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This blog post contains a list of the most beautiful Pondicherry cafes as well as the best restaurants in Pondicherry which also includes some of the most instagrammable places in Pondicherry.
Having been under European (mostly French) rule for over 250 years, Pondicherry got liberation from the French in the year 1954. However, Pondicherry managed to retain a major part of the French culture in the form of White Town - the French quarters and the delectable cafe culture and the food. This French influence was exactly what was on my mind when I planned my trip to Pondicherry. And boy did Pondicherry live up to those expectations! More than the architecture and the colorful lanes, it was the food that stole my heart. So here's a list of all the Pondicherry cafes as well as the best restaurants in Pondicherry that are sure to tingle those taste buds!
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Pondicherry Cafes and the Best Restaurants in Pondicherry
Pondicherry is famous for its French Quarter and the French food that comes along with it. There are countless Pondicherry eateries within this area. These food joints look just as instagrammable as any part of the French Quarter in Pondicherry. Along with an instagrammable vibe, these restaurants and cafes serve some of the best food in this area. So take a look at my list of the best Pondicherry cafes and the best restaurants in Pondicherry.
1. Baker Street
Located on Bussy Street, Baker Street serves the best French breakfast in town. I'm serious. The selling point of Baker Street which is the mouth-watering selection of baguettes, croissants, and the light desserts paired with espresso will prevent you from walking out until all of this baked goodness had made its way into your stomach and your heart. The decor here is modern and chic. Clean tables of different shapes and sizes are scattered tastefully with some paintings and flower pots used for decoration. I sampled the humbled croissant, chocolate escargot, mango cupcake, coffee eclair, chocolate twister and of course, coffee. With an exception of the mango cupcake, which didn't quite appeal to my taste buds, all the items were heavenly. A shout-out to the buttery and fluffy croissant as well as the chocolate escargot. This cafe is undoubtedly one of the best Pondicherry cafes close to White Town Pondicherry!
You can find Baker Street on Zomato. Click the link below.
2. Py Cafe
Py Cafe is an Alice in Wonderland fantasy come true. The interiors here are in charming pastel shades of pink and blue. In addition to cute spaces made up of clocks, books, fun posters, and quirky decor, they even have the most adorable bar complete with quirky posters. Coming to the food, the sandwich here is a must-try. In addition to that, they serve coffee in a large mug which is always a win-win. Not only is Py Cafe one of the best Pondicherry cafes, it is also one of the most instagrammable places in Pondicherry.
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3. #Dilliwaala6
A stone's throw away from Sri Aurobindo Ashram, #Dilliwaala6 is the most Instagram-worthy eatery in town, as evident from the hashtag in the name of the restaurant. Not just that, it is also one of the best veg restaurants in Pondicherry. While a downside to this place, for some, is the lack of non-veg food and alcohol, there are way too many upsides. Firstly, there is a courtyard housing outdoor seating, a funky colorful scooter, a spiral staircase, and a massive poster. Secondly, the indoor seating overlooking the courtyard has metal chairs that have been painted with beautiful patterns. Even the flooring here is bright and cheerful! Coming to the food, the cuisine served here is North Indian and mouth-watering delicious, nothing less than what you would expect of North Indian food. In my personal opinion, of all the restaurants in Pondicherry, Dilliwaala 6 had the tastiest food.
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4. Cafe des Arts
Cafe des Arts is located right in the heart of White Town, making it one of the best Pondicherry cafes in White Town Pondicherry. An art-inspired cafe, not only do they serve French food but they house a collection of books, a cute little boutique, and a colorful rickshaw! It's hard to pay much attention to the food at Cafes des Arts when the decor and the rickshaw (tuk-tuk) nestled beneath pink bougainvillea flowers steals all the attention. Stop here for a quick bite when you're walking around White Town and you need a place to unwind. While you're here, don't forget to click a bunch of pictures with the bright blue rickshaw.
5. Cafe Xtasi
Who can resist a thin crust pizza prepared in a brick oven? I know I can't. That's probably why I have no pictures from my dinner at Cafe Xtasi. From the moment that the pizza arrived at the table, till the time it was all in my tummy, not once did I stop to look up. Besides a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizzas, they also serve a selection of pasta, appetizers and chocolaty drinks. The garlic bread with cheese was drizzled with olive oil that went well with the crispiness of the bread. Sigh. The delectable thin-crust pizzas here put Cafe Xtasi in my list of the best Pondicherry cafes.
6. Bay of Buddha
Perched atop the hotel The Promenade, overlooking the ocean, Bay of Buddha is a rooftop restaurant with views to die for. This restaurants definitely ups the Pondicherry food game. With an old lighthouse in the background and the ocean upfront, this is the ideal restaurant for a fancy date. Serving pan-Asian cuisine, you can enjoy the delicious food while sipping on refreshing cocktails. I visited this restaurant for dinner. Being a vegetarian, I choose to try the mapo tofu, Szechwan fried rice with vegetables and some drinks. Both the food and cocktail were absolutely delightful. A gentle breeze, soft lighting, comfortable seating, and potted plants set the mood for an exemplary evening. I would recommend calling ahead and reserving a table overlooking the ocean.
7. Gelataria Montecatini Terme (GMT)
What comes after a meal? Why, dessert, of course. One thing to note about Pondicherry is that there is a gelato place on every street. This particular one, located at one far end of the promenade, towards the pier, is one of the finest gelaterias in Pondicherry. They have a large variety of flavours, the brownie ice-cream being my favourite flavor. This place is worth trying out, especially in the evenings while taking a stroll along the promenade, near White Town Pondicherry.
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All the food looks delicious, Soujanya! Pondicherry has long been on my list and I can’t wait to visit and enjoy the views and of course, the food.
Thanks Mohana! Pondicherry had been on my list for a long time too. It’s time to check places off that list 🙂
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