Have you ever planned a vacation to a tourist destination solely for its beaches, seafood, and minimalistic charm? Gokarna, a little paradise in Karnataka’s Uttara Kannada district, can be your first holiday destination with this impromptu energy! Several Gokarna tour packages are available, both in on and off seasons. So, you can check out itineraries or create your own based on your budget, the number of days to spare, and other preferences.
Another factor to consider Gokarna as your next vacation spot is its food offered at several beach shacks and quirky cafes. You can devour traditional South Indian fare, global hits, and North Indian favourites at the best culinary hubs. Here are the top 14 cafes in Gokarna you ought to try out on your next vacation: -
Top 14 Cafes in Gokarna
- The Little Paradise Inn
- Ganga Cafe
- Sunset Cafe
- Mantra Cafe
- White Elephant Restaurant & Cottages
- Dattaprasad Tiffin Canteen
- HostelExp
- Halfway Home
- Sea Rock Cafe
- Chez Christophe French Cafe
- Namaste Cafe
- Bhagwan Cafe
- Open House Fishland
- Marine - Uana Cafe, Dorm & Lounge
The Little Paradise Inn
Popular among international travellers is a cafe in Gokarna on Kudle Beach. With glistening blue waters in your sight and comfy sunbeds at your disposal, The Little Paradise Inn should be on your cafe crawl list for sure. Oh, and the fresh seafood and boozy drinks will make your vacation in Gokarna truly memorable.
Recommendations: Margarita Pizza, Madras Prawns, Lemon Iced Tea
Address: Kudle Beach, Gokarna
Ganga Cafe
Another treasure on the Kudle Beach is Ganga Cafe. Expect a tranquil ambience, mouthwatering appetisers, and welcoming staff at this Gokarna cafe. The cosy atmosphere and multi-cuisine menu will make you spend not one but multiple mornings at Ganga Cafe. Open to the public all day long, it’s one of the go-to places for locals and tourists alike.
Recommendations: Masala Omelette, Dal Fry, Spinach Pasta
Address: G8J7+HMG, Kudle Road, Gokarna
Sunset Cafe
"Unwind, relax, and recharge in our beachside haven” - that’s the kind of vibe the Sunset Cafe promises to its Insta audience. Needless to say, it’s luring enough for travellers like you! As one of the most popular cafes in the Gokarna Main Beach area, you will find all kinds of folks hanging around with their friends, partners, family, and just-met-you-in-Gokarna acquaintances. The main reason for its popularity is the fantastic sea view, budget-friendly food, and laidback mood.
Recommendations: Pesto Pasta, Hawaiian Pizza, Piri Piri Fries
Address: G8G8+JC6, Gokarna Main Beach, Gokarna
Mantra Cafe
Mantra Cafe is seen as one of the best cafes in Gokarna by many travellers. Set very close to Kudle Beach, this one’s a no-brainer for those who adore desi Chinese, Continental, and North Indian delights. Moreover, the charming hut-style architecture of Mantra Café is a true visual delight. As the cafe is inside Zostel Gokarna, guests get all meals covered during their stay!
Recommendations: Chicken Dragon Chop suey, Street Crispy Gobi, Delight Pot Pie
Address: Zostel, Kudle Beach Rd, Dandebagh, Gokarna
White Elephant Restaurant & Cottages
When you plan your itinerary of places to visit at Gokarna, it’s vital to include eateries like White Elephant Restaurant & Cafe for an unforgettable culinary experience! That’s right - the genius chef Franciso Ruano has curated a menu with Indian, Chinese, Tandoori, and classic Continental specialities. Since its inception in 2013, this fine-dining restaurant has been a popular choice among food enthusiasts from far and wide.
Recommendations: Carbonara Penne, White Elephant Special Pizza, Bali Prawns
Address: beside Golden Wines, nearby Banglegudda, Gokarna
Dattaprasad Tiffin Canteen
A lot of vegetarian and Jain travellers wonder if they’d get suitable options while travelling in and around North Karnata. Well, Dattaprasad Tiffin Canteen is the answer to their prayers! A pure vegetarian South Indian establishment, it’s undoubtedly among the most famous cafes in Gokarna. Whether you gobble up a hot plate of Idli Sambar or chow down a massive Masala Dosa, a visit to Dattaprasad is highly recommended.
Recommendations: Lunch Thali, Masala Dosa, Poori Sabzi
Address: G8V9+9WC Ratha Beedi, Car St, Car Street, Gokarna
HostelExp
Nestled inside the widely popular chain of hostels in Karnataka, HostelExp - A Slow Paced Backpackers Community, the cafe of the same name is a haunt among travellers all year round. Touted as the best cafe in Gokarna among travellers on a tight budget, the food is simple, comforting, and delicious! Whether you’re working away from office or simply crossing Gokarna on your way to other tourist destinations, HostelExp is the perfect Gokarna cafe to chill for a while and be your own way.
Recommendations: Coffee, Orange Juice, Cheese Sandwich
Address: Belehittal, 312/BW, Kariappa Katta Temple Rd, Gokarna
Halfway Home Gokarna
Ever heard about buns made of banana that can, quite literally, knock your socks off? If you haven’t, be prepared to visit Halfway Home for their Mangalore buns made of local bananas. Besides this, the homemade kombucha here is bomb; you’re going to have a probiotic experience of your life! If that’s not enough, you can even rent a tent here and enjoy the natural beauty of Gokarna. With home-style delicacies and camp-style stays, it is easily among the most sought-after cafes in Gokarna for couples.
Recommendations: Fish Thali, Chicken Kebab, Masala Noodles
Address: Kudle Beach Rd, Dandebagh, Gokarna
Sea Rock Cafe
The best cafe in Gokarna is the one that has maintained its rustic charm and welcoming feel for years. Sea Rock Cafe is one such food joint that has a timeless allure. Strategically situated on the Kudle Beach, this sea-view Gokarna cafe is ideal for unwinding after exploring nearby tourist attractions. Another reason to visit this cafe is that every food item on the menu is below INR 150!
Recommendations: Ice Nutella, Garlic Chips, Cheese Mushroom Sandwich
Address: G8H8+8G2, Kudle Beach, Gokarna
Chez Christophe French Cafe
A Gokarna beach cafe that has turned a lot of heads for its sumptuous French fare is Chez Christophe French Cafe. It is on the Gokarna Main Beach serving authentic dishes straight out of France and other parts of Europe! Are you highly influenced by Emily in Paris on Netflix but cannot make it to the City of Love anytime soon? Plan a vacation to Gokarna to try the most buttery croissants at this French eatery.
P.S. Chez Christophe French Cafe also happens to be the best seafood restaurant in Gokarna. So, make sure you try their calamari and fish preparations!
Recommendations: Croc Madame, Vegetable Lasagne, Creme Brulé
Address: Main Beach, near, Kariappa Katta Temple Rd, Gokarna
Namaste Café
While Kudle Beach and Gokarna Main Beach are preferred by tourists for exploring different cafes, Om Beach also has some surprisingly good places to eat like Namaste Cafe. It is on the list of the best cafes in Gokarna for its romantic ambience, live music, and a fantastic view of the deep blue sea. The lush greenery around the cafe is also a plus, making it a perfect spot for a perfect dinner date!
Recommendations: Chicken Biryani, Garlic Prawns, Nutella Banana Pancakes
Address: Om Beach Rd, Gokarna
Bhagwan Cafe
Just like finding God is a little hard in the beginning, Bhagwan Cafe at Middle Beach isn’t right in your face. However, once you find it, the revelation is truly life-changing! Jokes apart, this cafe Gokarna cafe is a beloved local haunt (especially because travellers cannot find it easily). Once you enter Bhagwan Cafe, you will get to meet people from all over the world, enjoying good food and conversation. This cafe in Gokarna is best suited for folks who appreciate the Bohemian spirit.
Recommendations: Vegetarian Manchurian, Haka Noodles, Mezze Platter
Address: Rudrapada Temple Rd, Gokarna
Open House Fishland
Technically not a cafe, Open House Fishland deserves an honourable mention simply because it is viewed as the best seafood restaurant in Gokarna. It is almost impossible to express how fresh the seafood is at this place! Food connoisseurs, be ready to bow down at the most authentic Mangalorean and North Kannada seafood items. You can mud crabs? They’ve got it. Oysters? Get them by the dozen! Every piece of the sea world can be part of your plate! (okay, we need to calm down).
Recommendations: Crab Sukka Masala, Rawa Fried Fish, Mackerel Curry
Address: Punyashrama Road, behind UK Hopcoms, Gokarna
Marine - Uana Cafe, Dorm & Lounge
Last on the list of famous cafes in Gokarna is Marine - Uana Cafe, which also provides dorm-style accommodation to travellers. Easy to locate, this cafe is right opposite Kudle Beach Road, which is a preferred place to eat and stay for a lot of young tourists. You also get access to free Wi-Fi so working and playing can be done all at the same time!
Recommendations: Butter Garlic Prawns, Paneer Tikka, Chicken Biryani
Address: Gogarbha Cricket Ground, Kudle Beach Rd, near Prema Hilltop Hotel, GokarnaWith so many famous cafes in Gokarna awaiting your arrival, you clearly cannot delay your holiday any longer! Book a vacation now and make the most of your time at this epic tourist destination.
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