
I:BA Cafe & Restaurant
An authentic Japanese oasis in Varanasi, I:BA Cafe offers a serene ambiance and unique flavors. It's a perfect escape for a cozy meal or a peaceful mo...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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I:BA Cafe & Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An authentic Japanese oasis in Varanasi, I:BA Cafe offers a serene ambiance and unique flavors. It's a perfect escape for a cozy meal or a peaceful moment.
"Nestled in Varanasi, this Japanese-owned cafe offers an authentic culinary escape with a tranquil, zen-inspired ambiance."
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Enjoy a quieter experience by visiting during less busy times.
Explore the Tea Menu
Don't miss the extensive and recommended tea selection.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese, Thai, Indian, Continental
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+91 542 227 7523
Address
Kreem Kund, Agrawal Radio, B 3/335B, Ravindrapuri Rd, Near, Bhelupur, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221001, India
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Japanese Cuisine
Experience genuine Japanese flavors, with dishes like Gyoza and Miso Soup, praised by those familiar with authentic cuisine.

Serene & Cozy Ambiance
Relax in a tranquil, zen-inspired interior perfect for dates, friend gatherings, or peaceful solo moments.

Unique Tea Selection
Explore a wide array of teas, highly recommended by reviewers for complementing the dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Enjoy a quieter experience by visiting during less busy times.
Explore the Tea Menu
Don't miss the extensive and recommended tea selection.
Worth the Splurge
Prices are slightly above average, but quality and experience justify the cost.
Don't Skip Dessert
Highly praised cheesecake is a must-try, especially for sweet tooths.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Enjoy a quieter experience by visiting during less busy times.
Explore the Tea Menu
Don't miss the extensive and recommended tea selection.
Worth the Splurge
Prices are slightly above average, but quality and experience justify the cost.
Don't Skip Dessert
Highly praised cheesecake is a must-try, especially for sweet tooths.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
I:BA Cafe & Restaurant is lauded for its authentic Japanese cuisine and tranquil, zen-like ambiance, making it a cozy spot for friends or dates. While the food is generally praised, some note that Italian dishes might be preferred over Japanese by some palates, and prices are a bit higher than average. The unique tea selection and delightful cheesecake are also highlights.
"I visited here ages ago. I spoke with the waiter he told me the owner of this cafe is a Japanese woman who fell in love with an Indian man and stayed here. I absolutely loved the food. I now live in Delhi and no so called Japanese cuisine restaurant come close to this one. I will visit again next time I'm here."
shivangini gupta
"Do you still don't know where to find Japanese Food in Varanasi?
This is the Best place serving Japanese Food in our city of Ghats,Varanasi.
Food~
We tried their Dimsums,Country Drink and Country Special Pizza.
The Mocktail Country Drink was actually a blend of two different flavours and was really refreshing in this hot weather outside.The Pizza was perfectly cooked and it's quantity was perfect too.
Ambience and Service~
They have a cosy and relaxing ambience.You can chill out with your buddies or can even spend some lovable time with your partner here!
The Service was satisfying and the Staff were very responsive and helpful."
Ankita Singh
"Nice place. There's comfortable seating arrangements. Italian here tastes better than the Japanese. Service is also nice, polite waiters and they don't take much time to prepare food. But overall going here is a nice experience. Feels underrated though."
-D- Devil-
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
I:BA Cafe & Restaurant serves a mix of Japanese, Thai, Indian, and Continental dishes, with a focus on authentic Japanese flavors.
Yes, the restaurant is praised for its cozy, serene, and zen-style interior, making it ideal for romantic dates and relaxing with friends.
While prices are noted to be slightly above average, reviewers generally feel the quality of food and the overall experience are worth the cost.
Reviewers highly recommend the tea selection and the cheesecake. Dishes like Gyoza and Ramen are also popular choices for Japanese cuisine.
Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options, and the restaurant is mentioned as a good choice for vegetarian meals.
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Places and Prices: Varanasi
Dining: Far and away the cleanest and coolest place I found was I:ba, a Japanese-owned café just off the main road behind Shivala Ghat. It sells a wide variety of foods, from Thai coconut curry to pizza (B3/335B Shivala; 227-7523; entrées, $5-$9). Steps away from I:ba, the Bread of Life Bakery serves cheesecakes, fresh breads, pancakes with maple syrup, and coffee and tea (B3/322 Shivala; 227-5012; bakery items, $2-$5).
Restaurants in Varanasi
At this unexpected oasis away from the chaos of the ghats, you can find good Japanese food and great cold coffee, perfect after a hot walk. Dark wood accents, warm yellow lights, and pleasing jazz music set a stylish scene—cane "tikki roofs," cozy floor couches, dangling bells, dry corn husks. A Japanese and Indian husband-wife team run the operation, serving varied cuisines from around the world.
The Best Restaurants In Varanasi, India
With stony interiors, a rustic appeal and a fabulous menu that includes Japanese, American and North Indian treats, the I:ba Cafe & Restaurant is one of the few restaurants in Varanasi that offers non-vegetarian dishes. You will be able to relax in the quiet ambiance of this restaurant that delivers a refreshing range of dishes. Sit on a high chair or nestle comfortably on the couch.
Destination Guide: Varanasi, India
Iba Cafe and Restaurant is owned by a Japanese expat and serves some pretty authentic Japanese meals. We tried the Chicken Gyoza (Japanese dumplings), Tori Tendon (a bowl of mirin rice topped with chicken tempura and veggies, with a side of miso soup), and the Japanese Set Meal (a mix of starters, mains, and desserts) – all the dishes were flavourful and fairly close to the real deal. The meal was accompanied by cups of San Cha Rose Tea.
16 Best Pure Vegetarian Restaurants in Varanasi 2023
Located near the banks of the Ganges, I:BA Café & Restaurant provides a serene ambiance to enjoy a delicious vegetarian meal. The menu offers a mix of Indian and continental dishes, with an emphasis on fresh and organic ingredients. The rooftop seating area offers stunning views of the river, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed dining experience.
Top 20 Veg Restaurants In Lanka, Varanasi
In Varanasi’s colourful Indian alleyways, I: BA provides authentic Japanese flavour. It features a friendly staff who can assist you in selecting from a variety of American, Japanese, and North Indian meals. Despite the restaurant being on the pricey side, the experience is well worth it!
Best Restaurants in Varanasi You Must Visit
I:ba Cafe & Restaurant, Shivala, Varanasi is located at B 3/335, Krimkund, Shivala, Varanasi. It is functional between 10am – 11pm. It is best known for dishes like Ramen, Chicken Momo, Vegetable Tempura, Pan Fried Noodles, Gyoza, Momos, Iced Tea.
Restaurants in Varanasi: A Culinary Adventure Awaits
A unique addition to the city’s food scene, I:ba Café brings a slice of Asia to Varanasi. Perfect for those looking for something different, it’s a top pick among restaurants in Banaras for sushi and bibimbap lovers. Cuisine: Japanese & Korean
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