Where to Eat in Ajanta
There is no town at the caves, so meals cluster in two places: the Fardapur T-junction where the shuttles leave, and Fardapur village a short drive away. The famous biryani and naan qalia wait for you in Aurangabad.
2 places
Fardapur
1 place
Ajanta T-Junction
1 place
Aurangabad
Not sure what to order? The Ajanta food guide starts from the dishes — what each one is, when to eat it, and which of these kitchens is known for it.
At the T-junction
The MTDC Ajanta Restaurant at the T-junction, where cars park and the shuttle buses leave, is the handiest stop for most visitors. It serves Maharashtrian thalis, vada pav and standard Indian dishes. Eat a solid breakfast or early lunch here before you board the shuttle, as there is little on the cave terrace itself.
In Fardapur
Fardapur village, a few kilometres from the T-junction, has the hotels and a couple of places to eat. Green Leaf Restaurant is listed for vegetarian thalis and shrikhand-puri, and Padmapani Restaurant for thalis and snacks. If you stay overnight in Fardapur to be at the caves at opening, these are your dinner options, so don't expect late service.
On the way back to Aurangabad
Aurangabad Biryani House is listed for Aurangabadi biryani and naan qalia, the two dishes the city is known for. It is in Aurangabad, about 100 km from the caves, so treat it as dinner at the end of a long day rather than lunch.
Timing your meals
The caves close on Mondays, and the eateries near them are quieter then. On other days, lunch rush near the junction lines up with the coach groups coming down from the caves in early afternoon. Eat a little before or after that.
Tips for the day
Carry cash, as small places may not take cards and you should not count on finding an ATM near the caves. Bring your own water bottle for the caves; stalls near the shuttle sell water, but not on the terrace. If you are vegetarian, Green Leaf Restaurant is the pure-veg choice listed here. For what to order, the food guide explains each dish.
Questions
Ajanta — FAQ
Where should I eat in Ajanta?
4 places are listed here, across 3 areas. Each entry says what that kitchen is known for rather than reprinting its menu, so pick by the dish you want and the area you'll be in.
Are there good vegetarian restaurants in Ajanta?
Yes — 1 of the places listed is pure vegetarian, and the food-type badge on every card tells you before you set out.
What should I order in Ajanta?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Ajanta food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Is there a restaurant at the Ajanta caves?
There is a small restaurant and a few stalls near the foot of the caves, but the main choices are at the T-junction and in Fardapur. Eat there before or after your visit.
Can I stay near Ajanta and eat there in the evening?
Yes. Fardapur has hotels and simple restaurants. Kitchens close fairly early, so plan to eat by about 9 pm.
Should I carry cash near Ajanta?
Yes. Small eateries and stalls near the caves may accept only cash or UPI, and you should not count on an ATM nearby.