Where to Eat in Varkala
Almost every place to eat in Varkala sits along the North Cliff, so meals fit neatly around a walk on the cliff path. Many cafés have open terraces facing the sea, which makes an early dinner at sunset one of the best things to do in town.
For Kerala seafood, choose a place that shows its fresh catch in the evening. For breakfast and coffee, the vegetarian cafés on the cliff are a relaxed start to the day.
3 places
North Cliff
1 place
N Cliff Rd
Not sure what to order? The Varkala food guide starts from the dishes — what each one is, when to eat it, and which of these kitchens is known for it.
Tips for Eating in Varkala
- The North Cliff has most of the restaurants and cafés, and the terraces facing the sea fill up around sunset.
- Arrive before sunset if you want a table with a view.
- Ask what fish came in that day and agree on the price before it is cooked.
- For cheaper Kerala meals, look for small eateries in the town, away from the cliff.
- Many cliff cafés close or open shorter hours in the monsoon, roughly June to August.
- Service can be slow when the cafés are busy, so plan for a long meal.
- Carry a torch for the walk back, as parts of the cliff path are dark at night.
Questions
Varkala — FAQ
Where should I eat in Varkala?
4 places are listed here, across 2 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.
What should I order in Varkala?
Start from the dishes rather than the restaurants — the Varkala food guide covers what each dish is and when to eat it, then links to the places that do it well.
Where can I eat with a sunset view in Varkala?
The cafés on the North Cliff, including Café del Mar and Clafouti Restaurant, have terraces facing the sea. Arrive a little before sunset to get a table at the front.
Where can I try Kerala seafood in Varkala?
Look for cliff restaurants such as God's Own Country Kitchen that serve Kerala dishes like fish thali, prawn curry and karimeen pollichathu. In the evening, many display the day's catch.
Are restaurants in Varkala open during the monsoon?
Some are, but many cliff cafés close or cut their hours from about June to August. Check before you walk over, especially in the evening.