6 Best Cafes in Pondicherry

From the rich Tamil filter coffee to luxurious French espresso, Pondicherry serves them all, at their best. Here is the list of the 6 best cafes in Pondicherry as the sea town is popular for its food and offers a plethora of options. Pondicherry, also called ‘Puducherry’, is a Union Territory, 166 kilometers from Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu. Since it used to be a French colony, besides Tamil and coastal dominance, there is a lot of French influence on not only food but the lifestyle of people. Pondy is famous for its beautiful beaches, spiritual vibes from the churches, Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville, and of course its eateries and their food.   

Le Café

‘Le Café’ is one of the oldest cafes in Pondicherry. It is on White Town’s Beach Road and is on the seafront. They serve simple Indian snacks like chats and samosas and some cakes and pastries. Tea, coffee, and juices are available. It is pocket friendly too; Rs.450 for two. What makes it special besides the view is that it is open 24X7 and has a little history attached to it. In 1952 a cyclone destroyed the port office built in 1790 and this ruin was later converted into this waterfront café. The best time to visit this café is at dawn when you hit Promenade Beach for sunrise or maybe if you take a midnight walk by the sea.

Coromandel Café

‘Coromandel Café’ is one of the most opulent cafes in Pondicherry. This café at White Town has space aesthetically designed with colonial interiors and also has an open-air garden with tropical plants. During the daytime the space receives perfect natural light and the shady garden makes it extremely charming. In the evening the lights in the garden and the dining spaces make it look magical. There is a bakery inside the café which bakes amazing cakes and pastries. Plating has a classy finesse and the menu consists of French and other Continental cuisines and terrific desserts. Pocket pinch is around Rs.1200 to Rs.1500 for two.

Villa Shanti

‘Villa Shanti’ is a 19th-century heritage hotel at the heart of an old French town with an amazing restaurant and café bar. There is a small beautiful patio too. The food they serve makes it one of the must-visit cafes in Pondicherry. Both Indian and continental dishes are available. The menu is limited but the food is heavenly. From my experience, I rate Villa Shanti’s food at the very top of the list though it is on the expensive side of the scale. The cost would be Rs.1200 to Rs.1500 for two people.

Baker’s Street

Among all cafes in Pondicherry, ‘Baker’s Street’ at MG Road, is a concept store providing the maximum possible choices of traditional French bakery items. We found pastries, cakes, baguettes, croissants, viennoiseries, chocolates, cookies, macrons, crepes, salads, quiche, bread, sandwiches, pizza, soups, omelets, lasagne, ice creams, and juices. We picked and devoured as much as possible and even boxed a few to carry back home. Pocket pinch is around Rs.600 to Rs.800 for two, depending on the choice of items. However, I confess that I have spent a lot here.

Café Des Arts

‘Café Des Arts’ is one of the most popular cafes in Pondicherry because of the cool boho vibe and French décor. Croquet and/ or baguette sandwiches, crepes, and fondants are a must-try and do not miss the hibiscus syrup drink. It is situated at Suffren Street in White Town, Pondicherry. The bright yellow wall with bold sketches and the bougainvillea on top of the wall are representations of Pondicherry. The ambiance is so instragrammable; everyone gets clicked at the rickshaw in the courtyard. Expenditure at this café ranges from Rs.800 to Rs.1000 for two.

Bread and Chocolate

‘Bread and Chocolate’ is one of the healthiest cafes in Pondicherry. It is located in the serene township of Auroville, 10 kilometers from White Town, Pondicherry. A hearty and healthy plate is what you will be served at all the cafes and eateries in Auroville Township. However, ‘Bread and Chocolate’ is the most popular one, mainly for its croissants, tarts, chocolates, and a variety of coffees and fresh fruit juices.

Pondicherry, Food Lovers’ Paradise

The list of restaurants, eateries, and cafes in Pondicherry is endless. From fine dining to roadside hawkers, Pondi serves the most delectable food items possible. The above is the list of places that I have explored personally. There are many more which are drool-worthy, making Pondicherry a food lover’s paradise.