Are you visiting Varkala, the gorgeous beach cliff town in Kerala? The serene beach views and the laidback lifestyle make Varkala the perfect destination for a quiet beach getaway. While it promises good views and solitude, it also offers great food for the foodie readers planning their trip to Varkala. The beach cliff town is home to a number of cafes, restaurants, and eateries where you can find diverse food options, across budgets, and catering to all kinds of foodies. In this blog, let’s take a look at some of unstumbled’s top choices for the best cafes in Varkala!
unstumbled-Approved Guide To 7 Best Varkala Cafes
1. Clafouti
Clafouti Restaurant is located on the North Cliff of Varkala, but don’t get confused between Clafouti Beach Resort. This is a two-storeyed restaurant located on the cliff so you get stunning sea views, especially from the upper floor.
The food menu at Clafouti is incredibly diverse. From staple Indian and Western breakfast options and Continental to Indo-Chinese, steaks and sizzlers, and desi North Indian food, you could be spoilt for choice. The service is decent, with the staff being attentive and friendly. We tried a number of their breakfast options, including puri-sabzi, eggs on toast, egg omelette, and more along with refreshing fruit juices, tea, and coffee.
Address: Varkala Kallambalam Rd, Varkala, Keralam 695141
Timings: 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM
2. InDa Cafe
InDa Cafe is perhaps one of the most famous cafes in Varkala. And rightfully so! The cafe is part of the InDa Hotel, and the space blends nature with a soft bohemian aesthetic that feels inviting and comforting.
The food is largely made of your usual cafe foods such as pizzas, salads, burgers, etc, however, do not let the conventional menu fool you. Each item on the menu is something unique and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
We tried their breakfast combos that are both reasonably priced and pack all that you need for a long day of Varkala sightseeing. Their omelettes with a side of toast and veggies are also great. The drinks menu is compact but does a good job – especially the matcha! And the desserts are to absolutely die for! We tried the Honey Cake and the ‘Napoleon’-esque-named cake that we simply cannot remember the name of!
Address: Kurakkanni, Inda Hotel, 1/153a, Varkala, Keralam 695141
Timings: 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Also Read: 5 Destinations In South India When You Want Cool Weather & Green Views
3. Bad Habits
Next on our list of the best cafes in Varkala, we have a place that truly feels like a hidden gem. Not many tourists know about this cafe even though it is located right on the North Cliff pathway.
The place sells delicious coffee and home baked treats, such as lemon cake, banoffee pie, brownies, and more, along with ice cream. The coffee selection is good too, there are enough hot and cold coffee options. With an air-conditioned space, Bad Habits is a quiet, calming spot to grab coffee with your friends, especially when you need a break from exploring Varkala.
Address: PMRX+3VX, N Cliff Rd, near Darjeeling Café, Varkala, Keralam 695141
Timings: N/A
4. Cafe Trip Is Life
Cafe Trip is Life is another popular cafe that we’re sure you must’ve seen in countless listicles about the ‘best cafes in Varkala’. Located on the South Cliff, the cafe first wins you over with its stunning space. There is both indoor and outdoor seating available and both have their own perks. But we’d prefer the outdoor seating simply for the breathtaking views of the Varkala skies and the beach.
Then, it’s the food that does its magic. There are a number of breakfast platters, special omelettes, and an la carte selection including everything from prawns and fresh fish to red meat. There is also a good selection of pasta bowls, all of which are vegetarian by default and you can add the protein of your choice at an extra cost. The drinks menu is vast too, with everything from creamy frappes and iced teas to iced coffee and hot chocolate!
Address: South Cliff, Perumkulam Aaliyirakkam Road, Varkala, Keralam 695141
Timings: 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Also Read: Varkala vs Goa: Which Beach Destination Is Better For Your Next Trip?
5. Cafe del Mar
Cafe del Mar is a casual eatery perched on North Cliff in Varkala. The eatery, with its easygoing vibe and good views of the sea makes it a popular spot among family-going crowds as well as youngsters.
The eatery has a vast menu, covering everything from Indian Tandoori and Indo-Chinese to Continental, Italian, and your usual cafe foods. However, the stand-outs are definitely the pizzas here. They make wood-fired pizzas, so the flavors you get are authentically Italian with a hint of Indian spices. The pizza selection is also quite decent and the ingredient quality is top-notch.
Address: North Cliff, Near Helipad, Varkala, Keralam 695141
Timings: 8:30 AM to 10:00 PM
6. Baker & Mill
This cafe on the list of the best cafes in Varkala might not give you a stunning beach view but it will definitely keep you coming back every day! A small French artisanal bakery perched along the Black Beach Road, Baker & Mill, the cafe stands out with its neat, modern, yet traditionally rooted interiors. The outdoor seating space with the red concrete seating slab is definitely one such highlight.
The menu is quite limited and mostly catered to a sweet tooth. From fresh, flaky croissants to pastries and bombolinis, the selection is decadent and indulgent. The coffee here is also quite decent. However, the highlight has to be the Strawberry French Toast. Soft, milky brioche bun topped with a silky, creamy bed of strawberries – pure indulgence in every bite!
Address: Black Beach Road, next to Juicy Cafe, Varkala, Keralam 695141
Timings: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
Also Read: 7 Beachfront Stays In Gokarna For A Slower Alternative To Goa
7. Aum Cafe
Last on our list of the best cafes in Varkala we have a cafe where you easily spend hours sitting by and chitchatting with your friends. Aum Cafe, located on the North Cliff, is a small cafe but its aesthetically pleasing space makes it a fun place to hangout in Varkala. Watch out for the two ‘window seats’ by the cliff entrance door – you can sit there and get one of the most stunning sunset views of Varkala!
What’s quite interesting about Aum Cafe is that most of the menu here is vegan or vegetarian, allowing people with those dietary preferences to have a decently-sized menu to themselves. While we didn’t try a lot from the menu, we definitely loved the Vietnamese Iced Coffee and the French Fries here!
Address: Aum Cafe, Black Beach Road, N Cliff Rd, near S Cliff Resort, Varkala, Keralam 695141
Timings: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Author’s Note
I have been to Varkala and have tried all the cafes and restaurants mentioned above. Varkala cafe culture is surprisingly diverse – you get everything from artisanal French bakes to Tibetan, Italian, and so much more. For me, InDa Cafe and Clafouti stood out the most, considering factors like ambiance, food menu, cost, and overall experience.
Summing Up
Here are some of the best cafes in Varkala that we think you must visit when you’re visiting the beautiful cliff town. From InDa Cafe and Aum Cafe to Cafe del Mar, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from. Which one are you the most excited to visit?
