Best Places To Eat in Pondicherry

Pondicherry, a city in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is a popular tourist destination with its beaches, temples, and proximity to other major cities in India.  This post will list the best places to eat in Pondicherry as well as review their dishes. You’ll find an array of cuisines from French to Indian or even Vietnamese. Pondicherry also boasts of 5 star hotels if you wish to explore the finer side of cuisine. I’ve noted down a few such hotels below for reference. 

Best Places To Eat in Pondicherry 

1. Crepe In Touch, Pondicherry 

This French-style cafe-cum-restaurant serves crepes, pizzas and sandwiches. They are also known for their mouth watering desserts like Chocolate fondue, Creme Brulee and Tiramisu. The interiors of the place is done up in French style with soft lighting and tables made of glass. It is a very spacious restaurant and can accommodate a large group as well.

Location: 29, Needarajapayer Street, MG Road, Puducherry

Timings: Mon to Sat – 9 AM to 6 PM; Closed on Sundays

2. Dilliwaala6, Pondicherry 

This restaurant is an ideal place for vegetarians. They serve Chinese, Indian and Thai food along with mocktails, coffee and desserts. Located in Old Bus Stand, Dilliwaala6 is a well-known name for its delicious food. Being a vegetarian myself, I’m always on the lookout for good places to eat out at. When I visited Pondicherry last year with friends, I had the best of Indian vegetarian cuisine in this place.

Location: 6, Rue De La Marine, White Town, Puducherry

Timings: Monday to Sunday – 12 Noon to 10:30 PM

3. A2B – Adyar Ananda Bhavan: Pondicherry

If you’re looking for delicious South Indian food at reasonable prices, then A2B is your place. They are famous for dosas and idlis. You will also find a wide variety of dishes like uttapams, thalis, and curd rice. An added advantage is that this place is very economical and you can have a sumptuous meal for less than 500 rupees.

Location: 11, Near Mankula Vinayagar Temple, Jawaharlal Nehru Street, White Town, Puducherry

Timings: Mon to Sun – 7 AM to 10.30 PM

4. Appachi Chettinad: Pondicherry

This is not your regular boring canteen, but a multi-cuisine restaurant with a twist. The Chettinad restaurant serves authentic South Indian dishes like idlis, dosas, vadas and curries. They also serve North Indian cuisine like paneer tikka masala, vegetables vindaloo and other starters as well. You will find a live counter where they make fresh juices by blending fruits right in front of you.

Location: 9, Rangapillai Street, MG Road Area, MG Road, Puducherry

Timings: Mon to Sun – 12 Noon to 10:30 PM

5. Madhuram: Pondicherry

Another popular place to eat in Pondicherry is Madhuram. You will find a lot of south Indian dishes here including idlis, dosas and vadas. They also serve north Indian food and some continental dishes as well. The pricing is very reasonable and they serve a decent variety that you won’t find anywhere else.

Location: Abirami Residency, 92, Anna Salai, Heritage Town, Puducherry

Timings: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 10:30 PM

6. Satsanga: Pondicherry

This place is a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves fusion dishes, Chinese and vegetarian fare. I liked the concept of the place which was different from all other restaurants in Pondicherry. They are known for their signature Ice cream cake which is a must try when you visit here. It comes in variety of flavors and is presented in a very trendy way.

Location: 54, Rue Labourdonnais, Beach Road, Near Law College & Public Works Department, White Town, Puducherry

Timings: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11:30 PM

7. Lighthouse Rooftop Grill: Pondicherry

This is a rooftop restaurant that serves sea food, continental and Thai menus. The ambiance and setting of the place is unique with views of the Bay of Bengal. Apart from the good food, you get excellent service as well here.

Location: 23, Goubert Avenue, White Town, Puducherry

Timings: Monday to Sunday – 7 PM to 11 PM

8. Coromandel Cafe & Restaurant: Pondicherry

A multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Chinese, continental and Indian fare. You will find the restaurant located in the heart of Pondicherry but the interiors might seem a bit outdated in this modern world. The ambiance and service is quite good.

Location: La Maison Rose, 8 Romain Rolland Street, White Town, Puducherry

Timings: Mon to Sun – 8:30 AM to 11 PM

9. West Boulevard: Pondicherry

Located at the West Boulevard, this restaurant is known for their very good cuisines. The interior of the place is very minimalistic with a touch of French style interiors. They serve a variety of international and Indian dishes. You will also find delicious desserts here like Tiramisu and cheesecake.

Location: No 80-4, Kandan Complex, Anna Salai, Opposite Vysyal Street, Puducherry Bazaar, Puducherry 605001, India

Timings: Mon to Sun 11:00 am – 11:30 pm

Best Street Food In Pondicherry

• Samosas near South Boulevard
• Pani Puri on Lal Bahadur Shastri Street
• Bondas on Mission Street
• Masala Puri on Lenin Street
• Sandwiches at Dhool
• Mutton Rolls on Mission Street
• Crab Masala Fry on Rangapillai Road
• Khowsuey on Mission Street
• Dosa at Annapoorna

In Conclusion

If you want to explore the wonderful food culture of this city like a local, then I would advise that you try out all of the above places. All of them will surely make your culinary experience in Pondicherry worthwhile. You’ll be spoilt for choices here and there’s something for everyone.