The coastal beauty of Karnataka, Gokarna is a small temple town located in the Uttara Kanda district. Being part of the Pancha Kshetras of Lord Shiva (Sajjeshwara, Gunavanthe, Dhareshwara and Murudeshwar), Gokarna is an important pilgrims destination for the devotee of Lord Shiva. It is home to the famous Mahabaleshwar Temple where the main Atma Linga has been placed. Apart from being a pilgrim’s center the laid-back beauty, rustic charm, vibrant cafes and coastal beauty of this place attract backpackers. Due to the number of beaches, Gokarna is also known as the laid-back version of Goa or Mini Goa.
The beaches here are not too fancy but a perfect blend of peace and adventure that is enough for a perfect vacation. Also, the laid-back version of this place makes it a pocket-friendly destination that everyone can afford. So, if Goa looks too touristy and expensive to you visit Gokarna. And before leaving don’t forget to check our handpicked list of the best cafes in Gokarna where you can enjoy delicious food with peaceful vibes.
Best Cafes in Gokarna
Let’s Quicky Dive Into The Details
- Mantra Cafe
- Namaste Cafe
- Ganga Cafe
- Gokarna Stops Cafe
- Bhagwan Cafe
- The Little Paradise Inn
- Marine Uana Cafe
- Sunset Cafe
- Nirvana Cafe
- Chez Christophe
- Best cafe in Gokarna for candlelight Dinner
- Best Cafe and Pubs to enjoy nightlife in Gokarna
- Best beach in Gokarna to enjoy nightlife
1. Mantra Cafe
Located on the premises of Zostel, Mantra cafe is a beachside cafe where you can enjoy breakfast, launch, and dinner at an affordable price. It is the best place to eat in Gokaran with mesmerizing views of Gokarna beach. The fresh breeze through the Arabian sea with delicious food creates an atmosphere where you can easily spend hours without getting bored. It has both indoor and outdoor seating options. The ambiance is great, the service is good, the taste is delicious and the price is affordable. Overall, it is the best cafe in Gokarna.
- Location – Zostel, Kudle beach road, Dandebagh
- Price Range – 400 Rs for Two.
- What to try – Nutella Banana pancakes, pizzas, paneer butter masala, juices and prawns.
- How to reach – 10 min trek from the main Gokarna town.
2. Namaste Cafe
Surrounded by the tropical gardens, Namaste cafe is located on Om beach. It has an amazing restaurant overlooking the beach with comfortable accommodation. The views from here are picturesque and the food is great. The price is little expensive but the ambiance, food and location make it all worth it. They serve alcohol as well which means it can be a great place to enjoy the nightlife in Gokarna.
- Location – Om beach road, Gokarna
- Price Range – 700 Rs for two
- Must try – Spanish style breakfast, Grilled Pomfret, Chicken Pizza, Chicken Sizzlers and Seafood.
3. Ganga Cafe
Situated in front of Kudle beach, Ganga cafe is a quiet and calm place to eat in Gokarna. Along with delicious food, they also have rooms for accommodation. The delicious food, amazing hospitality and nice view make it one of the best cafes in Gokarna. There is a yoga school next to the cafe where you can learn and practice yoga. Overall, it is a perfect place for an outing with family and friends.
- Location – Kudle beach road, Gokarna
- Price – 300 to 400 Rs for two
- Mus try – Thai green curry, Chilli chicken dry, mushroom cheese toast, and vindaloo.
4. Gokarna Stops Cafe
If you’re looking for a place to eat where you can feel the white sand at the bottom of your feet and overlook the never-ending sea then Gokarna Stops cafe is the place to go. Situated in the heart of Gokarna main beach, Gokarna stops cafe is famous for serving mouth-watering seafood and north Indian dishes.
It is one of the cafes in Gokarna where you can literally have food on the beach. They have services like romantic candle night dinner, bonfire, music and sports to entertain you. And they also have an option for stay as well.
- Location – Gokarna main beach
- Price – 300 to 500 rs for two
- What to try – Candle light dinner, and spectacular sunset.
5. Bhagwan Cafe
Away from the hustle-bustle of urban life, Bhagwan cafe is situated at a peaceful and most unexplored beach of Gokarna, Middle beach. They serve both Indian and continental cuisines. Seafood is the specialty of this cafe, so don’t forget to taste it. Also, they have the option of staying as well. Therefore, if you’re on a backpacking trip and have a tight budget then this is the best place to stay in Gokarna. The calm and serene surroundings with the soothing sound of waves make it one of the best cafes in Gokarna.
- Location – Middle beach, Gokarna
- Price – Affordable
- What to try – Seafood, Continental breakfast and partially wooden covered area for stay.
6. The Little Paradise Inn
Located at Kudle beach, the Little Paradise Inn is a beach side cafe & hut. They serve a wide range of cuisine like seafood, Thai, Indian, Italian and Chinese. They also have colorful cottages for the accommodation. Eating underneath the wooden hut with mesmerizing views of the Arabian sea and refreshing breeze or sitting under the night sky loaded with millions of sparkling stars while enjoying your favorite food is the experience you’ll get at Little Paradise Inn.
- Location – Kudle beach, Gokarna
- Price – 600 Rs for Two
- Must Try – Seafood, prawn madras, Thai and vegan food.
7. Marine Uana Cafe
Marine Uana Cafe and Cottage is located on the Gokarna main beach. They have an option for outdoor sitting that allows you to have food while enjoying the wonderful beach vibes. The white sandy beach, perfect sitting arrangement and delicious food make it one of the best places to eat in Gokarna. To make your night happening they also serve beers and soft drinks.
If you’re looking for stay then they also have rooms equipped with a balcony, an attached washroom and all basic facilities.
- Location – Hari Om Cottage, Belehittal road, Dandebagh, Gokarna beach.
- How to reach – To reach up there park your car as per Google map and take a short walk from the farms to reach the property.
8. Sunset Cafe
Set on a tiny cliff, Sunset Cafe is a beach side restaurant famous for its simple yet charming decor. The food is amazing and the service is good. Most of the reviews on Google mention their amazing hospitality and service. Situated in front of the Gokarna main beach, it gives you soothing beach vibes with mount watering food. They also have rooms, dome and tents for accommodations. So, if you’re on workation then this is the perfect place to stay in Gokarna.
- Location – Gokarna Main Beach, Gokarna
- Must Try – South Indian Thali.
9. Nirvana Cafe
Situated on the middle side of Om beach, Nirvana cafe is a beach shack. It is famous for its delicious food & drinks and stunning views. In the early morning or in the evening when the sun meets the sea then the views from the cafe are mesmerizing. They serve drinks to make your evening happening.
- Location – Om beach, Gokarna
- Cost of two – 500 Rs.
10. Chez Christophe
Chez Christophe is a french cafe located at Middle beach, Gokarna. It is one of the most happening cafes in Gokarna. When the sun is about to go down under the Arabian sea you can see lots of musicians playing different-2 musical instruments. The hippie vibes are the main attraction of this place. If you’re traveling solo then this is the best place to make new friends in Gokarna.
It is a perfect place to enjoy a chilled beer with vibrant music. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy nightlife in Gokarna then Chez Christophe cafe is the place to go.
- Location – Middle beach, Belehittal Road, Gokarna.
- Must try – Apple pie, Chocolate mousse, wine, hot chocolate and croissants.
Best Cafe in Gokarna For Candle Light Dinner
Gokarna Stops cafe, Namaste Cafe, Chez Christophe, Mantra Cafe and The Little Paradise Inn are the most romantic cafe to enjoy candle light dinner in Gokarna.
Best cafes and pubs to enjoy the nightlife in Gokarna
Golden Wines – Located near Om beach, Golden Wines is the perfect place to find various brands of wines at reasonable prices. The staff is good and the service is quick.
Chez Christophe – It is a french cafe cum bar located at Middle beach. The delicious french cuisine, chilled drinks, live music performances, mesmerizing beach views and hippie vibes of this place make your nightlife entertaining in Gokarna.
Bachelor’s Dreams – It is a disco club situated at Om beach road. They serve a wide range of drinks with lively music.
Mantra Cafe – Mantra cafe is another interesting place to enjoy the nightlife in Gokarna. Situated at Kudle beach on the premises of Zostel, Mantra cafe has facilities like Dj night, bonfire, and delicious food.
Which beach is best to enjoy the nightlife in Gokarna?
Kudle beach, Om beach, Paradise beach, and Nirvana beach are the best beaches for entertaining nightlife in Gokarna. There you can find lots of cafes and pubs where you can make your nightlife happening.