omelettes, baked beans and toast are served all day long. Pair this with a cup of tea and you have the perfect meal.

Tadka

For some Indian fine dining over white cloth napkins oozing luxury head to Tadka. The restaurant is famous for its wonderful staff and service. After a tiring day in the city this restaurant might be just the place you need to relax for a quiet evening indoors.

The Palate

The Palate is an interactive dining destination with continental and oriental dishes. The elaborate buffets at breakfast, lunch and dinner more than justify the trip. If you need another reason, the Teppanyaki live kitchen is one of the kind in the city for an exciting meal cooked right in front of you.

Bowl of Compassion

If you haven’t been to an Indian household to taste the food, you probably haven’t realized that Indian food in restaurants doesnt taste like home cooked food at all. No resemblance. Nada. Bowl of Compassion changes that. The paranthas, maggi and the meals are cooked the way I would at home. It gives you an authentic taste of what the common man in India eats.

El Parador

If you’re not from India, the constant spices and flavours will wear you out sooner or later. El Parador is a diversion from the overwhelming flavours of India. The restaurant serves an international menu of Italian, Indian and Tibetan cuisines that most international travelers are very grateful for.

Chachi ki Kachori

One of the best restaurants in Varanasi for street food is this small shop that used to be run by an old lady fondly called chachi. Her family now run this shop. The hot kachoris and jalebis are served dripping from oil right into your plate. I went here multiple times for the mouth watering dishes.

Aadha-Aadha Cafe

The rooftop cafe serves a menu of Indian and French dishes. Run by an Indian and a French national they have managed to construct the perfect blend of both cultures. The breakfast menu is by far my favorite. It includes muesli with a fruit salad, vegan pancakes with berries, chia pudding and smoothie bowls.

Deena Chat Bhandar

Another legendary chaat joint in Varanasi with famous hot chaat plates like tamatar chaat, tikki chole and cold kulfi falooda. All the locals flock here every night. Benarasi chaat is mouth watering and I can bet you will want to go back again and again.

Varanasi Restaurant and Cafe

This house has been converted into a no frills restaurant that has delicious fresh Benarasi thalis. The traditional floor seating and authentic flavours with a great rooftop view makes for a great lunch.

Sri Annapurna

Sri Annapurna is a great restaurant in Varanasi for a family dinner. The restaurant has great thalis that are delicious. It is a quiet place with good food. A great option if you want to get away from the crowds.

Baati Chokha

The restaurant’s walls are covered in mud and painted by hand in traditional designs. You sit on chaarpais and colorful floor seating and food is served on leaf plates and in mud cups. Baati Chokha is one of the dishes that is eaten by locals in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. It is one of my favorite foods and completely distinctive from anything you might have tried before. This is the most authentic culinary experience you could have in Varanasi.

Hotel Kalika

Not many restaurants in Varanasi serve meat but this restaurant is a culinary triumph. It serves amazing seafood, chicken and meat choices. Some great dishes are mutton curry, keema kaleji, kebabs.

Blue Lassi

Blue Lassi is the most famous restaurant in Varanasi for one of the speciality dishes of the city – lassi. Thick creamy sweet or salty lassi with every possible flavour can be found here. You can try the fruit lassis with toppings of mango, papaya, banana and local spices or you can try some traditional flavours like pistachio and almonds with pomegranate seeds. The lassi is of the best quality and the cool liquid is the perfect dish on a hot afternoon.

Darbhanga

On the terrace of the 200 year old Brijrama Palace on the banks of the river Ganga is one of the best restaurants in Varanasi for Indian fine dining. Darbhanga is known as the top notch place to be if you want to taste gourmet Indian food. To get the best of the experience try the Benarasi Thali – a 3 course meal of various local dishes.

Bana Lassi

Another gem that serves a variety of lassis in large mud cups is Bana Lassi. You can order the huge cups of lassi and enjoy it with some cheese toast. The sweet lassi topped with banana, cacao powder and pistachio tastes especially delicious. Another favorite of mine is the mango and pistachio lassi with pomegranate topping.

Dolphin Restaurant

Overlooking the Man Mandir Ghat, Dolphin Restaurant in Varanasi specializes in comfort food. You can find yummy options like hot sandwiches, paneer tikka, pizzas, pastas and soups.

Vegan and Raw

This restaurant in Varanasi is recommended as one of the top places for vegan dishes. Their menu includes dishes like lentil soup, vegan pizza, apple carrot ginger juice and a potato-beans-sesame dish. A good quiet place to enjoy food.