Serving generous portions of Indian cuisine in a pleasing ambiance, Kovil Family Restaurant is a preferred spot for many in Varanasi. The spacious interiors have a creatively balanced lighting and comfortable seating. Specially noticeable in the menu is the South Indian Thali, which is a combo meal of rice, sambar, rasam and vegetable curries. Also available are a variety of delicious vegetarian preparations and a choice of fresh juices and milk shakes. Located next to the Herbal Park, this vegetarian haven surely is a good place to dine in.

Kashi Chat Bhandar is one of the famous fast food restaurants serving snacks and Chats. Some of the items they serve are Dahi Bhalla, Aloo Tikki, Paani Puri, Papri Chat, Mixed Chat and Dahi Masala Chat. In their sweet menu, Rabri Jalebi is the best. It has a typical Banarasi taste. The place is very small but is well maintained and clean. The prices are kept as low as possible so you can come here often with a gang of friends and enjoy munching some tasty snacks.

Dosa Cafe is a famous spot in the holy city to enjoy inventive South Indian preparations like chocolate dosa and Ratatouille dosa, among other exciting preparations. The skilled cooks here come up with some creative yet flavorsome spin-offs of classic South Indian picks and draw in crowds from far and wide. Apart from the chocolate dosa, this cafe is also popular for the ice-cream truffle idly and uttapams. Finish off those scrumptious portions with a choice of cold and hot beverages available here.

Apex Restaurant is the in-house restaurant of Varanasi's charming waterfront, budget hotel - Hotel Alka. Like most others, it serves only vegetarian dishes but no one's complaining. The chefs dish out an assortment of typically North Indian fare as well as Chinese and some Continental dishes. Recommended is the dal khichdi with curd and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apex has shaded areas as well as alfresco areas but the seating space by the edge offers diners superb birds eye views of the ghats and people going about their daily routine. A good idea would be to catch a meal here on a full moon night - nothing quite compares to surreal sight of silver moonshine gleaming upon the dark waters of the Ganges.

Kerala Cafe in the heart of the sacred city serves up delectable South Indian grub in a relaxed setting. The no-frills eatery offers an exciting menu featuring South Indian standards like lemon rice, masala dosa, filter coffee and other classics. Hop in for a typical Kerala-style feast and enjoy the generous portions and friendly service.

Located near Hotel Cresent Villa, this charming family restaurant serves delicious Indian cuisine. The vegetarian menu has an assortment of tasty Indian dishes without extravagant spicing up - a secret behind its popularity among foreign tourists. The ambiance is casual and unassuming; the owner himself sometimes describes the preparation methods of some dishes. The combo meal offered here is a good deal for the experimenting palate and spares one from the struggle to choose. Do eat at Lazeez Family Restaurant and Banquet and savor traditional Indian delights!

With a grand assortment of Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine, this is a nice place for a relaxed meal in the old city. Located next to the Chinese joint Ming Garden, Chrystal Bowl has a pleasant, inviting appeal. The interiors are skillfully designed and the atmosphere exudes class. The spacious dining hall has comfortable seating and can accommodate large groups. With a tasty choice of vegetarian dishes, the menu is elaborate. The signature starter dish of the restaurant 'Crispy Chana' is a must-try. Service is friendly and warm and the staff sincerely makes an effort to make you feel at home. Give it a try if you are a fan of Indian vegetarian delicacies.

Serving delicious Chinese dishes, Ming Garden is a popular eatery in the area. Located right next to the delightful Chrystal Bowl, this restaurant has a fan following in the city for the sheer quality of the food, reasonable pricing and the vibrant atmosphere. The choices in the menu are quite elaborate with 14 different kinds of soups and 26 different starters. There is a facility for private gatherings upstairs.

The Pizzeria Vatika Cafe deserves all of the acclaim it receives - this place truly dishes out the best Italian cuisine offered in all of Varanasi, and the standards haven't dropped since its inception in 1993. Wood-fired pizzas, focacia, cheesy lasgnas and even Chinese and Indian dishes await you at this cafe ensconced in leafy foliage where obliging waiters attend to you with rapt attention. For dessert, try their much-loved apple pie topped with vanilla ice cream and cinnamon! Pretty views of the river and a chance to catch up with other backpackers is yet another reason why Vatika emerges a winner.