Pondicherry, with its unique blend of Indian and French cultures, is not only known for its picturesque beaches and serene ambiance but also for its diverse culinary scene. In this blog, I will take you through some of the best restaurants in Pondicherry, so that you can enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience during your visit to Pondicherry.
Related Post: Best Cafes in Pondicherry
Escape In Multi Cuisine, Sea View Restaurant
Location: White Town, overlooking Rock Beach
Average Price: Rs. 1000-1200 for two people
Escape In is a culinary haven offering a diverse menu that caters to a wide range of tastes. From aromatic North Indian curries to continental classics and delectable Chinese dishes, this restaurant is a treasure trove of flavors. Seafood lovers can relish the catch of the day, while the dessert menu is a sweet conclusion to a memorable meal. The sea view adds an extra layer of charm to your dining experience.
Must Try Dishes:
Crab Cakes
Prawns Tempura
Grilled Chicken Steak with Pepper Sauce
Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant
Location: Muthu Mariamman Koil Street, 1 km to Rock Beach
Average Price: Rs. 1000-1200 for two people
Transport yourself to the heart of the Americas at Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant. With its distinctive red walls and vibrant atmosphere, this eatery is a treat for lovers of Mexican cuisine. From sizzling fajitas to hearty American snacks, the menu at Margarita’s is a culinary journey through the Western Hemisphere.
Must Try Dishes:
Chicken Quesadilla
Lamb Taco Mexicana
Mocktails
Bay of Buddha
Location: Promenade Hotel, overlooking Rock Beach
Average Price: Rs. 1500-2000 for two people (excluding alcohol)
Located atop the Promenade Hotel, the Bay of Buddha is an understated gem that specializes in Pan-Asian cuisine. The panoramic views of Pondicherry’s coastline complement the exquisite dishes on offer. From aromatic Thai curries to savory Chinese delicacies and tantalizing Indonesian dishes, this restaurant presents an array of Asian flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Must Try Dishes:
Seafood Green Thai Curry with Jasmine Rice
Bay of Bengal Pizza
Basil Cheesecake
Les Saveurs
Location: Dumas St, White Town, Very Close to Rock Beach
Average Price: Rs. 1500-2000 for two people (excluding alcohol)
Les Saveurs, a modern French restaurant that encapsulates the essence of Pondicherry’s colonial past. As you step into this elegant establishment, the colonial interiors transport you to a bygone era. The menu at Les Saveurs boasts an array of French and European dishes prepared with finesse. From delectable escargot to creamy soufflés, every dish is a work of art. Pair your meal with a fine wine and immerse yourself in the flavors of France.
Must Try Dishes:
Chicken Moussaka
Steak Au Poivre
Crevettes Au Paprika
Dilliwaala6
Location: Next to Aurobindo Ashram
Average Price: Rs. 800-1200 for two people
Dilliwaala6 offers a unique twist on North Indian cuisine amidst French colonial interiors. This restaurant takes the rich culinary heritage of North India and presents it with a touch of Pondicherry’s cultural fusion. The menu boasts an array of vegetarian delights, from aromatic curries to tandoori specialties. The ambiance at Dilliwaala6 adds a touch of elegance to your dining experience, making it a must-visit for lovers of Indian cuisine.
Must Try Dishes:
Honey Chilli Potato
Paneer Lababdar
Nawabi Biryani
Hotel Sri Kamatchi
Location: Bussy Street in White Town (Multiple branches)
Average Price: Rs. 800-1200 for two people
For a taste of authentic South Indian cuisine that draws crowds of locals and tourists alike, head to Hotel Sri Kamatchi. This informal hotel restaurant is a culinary institution in Pondicherry. The menu is a treasure trove of traditional South Indian dishes, including crispy dosas, flavorful biryanis, and succulent seafood preparations.
Must Try Dishes:
Mutton Biryani
Mutton/Chicken Sukha
Chicken Kamatchi
De Bluefin Seafood, Multicuisine Restaurant
Location: Bussy Street in White Town
Average Price: Rs. 1000-1500 for two people
If you’re a seafood aficionado, De Bluefin Seafood is a must-visit. This charming restaurant offers a diverse menu that combines the finest seafood with Indian, Chinese, and Continental influences. The casual blue and white ambiance sets the tone for a relaxed dining experience. De Bluefin Seafood is particularly renowned for its crab and lobster dishes, prepared to perfection.
Must Try Dishes:
Lobster Trio Platter
Crab Lollipop
Coastal Seafood Platter
Surguru
Location: 100 Feet Road, near Indira Gandhi Statue
Average Price: Rs. 500-800 for two people
For those seeking a vegetarian haven in Pondicherry, Surguru Spot Restaurant is the answer. This casual hotel restaurant is a haven for lovers of vegetarian cuisine. The yellow-accented space adds a cheerful touch to your dining experience.
The menu offers a range of familiar dishes, from comforting South Indian classics like dosas and idlis to flavorful North Indian delights. Whether you’re a vegetarian by choice or simply seeking a break from meaty options, Surguru Spot Restaurant will delight your taste buds.
Must Try Dishes:
Surguru Special Lunch
North Indian Thali
Ghee Pongal
Orange Multicuisine Restaurant
Location: Lawspet
Average Price: Rs. 1000-1200 for two people (excluding alcohol)
If you’re a seafood aficionado, De Bluefin Seafood is a must-visit. This charming restaurant offers a diverse menu that combines the finest seafood with Indian, Chinese, and Continental influences. The casual blue and white ambiance sets the tone for a relaxed dining experience.
De Bluefin Seafood is particularly renowned for its crab and lobster dishes, prepared to perfection. Whether you prefer your seafood spicy, tangy, or grilled, you’ll find it here amidst the coastal vibes of Pondicherry.
Must Try Dishes:
Seafood Platter
Prawn 65
Fish Fingers
Fishaurant Restaurant
Location: White Town, 1 km from Rock Beach
Average Price: Rs. 1000-1200 for two people
If you’re a seafood enthusiast, Fishaurant Restaurant beckons with a promise of oceanic delights. This restaurant is a treasure trove of seafood, with Chettinad, North Indian, Chinese, and even Italian options to choose from. From succulent prawns to flavorful fish curries, the seafood offerings are a highlight. The diverse menu ensures that there’s something for every palate, making it a top choice for families and foodies alike.
Must Try Dishes:
Seafood Platter
Crab Sukka/Masala
Squid Rings
1 Rue Suffren
Location: Mahe de Labourdonnais St, White Town, Facing Bharati Park
Average Price: Rs. 1200-1500 for two people (excluding alcohol)
Nestled within a heritage French bungalow painted in a warm shade of yellow, 1 Rue Suffren transports diners to a bygone era of colonial elegance. This restaurant is a culinary gem, offering a delectable fusion of French, Continental, and North Indian cuisines.
From escargot and coq au vin to fragrant biryanis and hearty North Indian curries, the menu is a testament to Pondicherry’s rich history. Pair your meal with one of their expertly crafted cocktails or mocktails, and you’re in for a truly memorable dining experience.
Must Try Dishes:
Grilled Prawns
Chicken Stroganoff
Grilled Chicken Breast
Punjabi Dhaba
Location: Muthu Mariamman Koil Street, 1 km to Rock Beach
Average Price: Rs. 500-800 for two people
While the ambiance at Punjabi Dhaba may be unpretentious, it’s the food that truly shines here. This restaurant is a haven for lovers of authentic Punjabi cuisine. The ordinary ambience sets the stage for a genuine, homely dining experience. From buttery naans and aromatic curries to spicy tandoori delights, Punjabi Dhaba serves up the essence of Punjabi homestyle cooking. The food here is a comforting embrace of robust flavors and hearty portions, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Must Try Dishes:
Chicken Hariyali Tikka
Butter Chicken
Jaljeera Soda
Prawn and Crab
Location: Lawspet
Average Price: Rs. 500-800 for two people
Prawn and Crab is a seafood lover’s dream come true. This unassuming restaurant offers a diverse menu of South Indian seafood delicacies, biryanis, and even seafood pizza, all at reasonable rates. The flavors are vibrant, and the seafood is always fresh. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy prawn masala or a seafood-infused pizza, Prawn and Crab delivers a memorable dining experience for those who adore the bounty of the sea.
Must Try Dishes:
Seafood Platter
Crab Masala
Era Thokku Meals
Copper Kitchen
Location: 100 Feet Road, near Indira Gandhi Statue
Average Price: Rs. 800-1000 for two people
Copper Kitchen is a culinary gem in Pondicherry, known for its eclectic menu that brings together flavors from across the region. With elegant interiors that exude warmth, this restaurant is perfect for both intimate dinners and family gatherings. The biryanis are a highlight here, offering a burst of aromatic spices. You can also savor Arabian specialties, fiery Chettinad dishes, succulent barbecues, and, of course, delightful seafood. Copper Kitchen is where tradition meets innovation, and every dish tells a story.
Must Try Dishes:
Kizhi Porotta
Naattukozhi Biryani
Arrow Chicken
Hotel Karai Chettinad Restaurant
Location: 100 Feet Road, near Indira Gandhi Statue
Average Price: Rs. 800-1000 for two people
Copper Kitchen is a culinary gem in Pondicherry, known for its eclectic menu that brings together flavors from across the region. With elegant interiors that exude warmth, this restaurant is perfect for both intimate dinners and family gatherings. The biryanis are a highlight here, offering a burst of aromatic spices. You can also savor Arabian specialties, fiery Chettinad dishes, succulent barbecues, and, of course, delightful seafood. Copper Kitchen is where tradition meets innovation, and every dish tells a story.
Must Try Dishes:
Fish Fingers
Nattu Kozhi Curry
Prawn Kozambu
Conclusion
Pondicherry’s culinary scene is a testament to its cultural diversity and rich history. Whether you’re a food enthusiast seeking global flavors or a gastronome in search of authentic French and South Indian dishes, Pondicherry has something to satisfy your taste buds.
The restaurants mentioned in this blog are just a glimpse of the culinary wonders this charming town has to offer. So, when you find yourself in Pondicherry, embark on a culinary journey and savor the delightful flavors that make this coastal town a food lover’s paradise.
I hope you found my suggestions of the best restaurants in Pondicherry useful. If you would like me to review any other restaurants in Pondicherry in this blog or would like to share an experience you had, let me know in the comments below. I would love to hear from you!
Disclaimer: The images are representational and may not resemble the actual dishes served in there restaurants.
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