Sand Between My Toes: The Best Beachside Cafes In India
Image Credit: Beachside cafe | Image Credit: Pexels.com

India is a land of many beautiful beaches, and the best way to enjoy them is by visiting one of the many beach-side cafes. Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner spot or just a place to relax and enjoy the view, these 8 beach-side cafes are sure to offer something for everyone. We've rounded up the best beach cafes in India so you can find your perfect spot.

So, grab your friends and family and head out on an adventure—these beach cafes will make sure you have an unforgettable experience!

1.    Cafe Bayview, Mumbai

Bayview Cafe is a great place to grab a cheap but refreshing beer in the evening while people-watching on the terrace of a hotel facing the sea near the Gateway of India's Taj Mahal Hotel.

If you're looking for a place to unwind in relative seclusion while taking in the sights and sounds of the ocean, Bayview is a good bet. It's a cheap rooftop bar where you and your pals can unwind with a bottle of wine or beer and a view of the ocean.

The sea view is the main attraction, and the atmosphere is relaxed. Since it is so small, the service is lightning fast, making Bayview an ideal location for a first date because it is both casual and conducive to a meaningful discussion over a beer.

Indulge in ice-cold beer while snacking on some appetizers and taking in the stunning ocean panorama at this bar.

Address: Hotel Harbour View, Kerawala Chamber, 25, J P Ramchandani Marg, Colaba, Mumbai 

Timings: 8 a.m.–11 p.m.

Best Dishes: Chicken Cheese Croquette, Chutney Sandwich, Lemon Mojito

How to reach: Find Hotel Harbour View right opposite Radio Club. 

Price for two: INR 2000 for two people

2.    Mash Resto-Café, Chennai

Beasant Nagar, or Bessy as it is more commonly known, is home to the quaint and pleasant Mash restaurant, which boasts a view of the beach. It offers reasonably priced, continental fare.

A popular weekend spot, the restaurant's lighting and music transport diners to a warm and inviting Goan tavern. Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians will enjoy the available cuisine. It's impossible to find another cafe with a better beach view than this one.

The beach's proximity means that the evenings aren't too hot at this cafe, despite the lack of air conditioning. And it's inexpensive! There's a relaxing vibe at the cafe thanks to its proximity to the shore.

Address: 13, 1st Floor, 5th Avenue, UrrurKuppam, Besant Nagar, Chennai

Timings: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.

Best Dishes: White pasta or stroganoff for vegetarians; fish fingers; and the sandwich.

How to reach: Located very close to the Thalapakatti hotel on the Besant nagar beach road. 

Price for two: INR 1000   

3.    Jukebox Cafe, Goa

To experience the tranquility of South Goa in North Goa, visit Jukebox. It's a fantastic spot in a quiet part of Calangute. Nighttime or post-sunset dining with trance music, a hip beachside setting, and excellent cuisine

There aren't many places left in north Goa that manage to maintain a positive atmosphere while also providing delicious food and not being overrun by tourists and blasting music. The menu features a tantalizing fusion of international and regional 

Address: Calangute Beach, Gauravaddo, Calangute

Timings: 1 p.m.–1 a.m.

Best Dishes: crumb-fried chicken, deep-fried calamari, Goan sausage pizza, chicken pizza, golden-fried prawns, and chocolate lava cake.

How to reach: Walk along the Calangute Beach stretch and you will reach it.

Price for two: INR 1500   

4.    Silver Beach Cafe, Mumbai

An excellent spot in the Juhu neighborhood to enjoy delicious food in a casual setting with friends. Expensive, but worth it for the excellent food and attentive service. Perfectly balanced fruit juices make this a great spot to grab breakfast on the go. What's great is that, depending on which side of the window you're on, you can see the bustling street below or the dreamy horizon of the ocean far below. an ideal spot for a romantic evening out with a special someone.

Address: Jal Darshan Building, 94/6, Shri GB Jukar Marg, Juhu, Mumbai

Timings: 7 a.m.–12 a.m.

Best Dishes: Egg Benedict with hollandaise sauce, Cottage cheese steak in roasted Ratatouille. 

How to reach: Located right beside Juhu Tara, Jukarwadi. 

Price for two: INR2500 

5.    Sunshine Cafe, Gokarna

With a stunning location right on Kudle Beach and reasonable rates and delicious continental fare, this cafe has a pleasant atmosphere, and the staff is extremely nice and helpful. You won't find better cold coffee anywhere else in south India than at this spot. The vegetarian burgers (which are more like pitas), momos, and chocolate ball are all fantastic options.

Address: Kudle Beach Rd., Gokarna

Timings: 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m.

Best Dishes: the pancakes, the oreoNutella shake, the cold coffee shake, and the chicken schnitzel.

How to reach: This cafe is close to the middle of Kudle beach. 

Price for two: INR800 

6.    Hope Cafe, Pondicherry

All of the pizzas are prepared in a traditional wood-burning oven, so pizza fans will rejoice. This cafe is one of a kind; the murals on the walls and the arrangement of the furniture contribute greatly to the pleasant atmosphere. This is a fantastic location for taking pictures and just hanging out. The decor and the wall art are amazing. It's close to the French colony and the rock beach and is a pleasant spot to enjoy Italian and French fare. The atmosphere is relaxing, and the music selection is excellent. In every way, this eatery caters to vegetarians, as well as offering a plethora of vegan options.

Address: 4, Rue, Suffren Street, White Town, Puducherry

Timings: 10 a.m.–10:30 p.m.

Best Dishes: hibiscus juice, quesadila, and the creamy mushroom soup.

How to reach: Take a stroll in White Town until you see a place with glow-in-the-dark paintings.

Price for two: INR750

7.    Kadalas Cafe, Kozhikode

A fantastic spot to enjoy delicious food and pleasant conversation. The price is a little steep, but everything else was excellent. Nearly every seat in the restaurant offers a breathtaking view of the ocean and the shore. The beach, the waves, the trees, and the design of this cozy cafe combine to create one of the best atmospheres in Kerala.

Address: South Beach, Kuttichira, Kozhikode 

Timings: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.

Best Dishes: chicken wings and sausage appetizers; penne pasta with Alfredo sauce; hot chocolate; and "French press" milk coffee.

How to reach: Turn left at Gandhi Rd Jn onto Beach Rd, destination is on the right. 

Price for two: INR 1800 

8.    Pousada by the Beach, Goa

In charge of the establishment are Neville and his sons, who are both pleasant and helpful hosts. The food, the decor, and the service are all excellent. Booking a table in advance is strongly suggested. There was an aura about the place. Given its proximity to the coast, a refreshing breeze persisted throughout the day. What a fantastic meal! The Xacutti vegetable is a must-have. They also have a per-person minimum of Rs. 1000. As an added bonus, they'll provide you with four of their adorable, sociable, and well-mannered dogs, including Zeus and Chaibiscuit.

Address: Holiday Street, Gauravaddo, Near Calangute

Timings: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.

Best Dishes: Fish fillet in a coconut milk curry with steamed rice; orange prawns in a classic coconut milk curry; and herb-marinated chicken on the grill.

How to reach: At Candolim, turn left from the Decathlon outlet, toward the Vacances Nordus Boutique Hotel.

Price for two: INR2600 

Visiting a beach cafe can be a unique and enjoyable experience, offering a perfect blend of scenic views, delicious food and drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. With so many options to choose from, why not explore and find your new favorite beach cafe today?