Image credit: Ciclo Cafe
Pondicherry’s French colonial charm blends seamlessly with the coastal beauty, creating the perfect backdrop for picturesque cafes that offer delicious delicacies. From lush green courtyards to cosy nooks filled with artwork and antique treasures, these inviting spaces will make you want to linger and enjoy. While the list of cafes in Pondicherry could be endless, we have curated a selection of the most beautiful and exciting ones ideal for your beach vacation!
Discover more Puducherry charms with this guide to the most beautiful places in Pondicherry.
Best cafes in Pondicherry – a feast for your senses
Coromandel Cafe
Ask a friend for cafe recommendations in Pondicherry, and Coromandel Cafe will emerge as a top choice. That’s how this writer found it! Boasting a beautiful tropical garden, set amidst lush greens, and an equally alluring indoor space featuring artistic walls and pretty chandeliers, Coromandel Cafe is one of the best and most beautiful cafes in Pondicherry. From specially curated artisanal pasta with delicate flavours to delectable cocktails, this pretty Puducherry cafe is a must-visit. Every corner is so inviting that choosing a seat might be the hardest part!
What to try: Brown Butter Cauliflower Tortellini, British Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Beetroot Hummus and Espresso Martini
Timings: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
Location: 8, La Maison Rose, Romain Rolland Street, White Town, Puducherry
Contact: 919489214332
Google rating: 4.2 (over 7,666 Google reviews)
Café des Arts
Exuding an old-world charm with a touch of contemporary jazz vibe, Café des Arts is one of the most beautiful and artistic cafes in Pondicherry. The dim lighting perfectly complements the cosy seating, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The irresistible aroma of freshly brewed coffee welcomes you as you enter. Savour their signature Niçoise salad with a hot cup of their heavenly brew for the perfect combination!
What to try: Provençale Tartine, Ratatouille & Cheese Baguette Sandwich and Moelleux au chocolat
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Tuesday closed)
Location: 10, Suffren Street, White Town, Puducherry
Contact: 9786400132
Google rating: 3.9 (over 6,537 Google reviews)
Peruse this guide to the top things to do in White Town, Pondicherry’s famed French colony.
THE SPOT by Villa Shanti, Pondicherry
Craving European cuisine with a local twist? THE SPOT offers specialities from Europe alongside delectable dishes from other regions. Choose between the vibrant patio overlooking the vertical garden or the historic indoor seating in the older part of the Villa. Savour the scrumptious dishes made using fresh produce with their exotic cocktails. Their ‘berrylicious’ take on the classic whiskey sour is a must-try!
What to try: Prawns Milagu Masala, Spaghetti Frutti di Mare, and Gin-Melon Cooler
Timings: 12.00 noon to 2.45 pm and 7.00 pm to 10.45 pm on weekdays (afternoon timings extend to 3:30 pm on weekends)
Location: 14, Suffren Street, Pondicherry
Contact: 04134200028
Google rating: 4.3 (over 416 Google reviews)
Bread & Chocolate
Whether you visit the White Town outlet or the cafe at Auroville, Bread & Chocolate promises flavourful and wholesome dishes for health-conscious foodies. With an exterior boasting beautiful French architecture and cosy interiors, Bread & Chocolate is a perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon after a hearty brunch. The Auroville outlet has a store next door for organic goodies, and their heavenly desserts are simply irresistible!
What to try: The B&C Avo Toast, Bianca (Sourdough pizza), and Mango Chia Pudding
Timings: 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Location: 6, Rue De La Marine, White Town, Puducherry
Contact: 918940058500
Google rating: 4.1 (over 1,951 Google reviews)
Rendezvous Cafe Restaurant
A laid-back rooftop cafe offering live music on weekends, Rendezvous Cafe Restaurant is the ideal place in Pondicherry for long afternoon conversations over steaming cups of coffee. Also called the Rendezvous Jazz Cafe, this cafe is known for its fresh seafood and poultry dishes, exotic salads, and tempting pastries. Its warm ambience truly evokes the spirit of its Instagram post: “Come for the ambience, stay for the magic!”
What to try: Konkan Fish Curry with flaky Malabar Parotta, Chicken Stroganoff with aromatic Herb Rice, and Cold Bourbon.
Timings: 12 noon to 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm (Tuesday closed).
Location: 30, Rue Suffren, White Town, Puducherry.
Contact: 914132227677; 914132225558
Google rating: 4.3 (over 3,896 Google reviews)
The Indian Kaffe Express
Walk down the nostalgia lane at The Indian Kaffe Express! From interesting twists to authentic North Indian breakfast staples like paratha to flavourful French delights, pancakes and waffles, this cafe is a must-visit in Pondicherry. One of the cosiest places to hang out with friends, The Indian Kaffe Express is the perfect place to share laughs alongside the much-needed caffeine fix.
What to try: Steak au Poivre, Poulet Sauté aux Champignon, and Mushroom Cheese Paratha.
Timings: 8.00 am to 8.00 pm.
Location: Cafe Bistro, 3 Dumas Street, French Quarters, Pondicherry.
Contact: 09789198989
Google rating: 4 (over 2,483 Google reviews)
Also read | Savouring Creole Cuisine, The Most Famous Food Of Pondicherry
Crêpe in Touch
This one is especially for Crêpe lovers! An iconic place in Pondicherry serving a variety of delicious French crêpes and coolers, Crêpe in Touch attracts food connoisseurs with its simple and minimalist approach to dining. After your delicious meal, indulge in some retail therapy at their indoor boutiques, which feature handicrafts and organic cosmetics.
What to try: The Monts’de arre, Salted Caramel Crepe and Sauteed Mushrooms
Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm (Monday closed)
Location: 29, Needarajapayer Street, MG Road, Puducherry
Contact: 91 9043370204
Google rating: 4.4 (over 1,417 Google reviews)
Ciclo Café
The Ciclo Cafe recently opened in Pondicherry, making it a must-visit destination, especially for movie enthusiasts. It is situated in the House of Upasana, a location that gained fame as a filming site for the movie Life of Pi. This expansive 7,000-square-foot space has been transformed into an iconic, pet-friendly cafe, adding to its charm as a tourist attraction.
What to try: Ice Cream Sundaes, Filter Coffee and Biryani
Timings: 12 pm to 11 pm (Monday to Thursday) and 8 am to 11 pm (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Location: No. 23, Rue Romain Rolland St, White Town, Puducherry, 605
Contact: 91 9944304367
Google rating: 4.6 (62 Google reviews)
(Feature image credit:Ciclo Cafe)
Related | Coastal Charm, Colonial Culture, And French Cuisine: Pondicherry Est Amour
Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it safe to walk around Pondicherry at night?
The main areas, including White Town and the French Colony, are generally safe for nighttime walks. However, it’s best to avoid venturing into the outskirts after dark.
What are the best things to do in Pondicherry other than cafe hopping at night?
Explore the city’s vibrant nightlife for a change of pace from cafe hopping. Stroll along the scenic Promenade Beach or Rock Beach, both illuminated after sunset. If your hotel boasts a private beach, take some time to unwind and soak in the peaceful seaside ambience.
Which are the best beachside cafes in Pondicherry?
Le Pondichéry – Cafe by the Sea is one of the best beachside cafes in Pondicherry.
Which are the best cafes in the French colony in Pondicherry?
The French colony in Pondicherry is dotted with cafes. One of the most popular is Coromandel Cafe.
Is Pondicherry good for a solo trip?
Pondicherry is a fantastic destination for a solo trip.
– Which are the best cafes in Pondicherry to visit with family?
You can visit almost all the cafes in Pondicherry with your family.
Written By
Pyusha Chatterjee
Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
A journalist, Pyusha has previously worked with media organisations including The New Indian Express ..Read Moreand Hindustan Times. A solo traveller by choice, she loves exploring life more than anything else, after food of course. When she isn\’t gardening, writing, reading, cooking or singing out loud, you can spot her watching films and series, debating with friends or organising things unnecessarily. Read Less
Priyaja Bakshi
Digital Writer – Growth, Travel
Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism ..Read Moreat Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. As a former Food Writer at NDTV, she can help you find the best places to eat in Delhi! Read Less