Varkala has a lively food scene, especially around Varkala Cliff, where most visitors go for sea-view dining, seafood, cafés, bakeries, and relaxed all-day restaurants. If you are visiting for the first time, these are the restaurants you should keep on your list.
1. Clafouti Restaurant
Clafouti Restaurant is one of the best places in Varkala for seafood dining with a view. Many travelers choose it for sunset meals because it combines good food with a beautiful cliffside setting. It is one of the top places to consider if you want a proper sit-down dinner.
- Best for: seafood dinner, sunset dining, couples
- What to try: grilled fish, prawns, seafood platters, Indian mains
- Best time to visit: sunset to dinner
- Tip: Reach before sunset if you want the best seating.
2. InDa Cafe
InDa Cafe is a good choice for travelers who want a peaceful café with a polished feel. It works very well for brunch, a relaxed lunch, or a calm dinner. The place is often appreciated for its homemade-style dishes and pleasant environment.
- Best for: brunch, dinner, couples, relaxed dining
- What to try: pasta, breakfast items, café-style meals, fresh drinks
- Best time to visit: brunch or dinner
- Tip: A good option when you want a quieter place away from the busy cliff crowd.
3. Coffee Temple
Coffee Temple is one of the most reliable places in Varkala for breakfast, coffee, juices, and light meals. It is a great place to begin your day because the atmosphere is calm, the food is fresh, and it suits solo travelers, couples, and remote workers equally well.
- Best for: breakfast, coffee, light meals
- What to try: coffee, smoothie bowls, sandwiches, breakfast plates, juices
- Best time to visit: morning to late breakfast
- Tip: Visit early for a quieter seat and faster service.
4. The Bait & Hook: Seaside Restaurant
This is another strong restaurant option for dinner in Varkala. It is suitable for couples, small groups, and families because it generally offers a mix of seafood, vegetarian dishes, and international-style food.
- Best for: dinner, mixed veg and non-veg groups
- What to try: seafood dishes, soups, pasta, vegetarian meals
- Best time to visit: evening
- Tip: Good backup option if the more famous cliff restaurants are crowded.
5. Gods Own Country Kitchen
Gods Own Country Kitchen is a popular place for seafood lovers. If you want the classic Varkala experience of eating fresh seafood near the cliffside, this is one of the restaurants worth trying.
- Best for: seafood lunch or dinner
- What to try: prawns, calamari, seafood platters, Kerala-style fish dishes
- Best time to visit: lunch or dinner
- Tip: Always confirm the price of fresh catch items before ordering.
6. Cafe del Mar
Cafe del Mar is a long-running favorite in Varkala, especially for breakfast and casual meals with a view. It is more about the overall Varkala mood and setting than a fine dining experience, which makes it a nice place for a laid-back visit.
- Best for: breakfast, casual lunch, scenic dining
- What to try: fruit bowls, breakfast plates, café meals, veg dishes
- Best time to visit: breakfast or late afternoon
- Tip: Ideal when you want a relaxed meal with a sea-view vibe.
7. Benny’s Cafe
Benny’s Cafe is a practical option for travelers looking for good food at a lower cost. It is especially useful for breakfast and light lunch. Budget travelers often prefer places like this because they are simple, friendly, and satisfying.
- Best for: budget breakfast, light lunch
- What to try: pancakes, fruit salad, sandwiches, cold coffee, omelettes
- Best time to visit: breakfast or mid-morning
- Tip: A smart pick if you want to save money without compromising too much on quality.
8. Abba Restaurant and Everest German Bakery
This is one of the most famous names in Varkala and is often visited by first-time tourists. It is known for bakery items, breakfast meals, and a classic cliffside setting. It is a good place to experience the tourist side of Varkala dining.
- Best for: breakfast, bakery items, sea-view seating
- What to try: breads, bakery snacks, breakfast sets, grilled items
- Best time to visit: breakfast or sunset
- Tip: Choose it for the atmosphere and location as much as for the food.
Best restaurants in Varkala by need
Best for seafood dinner
Clafouti Restaurant, Gods Own Country Kitchen, The Bait & Hook
Best for breakfast and coffee
Coffee Temple, Benny’s Cafe, Cafe del Mar, Abba Restaurant and Everest German Bakery
Best for couples and ambience
InDa Cafe, Clafouti Restaurant, The Bait & Hook
Best for budget travelers
Benny’s Cafe, Coffee Temple for lighter meals, and a few smaller cliff cafés
What to eat in Varkala
When eating in Varkala, focus on these foods:
- fresh fish of the day
- prawns and calamari
- Kerala-style fish curry meals
- appam and local Kerala breads
- fruit bowls, smoothies, pancakes, and good coffee for breakfast
Useful tips for new visitors
Most restaurants that visitors prefer are near Varkala Cliff. These are convenient and scenic, but some places are more expensive because of the location. A sea view does not always mean better food. For seafood, it is always smart to check prices before ordering. For sunset dining, try to arrive early because seats fill quickly. Lunch is usually less crowded than dinner in the cliff area.
About the Author
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