A hot pot of multiple cultures, with colonial influences from France and England, this place is a solid mix international cuisine and Indian Flavours. Here are some of the best restaurants in Pondy you must visit and walk out as joyful of a well-fed traveller.
Cafe Xstasi – It is a small, no-frills pizzeria on Mission street. They dish out the most amazing freshly wood-fired pizzas and a generous portion, for a moderate price. They have a spread of pasta and salad as well, but the pizza options kept distracting me from that side of the menu.
Le Dupleix – Located in a quaint lane of the White Town, this place is a top recommendation for a fine dining experience. They offer a unique experience of fusion food here with an interesting mix of Indian and European recipes. For instance, they have a Rasam au Crevettes, which a traditional south Indian soup served with shrimps. The only downside here is limited options for vegetarians. I ordered a Tian of Mediterranean vegetables which were served with herbed rice and basil pesto sauce. I would kill for that pesto btw, that good!
Surguru – What a find this was! Their thali is amazingly flavourful if you appreciate south Indian food at all. You would see this place always full with a lot of Indian and French tourists as well as residents, enjoying a dosai or a filter coffee with equal fervour. Find this right next to Anand Bhavan (another no-frills nice place for breakfast) in Heritage town.
Bakers Street – A very popular up-market French bakery that the residents here swear by. Get yourself dropped here easily from any corner of Pondy for their delectable spread in bread, quiche, Danish, rolls and cakes. Makes well for anything from breakfast to dinner and dining in or takeaway.
Satsanga – Makes its way into this list for its fresh food and seafood menu. They serve homegrown organic food in a relaxed large space.
There are plenty more options for a longish trip, like Villa Shanti, popular for their unusual continental salads, Thancos for their natural ice cream flavours, La Pasta world for their authentic ambrosial Pasta and the list goes on.
Pondicherry is a cultural burst in its vibe and flavours, go there for the beaches, stay there for the food!
