New Banana Cafe & Restaurant — Restaurant in Puducherry

Visited Puducherry in the second week of November 2022 and identified this restaurant as a must-visit during the trip. Ended up visiting it on the last night of our stay - while walking towards it, we were doubtful considering the deserted lane leading up to the location, the three flight of stairs (it's a rooftop restaurant) and a few guests inside. We still gave it a go & were GLAD THAT WE DID. I was confused about what to eat since didn't want the same old Pasta (I am vegetarian) and the owner, chef & server of this place - Mr. Senthil (He is a one-man army!) approached us seeing us all confused and recommended Tarte (Aubergine) Provençale. My companion ordered Roasted Chicken. I had also ordered a Basil Lemonade. My dish was the best I had ever eaten anywhere. The base (tarte), prepared by the chef himself was perfect with the most finely cooked aubergine, tomato, garlic and cheese (& an array of herbs) as topping. I couldn't believe I was eating a well-made French delicacy in a simple restaurant like this one. The roasted chicken, as per the review, was perfectly cooked as well with the best of ingredients. The drink was refreshing. Was served the Provençale with fries and drum-rolls the best-ever salad made by anyone. The dressing was out of the world - we polished off our dishes clean. The owner places a premium on hygiene that is so evident in the preparations as lightning in a clear sky. Felt both happy & humbled at having eaten such a fantastic food that we ended up chatting with Mr. Senthil (15+ yr experience), listening to his life-story & clicking photographs inside. We walked away with a photograph with him too. New Banana was the highlight of my Pondy visit. It is delightful to see him do everything with so much passion. I am sure every guest walks away with both their heart and tummy contented. Reasonable prices, lovely hygienic preparations, peaceful ambience and a fantastic host (& chef) - no wonder New Banana has decade-old loyalist like patrons. Definitely visiting it each time I travel to Pondy and enjoy whatever Mr. Senthil puts...

As I entered the street I thought it must be a bad restaurant just by the look of the building, it looked like an apartment where ameture chefs would handle food deliveries for large groups. The same impression continued throughout the long climb to the top of the building. Once I reached the top I noticed the place was tidy and simple. No fancy paintings or lights, just a roof made out of dried coconut tree leaves. We seated ourselves comfortably while the only waiter/chef handed us the menu card. The menu card, was simple too. Just a few printed pages with all the dishes. We flipped through the pages and found the new of the dishes a bit complicated since they were all french names. But thankfully there was a description of the dish below it's name, just enough to visualise the dish's taste in our minds. We started ordering by first asking which was their best dish. The waiter/chef confidently answered "We have chosen only the best to be in the menu". I was impressed on hearing his confidence. Usually, other restaurants would selectively show us their "Best Dishes". But here it was different. Once we finished ordering, we had to wait for around 20 minutes to get all of our food on the table. I fell in love with the first dish, The Tuna Salad. It had some unique flavours to it and I was mesmerized. I expected the other dishes to be the same. A few minutes later, the rest of the food landed on the table, (I know this review is going too long but this restaurant...

New Banana Cafe & Restaurant in Pondicherry offers an exceptional dining experience that is hard to match. The charming and cozy ambiance, combined with vibrant interiors, sets the perfect mood as you relax at their rooftop location. With a stunning view of the surrounding town and the Basilica, this spot becomes even more magical as you watch the sun set at the other side.

The menu is a delightful mix of flavors and options. The roast chicken and garlic chicken are simply amazing, and the variety doesn't stop there. From fresh salads, lemonades, and crepes to the best quiches, pastas, and the most indulgent chocolate cake in the city, every dish is a treat for the taste buds.

The chef at Banana Cafe is incredibly friendly and attentive, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. The service is prompt, but it's worth noting that great food takes time to prepare, so be prepared for a short wait – it's absolutely worth it.

I highly recommend the restaurant to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience in Pondicherry. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this place is a must-visit for its delicious food, excellent service, and...