ECR Dhaba
Located near the crocodile bank on the East Coast Road, ECR Dhaba is a great stop for north Indian food. With a good variety for vegetarians, the restaurant serves a big menu of Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine. Try the Gobi Manchurian, Dal and Paneer, accompanied by naan, tandoori roti or the regular chapati. Priced a bit on the costlier side, ECR Dhaba boats of a rustic ambiance.
Call: +918056011121

Unwind at La Maison Rose. Pics/Pallavi Gupta

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Villa Shanti
A hotel with contemporary French architecture, this restaurant and  bar has a fine selection of vegetarian food. An open courtyard surrounded with plants and lanterns, it is perfect for dinner. Start the evening by sipping on their cocktails, accompanied by the Green Papaya Salad or Masala Fried Vegetables (a tweak on Masala Fried Chicken listed on the regular menu). Vegetarian curries and Dals are flavourful but for a Continental flare try, the Zucchini Pancakes with walnuts or the Mr. & Mrs. Smith Pasta. Sign off your meal with the Orange & Almond Cake or Crepe Suzette.
Call: 413-4200028
Log on to: www.lavillashanti.com

Tanto
Tanto is the only place that serves wood-fired pizza between Pondicherry and Auroville. It tends to get crowded over weekends and holidays. Try one of the pizzas from their huge variety accompanied by fresh salads or pastas. End the meal either with the Panna Cotta, Tiramisu or a Fresh Fruit Sorbet.
Call: 413-2622368
Log on to: www.facebook.com/TantoPizzeria

Cafe Des Arts
Tucked on Rue Suffren in the French pocket — Cafe Des Arts is a charming find. A historic Franco-Tamil house converted into a cafe, the place has a whimsical vibe. All dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients. Try their  Tabbouleh Salad with fresh juices or else opt for their Crepes or Toasted Baguette Sandwiches.
Call: 413-4210540
Log on to: www.cafedesartspondicherry.com

A panoramic view of Pondicherry with the Promenade Road that faces the Bay of Bengal. The union territory offers a surprisingly wide variety of vegetarian fare

La Maison Rose
A beautiful café located in a restored building, it’s ideal to relax over good food. Located in a courtyard surrounded by plants, trees and a fishpond, it offers dishes from across the world. Vegetable Couscous and Grilled Zucchini Carpaccio are great vegetarian choices. Accompany your meal with their La Maison Rose special drink (gin or vodka with lychee juice, soda, mint and ginger) and end on a sweet note with the New York Cheesecake.
Call: 413-4210806
Log on to: www.lamaisonrosepondicherry.com

Naturallment Cafe
Tucked away in the foliage of Auroville, Naturallment Garden Cafe is a quaint space with a variety of pastas, salads, fresh juices and breads. An al fresco style-cafe surrounded by a lush garden it’s ideal for brunch or lunch. All food is made with local, organically grown ingredients. Try their Bruschettas, Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce and Cheese, Herbed Crepe with Tomato Sauce and Tiramisu. Naturallment also has a wide selection of jams, jellies, granola, syrups and pickles all produced in-house. A must-visit.
Call: 413-2622034
Log on to: www.naturellement.in

Hotel Mamalla
One of the most popular tourist spots is Hotel Mamalla. Located near the famous spot of Mahabalipuram — Mamalla is a vegetarian restaurant serving traditional South Indian cuisine. This air-conditioned restaurant (always a relief with high temperatures here) offers quick service and prices are extremely affordable. Try their authentic Dosas, Uttapams or Thalis — the flavours are bound to give you a gastronomic welcome to the region.
Call: 044-27442060
Log on to:  www.mamallahotels. com/motelmamalla