Cafes in Pondicherry worth a visit

Pondicherry’s cafe culture is a delightful blend of French influences and Indian charm. Most cafes here have an unique appeal, from the ambience and the menu to the overall experience. So, whether you are strolling along the streets of White Town or taking in the sea views, explore the cafes in Pondicherry.

 

Source: Pinterest (Maitraiye)

See also: Best restaurants in Chennai’s Anna Nagar

 

How to reach Pondicherry?

By air: The nearest international airport to Pondicherry is the Chennai International Airport, located approximately 160 km away. From here, you can reach Pondicherry in around 3-4 hours. Alternatively, you can also board a state-run bus from Chennai to Pondicherry, which is a budget-friendly option.

By rail: The Puducherry Railway Station serves as the closest railway connectivity point. The Villupuram Junction is well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Bangalore and Coimbatore, enabling travellers to reach Pondicherry by train.

By road: If you’re travelling from Chennai, you can take the East Coast Road (ECR) route. Another popular route is the Villupuram-Pondicherry route if you’re arriving from other parts of Tamil Nadu. Many private and state-run buses ply regularly between Pondicherry and major cities like Chennai, Bangalore and Coimbatore.

 

Best cafes in Pondicherry

Café des Arts

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Nestled in the heart of Pondicherry’s White Town, Café des Arts exudes an old-world charm with its rustic decor, vintage furniture and quirky artwork adorning the walls. The menu boasts an array of continental delicacies, including croissants, quiches and salads, accompanied by a selection of artisanal coffee and teas.

‎Average price for two: Rs 500 (approx.)

Timings: 9 AM – 6PM, closed on Tuesdays

Address: 10, Suffren St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001

 

Le Café

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Perched on the famous Rock Beach, Le Café offers views of the Bay of Bengal, making it a prime spot for a laid-back dining experience. It is housed in a beautiful white building that exudes colonial charm. The cafe is known for its sumptuous seafood platters, crispy fries, and refreshing fruit juices. Here, you can choose to relax indoors or bask in the sea breeze at the outdoor seating.

Average price for two: Rs 900 (approx)

Timings: 8 AM – 10 PM,

Address: 23, Beach Rd, White Town, Puducherry, 605001

 

Baker Street

Source: Baker Street

 

Baker Street is a bakery-cum-cafe known for its cakes, pastries and bread. Apart from the sweet indulgences, their menu also includes savoury delights like sandwiches and quiches, all freshly prepared.

Average price for two: Rs 900 (approx)

Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM

Address: 123, Bussy Street, Puducherry

 

Café Xtasi

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Café Xtasi cafe offers an array of wood-fired pizzas with a thin, crispy crust and a wide selection of toppings. The vibrant ambience, combined with friendly service, makes it a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

Average price for two: Rs 900 (approx)

Timings: 10.30 AM to 10.30 PM

Address: 245, Mission St, Opposite VOC School, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001

 

Hope Cafe

Source: Hope Cafe

 

Hope Cafe in Pondicherry is a must-visit for those seeking pure vegetarian, vegan and Jain food. Their Happiness Sandwich Platter, Vegan Pizza and Vegetable Lasagna are famous. With a cool and natural ambience, the cafe provides a perfect setting to enjoy a delightful meal.

Average price for two: Rs  700  (approx)

Timings: 10 AM to 11 PM, closed on Wednesdays

Address: No.4, Rue, Suffren St, Puducherry, 605001

 

PY Cafe

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PY cafe offers a fusion of French and Indian cuisines, featuring dishes like Bastilla, pasteles and eggs benedict. They offer desserts, including gelato, egg waffles and cheesecakes. In the evenings, you can enjoy live music performances.

Average price for two: Rs  700   (approx)

Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM

Address: 132, Mission St, Heritage Town, Puducherry, 605001

 

The Indian Kaffe Express

This cafe offers mouthwatering dishes like butter chicken, egg sandwiches and mushroom crepes. They also offer chocolate waffles, French toasts, vanilla ice cream, coffee and masala chai. The cafe also offers food delivery.

Average price for two: Rs  600  (approx)

Timings: 7.30 AM to 7.30 PM, Wednesday

Address: 3 Rue, Dumas St, near IG Office, White Town, Puducherry, 605001

 

Eat My Cake!

Eat My Cake! is a cafe located in White Town. The cafe, run exclusively by women, offers colourful outdoor seating options reminiscent of Parisian charm. The Cinnamon roll with its perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar and the classic Lemon Pie with a balanced sour-sweet flavour are famous here.

Average price for two: Rs  850  (approx)

Timings: 8 AM to 7 PM

Address: 5, Romain Rolland St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001

 

FAQs

What types of cuisine do cafes in Pondicherry offer?

Cafes in Pondicherry offer a diverse range of cuisines, including French, Indian, Italian and Continental dishes.

Are cafes in Pondicherry vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, many cafes in Pondicherry cater to vegetarians and offer a wide variety of vegetarian options on their menus. There are cafes which offer Vegan food too.

What are the typical operating hours of cafes in Pondicherry?

Most cafes in Pondicherry open around 10 AM and close by 10 PM.

Are cafes in Pondicherry kid-friendly?

Yes, many cafes in Pondicherry are kid-friendly with some even having dedicated play areas and children menus.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com