The ancient city of Varanasi serves up some of India’s most atmospheric dining spots. The best meals happen high above the city on restaurant rooftops, where you’ll get sweeping views of the Ganges while enjoying traditional North Indian dishes. Evening food tours are your ticket to finding authentic local spots that travelers often miss.
I especially love the combination night boat rides with dinner – you’ll glide past the ghats during the evening aarti ceremony while enjoying your meal. For something really special, spring for the Maharaja boat experience, complete with live classical music.
Check out these carefully selected food experiences that showcase the best of Varanasi’s dining scene:
Key Points
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Varanasi offers fully guided tours with immersive exploration, rooftop dinners overlooking the Ganges, and private deluxe accommodations for an authentic dining experience.
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The private evening rooftop dinner provides a 2.5-hour experience with panoramic views of the Ganges and ancient ghats, priced from $46 per person.
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The evening dinner with private transfer includes an authentic North Indian dining experience with a fixed three-course meal and round-trip transportation, priced from $46 per person.
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The night boat ride and aarti ceremony experience includes a sunset boat cruise, participation in the aarti ritual, and an authentic local dinner, priced at $17.72 per person.
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The special boat tours and culture experiences, such as the Ganga Aarti with dinner and the Maharaja boat ride, offer memorable and authentic dining experiences, with prices starting at $425 per person.
Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi – Fully Guided Tour – Rooftop Dinner on Ganges
This fully guided tour offers travelers an opportunity to explore the captivating city of Varanasi over the course of two immersive days.
Recommended by 100% of travelers, the tour includes private deluxe accommodation, meals, a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges, and an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide.
Guests can look forward to a rooftop dinner overlooking the Ganges, providing a unique dining experience in this spiritual city.
With a 5.0 overall rating from 13 reviews, this tour is a top choice for those seeking an authentic and comprehensive exploration of Varanasi.
Read our full review: Ultimate 2 Days in Varanasi – Fully Guided Tour – Rooftop Dinner on Ganges Review
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Varanasi: Private Evening Rooftop Dinner
On the banks of the sacred Ganges River, travelers can indulge in a captivating private evening rooftop dinner in Varanasi.
This 2.5-hour experience offers a new activity, with a private group setting and no crowds. Guests will enjoy panoramic views of the River Ganges and the ancient ghats while savoring a delectable dinner.
Priced from $46 per person, this is an intimate and memorable way to experience the spiritual heart of Varanasi.
With a 5-star rating, this activity is perfect for those seeking a unique and authentic dining experience amidst the centuries-old charm of the holy city.
Read our full review: Varanasi: Private Evening Rooftop Dinner Review
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Varanasi: Evening Dinner With Private Transfer
Travelers in Varanasi can indulge in an authentic North Indian dining experience with an evening dinner accompanied by a private transfer.
Priced from $46.00 per person, this 2.5-hour excursion offers a fixed three-course meal at a local restaurant with a beautiful ambiance. Guests can expect appetizers, soft drinks, and the opportunity to learn about Varanasi’s culture and tradition from a local assistant.
The experience includes round-trip transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle, with pick-up from the hotel lobby and drop-off after the dinner.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and reservations can be made with no upfront payment.
Read our full review: Varanasi: Evening Dinner With Private Transfer Review
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Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner
Varanasi’s evening boat ride, aarti ceremony, and dinner offer travelers a captivating immersion into the city’s spiritual essence.
For $17.72 per person, this 4-hour experience includes a sunset boat cruise, witnessing the mesmerizing aarti ritual at Manikarnika Ghat, and a delicious local dinner.
With free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option, the tour provides flexibility.
Highlights include breathtaking views, the spiritual aarti ceremony, and savoring authentic cuisine.
A live guide is available in multiple languages to share Varanasi’s rich history and culture.
Booking this package ensures a well-rounded introduction to the sacred city, making it an appealing option for those seeking a comprehensive Varanasi experience.
Read our full review: Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarti Ceremony and Dinner Review
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Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarati Ceremony and Dinner
This 4-hour Varanasi experience offers travelers a captivating immersion into the city’s spiritual essence.
Beginning with a sunset boat ride along the Ganges, guests witness the city illuminated at night. They then participate in the mesmerizing aarati ceremony, where a priest leads the ritual with chanting, incense, and a brass lamp.
Afterward, visitors enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant, providing a chance to savor authentic Varanasi cuisine.
With an English-speaking guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and positive reviews, this tour promises an enriching cultural adventure.
Priced from €54.88 per person, it’s a well-rounded way to experience Varanasi’s sacred traditions and flavors.
Read our full review: Varanasi: Night Boat Ride, Aarati Ceremony and Dinner Review
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India: Evening Ganga Aarti With Dinner and Private Transfer
Immerse oneself in Varanasi’s sacred traditions with the “India: Evening Ganga Aarti With Dinner and Private Transfer” experience. This 3-hour tour includes witnessing the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony performed by priests at Dashashwamedh Ghat, followed by a delectable dinner at a local Indian restaurant.
The experience is led by the head priest of Gangotri Seva Samiti, who’s trained in Vedas and Upanishads. Transportation is provided via a private air-conditioned car with hotel pickup and drop-off.
However, previous customer feedback suggests poor visibility during the Aarti and a disappointing dinner experience. This cultural offering provides an opportunity to take in Varanasi’s spiritual traditions, though the execution may not fully meet expectations.
Read our full review: India: Evening Ganga Aarti With Dinner and Private Transfer Review
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Varanasi: Evening Arti Boat Tour With Dinner
An evening boat tour on the Ganga River offers travelers a unique opportunity to witness the captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony in Varanasi.
The 4-hour private tour includes pickup from the hotel, a boat ride with snacks and drinks, and a delectable dinner at a local restaurant. Guests can marvel at the traditional hymns and rituals performed by priests during the Aarti.
The royal boat features red carpet flooring and floral decorations, ensuring a memorable experience.
With a 5/5 rating and positive feedback from various travelers, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic Varanasi dining experience complemented by the spiritual Ganga Aarti.
Read our full review: Varanasi: Evening Arti Boat Tour With Dinner Review
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Varanasi: Maharaja Boat Ride and Dinner
Departing from their hotels, travelers are chauffeured to Dashashwamedh Ghat, where they board the ornately-decorated Maharaja boat for an immersive 5-hour experience along the sacred Ganges River.
Furnished with carpets and flowers, the boat provides a serene setting to enjoy snacks, drinks, and soothing Indian classical music. Guests witness the captivating Ganga Aarti, a one-hour ceremony featuring mantras and hymns dedicated to Hindu deities.
Afterward, they savor a tempting meal at a renowned local restaurant before being dropped off at their hotels. Priced from $425 per person, this package includes round-trip transportation, on-board amenities, and dinner.
Read our full review: Varanasi: Maharaja Boat Ride and Dinner Review
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Recap
Varanasi offers a range of exceptional dining experiences that allow visitors to enjoy the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage. From rooftop dinners overlooking the Ganges River to intimate boat rides and Aarti ceremonies, these tours provide an unforgettable way to savor local cuisine while witnessing the enchanting rituals that define this sacred city. Travelers can choose from a variety of packages to suit their interests and preferences, ensuring a truly memorable dining experience in Varanasi.