The French neighbourhood in Pondicherry, White Town, is usually associated with its distinctive yellow walls covered in vibrant bougainvillaea. It has wide streets dotted with colonial structures, as well as boutiques and cafés with Instagram-worthy interiors that serve French, continental, regional, and select Indian dishes. The restaurants on the list below are a must-visit while in Pondicherry's charming French Quarter.
Coromandel Cafe, Romain Rolland Street
The ingredient-driven menu at Coromandel Cafe is prepared with locally sourced produce and includes oven-baked pizzas, crunchy salads, tasty dips, and creamy pastas and curries. Choose from their indoor seating with cushioned chairs and chic chandeliers or the alfresco seating with aesthetic nooks. Sip on alcoholic liqueurs or a mocktail from the beverage menu.
Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Address: 8, Romain Rolland St, White Town, Puducherry
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Villa Shanti, Suffren Street
Villa Shanti is a go-to spot to stay for many and is known for its old-world charm and Instagram-worthy walls. Solid white chairs, monochrome walls dotted with potted plants, and scattered trees make up the outdoor seating at their cafe. The menu offers a mix of French, continental and Indian as well as an extensive beverage menu featuring cocktails, mocktails, and hot brews.
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Address: 14, Suffren St, White Town, Puducherry
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Le Dupleix, Casern Street
The 18th-century heritage hotel is home to Pondicherry's first lounge bar and a courtyard restaurant renowned for its service and ambience. The restaurant serves Indian options in addition to quick bites like quiche, filling plates like soba noodles, and French classics like crepes. Savour a meal under the 150-year-old mango tree and stop by the royal Governor’s Lounge Bar for a drink.
Timings: 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Address: 7, Casern St, White Town, Puducherry
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Cafe Des Arts, Suffren Street
From the moment you enter, with the quirky art on the yellow walls to the garden entrance and the cosy seating with French-style windows, a quaint book shelf, and beautiful lighting, Cafe Des Arts would top the list of Instagrammable cafes. You could stop by for breakfast or high tea, and chow down on focaccia sandwiches, artisanal French bakes, and free-range egg preparations served with multigrain toast and fresh salads.
Timings: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays
Address: 10, Suffren St, White Town, Puducherry
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Le Jardin Suffren, Suffren Street
Le Jardin Suffren is a French heritage house from the 1930s now transformed into a wellness centre. The place features a lovely cafe with a courtyard seating amidst the greens and offers everything from quick bites like quiche, to a french breakfast options including omelettes, baguettes and granola selections to a South Indian rice breakfast menu with some homemade juices to sip on.
Timings: 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Address: 56, Suffren St, White Town, Puducherry
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Hope Cafe, Suffren Street
The walls at Hope Cafe are covered in modern graffiti. Cane furniture and wooden tables make up the garden area seating surrounded by shady trees and you can order from their extensive menu serving continental bites, and selective European and Mexican dishes. The wall art shines at night, making it the best time to visit this cafe.
Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Address: No.4, Rue, Suffren St, Puducherry
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Rendezvous Cafe, Suffren Street
Rendezvous is a rooftop restaurant primarily serving meat and seafood. In addition to continental options, the restaurant serves Mangalorean and Goan dishes including Goa Prawn Curry, Pork Vindaloo, and Fish Koliwada to name a few. The eatery also hosts live bands over the weekend and makes for an ideal spot for a lazy afternoon meal.
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays
Address: 30, Suffren St, White Town, Puducherry
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Eat My Cake, Romain Rolland Street
Eat My Cake is a quaint bakery featuring a French-inspired menu with quick bites and decadent homemade desserts. They have an English and a French breakfast combo that includes a variety of French breads and pastries in addition to the a la carte options, with baguettes, granola, and fresh juices. The street-side seating, wooden chairs, and pastel interiors evoke the feel of a typical French town.
Timings: 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Address: 5, Romain Rolland St, White Town, Puducherry
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Les Saveurs, Dumas Street
Les Saveurs has a meat-dominant menu featuring thin-crust pizzas, baguette sandwiches, salads, croques, paninis and steak options that remain the highlight. It has a quaint arched entrance with arched windows and old-school wall lamps on either side. You could choose to dine in the outdoor seating facing the street or indoors with mood lighting.
Timings: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Address: 36, Dumas St, White Town, Puducherry
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Himani Sona
I’m a Bangalore based Culinary Chronicler who finds joy in food storytelling and photography. I like to research and document food narratives through writings, illustrations and photographs. When I’m away from the lens and pen, I’m mostly hiking in the woods.
