Varanasi is famous for its temples, ghats and spiritual traditions, but the city also has a diverse food scene. From traditional North Indian thalis and Banarasi specialities to Italian cafés, South Indian meals and rooftop dining, there are plenty of restaurants to explore.
Whether you are visiting the city with family, looking for a vegetarian restaurant near the ghats or planning a relaxed dinner with friends, choosing the right place can make your trip more enjoyable.
In this guide, we cover some of the best restaurants in Varanasi, including their cuisine, neighbourhood, approximate price range and useful information to help you decide where to eat.
Price note: The prices below are indicative estimates per person, not guaranteed menu prices. Your bill will depend on your order, portion size, taxes and any applicable offers. Confirm current menus, opening hours and availability before visiting.
1. Desi Mandapam Baati Chokha Restaurant
Best for: Traditional North Indian food and regional-style meals
Desi Mandapam Baati Chokha is a good option for visitors who want to try a traditional Indian meal in a restaurant setting. Baati chokha is associated with the wider Bhojpuri food culture and features baked wheat baati served with chokha, a preparation commonly made with roasted vegetables.
The restaurant is situated on Sankat Mochan Road, near the Kewaldham Petrol Pump area. Its location makes it worth considering when exploring the southern part of Varanasi.
- Cuisine: North Indian, baati chokha and traditional-style meals
- Location: Sankat Mochan Road, near Kewaldham Petrol Pump, Tulsi Manas Mandir Colony
- Approximate budget: ₹200–₹400 per person
- Useful information: A suitable choice for travellers interested in traditional regional flavours. Confirm the current menu and availability before visiting.
2. Sagar Ratna – BHU Lanka
Best for: Vegetarian food and South Indian favourites
Sagar Ratna is a vegetarian restaurant option in the Lanka area, close to the Banaras Hindu University side of the city. It is worth considering if you prefer familiar vegetarian meals or want an alternative to traditional North Indian food.
Depending on the current menu, you can look for South Indian favourites such as dosa and idli, along with other vegetarian dishes. It can be a practical stop for students, families and visitors exploring the Lanka neighbourhood.
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, South Indian and other Indian dishes
- Location: Swastik Plaza, BHU Road, near Ravidas Gate, Lanka
- Approximate budget: ₹200–₹500 per person
- Useful information: Check the current menu for available dishes and prices. The restaurant is in a busy area, so allow time for local traffic.
3. Kesariya Thal
Best for: Indian thalis and a filling meal
If you want a complete Indian meal rather than ordering several individual dishes, Kesariya Thal is worth considering. Thali restaurants typically serve a selection of dishes together, allowing diners to enjoy different flavours in one meal.
This restaurant is located in the Shivala area, making it an option for visitors exploring southern Varanasi and the neighbourhoods around the riverfront.
- Cuisine: North Indian and thali-style meals
- Location: First floor, Hotel Vishwanath, Sonarpura Road, near Krim Kund, Shivala
- Approximate budget: ₹250–₹500 per person
- Useful information: Ask about the available thali options, serving size and whether the meal is unlimited before ordering.
4. 1916 Cafe & Restaurant
Best for: Casual dining with Indian and Asian options
1916 Cafe & Restaurant is located inside Hotel Ganesha Palace, opposite Girja Ghar Chauraha in the Godowlia area. Its central location makes it a useful option for visitors exploring the old city and nearby markets.
The restaurant serves Indian and Asian food. It may suit groups where different diners want a choice of meals rather than a single regional cuisine.
- Cuisine: Indian and Asian
- Location: Hotel Ganesha Palace, opposite Girja Ghar Chauraha, Godowlia
- Approximate budget: ₹400–₹1,000 per person
- Useful information: Consider it for lunch or dinner while sightseeing in the old city. Check current prices and travel time, particularly during busy hours.
5. Roma’s Cafe Diner
Best for: Café-style meals and relaxed dining
Roma’s Cafe Diner is situated near Ravidas Gate in Lanka. The area is popular with students and visitors, and the restaurant offers an alternative to traditional Indian dining.
It is worth considering if you want a casual place to sit down for a meal with friends or family. Before visiting, check the current menu to see which dishes suit your preferences.
- Cuisine: Café-style and multi-cuisine dining
- Location: 24, second floor, near Ravidas Gate, Lanka
- Approximate budget: ₹250–₹600 per person
- Useful information: A convenient option around the Lanka area. Check current opening hours and menu prices before travelling.
6. Kriva – Cafe & Fine Dining
Best for: Vegetarian café dining
Kriva is a vegetarian restaurant on the Assi–Lanka Road, in the Anandbagh area of Bhelupur. It is a useful option for visitors who want a sit-down meal in the southern part of the city.
The café and fine-dining positioning makes it worth exploring for a meal that feels different from a quick street-food stop. Check the menu for current vegetarian dishes, drinks and meal options.
- Cuisine: Vegetarian and café-style dining
- Location: B 1/4, Assi–Lanka Road, Anandbagh, Bhelupur
- Approximate budget: ₹300–₹700 per person
- Useful information: Consider this restaurant when exploring the Assi area. Confirm current menu details and whether reservations are needed for your preferred time.
7. Chotiwala Banaras
Best for: Vegetarian family dining
Chotiwala Banaras is a pure vegetarian restaurant in the Gurudham area, near Durgakund Road. It is worth considering for families and travellers who prefer vegetarian meals.
Its location makes it convenient to combine a meal with visits to attractions around Durgakund and southern Varanasi.
- Cuisine: Vegetarian Indian food
- Location: Gurudham, Durgakund Road, Anandbagh, Bhelupur
- Approximate budget: ₹250–₹600 per person
- Useful information: Confirm the current menu and any special meal options before visiting. It may be a practical choice for a family lunch or dinner.
8. La Casa Family Restaurant
Best for: Dining near the old-city ghats
La Casa Family Restaurant is located near Meer Ghat and Dashashwamedh in the Lahori Tola area. Its location is useful for visitors who want to eat while exploring the old city and the riverfront.
Because the lanes around the ghats can be narrow and crowded, it is worth checking the walking route and allowing enough time to reach the restaurant.
- Cuisine: Family dining and multi-cuisine options; confirm the current menu
- Location: D 3/75, Meer Ghat, Dashashwamedh area, Lahori Tola
- Approximate budget: ₹250–₹600 per person
- Useful information: A location to consider during an old-city sightseeing day. Check access, current opening hours and menu availability before visiting.
9. Shree Shivay Thali Dining
Best for: A full Indian thali meal
Shree Shivay Thali Dining is located on Central Jail Road in the Gilat Bazar area. It is worth considering if you are looking for a dedicated thali-style dining experience away from the busiest old-city lanes.
A thali can be a convenient way to sample several dishes in one sitting. Ask about the day’s menu, portion sizes and whether additional servings cost extra.
- Cuisine: Indian and thali-style dining
- Location: Central Jail Road, opposite the Shivpur–Phulwaria Road area, Gilat Bazar
- Approximate budget: ₹300–₹500 per person
- Useful information: The restaurant is in the wider Gilat Bazar area, so plan your journey according to your sightseeing route.
10. Paayas Restaurant
Best for: Indian meals and a convenient city location
Paayas Restaurant is located on Luxa Road, near the police station. Its central location makes it an option for visitors travelling between different parts of the city.
It serves North Indian food, making it worth considering for a familiar Indian meal. Check the current menu for vegetarian choices and any dishes you particularly want to try.
- Cuisine: North Indian
- Location: D46/13-1, Luxa Road, near the police station, Varanasi
- Approximate budget: ₹200–₹500 per person
- Useful information: A practical option for lunch or dinner around the Luxa area. Confirm the latest prices and opening hours before visiting.
11. Kimmo’s Kitchen
Best for: Casual dining in the Sigra area
Kimmo’s Kitchen is located on Fatman Road in the Kashi Vidyapith area of Sigra. It is worth considering if you are staying in or travelling through this part of Varanasi.
The restaurant is listed as an Indian restaurant. Check the latest menu to see which dishes and meal combinations are available during your visit.
- Cuisine: Indian
- Location: Fatman Road, Kashi Vidyapith, Sigra
- Approximate budget: ₹300–₹700 per person
- Useful information: Useful for visitors staying around Sigra. Check current opening hours and the menu before setting out.
12. Charcoal Fine Dining
Best for: A more upscale dining experience
Charcoal Fine Dining is situated on Sigra–Mahmoorganj Road, near Sarin Inn Hotel. It is an option for visitors who prefer a more formal restaurant setting rather than a quick meal or street-food stop.
If you are planning a dinner with family or friends, check the current menu, seating arrangements and total expected bill before deciding.
- Cuisine: Fine dining; check the current menu for cuisine details
- Location: 14, Sigra–Mahmoorganj Road, near Sarin Inn Hotel, Sigra
- Approximate budget: ₹500–₹1,000+ per person
- Useful information: Consider confirming availability and any reservation requirements before visiting during busy dinner hours.
13. The Four Level Rooftop Dining
Best for: Rooftop dining in the Durgakund area
The Four Level Rooftop Dining is located near Anand Park in the Durgakund area of Bhelupur. It may appeal to diners who prefer a rooftop setting for a meal with friends or family.
Rooftop experiences can vary with the weather, seating and time of day, so check what is available before visiting.
- Cuisine: Multi-course or fine-dining-style restaurant; confirm the current menu
- Location: In front of Anand Park, Durgakund, Anandbagh, Bhelupur
- Approximate budget: ₹400–₹900 per person
- Useful information: Ask whether outdoor rooftop seating is available at your preferred time and whether a reservation is recommended.
14. Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe
Best for: Pizza and café dining near Assi Ghat
Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe is a well-known option for visitors looking for pizza and casual café dining in Varanasi. Its Nadesar listing may be useful for travellers staying in that part of the city, so confirm the exact outlet location before travelling.
If pizza is what you are looking for after a day of sightseeing, check the current menu for available toppings, vegetarian options and other café dishes.
- Cuisine: Italian-style pizza, desserts and beverages
- Location: Verify the current outlet address before visiting
- Approximate budget: ₹400–₹800 per person
- Useful information: Confirm the exact branch, menu and opening hours. Online restaurant listings can sometimes display different outlets or location details.
Best Restaurants in Varanasi at a Glance
| Restaurant | Best for | Area | Approx. budget per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desi Mandapam Baati Chokha | Traditional-style food | Sankat Mochan Road | ₹200–₹400 |
| Sagar Ratna | Vegetarian and South Indian | Lanka, near Ravidas Gate | ₹200–₹500 |
| Kesariya Thal | Thali meals | Shivala | ₹250–₹500 |
| 1916 Cafe & Restaurant | Indian and Asian | Godowlia | ₹400–₹1,000 |
| Roma’s Cafe Diner | Casual café dining | Lanka | ₹250–₹600 |
| Kriva | Vegetarian café dining | Assi–Lanka Road | ₹300–₹700 |
| Chotiwala Banaras | Vegetarian family meals | Durgakund Road | ₹250–₹600 |
| La Casa Family Restaurant | Dining near the ghats | Meer Ghat area | ₹250–₹600 |
| Shree Shivay Thali Dining | Thali meals | Gilat Bazar | ₹300–₹500 |
| Paayas Restaurant | North Indian food | Luxa Road | ₹200–₹500 |
| Kimmo’s Kitchen | Casual Indian dining | Sigra | ₹300–₹700 |
| Charcoal Fine Dining | Upscale dining | Sigra | ₹500–₹1,000+ |
| The Four Level Rooftop Dining | Rooftop experience | Durgakund | ₹400–₹900 |
| Pizzeria Vaatika Cafe | Pizza and café food | Verify current outlet | ₹400–₹800 |
Budget estimates are for planning purposes only. Prices and restaurant details may change.
What Food Should You Try in Varanasi?
Along with restaurant meals, make time to try some of the city’s well-known local foods.
- Kachori sabzi: A popular breakfast combination of kachori served with a spiced potato-based curry.
- Tamatar chaat: A distinctive Banarasi street-food preparation made with tomatoes, spices and other toppings.
- Chooda matar: A local dish made with flattened rice and peas.
- Baati chokha: A traditional regional meal featuring baked wheat baati and roasted vegetable chokha.
- Banarasi paan: A famous local speciality enjoyed by many visitors.
- Lassi and local sweets: Good options for a refreshing drink or a sweet treat, depending on the season and shop.
For more recommendations, read our guide to the best street food in Varanasi.
Tips for Choosing a Restaurant in Varanasi
1. Choose a Restaurant Near Your Sightseeing Route
If you are exploring the old city, look around Godowlia, Dashashwamedh and nearby lanes. If you are visiting Assi Ghat or Banaras Hindu University, restaurants in Lanka and the Assi–Lanka Road area may be more convenient.
2. Check the Menu Before You Visit
Online listings can provide an overview, but menus, prices and opening hours can change. Check a restaurant’s latest listing or contact the venue if you have a specific dish or dietary requirement in mind.
3. Ask About Vegetarian Options
Varanasi has many vegetarian dining options, including dedicated vegetarian restaurants. If you require a strictly vegetarian kitchen or have particular dietary restrictions, confirm this directly with the restaurant.
4. Plan for Traffic and Crowded Lanes
Some restaurants around the old city are reached through narrow lanes with limited vehicle access. Allow extra time and check the walking route if you are visiting near the ghats.
5. Confirm the Final Bill
Ask whether menu prices include taxes and whether any service charge applies. This is particularly useful for larger groups and more expensive dining experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which are the best restaurants in Varanasi?
Popular options to consider include Desi Mandapam Baati Chokha for traditional-style meals, Sagar Ratna for vegetarian dining, Kesariya Thal for thali meals and 1916 Cafe & Restaurant for Indian and Asian food. The best choice depends on your preferred cuisine, budget and location.
2. Where can I find vegetarian restaurants in Varanasi?
Sagar Ratna, Kesariya Thal, Kriva and Chotiwala Banaras are options to explore. Confirm the current menu and any specific dietary requirements before visiting.
3. Which restaurants are suitable for families?
Restaurants such as Chotiwala Banaras, Sagar Ratna, Kesariya Thal and Shree Shivay Thali Dining may suit families looking for Indian meals. Check seating arrangements and menu options if travelling with children or a large group.
4. How much does a restaurant meal cost in Varanasi?
The cost depends on the restaurant and what you order. A simple meal may cost a few hundred rupees per person, while fine dining can cost considerably more. Check the current menu for accurate prices.
5. Where should I eat near the ghats in Varanasi?
You can explore restaurants in the Meer Ghat, Dashashwamedh and Godowlia areas. Check the exact address and walking access before visiting, as some old-city lanes can be crowded.
6. Is Varanasi suitable for vegetarian travellers?
Yes. Varanasi offers many vegetarian restaurants and traditional vegetarian dishes. If you need strict vegetarian preparation, ask about the kitchen and cooking practices directly.
Final Thoughts
Varanasi offers dining experiences for different budgets and tastes, from traditional baati chokha and thali meals to casual cafés and fine dining. The most convenient restaurant will often depend on which part of the city you are exploring.
Use this list as a starting point, check current restaurant details before travelling and choose a place that matches your budget and food preferences.
Planning more activities? Explore our guides to the best places to visit in Varanasi, famous temples in Varanasi, and best ghats in Varanasi.
Discover more food, travel and local recommendations across India on Local Divine.
