20 Best Thali in Varanasi: Complete Restaurant List

thali restaurants in Varanasi
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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.

Best Thali in Varanasi: Complete Restaurant List

1. Shree Shivay

  • 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

  • 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

It has a contemporary setting which is well complemented by the authentic dishes that they offer.

  • 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

They have one thali that is the mix of Rajasthani and north Indian flavours.

  • 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

The restaurant provides the bustle of Banaras in a cup to the patrons who wishes to have a different but delicious meal.

  • 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

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.

  • 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.

  • 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

I have heard that they serve plenty of varieties of thali besides the fact that they serve huge quantities of the food.

  • 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

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

Their thali has different dosas, uttaran, and other South Indian gravies.

  • 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

They have a number of thalis which infact depict different states in India.

  • 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

A strong emphasis based on fresh, organic ingredients that are processed in compliance with the traditional techniques.

  • 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

This is true because the crowd in the restaurant matches the energy of the Varanasi city.

  • 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

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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

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.

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.

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