There is something deeply romantic about sitting idly in a cafe in a faraway summer-y beach town – take Pondicherry as an example. Here, time slows down and the refreshing coffee aroma wafts through the air. Freshly baked baguettes, golden-fried eggs, and a vibe that’s truly unmatched – cafes in Pondicherry are a whole new experience. If you too are visiting this quaint little town, here are some of the best cafes that you must visit.
Must-Visit Cafes In Pondicherry: Coffee, Books, And Cozy Vibes
Bread & Chocolate
Are you a fan of Indian cacao, smoothie bowls, and delicious bites? This cafe in Pondicherry is a delight if you love innovative yet grounded food that’s delicious to the T. We’re talking about meticulously crafted sourdough bread, freshest ingredients, and food that’ll lit up your Instagram feeds.
The cafe is one of the best cafes in Pondicherry if you crave for authentic, high-quality, and decadent baked treats. And not just baked treats, we highly recommend that you try their homemade cacao. We’re talking about rich hot chocolate, handcrafted chocolate bars, and gooey chocolate desserts that simply melt in your mouth.
Address: 6, Marine Street, next to Sri Aurobindo Ashram, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: 8:00 AM to 9:15 PM
Price for two: INR 750 approximately (approx)
Coromandel Cafe
Out of all the cafes in Pondicherry, the Coromandel Cafe is one of the more popular ones. Prepare yourself for a timeless experience as you step into a colonial era heritage building that has turned into a modern cafe. The ambiance inside makes you pause and breathe, thanks to plenty of plants, cozy seating, and ample sunlight. Coromandel Cafe is tastefully decorated with antique items, potted plants, bookshelves, and accents that truly take you back in time. On weekends, the cafe becomes especially crowded, so we recommend showing up early on or grabbing a bite during the weekdays.
Coromandel Cafe offers a global menu consisting of pasta, pizza, cocktails, and salads. While the menu brings global flavors on your plate, it does with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Moreover, the cafe does it all in the most sustainable way – it composts all food waste and uses hyperlocal ingredients in its food.
Address: 8, Romain Rolland St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Price for two: INR 1400 approx
Nowana
If you’re craving Korean food in Pondicherry, Nowana is the place for you! The restaurant, tucked away from the busy streets of Pondicherry, is the perfect place for a morning brunch. Korean food is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you are open to trying new food experiences, Nowana is an excellent place to do so.
Make sure that you try their classic comfort food like gimbap, japchae, as well as kimchi bokumbap. The food options are available in both vegetarian and non vegetarian, meaning everyone can taste Korean food without any compromise! The cafe has managed to capture the umami, spicy, and tangy flavors of Korean cuisine effortlessly. So, if you’re exploring Pondicherry and wanting to try a lesser-known cafe here, this place is where you need to be!
Address: Auroville, Kuilapalayam, Bommayapalayam, Tamil Nadu 605101
Timings: 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM, closed on Thursday
Price for two: INR 1100 approx
The Spot
Pondicherry’s White Town is known for its vibrant Dutch and Portuguese facades that serve as backgrounds for viral Instagram posts. However, these facades are home to one of the must visit cafes in Pondicherry – The Spot. Here, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into an Italian mansion thanks to bright white pillars, well-curated greenery, and gram-worthy decor.
The Spot is where you’ll get to taste everything from seafood to burgers to pizza and pasta. Try their fresh vegetable salads, street food-inspired bites, warm, comforting soups, and generous bowls of pasta. You can pair these delicious food items with a classic cup of coffee or refreshing smoothies. And if that’s not your vibe, you can sip on some white or red wine – now that’s one way to spend your time at one of the most aesthetic cafes in Pondicherry!
Address: 37, Dumas St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Price for two: INR 1000 approx
Maison Perumal
Continental and American food is all great, but there’s nothing more comforting than authentic Indian home-style food. This is what Maison Perumal gets right about serving delicious South Indian comfort meals in the heart of Pondicherry. The space is reminiscent of a traditional South Indian mansion, including a spacious courtyard, arching balconies, and plenty of lush greenery in every corner.
And while that’s about the ambiance, the food deserves all your attention. We’re talking about comfort dishes like Vada Curry, Vendakkai Masala, Era Milagu Kuzhambu, and Meen Masala among others. To wash it all down, you can try their refreshing fruit and vegetable juices made of cucumber, mint, pomegranate, watermelon, coconut, and others. Overall, Maison Perumal is the ultimate place to unwind with your friends over a wholesome South Indian lunch.
Address: 44, 58, Perumal Koil St, Heritage Town, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM; 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Price for two: INR 900 approx
Bay Of Buddha
If dining with a sea view is on your bucket list, you must visit the Bay of Buddha when in Pondicherry. The cafe is right next to the beach, promising you mesmerizing views, especially during a sunset. The culinary experience at Bay of Buddha is what attracts Indians and foreigners alike. We’re talking about a unique tasting menu, refreshing craft cocktails, and an ambiance that’ll make you feel like you’re vacationing in the tropics.
Bay of Buddha does innovative Asian food quite well, plus there are plenty of vegetarian as well as meat options to choose from. Must try food at Bay of Buddha includes the following: Crispy Honey Chilli Lotus Stem, Crab and Shitake Gyoza, delectable sushi platters, Pad Thai, Nasi Goreng, and many others. Great Asian food, panoramic sea views, and a relaxing atmosphere – just the perfect ingredients for unwinding after a long day of exploring Pondicherry!
Address: The Promenade, 23, Goubert Ave, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Price for two: INR 3000 approx
Le Cafe
The last cafe recommendation on our list of some of the best cafes in Pondicherry is a sureshot classic – Le Cafe. Located in the picturesque White Town right by the beach, this cafe is perfect for a morning brunch. And if you didn’t guess it already, the cafe serves some of the best coffees, teas, and smoothies in Pondicherry.
Try out their freshly-made pastries, creamy coffees, kombucha, salads, and herbal teas that’ll surely be a good start to your day. After all, what is more refreshing than a delicious yet healthy breakfast? There are plenty of cafes in White Town Pondicherry, but we bet any of them is as iconic and beloved as Le Cafe!
Address: 23, Beach Rd, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Timings: Open 24 hours
Price for two: INR 900 approx
Summing Up
If there’s one destination in India where cafe hopping can be a legit sport, it has to be Pondicherry. Thanks to a growing number of young tourists from all over the world, cafes in Pondicherry are not just about having food – they’re designed for a sensorial experience. Be it the ambiance, decor, music, and of course food, we’ve listed down 7 of the best cafes in Pondicherry. So, the next time you’re here, make sure to spare a day to explore the coastal town’s eclectic cafes!
