Despite of being one of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi has caught on with the latest trends! Keeping in touch with its cultural, traditional & religious roots, the city has developed beautifully over time and so in this regard, we’ve made a list of all the cafes you can drop in the next time you're in the city!

1. Varanasi Cafe And Bakery

Picture Credits: Xiaonan Yu

A cutesy little rooftop cafe with the view of river Ganga, this place is run by a warm & welcoming family! Varanasi Cafe And Bakery serves Italian, Indian, European and continental food. They're quite famous for their homemade jams, bread and pasta. You can even enjoy a cooking lesson from the lady of the house!

Location | D3/75, Meer Ghat (Next to Ganpati and Alka Guest House)
Meal For Two | Approx. Rs 500
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/Varanasi-Cafe-Bakery-Restaurant-108739126458983/

2. Ashish Cafe

Ashish Cafe is a cute little place near the famous Assi ghat with an extensive menu of Indian, Italian and cafe food served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This cafe is widely famous for its special thali which serves about 10 different types of dishes and about 3 types of breads! Another great aspect of this place is its value for money so the next time you're in Varanasi and craving some good vegetarian food, you know where to go.

Location | B1/185, Assi Ghat, Near Assi Police Chowki
Meal For Two | Approx. Rs 400
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/Ashish-cafe-310347602340908/

3. Aum Cafe

Picture Credits: Elena Ni

Run by an American lady whose been visiting India for the last 20 years, Aum Cafe is a colourful cafe that serves Indian, organic and even gluten free food. Do try their amazing lassi, pasta, pancakes and breakfast items served throughout the day. Their wide variety of menu, cosy vibes and great staff makes it the perfect place to chill at.

Location | B1/201, Assi Ghat, Shivala
Meal For Two | Approx. Rs 400
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/Aum-Cafe-India-131288511320/

4. Kerala Cafe

If you're craving some authentic South Indian food, Kerala Cafe offers an extensive variety of Dosas, Uttapams, Idlis and much more. They are quite famous for their Lemon Rice ,Vadas and coffee as well. You might need to wait for a table here, but let’s just say the wait is totally worth it.

Location | B20/44, Bhelupur Road, Bhelupur
Meal For Two | Approx. Rs 400

5. The Mark Cafe

Besides offering a cozy ambience, The Mark Cafe also offers various cuisines like Italian, European and even Chinese. They are famous around the Assi Ghat for their veg wraps, pancakes, garlic noodles and chocolate cake! What’s more is that you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sunset over the river Ganga, making the cafe even more appealing.

Location | Plot No. 52, Dumraon Bagh Colony, Assi Ghat
Meal For Two | Approx. Rs 400
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/THE-MARK-CAFE-338406552976670/

6. Open Hand Shop And Cafe

Picture Credits: photoscs.wordpress

Open Hand Shop And Cafe serves two purposes, one of a cafe and another of a gift shop. Gorge on amazing breakfast platters with pancakes, omelettes, muesli and even salads, pastas and baked goods. They even serve authentic French press and espresso coffee in big mugs!

Location | No.B1-128-3, Dumraon Bagh Colony, Near Assi Ghat
Meal For Two | Approx. Rs 450
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/Open-Hand-Shop-Cafe-114876417610/?rf=242331059222933

7. The Brew Room

Although the name is a giveaway, The Brew Room offers not just coffee but also burgers, pizzas, fries and shakes. The interiors are cozy and comforting with novels for you to read. Their variety of Frappes is the best thing off their menu. The cafe lies in the centre of the city making it easily accessible and a fun place to hangout during or after a long day even if it's just for a strong cuppa!

Location | D 64/149 C, Madhopur, Vidyapeeth Rd
Meal For Two | Approx. Rs 500
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/satkarsthebrewroom/

8. Dosa Cafe

South Indian food with many twists is the reason you cannot miss this quaint little place in Varanasi. They are well known for their chocolate Idlis, Breakfast Pudding, Ratatouille Dosa and Mango Dosa in summers. *Interests piques*! The family owned cafe is a small place but offers a wide variety of authentic dosas along with other South Indian food.

Location | D15/49, Maan Mandir, Dashashwamedh Ghat
Meal For Two | Approx. Rs 450

9. Shiva Cafe And German Bakery

Shiva Cafe And German Bakery offers a variety of cuisines and bakery products some of which are claimed to be the best in the city. They offer Indian, European, Thai, Nepalese as well as Chinese cuisine. Their Danish pastries, Cheesecake & Nutella pancakes are a must try.

Location | D.26/4, Narad Ghat, Himalaya Lodge, Raja Ghat\
Meal For Two | Approx. Rs 500
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/shivacafevaranasi/

10. Bread Of Life Bakery

One of the most well known bakeries and restaurants in Varanasi, The Bread Of Life Bakery is run by a foreign couple and is a perfect getaway for western cuisine. They serve some amazing pancakes, vegetable moussaka, muffins, cookies and much more. They even have an art gallery to visit, the proceeds of which goes to charity and so do the proceeds from the bakery *how awesome is that*!

Location | Approx. B-3/322, Shivala, Near Agrawal Radio, Sigra
Meal For Two | Approx. Rs 600

So make your way over to these cozy spots!

Benarasi Foodie