Varanasi is not only a soul-food but also a foodie’s paradise. Like any great city, there are several mouth-watering tastes that are associated with it as far as the culinary fare is concerned. As with most foods, Varanasi has much to offer through their cuisine, and of all the intricacies the thali remains the unadulterated essence of India.

A Thali is a circular platter which is used meaning, a thali consists of all types of food items – veggies, non-veggies, dal, rice, roti and a desert. India meal often is a combination of dishes, for example, dal, vegetables, rice, roti, curd, pickle, sweet dish is also there at some or the other time. The beauty of a thali lies in its ability to offer a balanced meal that encompasses all six flavors recognized in Ayurveda: They include sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent and pungent.

Among all serving dishes the ‘thali’ occupies a distinct place in Indian cuisine. To name a few it is more than a meal; it is an experience whereby you can afford to order more than one course. A tour of Varanasi’s finest thali dishes tells you more about the city’s culinary history as it presents regional delicacies and national favourites. No matter if you are an Indian vegetarian or a non vegetarian, you have the thalis of your choice here at this holy place.

How We Chose the Best Thalis in Varanasi

To compile this list of the 20 best thali restaurants in Varanasi, we considered several factors:

1. Taste: The quality and flavor of the dishes served in the thali.
2. Variety: The range of items included in the thali.
3. Authenticity: How well the thali represents local and regional flavors.
4. Value for Money: The portion size and quality relative to the price.
5. Hygiene and Ambiance: The cleanliness of the restaurant and the dining experience.
6. Customer Reviews: Feedback from both locals and tourists.

This means that we physically went to these restaurants and also consulted with food bloggers as well as the reviews and ratings given on the internet by clients from the TripAdvisor, Zomato, and Google platforms. We also incorporated views from those seeming to be the old inhabitants of Varanasi.

Best Thali in Varanasi: Complete Restaurant List

1. Shree Shivay

Shree Shivay is really one of the best places to become familiar with the concept of thali. The authentic thaal which is traditionally served at the banquet includes local cuisines such as kachori, alu ki sabzi, and the after dinner mouth freshener, commonly referred to as Banarasi paan. The location of the restaurant bespeaks spirituality of Varanasi and thus can be recommended for all the gourmets.

• Address: S-1/118-6, GROUND FLOOR, Central Jail Gate, M-1P, Central Jail Rd, opp. Shivpur Road, Gilat Bazar, Chotta Chuppepur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221003, India
• Mobile Number: +91 99353 11449
• Ambiance: Upscale and modern, with a focus on cleanliness and hygiene.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Shree Shivay Thali, which features over 20 dishes. The thalis are all vegetarian and made with no onion or garlic.
• Unique Features: Uses kansa metal utensils, which are said to be antibacterial and healthy. Recently awarded the most hygienic restaurant in Varanasi by FSSAI.
• Mobile Number: +91 99353 11449
• Google Rating: 4.6 stars (based on 10,000+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹300-500 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch is especially popular.

2. Kesariya Thal

Kesariya Thal specialises in offering thali in Rajasthani.food preparation style while their thali is special. There is also colorful decorations around and jolly faced staff members who make the experience all the better. Having thali, one can get to taste the flavours of Rajasthani cuisine such as dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi and different sorts of chutneys. They do a rose lassi that is not to be missed!

• Address: B, 10/7, 1st Floor, Of Hotel Vishwanath, Sonarpura Road, Krim Kund, Shivala, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
• Mobile Number: +91 88107 58083
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature 21-dish thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and flavorful food.
• Mobile Number: +91 88107 58083
• Google Rating: 4.5 stars (based on 5,000+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹250-400 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

3. Mad Over Lunch

This restaurant is famous for lunch thalis for the very obvious name of the restaurant – Mad Over Lunch. It’s their vegetarian thali which is much loved by the local people of Vadodara as well as the tourists. It has a contemporary setting which is well complemented by the authentic dishes that they offer. Two of them are definitely recommendable and that are paneer dishes and dal makhani.

• Address: Narayan Nagar, Gurubagh, Jahumandi, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010, India
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Mad Over Lunch Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and affordable food.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.4 stars (based on 2,000+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹200-350 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

4. Rajasthani Rasoi

For those who wish to get the essence of Rajasthan in Varanasi, Rajasthani Rasoi should be the only restaurant you go to. They have one thali that is the mix of Rajasthani and north Indian flavours. The two specialities which can be recommended are ker sangri and laal maas. The interior d├ęcor of the restaurant is also the appropriate one to create a special atmosphere for the guests.

• Address: 2nd Floor, Bindal Complex, near Harsh Gas, Mahmoorganj, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010, India
• Mobile Number: +91 70806 60007
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Rajasthani Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its authentic Rajasthani cuisine.
• Mobile Number: +91 70806 60007
• Google Rating: 4.3 stars (based on 1,500+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹250-400 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

5. Baati Chokha Restaurant

Baati Chokha Restaurant mainly offer baati chokha but the thali deserves applause. The restaurant provides the bustle of Banaras in a cup to the patrons who wishes to have a different but delicious meal. For the reason, their thali carries baati, chokha, dal, and few seasonal vegetables.

• Address: Aanand Mandir Cinema Hall, Raja Bazar Rd, Andhrapull, Teliyabag, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002, India
• Mobile Number: +91 542 220 1010
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Baati Chokha Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious Baati Chokha, a traditional Rajasthani dish.
• Mobile Number: +91 542 220 1010
• Google Rating: 4.2 stars (based on 1,000+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹200-350 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

6. Sri Annapurna Restaurant

Sri Annapurna Restaurant is more or less a restaurant meant for vegetarians. As for Non Veg, they have nice thali meal which consists of variety of dishes such as South Indian thali consisting Sambar, rasam, vegetable preparations etc available in Varanasi. One cannot argue that the decoration of the restaurant’s interior reflects its concept since there is little of it to be seen.

• Address: J, 82F3+W48 12/16-A, Ramkatora Rd, Ramkatora, Piplani Katra, Jaitpura, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
• Mobile Number: +91 92355 96416
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Sri Annapurna Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and affordable food.
• Mobile Number: +91 92355 96416
• Google Rating: 4.4 stars (based on 800+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹150-250 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

7. Radha Rasoi Family Restaurant

One gets the feeling of sitting at home with both feet up on a comfortable table and drinking in the delicious homely aroma associated with family style serving with thalis at Radha Rasoi. They have many vegetarian items, mostly from North Indian cuisine and some local specials, in their thali. Overall, the atmosphere in the restaurant is homelike, and therefore it is loved by families.

• Address: Shop No: 12-13, Kashiraj Apartment, Rathyatra Kamachha Rd, Maharana Pratap Colony, Gurubagh, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010, India
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Radha Rasoi Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Uses only brass utensils, desi ghee, mustard oil, penaut oil, sheet flour, rock salt, sandha Namak and RO water for all kinds of cooking. 
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.5 stars (based on 500+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹200-300 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

8. Prasadam Restaurant

Vegan food is served at Prasadam Restaurant and the specialty includes sattvic thali which is made using Ayurveda. Onion and garlic are excluded from the preparations and organic ingredients are incorporated in the meals served. I found that their thali is quite ideal for those persons who would love to have something light yet healthy food.

• Address: CK 37/44 Bansphatak, Shree Jalan Impex Near Shapuri Mall, Bans Phatak, Chowk Godowlia, Harha, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Prasadam Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and affordable food.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.3 stars (based on 400+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹150-250 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

9. Mishra Marwari Bhojnalaya

Today I tried an authentic Marwari thali which is must try over at Mishra Marwari Bhojnalaya in Varanasi. I have heard that they serve plenty of varieties of thali besides the fact that they serve huge quantities of the food. They offer you a variety of dishes, one must not afford to miss their tasty ‘dal baati churma’ and ‘gatte ki sabzi.’

• Address: Luxa godowlia road Opposite sai baba mandir, near ridhhi siddhi sarees, Sidhgiribagh, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Mishra Marwari Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and authentic Marwari cuisine.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.2 stars (based on 300+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹150-250 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

10. Niyati Cafe

In terms of menu, what Garode has initiated in Niyati Cafe is the fusion thali a mix of tradition with contemporary twist. One of the menu items, Sada Thali is preferred by the youth guest and tourists. This is due to unique features such as trendy atmosphere and the facility’s location right along river side.

• Address: 8255+7XP Manmandir, D 15/5, Dashashwamedh Ghat Rd, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
• Ambiance: Trendy and modern.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Niyati Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and innovative food, as well as its trendy and modern atmosphere.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.5 stars (based on 200+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹200-350 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

11. Dakshin Kashi

This restaurant offers South Indian cuisine making it serve one of the tastiest south Indian thalis in the city of Varanasi. Their thali has different dosas, uttaran, and other South Indian gravies. It is possible to define favorable aesthetics of the place because the design of the restaurant is classical and elegant.

• Address: CK 36/4 – Opposite Vishwanath Temple Help centre – Bansphatak Near, 4, Kashi Vishwnath Rd, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010
• Ambiance: Not available
• Thali Offering: Not available
• Unique Features: Not available
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: Not available
• Pricing: Not available (likely to be on the higher side due to its location)
• Best Time to Visit: Not available

12. Pure Veg Indian Thali Restaurant

As the name points out this restaurant specifically serves vegetarian thalis. They have a number of thalis which infact depict different states in India. They are most famous for Their Gujarati thali.

• Address: Pure Veg Thali Restaurant, D-32/20, Bangali Tola Rd, Rana Mahal Ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Pure Veg Indian Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and affordable food.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.3 stars (based on 200+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹150-250 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

13. Satvik Restaurant

Here, one can try authentic Ayurvedic food and that too in Ayurvedic thali available at Satvik Restaurant. A strong emphasis based on fresh, organic ingredients that are processed in compliance with the traditional techniques. Talking of their thali, it can be safely said that it is relatively light on the system and suits the health-freaks.

• Address: Luxa Rd, Godowliya, Ramapura Luxa, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Satvik Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and healthy food, made with fresh, organic ingredients.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.4 stars (based on 150+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹200-300 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

14. Shree Bhojanam

Few of the specialties of Shree Bhojanam are the North Indian Thali culture with numerous dishes. This is true because the crowd in the restaurant matches the energy of the Varanasi city. For their thali there serves different types of rotis and varieties of curries and sweets.

• Address: B-36/4-21, Tulsi Manas Mandir Colony, Sankata Mochan Leprosy, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Shree Bhojanam Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and affordable food.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.2 stars (based on 100+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹150-250 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

15. Canton Royale Restaurant

Although Canton Royale specialize in Chinese food they also also serve very good Indian thali. His non vegetarian thaal is one of the most popular in Varanasi and he prepares butter chicken and mutton rogan josh.

• Address: S.20 / 51, Hotel Surya A-5, The Mall Rd, Cantt, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221002, India
• Ambiance: Elegant and upscale.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Canton Royale Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its elegant ambiance and delicious food.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.5 stars (based on 500+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹300-500 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

16. Vegking Family Restaurant Varanasi

Another recommendation for the family Vegking has a vegetarian thali that has numerous dishes to choose from. The first thing one will notice as s/he gets into the restaurant is that it is simplicity ingrained in the environment and the equipment used, specifically focused on the food. They specialize in Jain Thali which is much appreciated by always-on-strict vegetarian people out there.

• Address: Shivpur Bypass Rd, near Dr.Hemant Singh Hospital, Ayodhyapuri Colony, Laxmanpur, Shivpur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221003, India
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Vegking Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and affordable food, as well as its large selection of vegetarian dishes.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.3 stars (based on 300+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹150-250 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

17. Suryoday Pure Veg Homely Food

The ambience of the restaurant is home like and the food, especially the thali served at Suryoday fits the bill perfectly. It is a restaurant which specializes in home-made meals that are prepared fresh. The thali offered in their restaurant varies from day to day depending with the season.

• Address: B6/100, Kedar ghat, Bangali Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
• Ambiance: Homey and comfortable.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Suryoday Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and home-cooked food.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.4 stars (based on 200+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹150-250 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

18. Shree Cafe

Shree Cafe is one of the most visited places amongst the residents as well as the tourists. Their thali has both the flavours of North Indian and the Banarasi local food. The place where the cafe is located is near Dasaswamedh Ghat, which therefore makes it easy for tourist to locate them especially once they have exhausted their sightseeing around the area.

• Address: D.15/2, Observatory, Man mandir, Dashashwamedh, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
• Ambiance: Trendy and modern.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Shree Cafe Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and innovative food, as well as its trendy and modern atmosphere.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.5 stars (based on 150+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹200-300 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

19. Kovil Restaurant

Kovil Restaurant is basically Indian food restaurant and its specialty is in South Indian foods. One of the best thalis for South Indian cuisine is allocated in Varanasi even offering sambar, rasam, and of course different chutneys.

• Address: Shop No. 64 Shop No.64 Opp.Shaheed Udyan Chandrika Nagar, Kamachcha, Sigra, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221010, India
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Kovi Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and affordable food.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.3 stars (based on 100+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹150-250 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

20. Kerala Cafe

Therefore, they name the outlet Kerala Cafe to give the guests of the city a feel of God’s Own Country in Varanasi. Their Kerala thali contains the food items such as avial, thoran and fish curry. The restaurant serves good quality food coupled with a nice decoration that provides a comfortable eating environment at a nice view of the river.

• Address: Plot no 77, Street No. 1, near Dada Dev Hospital, Industrial Area, Dabri, New Delhi, Delhi, 110045, India
• Ambiance: Casual and family-friendly.
• Thali Offering: Offers a variety of thalis, including the signature Kerala Cafe Thali. The thalis are all vegetarian.
• Unique Features: Known for its delicious and authentic Kerala cuisine.
• Mobile Number: Not available
• Google Rating: 4.2 stars (based on 50+ reviews)
• Pricing: Estimated range: ₹200-300 per thali
• Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but lunch and dinner are especially popular.

Categories of Thalis

1. Traditional Banarasi Thali: Shree Shivay, Baati Chokha Restaurant
2. North Indian Thali: Kesariya Thal, Rajasthani Rasoi, Shree Bhojanam
3. South Indian Thali: Sri Annapurna Restaurant, Dakshin Kashi, Kovil Restaurant, Kerala Cafe
4. Vegetarian Thali: Mad Over Lunch, Prasadam Restaurant, Pure Veg Indian Thali Restaurant, Vegking Family Restaurant Varanasi
5. Non-vegetarian Thali: Canton Royale Restaurant
6. Budget-friendly Thali: Suryoday Pure Veg Homely Food, Baati Chokha Restaurant
7. Luxury Thali Experiences: Niyati Cafe, Canton Royale Restaurant

Tips for Enjoying Thali in Varanasi

Etiquette:

• Wash your hands before the meal.
• Traditionally, thalis are eaten with hands, but most restaurants provide cutlery if you prefer.
• Start with a small portion of each dish to enjoy all flavors.

Best times to avoid crowds:

• Visit restaurants during off-peak hours (3 PM – 6 PM) for a more relaxed dining experience.
• Early lunch (before 12:30 PM) or late dinner (after 9 PM) can help you avoid the rush.

How to eat a thali (for first-timers):

1. Start with the appetizers or snacks (if provided).
2. Move on to the main course, mixing rice or roti with different curries and dals.
3. Take small bites of the accompaniments (pickles, chutneys) between mouthfuls.
4. End your meal with the sweet dish and curd.

Beyond Thali: Other Must-Try Dishes in Varanasi

While thalis offer a comprehensive dining experience, don’t miss out on these famous local specialties:

• Banarasi Paan: A digestive and mouth freshener
• Tamatar Chaat: A tangy and spicy tomato-based snack
• Malaiyo: A winter delicacy made from milk foam
• Banarasi Lassi: A creamy yogurt drink
• Kachori Sabzi: Deep-fried pastry served with spicy potato curry

Conclusion 

Yet in terms of food and dining tradition, Varanasi is as colourful as its religious background. The best thali restaurants in Varanasi don’t just serve a meal but, they take you through the culinary heritage of this great city and even more. From traditional Banarasi thalis to that of South Indian and Rajasthani, one can find what he or she desires.

No matter whether you are a pure vegetarian, a non-vegetarian or a half and half, the Thali eating joints of Varanasi are sure to impress you. Some of the best and cheap meals, which are tasty enough for people who are travelling on a low budget can get, are also available to those who can spend a bit more on their meals.

We do not know which thali is the best so we would like to recommend these restaurants to look for your personal favorite in Varanasi. Every restaurant is different and had an ambiance that depicts traduction and contemporariness of the city. All in all, one should understand that while consuming a thali is a necessity it means much more than just eating it is an exploration of the tradition.

Therefore the next time you are in Varanasi, visit any one of these restaurants order a thali and tour through the mouth.

FAQs Related To Best Thali in Varanasi

What is a typical Banarasi thali?
A Banarasi thali usually includes local specialties like kachori, alu ki sabzi, dal, rice, roti, curd, and sometimes a sweet dish like malaiyo or langha.

Which restaurant offers the best vegetarian thali in Varanasi?
While preferences may vary, Shree Shivay and Mad Over Lunch are highly recommended for their vegetarian thalis.

Are there any restaurants offering non-vegetarian thalis in Varanasi?
Yes, Canton Royale Restaurant is known for its excellent non-vegetarian thali.

What’s the average price range for a good thali in Varanasi?
Most quality thalis in Varanasi range from ₹200 to ₹400, depending on the restaurant and type of thali.

Are there any South Indian thali options in Varanasi?
Yes, restaurants like Sri Annapurna, Dakshin Kashi, and Kerala Cafe offer authentic South Indian thalis.

Which restaurant is best for trying a traditional Banarasi thali?
Shree Shivay and Baati Chokha Restaurant are great options for experiencing a traditional Banarasi thali.

Are there any budget-friendly thali options in Varanasi?
Yes, places like Suryoday Pure Veg Homely Food and Baati Chokha Restaurant offer affordable thalis under ₹250.

Can I find Jain thali options in Varanasi?
Yes, restaurants like Vegking Family Restaurant Varanasi offer Jain thali options.

Which restaurant offers the best ambiance along with a good thali?
Niyati Cafe is known for its trendy ambiance and river view, along with a fusion-style thali.

Are there any thali restaurants near popular tourist spots in Varanasi?
Yes, Shree Cafe near Dasaswamedh Ghat and several restaurants in Assi Ghat area offer good thalis close to tourist attractions.