Where to Eat, What to Try & Best Places for Food

Varkala is one of Kerala’s most popular beach destinations, known for its dramatic red cliffs, Arabian Sea views, relaxed atmosphere and vibrant café culture. But Varkala is not just about beaches and sunsets—the town has an impressive variety of cafés and restaurants serving Kerala food, seafood, Indian cuisine, international dishes, vegetarian food, vegan options and excellent coffee.

If you are planning a trip and wondering about the best cafes and restaurants in Varkala, this guide will help you choose where to eat based on your budget, cuisine, location and the type of experience you want.

From cliffside cafés overlooking the sea to casual local restaurants serving fresh seafood, Varkala has something for almost every traveller.

Quick Overview: Eating Out in Varkala

Category	What to Expect
Best area for cafés	Varkala North Cliff
Best area for quieter dining	South Cliff
Best for sea views	Cliffside cafés and restaurants
Best for seafood	Beachside and local seafood restaurants
Best for vegetarian food	Vegetarian and vegan cafés
Best for coffee	Specialty cafés around the cliff
Best for families	Family restaurants and spacious cafés
Average café meal	Approximately ₹200–₹500 per person
Average restaurant meal	Approximately ₹300–₹800+ per person
Best time for dining	Breakfast, sunset and dinner

Prices can vary depending on the restaurant, dishes ordered and season.

Why Varkala Is Famous for Its Café Culture

Varkala’s cliff area has developed into a popular dining destination alongside its beach tourism. Travellers can spend the morning enjoying breakfast and coffee, explore the town during the day, and return to the cliff for a sunset meal.

The combination of sea views, relaxed cafés, international cuisine and Kerala seafood makes Varkala particularly popular with couples, backpackers, families and international travellers.

The North Cliff is generally busier and more commercial, while the South Cliff offers a quieter atmosphere.

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Varkala

Here are some of the places worth considering during your Varkala trip.

1. Cafe Sarwaa on the Cliff

Cafe Sarwaa on the cliff

Cafe Sarwaa is one of the popular choices for travellers looking for a cliffside dining experience. Its location makes it particularly attractive for visitors who want food combined with views and a relaxed atmosphere.

It is a good option for spending some time around the cliff rather than simply having a quick meal.

Best for: Sea views, relaxed meals and sunset atmosphere

Location: Near Perungulam, Varkala

2. Cafe Trip Is Life

Cafe Trip Is Life

Cafe Trip Is Life is located around South Cliff and is a popular choice for travellers looking for a casual café experience.

The restaurant offers a mix of cuisines and is particularly suitable for travellers who want to relax after exploring the quieter side of Varkala.

Best for: Casual dining, couples and travellers exploring South Cliff

3. InDa Cafe

InDa Cafe

InDa Cafe is one of the better-known cafés in Varkala and is frequently mentioned among popular places to eat in the destination.

Tripadvisor currently lists it among Varkala’s leading cafés, with European and café-style food.

It is a good choice when you want something beyond traditional Kerala food.

Best for: Breakfast, coffee, European-style food and relaxed dining

4. Cafe del Mar

Cafe del Mar

Located near the North Cliff and Helipad area, Cafe del Mar is another established name in Varkala’s café scene.

It is particularly convenient for travellers exploring the busy North Cliff area and looking for an easy place to stop for a meal or drink.

Tripadvisor currently lists Cafe del Mar among the prominent cafés in Varkala.

Best for: Casual meals, café food and North Cliff location

5. The White Rabbit Vegetarian Cafe

For travellers looking for vegetarian food, The White Rabbit Vegetarian Cafe is worth considering.

It is known for vegetarian Indian and café-style food and can be a useful option for travellers who prefer meat-free meals.

Best for: Vegetarian travellers and healthy meals

6. Aum Cafe

Aum Cafe I Mostly Vegan I Varkala Cliff

Aum Cafe is located around the North Cliff and focuses heavily on vegetarian and vegan-friendly food.

It is particularly useful for travellers looking for lighter meals and plant-based options while staying around Varkala Cliff.

Best for: Vegan and vegetarian travellers, breakfast and healthy food

7. Cafe Kapi by Sarwaa

Cafe Kapi by Sarwaa

If coffee is an important part of your travel experience, Cafe Kapi is another café to consider around North Cliff.

It provides a convenient stop while exploring the cliff area and surrounding shops.

Best for: Coffee, quick breaks and casual café visits

8. Tropical Tides Cafe

Tropical tides cafe

Tropical Tides Cafe is located around North Cliff and offers a relaxed café environment.

Its longer operating hours also make it suitable for travellers looking for food or drinks later in the evening.

Best for: Casual dining, drinks and evening café visits

Best Restaurants in Varkala for Seafood

One of the highlights of visiting Kerala is eating fresh seafood, and Varkala is no exception.

You can find restaurants serving fish, prawns, squid and other seafood around the beach and cliff areas.

9. Varkala Marine Palace Beach Restaurant

Varkala Marine Palace Beach Restaurant

For travellers specifically looking for seafood, Varkala Marine Palace Beach Restaurant is an option to consider.

The restaurant is categorized as a seafood restaurant and is located in Varkala near the beach area.

Best for: Seafood and beachside dining

10. Holy Mackarel Seafood Restaurant

Holy Mackarel sea food restaurant

Holy Mackarel is another seafood-focused option in Varkala.

It is particularly interesting for travellers who want to explore local seafood rather than staying exclusively with international café food.

Best for: Seafood and casual local dining

Best Restaurants in Varkala for Kerala Food

If this is your first trip to Kerala, don’t spend your entire holiday eating pizza, pasta and continental food.

Make time for authentic Kerala dishes.

Look for dishes such as:

Kerala fish curry
Fish fry
Prawn fry
Squid fry
Chicken Kerala curry
Appam and stew
Parotta and curry
Kerala meals
Puttu and kadala curry
Idiyappam
Banana fry
Fresh tropical juices

For seafood, ask the restaurant about the fresh catch of the day rather than choosing only from a standard menu.

11. Little Tibet

Little Tibet

Varkala’s food scene isn’t limited to Kerala cuisine.

Little Tibet is a Tibetan restaurant that provides another option for travellers wanting something different from seafood and South Indian dishes.

Best for: Tibetan food, Asian flavours and casual dinners

12. Cyra Cafe

Cyra Cafe

Cyra Cafe is located close to the Marine Palace area and is known as a vegan restaurant.

It can be a useful choice for travellers searching specifically for plant-based food.

Best for: Vegan food and health-conscious travellers

13. Zeit Restaurant

Zeit Restaurant

Zeit Restaurant is a family-oriented restaurant in Varkala and offers another option beyond the cliffside café scene.

It can be particularly convenient for travellers who prefer a more traditional restaurant setting.

Best for: Families and full meals

14. Sky11 Varkala Sky Dining Restaurant

Sky11 Varkala Sky Dining Restaurant

For travellers looking for something a little different, Sky11 offers a sky-dining style restaurant experience.

The setting makes it more suitable for travellers who want to combine dinner with a special experience.

Best for: Couples, special occasions and experience dining

Best Cafes in Varkala for Breakfast

Varkala is an excellent destination for slow breakfasts.

Instead of rushing through breakfast before sightseeing, consider starting your day with:

Coffee
Fresh juice
Pancakes
Eggs
Toast
South Indian breakfast
Smoothie bowls
Fresh fruit
Vegetarian breakfast options

Cafés around North Cliff are particularly convenient if you are staying near the cliff.

Best Places for Coffee in Varkala

If you’re searching for the best coffee in Varkala, consider checking out:

InDa Cafe
Cafe del Mar
Cafe Kapi by Sarwaa
Benny’s Cafe
Sun Francisco

Tripadvisor currently lists InDa Cafe, Cafe del Mar and Benny’s Cafe among the notable cafés in Varkala Town.

For a quieter coffee break, explore cafés away from the busiest section of North Cliff.

Best Cafes in Varkala for Couples

Varkala is a popular destination for couples, particularly because of its cliff views and sunset atmosphere.

For a romantic café experience, consider:

Cafe Sarwaa
Cafe Trip Is Life
InDa Cafe
Cafe del Mar
Sky11 Varkala Sky Dining Restaurant

For couples, the best time to visit a cliffside café is usually late afternoon or around sunset. However, popular places can become busy, especially during peak travel periods.

Best Restaurants in Varkala for Families

Families generally benefit from restaurants with a wider menu rather than cafés focused on a particular cuisine.

Consider:

Zeit Restaurant
Cafe del Mar
Varkala Marine Palace Beach Restaurant
Little Tibet
Cafe Sarwaa

If travelling with children, check the menu before ordering and choose dishes according to their preferences and spice tolerance.

Best Areas to Eat in Varkala

North Cliff

North Cliff is the busiest dining area and has the largest concentration of cafés, restaurants, shops and accommodation.

It is ideal if you want:

Lots of restaurant choices
Cafés
Shopping
Nightlife
Cliff views
Easy access to Papanasam Beach

The downside is that it can become crowded.

South Cliff

South Cliff has a more relaxed atmosphere and is a good choice if you prefer quieter surroundings.

It is particularly attractive for couples and travellers looking for a slower Varkala experience.

Varkala Town

Varkala town provides more local dining options and can offer better value than some tourist-oriented cliffside establishments.

If you want to experience everyday Kerala food, don’t restrict your meals to the tourist areas.

How Much Does Food Cost in Varkala?

The cost of eating in Varkala varies considerably.

A rough guide is:

Type of Meal	Approximate Cost Per Person
Local Kerala meal	₹80–₹200+
Budget café	₹150–₹300
Mid-range café	₹250–₹500
Seafood meal	₹300–₹800+
Premium dining	₹800+

These are indicative ranges rather than fixed prices. Menu prices can change depending on the restaurant, season and ingredients.

Tips for Eating in Varkala

1. Don’t choose a restaurant only because of the view

A beautiful sea view doesn’t automatically mean the best food.

Check recent reviews and look at what travellers are actually recommending.

2. Ask about fresh seafood

If you want seafood, ask what was freshly sourced that day.

3. Explore beyond North Cliff

Some of the more local and affordable food experiences can be found away from the main tourist strip.

4. Try Kerala cuisine

Don’t leave Varkala without trying at least a few authentic Kerala dishes.

5. Check restaurant timings

Opening hours can change, particularly for smaller cafés and seasonal establishments.

6. Expect higher prices around tourist areas

Cliffside cafés can be more expensive than local restaurants in town.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cafes and Restaurants in Varkala

What are the best cafes in Varkala?

Some popular choices include InDa Cafe, Cafe del Mar, Cafe Sarwaa, Cafe Trip Is Life and Aum Cafe. Current restaurant listings also feature several smaller cafés around North and South Cliff.

Which area has the best cafes in Varkala?

North Cliff has the largest concentration of cafés and restaurants. South Cliff is better suited to travellers looking for a quieter atmosphere.

Where can I eat seafood in Varkala?

Varkala has many restaurants serving seafood. Varkala Marine Palace Beach Restaurant and Holy Mackarel are two seafood-focused options.

Is Varkala good for vegetarian food?

Yes. Varkala has several vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafés, including Aum Cafe, The White Rabbit Vegetarian Cafe and Cyra Cafe.

What food should I try in Varkala?

Try Kerala fish curry, fish fry, prawns, squid, appam, puttu, kadala curry, Kerala meals and parotta with local curry.

Which are the best cafes in Varkala for couples?

Couples can consider cliffside cafés such as Cafe Sarwaa and Cafe Trip Is Life, particularly around sunset. Sky11 is another option for a more experience-oriented meal.

Is food expensive in Varkala?

Not necessarily. Varkala has everything from inexpensive local meals to premium cliffside restaurants. Eating at local restaurants can be considerably cheaper than eating exclusively at tourist-oriented cafés.

Is Varkala suitable for food lovers?

Absolutely. The destination combines Kerala cuisine, fresh seafood, vegetarian and vegan food, international dishes, cafés, bakeries and coffee shops.

Final Verdict: Where Should You Eat in Varkala?

The best thing about eating in Varkala is the variety.

If you want sea views, explore the cliffside cafés. If you want Kerala seafood, look beyond the standard tourist café menu. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan traveller, Varkala has plenty of options. And if you’re a coffee lover, the town’s relaxed café culture gives you plenty of places to slow down and enjoy your morning.

For first-time visitors, a good approach is to combine one cliffside café experience, one seafood meal and one authentic Kerala meal during your Varkala trip.

When planning a Kerala holiday, Varkala can also be combined with destinations such as Thiruvananthapuram, Kovalam, Poovar, Alleppey and Kollam, depending on your itinerary.

MyHappyJourney can help travellers plan customized Kerala holidays that include Varkala along with other popular destinations in Kerala.