Weekend Brunch, tapas edition - sweet and savory brunch small plates
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I:BA Cafe & Restaurant

4.6
·491k reviews·,

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

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Weekend Brunch, tapas edition - sweet and savory brunch small plates

I:BA Cafe & Restaurant

Highlights

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Nestled in Varanasi, this Japanese-owned cafe offers an authentic culinary escape with a tranquil, zen-inspired ambiance."

TIP

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.

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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

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Japanese Cuisine

Authentic Japanese Cuisine

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

Destination Guide: Varanasi, IndiaRestaurants in Varanasi: A Culinary Adventure AwaitsGoogle Review
Serene & Cozy Ambiance

Serene & Cozy Ambiance

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

Restaurants in VaranasiThe Best Restaurants In Varanasi, IndiaGoogle Review
Unique Tea Selection

Unique Tea Selection

Explore a wide array of teas, highly recommended by reviewers for complementing the dining experience.

Destination Guide: Varanasi, IndiaGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

This cafe is a must visit in Varanasi 🇦🇺 #creatorsearchinsights #coffee #coffeetiktok #coffeeaddict #coffeetok #varanasi #coffeetime #coffeeshop #coffeelover #travel
@calhols
54 likes • 1.4K views

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.

#india #varanasi #การเดินทาง #ท่องเที่ยว #wookhairsalonแชมป์ผมโลก #cafevaranasi#cafe
@wook371
133.5K likes • 1.8M views
Sister’s birthday dinner at Varanasi Leicester 🥘 Super aesthetic + perfect for a celebration — food was good, not mind-blowing, but the vibes made up for it🍹✨🐘 @Varanasi #leicesterfood #varanasi #foodietok #aestheticrestaurant #ugcfood
@ugcbyarifa
56 likes • 1.2K views

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.

If you’re looking for a halal Indian fine dining experience, @Varanasi is the place to be. From the elegant ambiance and sophisticated decor to the outstanding service, it truly stands out. If you enjoy a dimly lit, intimate setting that sets the perfect mood this is the spot. Starters: Pani Puri / Golgappa Lamb Sharing Platter a perfect way to start your meal Mains: Lamb Shank Varanasi Speci...
@tazzanjilaa
889 likes • 54.2K views

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

4.6
(491k reviews)

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

Authentic Japanese dishes
Cozy and serene ambiance
Unique tea selection

What People Dislike

Slightly higher prices
Italian dishes preferred by some

Frequently Asked Questions

I:BA Cafe & Restaurant serves a mix of Japanese, Thai, Indian, and Continental dishes, with a focus on authentic Japanese flavors.

The Best Restaurants In Varanasi, IndiaDestination Guide: Varanasi, India

Yes, the restaurant is praised for its cozy, serene, and zen-style interior, making it ideal for romantic dates and relaxing with friends.

Restaurants in VaranasiGoogle Review

While prices are noted to be slightly above average, reviewers generally feel the quality of food and the overall experience are worth the cost.

Top 20 Veg Restaurants In Lanka, VaranasiGoogle Review

Reviewers highly recommend the tea selection and the cheesecake. Dishes like Gyoza and Ramen are also popular choices for Japanese cuisine.

Best Restaurants in Varanasi You Must VisitGoogle Review+1

Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options, and the restaurant is mentioned as a good choice for vegetarian meals.

16 Best Pure Vegetarian Restaurants in Varanasi 2023

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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).

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Fodor’s Travel

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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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