Pondicherry is a mix of Indian Tamil and French influences; You can see this resonate in the food. Street food or going to a cafeteria is both delicious (if you can handle street food). In this article, I will tell you about my favourite cafés in Pondy, as I have been here for more than 2 months now!
*Updated in 2024 – Also for more recommendations, you should read my guide!
What to expect in this article
1. Café des Arts
One of the biggest reasons why you should visit Café des Arts is because of the street art outside. It’s so bubbly, cool and funny on the lovely orange walls. This place mostly serves French food, like crêpes, amazing garlic bread and good coffees.
I hear you thinking, why French food? That is all because Pondicherry used to be a French colony. Nowadays they still celebrate Bastille Day on the 14th of July. This is a massive holiday in France, and here in India, they lit fireworks because of that. On that day, it felt like I was back in Europe!
There is a nice place outside to sit if you want to be surrounded by nature, but inside it also looks cosy and rather fancy. I have been here twice and both times it was filled with people, which is mostly a good sign!
Contact
Address: 10, Suffren St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Price: €€
Links: Website I Instagram
2. The Indian Kaffe Express
My boyfriend loves coffee and has been living in Pondicherry for most of his life. He is saying that TIKE is one of his favourite cafés, then it must be good right?!
The Indian Kaffe Express has a very international, colourful and modern vibe, which is exactly how I would describe Pondicherry also…
The Cafe Mocha is delicious here, next to the Chicken Paratha and Mango Lassi. If you love Indian food, you’ll eat your heart out here!
They have been renovating the place. I don’t like their new interior much, but the food is still good!
Contact
Address: 3 Rue, Dumas St, near IG Office, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Price: €€
Links: Website I Instagram
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3. Bakerstreet
Want to visit a nice bakery filled with amazing French food? Yes, I know you are in India, but Pondicherry means French influences. Here I ate the best croissant I have had in a while.
We also tried the pesto and cheese baguette, which I was not super fond of. Lastly, we also had a slice of cheese pizza, this was nice, but still not as delicious as the croissant. I did not know, that something so simple as a croissant can make me like a place 😉
All of their products are 100% Homemade. They are health-conscious with their customers; hence they are using less sugar in all their pastries. I guess that is good to know!
Contact
Address: 123, Bussy Street Near Clock Tower, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001
Price: €€
Links: Website
For more restaurants, check out my food guide!
Pondicherry Guide
Do you want to have the best tips about Pondicherry? Are you planning to visit Pondicherry soon and do you want to have all the
4. Bread & Chocolate
Don’t worry, the restaurant might be named Bread & Chocolate, but they don’t only sell bread and/or chocolates.
In fact, they sell all kinds of good stuff; From delicious pizzas to stuffed wraps or indeed chocolates. Most options are vegan, but you can choose to have chicken with it.
We had a wrap with spinach, a chocolate drink with peanut butter & one delicious pizza over 2 visits.
Bread & Chocolate is a nice cafe close to the beach, so you can feel the breeze while watching beautiful flowers in the trees surrounding the seating area.
Contact
Address: NO.2, 6, Marine Street, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Price: €€
Links: Website I Instagram
5. Café Olé
Ohh the Ferrero Rocher milkshake… I dream about it at night. I have been here twice to have it because it is so good! It is not just a drink, but you can also scoop some Ferrero pieces out. I am drooling just thinking of it.
Next to that, they have amazing chocolates: Mudpie, Death by Chocolate… yumm! If you are not a chocolate lover, then I advise you to stay away 😉
Contact
Address: 319, Mission St, MG Road Area, Puducherry, 605001
Price: €
Links: Website
6. Eniteo
A Mojito is the only thing I had at Eniteo, but I loved it! Honestly, the Virgin Mojito is to die for. I did find my strawberry mojito a tat too sweet, but it was still delicious.
My boyfriend has been here more often and told me that the seating area downstairs is neat.
Unfortunately, due to some maintenance, we couldn’t sit downstairs. Neither did I eat anything here, as I was going to have lunch with my father-in-law. It was my first month meeting him, so had to make a good impression 😉
The egg benedict dish is apparently also really good. In this case, we have to believe in the brown eyes of my boyfriend 😉
I hope I can return in my last week to Eniteo to try it out for you guys!
Contact
Address: 14, Bazaar Saint Laurent St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Price: €€
Links: Website I Instagram
7. Coromandel Cafe
Rated the 5th best new restaurant in the world by Condé Nast Traveler, Coromandel is a place you have to try out in Pondy!
It’s a bit fancy, but the food is really unique and delicious and not something I have had before in Pondicherry at least!
I had pancakes with pomegranate and some cream, which was really nice!
But then; The Hot Pink Eggs Benedict... Wow! My boyfriend gobbled it down in like 2 minutes, he loved it that much. When I got the chance to have one bite, I regretted taking the pancakes, even though my pancakes were delicious as well.
Contact
Address: 8, Romain Rolland St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Price: €€€
Links: Website I Instagram
8. Dumont Creamery
*It seems like they have been closed at the moment. Maybe they will open up later? I hope!!
Want to have the best ice cream in town? Then go to Dumont! My friend Pooja is obsessed with the Lotus Biscoff ice cream and comes here weekly, sometimes even daily 😉
Next to the Lotus Biscoff, I really love the Dutchmen Brownie flavour.
Not to forget is that if you are into brownies, then you should take a brownie with some ice cream, it might be just as good as the ice cream!
We even took my father-in-law here because he loves ice cream! xD
Contact
Address: 299, Mission St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001
Price: €
Links: Website I Instagram
Did you already check out some cool things to do in Pondicherry? What about a bicycle tour? Discovering a town by bicycle is super fun!
9. Hope Cafe
You have to come here twice! To make pictures of the amazing art inside during daylight, but also during the evening when it is dark. It is just amazing and when it’s dark it’s all lit up like neon lights, super cool!
I actually did come here twice. First to have a drink (Chai!) and lovely fries.
Second, we took a friend here for him to try the food.
There are many vegan and vegetarian options if you prefer that.
I choose ice tea in a bottle but got a jar for 2 to 3 people, yeah, by that time I was still figuring out India 😉
Last thing: Don’t forget to take photos with the wings!
Contact
Address: No.4, Rue, Suffren St, Puducherry, 605001
Price: €€
Links: Website I Instagram
Extra
Next to these options, I want to tell you about one of my favorite drinks in town.
Filter Coffee, it is typical South Indian and oh so delicious! Our standard place is called Coolcat Coffee Bar. There are only 1 or 2 tables to stand, but I love it.
Drinking this amazing coffee, while watching the crazy traffic in front of you. This is the place where I really feel I am in South India.
Location:
231, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Heritage Town, Puducherry, 605001
So where will you head first now? Are you most excited about the ice cream or do you want to try out amazing filter coffee? Let me know on Instagram 🙂
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ALL my tips and tricks for your visit to the Taj Mahal (India)
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