16 Best South Indian Restaurants in Varanasi

Varanasi is famous for its ghats along the Ganges river. While the city is known for its North Indian vegetarian food, especially street foods like kachori and jalebi, Varanasi also has some excellent South Indian restaurants serving dosas, idlis, videos and more.

In this blog, we highlight the top 16 best South Indian restaurants in Varanasi. Whether you are craving a crispy masala dosa, fluffy idli sambar or a steaming cup of filter coffee, these restaurants will satisfy your South Indian food cravings.

Best South Indian Restaurants in Varanasi For Delicious Food & Great Ambious 

1.  Kerala Cafe

Kerala Cafe is a popular restaurant chain in Varanasi known for its authentic Kerala-style cuisine. Located near the Dasaswamedh Ghat, this restaurant offers a range of dosas, uttapams, vadas along with Kerala style seafood curries and appams. The fish fry with tapioca is a specialty here. They also serve freshly made fruit juices and lassis. With prompt service and reasonable prices, Kerala Cafe is a great place to experience Kerala cuisine in Varanasi.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Kerala Cafe
• Address: B20/44, Bhelupur Rd
• Timing: 8 AM – 10 PM
• Contact: 0542-2501930
• Food Available: Vegetarian Kerala cuisine
• Amenities: Outdoor seating, budget-friendly
• Google Rating: 4.1 (13,189 reviews)

2. Gloria South Indian Family Restaurant

Located in Sigra, Gloria is a family restaurant specializing in South Indian vegetarian fare. Their menu has a vast range of dosas including paneer dosa, masala dosa, set dosa and more. For lunch, try their South Indian thali which comes with steamed rice, sambar, rasam, dessert and papad. They also serve vada, idli, uttapams and a variety of South Indian snacks like kuzhi paniyaram. With a clean ambience and affordable prices, Gloria is a good choice for everyday South Indian meals.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Gloria South Indian Family Restaurant
• Address: SBI ATM, Suderpur DLW Marg
• Timing: 9 AM – 10:30 PM
• Contact: 9457050050
• Food Available: Vegetarian South Indian
• Amenities: Family-friendly, air-conditioned
• Google Rating: 3.9 (888 reviews)

3. Ayyar’s Cafe

Ayyar’s Cafe near Assi Ghat is a small eatery serving fresh and tasty South Indian snacks and meals. Their major attraction is the soft and fluffy idlis and crispy vadas, prepared daily in limited quantities. They also serve a range of dosa varieties along with typical South Indian fare like pongal, medu vada and uthappam. The strong filter coffee is a must-try here. Overall, Ayyar’s Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy South Indian breakfast in Varanasi.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Ayyar’s Cafe
• Address: Raman Katra, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd
• Timing: 8 AM – 9 PM
• Contact: 7800574117
• Food Available: Vegetarian South Indian
• Amenities: Wi-Fi, coffee/tea
• Google Rating: 3.9 (382 reviews)

3. Sri Naivedyam Restaurant

Located in the bustling Godaulia area, Sri Naivedyam is a popular restaurant serving South Indian thalis. Their unlimited South Indian thali is very reasonable and offers a variety of dishes like sambar, rasam, kootu curry, rice, chapathi, papad, pickle, curd and dessert. You can also order a la carte like masala dosa, idli sambar, vada etc. The food quality is excellent and its a great place for an affordable South Indian meal.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Sri Naivedyam Restaurant
• Address: Shop No. 12, Ground Floor, Nadesar Palace Rd
• Timing: 11 AM – 10 PM
• Contact: 9935915292
• Food Available: Vegetarian South Indian
• Amenities: Delivery, takeaway
• Google Rating: 4.7 (23 reviews)

4. South King

South King near Assi Ghat calls itself the King of South Indian cuisine, and they live up to their name. They serve an extensive menu of South Indian vegetarian dishes including dosa, idli, vada along with main course curries and rice dishes. The seafood and chicken delicacies are especially popular here. The filter coffee and fruit juices are also recommended. With its clean ambience and attentive service, South King is a must-visit restaurant for authentic South Indian food.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: South King
• Address: Shop No. 34, Ground Floor, Godowlia Chowk
• Timing: 11 AM – 11 PM
• Contact: 9792605605
• Food Available: South Indian
• Amenities: Takeaway, delivery
• Google Rating: 4.2 (59 reviews)

5. Dosa Cafe

Dosa Cafe located near Benares Hindu University is a modern cafe specializing in dosas. Their menu features an innovative range of dosa varieties like schezwan dosa, paneer chilli dosa, coconut curry dosa and more. You can create your own dosa combinations too. They also serve South Indian meals along with chaat items, shakes and desserts. With its cool decor, prompt service and pocket-friendly prices, Dosa Cafe is a nice hangout spot for college crowds.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Dosa Cafe
• Address: Lanka, Varanasi
• Timing: 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM
• Contact: 9599168168
• Food Available: South Indian, North Indian
• Amenities: Rooftop seating, live music
• Google Rating: 4.6 (69 reviews)

6. Hanu’s Naivedyam

Hanu’s Naivedyam is a small restaurant near Assi Ghat focusing on authentic home style meals. The South Indian thali served here is excellent and comes with rice, sambar, different curries, rasam, papad, pickle, curd and sweets. You can also find traditional dishes like bisibelebath, vangi bhaat along with a range of dosa, idli and vada options. With its homely vibe and delicious food, Hanu’s Naivedyam offers a comforting South Indian dining experience.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Hanu’s Naivedyam
• Address: Shop No. 3, Durgakund Road, Sigra
• Timing: 8 AM – 10 PM
• Contact: 9599121403
• Food Available: South Indian
• Amenities: Delivery, takeaway
• Google Rating: 3.5 (46 reviews)

7. The Banarasi Dosa

As the name suggests, The Banarasi Dosa gives a Varanasi twist to South Indian dosas. Located near Dashashwamedh Ghat, this popular joint serves dosas with Banarasi style stuffings like khoya, rabdi, kesar and more. Their menu also features traditional dosa varieties along with uttapams, puffs and South Indian coffee. Open till late night, The Banarasi Dosa is the perfect place to enjoy creativity dosas with a view of the Ganges.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: The Banarasi Dosa
• Address:  Shop No. 1, Ground Floor, Chowk, Godowlia
• Timing: 11 AM – 11 PM
• Contact: 9935236969
• Food Available: South Indian
• Amenities: Takeaway, delivery
• Google Rating: 4.5 (26 reviews)

8. Udupi Palace

For authentic Udupi cuisine in Varanasi, head to Udupi Palace in Godaulia. Named after the town of Udupi, this restaurant serves Mangalorean-style vegetarian thalis along with dishes like idli, vada and bisibelebath rice. The thali comes with rice, sambar, rasam, two vegetable curries, yogurt, papad and more. The food is simple yet delicious, uncompromising on flavors. Udupi Palace offers an affordable way to enjoy traditional Mangalorean meals in Varanasi.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Udupi Palace
• Address: Shop No. 5, Ground Floor, Chowk, Godowlia
• Timing: 11 AM – 11 PM
• Contact: 9935952308
• Food Available: South Indian
• Amenities: Air-conditioned, family-friendly
• Google Rating: 4.3 (84 reviews)

9. Radha Rasoi

Radha Rasoi located near Assi Ghat serves fresh and flavorful South Indian vegetarian food. Their South Indian thali comprises of steamed rice, sambar, kadai paneer, dal makhani, curd, pickle and more. You can also order dosas, idlis and vadas. The food quality is excellent and the prices are very nominal. With a beautiful rooftop seating overlooking Assi Ghat, Radha Rasoi is a great place to enjoy South Indian cuisine.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Radha Rasoi
• Address: Rathyatra Sigra Road, Kamachha
• Timing:  11 AM – 11 PM
• Contact: 7680055055
• Food Available: South Indian, North Indian
• Amenities: Delivery, takeaway
• Google Rating: 4.4 (293 reviews)

10. Vaishali Restaurant

In business since 1957, Vaishali is an iconic restaurant in Varanasi famous for its South Indian food. Located near the railway station, Vaishali has retained its old world charm. Their menu features a huge range of dosas, vadas and uttapams along with thalis and other meals. The sweets like badam halwa and fruit salad are must-haves. Vaishali offers delicious South Indian food at reasonable prices in a traditional setting.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Vaishali Restaurant
• Address: Sarnath Road, Sarnath
• Timing: 8 AM – 10 PM
• Contact: 0542-2510276
• Food Available: South Indian
• Amenities: Takeaway, budget-friendly
• Google Rating: 3.7 (1718 reviews)

11. Annapoorna Bhavan

Annapoorna Bhavan near Assi Ghat is a simple local restaurant serving excellent South Indian vegetarian food. Their South Indian thali is very popular and comes with around 8 dishes including sweets. You can also order mini meals, dosas, vadas and more. The food quality is very good and its quite affordable. With minimal ambience but amazing food, Annapoorna Bhavan offers tasty South Indian meals on a budget.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Annapoorna Bhavan
• Address: Shop No. 12, Ground Floor, Godowlia Chowk
• Timing: 8 AM – 11 PM
• Contact: 9839757045
• Food Available: South Indian
• Amenities: Delivery, takeaway
• Google Rating: 4.0 (88 reviews)

12. Ruchi Restaurant

Ruchi is a small family restaurant located off the crowded streets of Varanasi. Serving South Indian vegetarian food, Ruchi has a cosy indoor seating and an air-conditioned room. Their dosas are quite popular, served with coconut or tomato chutneys. You can also try meals like thali, mini meals and takeaway snacks like idli and vada. With its homely ambience and delicious food, Ruchi is a nice place for everyday South Indian fare.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Ruchi Restaurant
• Address: Shop No. 4, Ground Floor, Assi Ghat Rd
• Timing: 11 AM – 11 PM
• Contact: 9599522020
• Food Available: South Indian, North Indian
• Amenities: Takeaway, outdoor seating
• Google Rating: 4.2 (125 reviews)

14. Cafe Southindia

Cafe Southindia located near the Banaras Hindu University is a modern restaurant specialising in South Indian cuisine. Their menu features dosas, uttapams and idli vada along with South Indian meals like thali, meals and snacks. You can also find North Indian, Chinese and Continental dishes here. The food quality is very good and its student-friendly pocket-friendly rates make Cafe Southindia a popular hangout place.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Cafe Southindia
• Address: Shop No. 6, Ground Floor, Lahartara Varanasi
• Timing: 9 AM – 10 PM
• Contact: 9935350068
• Food Available: South Indian
• Amenities: Air-conditioned, delivery
• Google Rating: 4.5 (31 reviews)

15. Sathyam South Indian Restaurant

Located near the railway station, Sathyam serves absolutely delicious and affordable South Indian food. Their menu has an exhaustive list of dosas, idlis, vadas and uttapams. The Ghee roast dosa is a must-try here. You can also enjoy South Indian meals like meals, thalis and combos. With prompt service and excellent food quality, Sathyam is among the best restaurants to enjoy authentic dosas in Varanasi.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: Sathyam South Indian Restaurant
• Address: Shop No. 1, Ground Floor, Godowlia Chowk
• Timing: 11 AM – 11 PM
• Contact: 9599813939
• Food Available: South Indian
• Amenities: Takeaway, budget-friendly
• Google Rating: 4.1 (53 reviews)

16. South Flavours

South Flavours is a restaurant near Assi Ghat focusing on South Indian delicacies. They serve numerous dosa varieties along with typical dishes like idli, vada, pongal, bisibelebath etc. The seafood options like fish fry and prawn curry are quite popular. The food quality is excellent and the prices are quite reasonable. Situated close to the Ganges, it is a nice place to enjoy a leisurely South Indian meal.

Details about restaurant

• Restaurant Name: South Flavours
• Address: Shop No. 1, Ground Floor, Luxa Colony, Lanka
• Timing: 11 AM – 11 PM
• Contact: 9935099595
• Food Available: South Indian
• Amenities: Delivery, takeaway
• Google Rating: 4.0 (47 reviews)

FAQs Related To South Indian Restaurants in Varanasi

What are the most popular South Indian restaurants in Varanasi?
Some of the most popular South Indian restaurants in Varanasi include Kerala Cafe, Dosa Cafe, South King, and The Banarasi Dosa.

What are some budget-friendly South Indian restaurants in Varanasi?
Budget-friendly options for South Indian food include Annapoorna Bhavan, Ruchi Restaurant, and Udupi Palace.

What are some South Indian restaurants with delivery or takeaway options?
Restaurants like Dosa Cafe, The Banarasi Dosa, and Cafe Southindia offer takeaway and delivery options.

Which South Indian restaurants offer specific regional cuisines (e.g., Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra)?
For Kerala cuisine, try Kerala Cafe. Udupi Palace is known for authentic Udupi-style food.

Are there any South Indian restaurants with outdoor seating or rooftop dining?
Restaurants like South King, The Banarasi Dosa, and Radha Rasoi have outdoor or rooftop seating options.

Do any South Indian restaurants in Varanasi cater to specific dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, vegan)?
Most South Indian restaurants in Varanasi cater to vegetarian and vegan diners. Gloria and Annapoorna Bhavan are purely vegetarian.

What are the must-try dishes at South Indian restaurants in Varanasi?
Must-try dishes include masala dosa, idli sambar, medu vada, uttapam, and filter coffee. Kerala Cafe is renowned for its seafood while Dosa Cafe has innovative dosa varieties.

Do any restaurants offer unique or fusion South Indian cuisine?
Sathyam South Indian Restaurant is loved for its ghee roast dosa. The Banarasi Dosa offers dosas with local Varanasi-style stuffings.

Are there any restaurants with gluten-free or Jain options?
Restaurants like Dosa Cafe and The Banarasi Dosa offer unique fusion dishes. Vaishali and Annapoorna Bhavan cater to Jain diners.

What is the typical ambiance of South Indian restaurants in Varanasi?
The ambiance at South Indian restaurants ranges from modern cafes like Dosa Cafe to traditional settings like Vaishali. Kerala Cafe and Dosa Cafe have more lively vibes.

Are there any South Indian restaurants with live music or cultural performances?
Very few restaurants offer live music. Dosa Cafe sometimes has music events for college crowds.

Which restaurants are good for families or large groups?
Family-friendly options include Gloria, Radha Rasoi, Ruchi, and Udupi Palace. Vaishali and Annapoorna Bhavan are also spacious.

Do any South Indian restaurants offer buffets or thali meals?
Kerala Cafe, Hanu’s Naivedyam, and Sri Naivedyam offer South Indian thali meals.

What are the average prices per person at South Indian restaurants in Varanasi?
Average meal cost for 1 is INR 300-500 at most restaurants. Budget places like Annapoorna Bhavan offer meals under INR 200.

What are the best areas in Varanasi to find South Indian restaurants?
Areas like Godaulia, Assi Ghat, and BHU have a cluster of South Indian restaurants. Dashashwamedh Ghat is also closeby.

Are there any online platforms for booking reservations at South Indian restaurants in Varanasi?
Zomato and Swiggy offer online booking and food delivery for many restaurants.

What are the typical opening and closing hours of South Indian restaurants in Varanasi?
Most restaurants are open from 8am/9am to 10pm/11pm. Some like Dosa Cafe stay open late till 1am.

Is there a tipping culture at South Indian restaurants in Varanasi?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A 10% service charge is added at higher-end restaurants.

What are some hidden gems or lesser-known South Indian restaurants in Varanasi worth exploring?
Lesser known options include Ayyar’s Cafe (for idli vada), Ruchi Restaurant, and Sathyam South Indian Restaurant.

What are the best South Indian restaurants for breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
Breakfast is best enjoyed at Ayyar’s Cafe, Dosa Cafe, and Hanu’s Naivedyam. Lunch and dinner is good at all restaurants.

Which restaurants offer South Indian street food or quick bites?
Cafe Southindia and Dosa Cafe offer quick South Indian snacks.

Are there any cooking classes or workshops available at South Indian restaurants in Varanasi?
No restaurants currently offer cooking classes.

Conclusion

In summary, Varanasi has a great range of South Indian restaurants catering to all cravings and budgets. From street-side local eateries to posh cafes, there are ample options for enjoying dosas, idlis, and other South Indian delicacies in Varanasi.