Pondicherry is about stunning French architecture, extravagantly clean beaches, azure blue waters, and the most charming cafes. Famously called ‘the French Colony in India’, the lovely city is a paradise for those looking for an exotic culinary experience.
There are plenty of cosy and pretty cafes in Pondicherry that exhibit gorgeous decor, a lovely ambience, and the most luscious delicacies. Whether visiting with your friends, family, or that special someone, you will have the best dining experience.
Here, we will look at the most popular cafes in Pondicherry that you can visit to try out new gourmet cuisines from across the world.
1. Rendezvous Cafe
Rendezvous Cafe
Your trip to Pondicherry cannot be complete without visiting the lovely Rendezvous Cafe on Rue Suffren Street. The place creates an aesthetic vibe by exhibiting marvellous white interiors, subdued furnishings, and potted plants. It features indoor air-conditioned lounge seating and terrace garden seating to choose from. On the menu, the place serves delish Goan, Mangalorean, Chettinad, and Seafood cuisines that are authentic.
- Top Picks: Bruschetta, Ratatouille, Pork Ribs, Honey Chilli Fries, Chocolate Mousse, Apple Pie
- Cost for Two: INR 1000
- Timings: 12:00 noon to 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm; Tuesday closed
- Address: White Town, Pondicherry
2. La Maison Rose
La Maison Rose
La Maison Rose is among the best French cafes in Pondicherry that exudes grandeur and elegance. Set inside the premises of a historic villa, the cafe showcases the French colonial style at its best. The tables are placed under mango trees with lots of greenery, offering much-needed solace from the outside world. Apart from the beautiful ambience, the place also serves excellent European delicacies.
- Top Picks: Lamb Chops, Chicken Breast with Green Taboule
- Cost for Two: INR 900
- Timings: 10:30 am to 11:00 pm
- Address: White Town, Pondicherry
3. Le Café
Le Café
Le Café Pondicherry is the only cafe in Pondicherry situated on the seafront. Also, it is open round the clock, which means you can enjoy your favourite food and drinks at all times. The place features comfortable seating with scenic views of the Bay of Bengal. You can also visit the place in the evening to catch beautiful sunset views. The menu includes various fast food items, which are simply delicious.
- Top Picks: Veg Cheese Sandwich, Lasagna, Veggie Delight, Cappuccino Coffee, Mocha Coffee
- Cost for Two: INR 450
- Timings: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Address: White Town, Pondicherry
4. Coromandel Cafe
Coromandel Cafe
Coromandel Cafe is one of the best cafes in Pondicherry that is rated as the 5th Best Café in the World by Conde Nast Traveller. This stunning eatery is a restored colonial villa featuring pink-coloured walls and a courtyard filled with palm plants, offering the ideal place to relax and unwind. The indoor garden seating with magical English and French cuisine ensures an indulgent dining experience. The place is known to use fresh local ingredients that make the food an enchanted gastronomical journey.
- Top Picks: Wood-Fired Pizzas, Jumbo Prawns, Pork, Hummus, Cheese Cake, Carrot Cake
- Cost for Two: INR 1000
- Timings: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Address: White Town, Pondicherry
5. Bread and Chocolate
Bread and Chocolate
This little gem on the Auroville Main Road ensures a charming evening with your friends or family. Cosy wooden tables, brick-exposed walls, and greenery have made this place a favourite among tourists. Although the food options are slightly limited, you can treat yourself to a hearty breakfast. Besides, the place is quite famous for its croissants and chocolate offerings.
- Top Picks: Buttery Croissants, Sourdough Sandwiches, Smoothie Bowls, Apple Tart, Hot Chocolate
- Cost for Two: INR 400
- Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Address: Auroville Main Road, Kuilapalayam, Auroville
6. Cafe Des Arts
Cafe Des Arts
Cafe Des Arts is a beautiful Bohemian cafe in Pondicherry that will make you fall in love with its dreamy aesthetics. With vintage French decor, striking wall graffiti, and an alfresco ambience, the place is Instagram-worthy. It serves the most exotic French dishes that are heavenly. When here, don’t forget to get your hands on their freshly baked loaves of bread and cookies.
- Top Picks: Croque Provencal, Hibiscus Flower Syrup Beverage, Banana Nutella Crepe, Masala Chai, Waffles
- Cost for Two: INR 500
- Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Address: White Town, Pondicherry
7. Tanto
Tanto
Tanto is among the most popular cafes in Pondicherry that is known for its terrific pizzas with the freshest toppings. Set amidst verdant greenery, the hangout place offers the ideal setting to enjoy a romantic date. Apart from the most delish range of pizzas, you can also try different seafood items here to make your dining experience memorable.
- Top Picks: Chicken Pizza, Lasagna, Spaghetti, Iced Tea, Panna Cotta, Tiramisu
- Cost for Two: INR 1400
- Timings: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Address: Auroville Road, Pondicherry
8. Zuka Choco La
Zuka Choco La
Zuka Choco La is a desserts boutique that offers the most decadent range of desserts. They whip up their chocolate and then used to craft exotic chocolates, pastries, cookies, and more. The place also serves a lip-smacking breakfast menu, sandwiches, coffees, and authentic Italian Gelato ice cream.
- Top Picks: Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Pakora, Hot Chocolate, Croissants, Red Velvet Cake, Rainbow Cake
- Cost for Two: INR 300
- Timings: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Address: Mission Street, Heritage Town, Pondicherry
9. Hope Cafe
Hope Cafe
Hope Cafe is among the best cafes in Pondicherry that exhibits a chic retro ambience. It is a great place to enjoy fantastic French cuisine while listening to live band performances. The cafe is known for its delicious vegan food options as well as a range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Top Picks: European Thali, Black Bean Burger, Indian Enchilada, Seasonal Fresh Juices
- Cost for Two: INR 700
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:30 pm
- Address: White Town, Pondicherry
10. The Indian Kaffe Express
The Indian Kaffe Express
This cafe is an excellent place to enjoy a meal in the quiet lanes of White Town Pondicherry. With modest interiors and a homey ambience, the place serves both Indian and French cuisines. Their pancakes are especially popular and go well with their curated menu. The service is slightly slow, but that is because they prepare fresh meals on the spot.
- Top Picks: Tomato Bruschetta, Crostini, Lemon Juice, Croquette and Feta Fritters, Hope Tea, Pancakes
- Cost for Two: INR 700
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:30 pm
- Address: White Town, Pondicherry
11. Baker Street
Baker Street
Next on the list of the best cafes in Pondicherry is Baker Street, which tourists always frequent. The café-cum-bakery exhibits pleasant interiors with a comfortable wooden seating arrangement. When here, you must undoubtedly try their muffins and croissants, made to perfection. Apart from these, you can relish some excellent dishes from French cuisine.
- Top Picks: Chicken Croissant, Pita Sandwich, Chocolate Twister, Cheese Quiche, Éclair, Macaroons
- Cost for Two: INR 400
- Timings: 7:00 am to 9:30 pm
- Address: MG Road, Pondicherry
12. Villa Shanti
Villa shanti
Villa Shanti is an exotic cafe in Pondicherry tucked inside the façade of a heritage house. The luxurious place, featuring modern interiors and a quirky ambience, is a popular hangout spot among those looking to enjoy a hearty meal. The cafe serves mouth-watering delicacies across North Indian, Continental, Italian, and French cuisines. You can also visit to enjoy a cosy candlelight dinner with your special someone.
- Top Picks: Beef Tenderloin, Paneer Bharta, Mushroom Fantasy, Risotto, Citrus Salad
- Cost for Two: INR 1500
- Timings: 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm
- Address: Villa Shanti, White Town, Pondicherry
13. Earth Cafe
Earth Cafe
Earth Cafe in Pondicherry is a part of the boutique hotel Palais de Mahe. Although set up in a slightly smaller area, the cafe has a highly welcoming ambience that instantly grabs the visitor’s attention. The place serves the most delightful coffee and an array of salads, sandwiches, and other Continental dishes. You can visit this place to spend a casual, relaxing evening with your friends or family.
- Top Picks: Cold Coffee, Toffee Latte, Grilled Mustard Calamari, Spiced Paneer Skewers, Watermelon and Feta Salad, BLT Croissant, Waffles
- Cost for Two: INR 600
- Timings: 10:30 am to 6:00 pm
- Address: Palais de Mahe, Pondicherry
14. New Banana Cafe
New Banana Cafe
New Banana Cafe is a small hidden gem in the quaint MG Street in Pondicherry. You can visit the cafe to enjoy luxurious vegetarian fare with a medley of flavours. The cafe is an absolute delight, from its palatable salads to appetising homemade jams. Their quiches are a must-try, especially the one with the tempting mushroom filling.
- Top Picks: Breakfast Menu, Tuna Fish Salad, Arrabiata Pasta, Savoury Crepes, Tarte Provencal, Mushroom Quiche
- Cost for Two: INR 400
- Timings: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Address: MG Road, Pondicherry
15. Crepe in Touch
Crepe in Touch
Crepe in Touch is one of the best cafes in Pondicherry for French cuisine lovers. It is also a delight for the health-conscious as the place includes many healthy and organic items on the menu. Next to the cafe is an antique shop which makes it a great place for browsing.
- Top Picks: Blueberry Crepes, Far au Breton, Sautéed Mushrooms, Masala Tea, Salad
- Cost for Two: INR 800
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Address: MG Road, Pondicherry
