Along with McDonalds, Dominoes has pretty much taken over Sigra by storm with its inventive range of pizzas. Piping hot garlic bread and pizzas arrive at your table by smartly-dressed waiters who are eager to explain the choice in toppings available - mushroom, cheese, sweet corn, cottage cheese, red peppers and more. The air-condition is another reason why Varanasi's locals choose to eat here. And if you are too lazy to head out into the searing heat, simply place an order and they will arrive at your doorstep with pizzas and a winning smile.
The Golden Dragon Restaurant is located inside Hotel India in Varanasi's Cantonment area. Serving in-house guests as well as casual passersby, this restaurant comes in handy to guests who do not have many culinary options due to the lack of eateries in the vicinity. Call for timings.
This local cafe located on the roof top of Kashi Guest House, is an unassuming small space with a lot of tourists and a happy atmosphere. Plenty of breeze and amazing views of the captivating Ganges define the ambiance here. Very near to this cafe is the main burning Ghat, Manikarnika, which is an intriguing sight to foreigners. A welcome destination in Varanasi, this place has Indian and continental cuisine and is worthy enough for a visit. Go to Night Cafe for the amazing views.
Located near Shanti Guest House, the entrance to this bakery is quite unappealing. Though it nullifies the first impression to an extent with a classic range of breads and pastries and a compact, colorful dining space. The place doubles up as a multi-cuisine restaurant with amazing choices of Indian, Italian, Continental and Chinese cuisines. May be a bit on the louder side as it is right in the middle of a narrow alley, the atmosphere is still conducive for a relaxed meal. Burning Ghat and Lalita Ghat are in the close vicinity. Also an attraction not to miss around here is the Nepali Temple which is just meters away.
Jaffles Restaurant is the in-house restaurant of one of the city's oldest accommodations for budget travelers, the Yogi Lodge. Open even to casual passersby and locals, expect to be treated to an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian (rarity in Varanasi) delicacies crafted by the chef's skillful hands. This is also a great chance to mingle with budget travelers and hippies in the Old City.
With weary walls adorned with photo frames of Indian deities sporting dried garlands, Ashish Tea Center is a no-nonsense little space which can not even boast a regular seating area except for the 2 rows of stone seats. Try their delicious chai or coffee and watch life go by along the narrow alleys outside: slimy touts, holy men, bewildered foreigners, mangy dogs and complacent cows ambling along! Chilled lassi, curds, mineral water and soft-drinks are also served at this unassuming stop.