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10 Best Restaurants in Varanasi For Food Lovers

Banaras Trip
Best Restaurants in Varanasi
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Varanasi is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. Over a million tourists visit Varanasi every year to take a holy dip in the Ganges, visit ancient temples, and experience the city’s unique culture.

In addition to its rich history and spirituality, Varanasi is also famous for its delicious cuisine. From street food favorites like kachori-sabzi and jalebi to refined vegetarian thalis, Varanasi offers a delightful variety of food options. This article discusses the top 16 best restaurants in Varanasi favored by locals and tourists alike.

16 Top Restaurants in Varanasi For Delicious Food 

1. Canton Royale Restaurant

Canton Royale is located in the plush Taj Gateway Hotel and is one of the finest restaurants in Varanasi. Its ornate interiors, attentive service and delicious Cantonese and Indian preparations make it a hot favorite for luxury dining. The roasted lamb in chili sauce, fried prawns and noodles in black bean sauce are excellent. Don’t miss their signature dessert – date pancakes with ice cream. Canton Royale is perfect for a special meal or celebrating an occasion.

2. Nice Restaurant

Located near Assi Ghat, Nice Restaurant offers multi-cuisine options in a relaxed setting. Their menu is extensive with Chinese, Continental and Indian offerings along with some Goan specialties. The deep-fried prawns, chicken steak and Penne Arrabiata pasta are recommended. End your meal with a slice of their delicious chocolate fudge cake. Nice Restaurant is great for a casual dinner with friends or family.

3. Wife On Leave

Wife On Leave is a quirky rooftop restaurant located in the bustling Chowk area. They specialize in Indian and Chinese preparations paired with cocktails and mocktails. The Butter Chicken and Chilly Potato are patron favorites. Don’t miss their unique Paan flavored shake. With funky decor, swinging chairs and upbeat music, Wife On Leave is the perfect place to chill with friends.

4. Hayat Mediterranean

Craving falafel, hummus or fresh pita? Head to Hayat in Godowlia for delicious Mediterranean food. This small eatery serves authentic shawarmas, falafel wraps, hummus platters and salads. The Pita pockets are freshly baked and served warm. For dessert, try their rose-flavored phirni. Hayat offers wholesome, flavorful meals at reasonable prices.

5. The Great Kabab Factory

Located at the Radisson Hotel, Great Kabab Factory is legendary for its elaborate spread of kebabs and Indian breads. The galouti, shami and chicken malai kebabs melt-in-the-mouth while the rumali rotis are paper-thin. Their desserts like rasmalai and gulab jamun hit the sweet spot. With royal decor and live music, Great Kabab Factory promises a royal dining experience fit for kings!

6. Varuna & Chowk Restaurants at the Taj Ganges Hotel

The restaurants at the 5-star Taj Ganges Hotel offer an upscale dining experience with views of the Ganges river. Varuna specializes in Indian cuisine and serves royal Awadhi fare like Nawabi Gosht, Dum Biryani and Shahi Tukda. Chowk offers multi-cuisine options like pasta, sandwiches and sizzlers along with North Indian preparations. The beautiful interiors, world-class service and riverfront views make dining at Taj Ganges a memorable experience.

7. The Bread of Life Bakery & Restaurant

This superb bakery-restaurant near Assi Ghat bakes fresh breads, croissants and desserts daily. Their stone-oven pizzas, pastas, sandwiches and wraps are highly recommended. Try their funky Varanasi Pizza topped with paneer and Indian spices. Don’t miss their lemon tart and chocolate cake either. The Bread of Life is the perfect all-day dining option for tasty, wholesome meals.

8. Brown Bread Bakery

Brown Bread Bakery is a legendary bakery located near Godowlia Chowk since 1963. It still uses wood-fired ovens and original recipes to bake breads, cookies and cakes. Their fruit cake, butter cookies and award-winning cream rolls are simply divine. Pick up some freshly baked bread, their signature chocolate brownie or a puff pastry savory on your next visit.

9. Behind Yellow Doors

This delightful cafe offers alfresco seating in a courtyard dotted with yellow doors. Their all-day breakfast menu ranges from pancakes, waffles and eggs benedict to Indian options like aloo paratha and poha. Menu highlights include thin crust pizzas, pastas, wraps and refreshing smoothie bowls. End your meal with their chocolate banana crepe or cinnamon churros. Behind Yellow Doors is the ideal spot for a lazy brunch or an early dinner.

10. Itihaas Alley Kitchen

Located in a quiet alleyway, Itihaas is a heritage restaurant serving authentic Awadhi cuisine. Their dum biryani, kebabs, kormas and breads like sheermal and taftan transport you to the rich Nawabi culture. Complement your meal with their in-house Itihaas craft beer. The beautiful haveli-style interiors with courtyards and live music create an unforgettable royal dining experience.

11. Varanasi Cafe Bakery & Restaurant

This casual cafe-restaurant in Assi Ghat offers multi-cuisine fare prepared using fresh, local ingredients. Their menu ranges from pizzas, sandwiches and burgers to Indian, Chinese and Italian preparations. Highlights are their thin crust pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven and the chocolate lava cake. Varanasi Cafe is a great all-day hangout spot for tasty meals at budget-friendly rates.

12. BrijRama Palace

Built in the 18th century, BrijRama Palace is a heritage hotel with a multi-cuisine restaurant. Dine on their outdoor terrace overlooking the Ganges for a magical experience. Their menu offers Indian, Chinese and Continental fare along with health-conscious options like lean meats and gluten-free dishes. The rajma chaawal, butter chicken and chocolate mousse come highly recommended.

13. The Ashok

The Ashok is an upscale restaurant located inside Hotel Ganges View. Savour Indian cuisine delicacies like Kathal Biryani , Murgh Masaledar and Subz Badshahi Thali on their breezy rooftop overlooking the Ganges. Their desserts Gulab Jamun Fondue and Gulkand Phirni are heavenly. With polish service, river views and live classical music, dining at The Ashok is a romantic experience.

14. Bon Barbecue

For mouth-watering tandoori fare and barbeque dishes, head to Bon Barbecue near Assi Ghat. Popular items are their flavourful tandoori starters like malai chicken tikka, mutton seekh kebab and tandoori prawns. Main highlights are the mutton rogan josh, dal makhani and paneer butter masala. End your fiery meal with a cooling Gulabo Kulfi Falooda. Bon Barbecue offers an authentic Indian barbecue experience at affordable rates.

15. Altaf’s Cafe

This hole-in-the-wall eatery tucked in a Varanasi alley serves outstanding Mughlai snacks and sweets. Their phirni, shahi tukda and rich creamy kulfi are not to be missed. Try their kebabs like mutton shami, galawati and kakori which melt in the mouth. Wash it all down with a cup of piping hot Irani chai or falooda. For authentic local flavors, head straight to Altaf’s Cafe.

16. The Glass House Restaurant

Overlooking the Ganges River, Glass House offers fine dining in a striking glass structure. Their menu features the finest Awadhi cuisine, Mughlai delicacies, Continental fare and seafood. Signature dishes are nalli nihari, murgh makhani and Swiss fondue. Complement your meal with a glass of wine or one of their innovative cocktails. With amazing views and refined cuisine, Glass House is one of the best restaurants in Varanasi.

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 FAQs Related To Best Restaurants in Varanasi

Which are the top restaurants to try in Varanasi?
Some of the top restaurants in Varanasi are Canton Royale, Nice Restaurant, Wife on Leave, Great Kabab Factory, Varuna & Chowk at Taj Ganges, Bread of Life, Brown Bread Bakery, Behind Yellow Doors and Glass House.

What kind of cuisines can one find in Varanasi?
Varanasi offers a great variety of cuisines including North Indian delicacies like Mughlai, Awadhi, Punjabi, South Indian, Bengali, Marwari and Gujarati food. One can also find quality Chinese, Italian, Mediterranean, Bakery, Cafe and Continental fare.

Which are the best fine-dining restaurants in Varanasi?
For fine-dining, recommended options are Canton Royale, Varuna & Chowk at Taj Ganges, Itihaas Alley Kitchen, The Ashok, BrijRama Palace and The Glass House.

What are the top restaurants to try kebabs and grilled food?
Head to Great Kabab Factory, Bon Barbecue, Altaf’s Cafe and Tadka for amazing kebabs, tandoori dishes and grilled fare.

What are the best rooftop restaurants with a view?
Popular open-air rooftop restaurants are Wife on Leave, The Ashok, BrijRama Palace and Brown Bread Bakery. They offer lovely views of the Ghats or the Ganges River.

Which restaurants serve the best biryani in Varanasi?
Varuna at Taj Ganges, Itihaas Alley Kitchen, The Ashok and Tadka are renowned for their delicious Awadhi and Lucknowi biryanis.

What are the best cafes and bakeries in Varanasi?
Recommended cafes and bakeries are Brown Bread Bakery, Bread of Life, Behind Yellow Doors, Blue Lassi and Varanasi Café.

Which restaurants are ideal for a relaxed, affordable meal?
Nice Restaurant, Varanasi Café, Open Hand Café, Madhur Milan Cafe, Dosa Cafe and Haifa are great for easygoing, budget-friendly meals.

Are there restaurants that serve pure vegetarian fare?
Yes, Brown Bread Bakery, Open Hand Cafe, Dosa Cafe, Madhur Milan and Blue Lassi are purely vegetarian restaurants.

Which restaurants are open early for breakfast?
Behind Yellow Doors, Open Hand Cafe, Blue Lassi, Madhur Milan Cafe and Brown Bread Bakery open early and serve excellent breakfast.

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