Top Rated Restaurants en Cafés in Varanasi

Within close proximity of Dasashwamedh Road and the ghats lies the Phulwari Restaurant and Sami Cafe, a little haven which offers diners a cozy respite from the abrasive crowds of the city. Acclaimed for its interesting menu, expect to find a lineup of Mediterranean delicacies such as falafel, as well as the usual Italian suspects- pasta, lasagna and others. Their shady garden is a fine spot to catch up with travelers and exchange notes.

The crispy Kachaudi (round balls prepared with flour and stuffed with baked lentils and spices) can be rightly called as North India's favorite snack. At Varanasi's Kachaudi Gali, you would probably savor some of the most delectable kachauris that the country has to offer. Counted as one the city's top landmarks, it is always swarmed with food lovers hopping in to devour those piping hot crispy balls served with imli (tamarind) and chana (gram) chutney.

Located a few minutes away from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, the Raj Bandhu Sweet Shop is buzzing with activity during all times of the day. Selling the choicest sweetmeats in town at fixed rates, you can even sample a few of the usual suspects such as gulab jamun, jalebi, motichur laddoo and others. Spicy deep-fried snacks that Indians consume at tea time are also on offer. This shop is hard to miss because of the line of policemen who sit right by the entrance to guard the little streets leading up to the temple.

Run by the Japanese woman Megu, along with her Indian business partner Sanjay, the Megu Cafe offers diners a restful break from the chaotic alleys outside. This cozy restaurant boasts an exciting and authentic menu where all of the dishes are prepared by a skillful Japanese cook. Cute wooden chairs and tables with glass tops make for a pretty picture while the chopsticks invite the initiated to try their hand at it! While Japanese tourists understandably flock here, locals and others are not left behind. Closed on Sundays.

Lassi, a yogurt drink topped with fruits and spices, is hugely popular in the Northern side of India, and Varanasi has the atmospheric Blue Lassi Shop to boast an exclusive shop. Painted in blazing blue, the small outlet is on the narrow alley leading to the mighty Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The small seating area has a nice display of photographs. Served in earthen pots, the drink is a must-try while in India; look no further than this blue laden charmer to try it out.

Located in a bustling area of Dasashwamedh Road just by the main entrance of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Madhur Milan Cafe is a small, unpretentious affair which lets the food do the talking. Locals and Westerners flock here to indulge in flavorful and generous helpings of popular Indian fare such as parathas, dosa, samosa, pav bhaji, paneer pakoras and more for unbelievably cheap rates. Not your regular cafe built within an actual structure, this one is essentially an open space which sees the chefs tossing dosas on large heated pans in full view of the street. A few seats are available for seating however standing and eating is the way to go about it!. A small counter at the side displays mouth-watering traditional Indian sweets in glass cases that can be had after your meal.