Craving Seafood? 7 Best Seafood Restaurants in Pondicherry
Pondicherry’s Coastal Vibe
Pondicherry is a seaside city with French charm and a laid-back coastal vibe. Fresh catches of the day – from pomfret to prawns – are a way of life here. Foodies flock to beachside cafes and shacks to sample spicy curries, fried fish, and seafood platters. In this guide, we round up the best seafood restaurants in Pondicherry, perfect for tourists craving ocean-fresh flavors. Read on to discover cozy beachfront joints, heritage-town diners, and upscale bistros that make Pondy one of the best places to eat in Pondicherry for seafood lovers.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Pondicherry
| S.No. | Best Seafood Restaurants in Pondicherry | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | De Bluefin Seafood Restaurant | 4.5 |
| 2 | De Fish House Seafood Restaurant | 4.3 |
| 3 | Hotel Sri Kamatchi | 4.4 |
| 4 | Wildfish Bistro | 4.5 |
| 5 | Theevu Plage | 4.3 |
| 6 | FinZ | 4.4 |
| 7 | Prawn And Crab Restaurant | 4.5 |
De Bluefin Seafood Restaurant
Where Fresh Catch Meets Flavor – Pondicherry’s Live Seafood Experience!
De Bluefin is a unique live-seafood spot on MG Road where you literally pick your fish, crab or lobster and have the chef grill or curry it to order. The menu spans Indian, Tandoor, Chinese and Continental styles, all centered on just-caught seafood. It’s a casual, bright eatery (we even spotted fun décor like a bicycle on the wall in photos) serving dishes like pomfret fry and malabar prawn curry. Prices are very reasonable (around ₹800 for two people), making it a popular “best seafood restaurant in Pondicherry” for budget-minded diners. Contact: 104, Bussy St (near Baker St), MG Road, Pondicherry. Phone: +91-875-415-4108.
De Fish House Seafood Restaurant
A Global Seafood Affair in the Heart of White Town!
De Fish House in White Town blends Indian and international seafood dishes. The chef prepares everything from traditional fish curry and prawn masala to grilled lobster in lemon-butter sauce and seafood pasta. The restaurant’s website boasts of a “unique blend of Indian and international seafood delicacies”, and its elegant indoor-outdoor seating overlooks a pond in heritage Pondy. Ambiance is warm and relaxed, with soft lighting and gentle music. It’s mid-range – expect about ₹1,000 for two. (Insider tip: the “seafood sizzler” is a hit.) Contact: 49 Muthu Mariamman Koil St., Heritage Town. Phone: +91-413-406-6401.
Hotel Sri Kamatchi
Authentic South Indian Spices, Legendary Seafood Biryani Vibes!
This no-frills White Town eatery has built a reputation on South Indian non-veg specialties. It’s famous for its own Kamatchi style seafood – try the Prawn Kamatchi or Fish Kamatchi curry, as well as their meat biryanis. Think spicy coastal-style gravies and a bustling family crowd. The ambience is simple and casual (it’s a bustling family-friendly place rather than fine dining), and the prices are very wallet-friendly (around ₹1,000 for two). A classic best seafood restaurant in Pondicherry among locals, Sri Kamatchi is open all day. Contact: 5 Labourdonnais St. (near Old Law College), White Town. Phone: +91-413-222-4336.
Wildfish Bistro – The Promenade
Luxury by the Sea – French Flair Meets Coastal Freshness!
Wildfish is the plush seafood restaurant at The Promenade hotel on Goubert Avenue. It bills itself as Pondicherry’s first exclusive seafood restaurant promoting sustainable fishing. The whole concept is “wild” – everything is ultra-fresh (never frozen) and cooked in a French-Creole style. The decor is chic and French-inspired by the sea. Must-try items include Lobster Thermidor and classic fish preparations. This is a fine-dining experience, so the price is on the higher side. (For reference, head chef Harish Rao is acclaimed for upscale seafood plating.) Contact: The Promenade Pondicherry, 23 Goubert Ave., White Town. Phone: +91-413-222-7750.
Theevu Plage
Beachfront Bites & Sea Breezes at Serenity Beach’s Favorite Shack!
Just 5km from town, Theevu Plage is a breezy seaside shack facing Serenity Beach. It’s a cosy little restaurant with a great Bay of Bengal view, perfect for a lazy sunny afternoon. The design is beachy-Grecian white with open-air seating – you literally dine with the sound of waves in the background. The food is straightforward but delicious: think grilled pomfret, fish fries, crab lollipops and seafood platters. Locals love the lobster and crab dishes. Prices are very affordable (around ₹800 for two). Contact: Near Serenity Beach (Kottakuppam). Phone: +91-96007-77038.
FinZ – Seafood & Barbeque
Buffet by the Bay – Grilled Goodness with a Side of Ocean View!
FinZ at Club Mahindra (Pillaiyarkuppam) is a name you’ll see on many “best Pondicherry restaurants” lists. It’s right by the beach with indoor and outdoor seating. The highlight here is the seafood buffet and BBQ. Chefs bring around trays of perfectly grilled jumbo prawns, squids, and fish to your table; every item is seasoned to stand out. Expect a huge spread including Indian curries, plus Chinese and Continental sides. It’s festive and family-friendly (kids love the Mahi-Mahi fried fish). FinZ is pricier – about ₹2,200 for two – but it’s a splurge many find worth it for the rivers-of-seafood experience. Contact: R.S. 200/201, Club Mahindra (Valluvar Medu, Murungapakkam). Phone: +91-413-261-6100.
Prawn And Crab Restaurant
Big Portions. Bold Flavors. Pondy’s Budget Seafood Powerhouse!
Prawn And Crab is a casual chain spot (multiple outlets) often noted by seafood lovers for its huge portion sizes and value. The Lawspet branch on ECR Road serves North Indian and biryani-style seafood – loaded prawn biryani, butter chicken, and especially crab masala. Don’t expect fancy decor (it’s simple indoor seating) but do expect generous servings. It’s very budget-friendly – around ₹500 for two people. The motto is basically “all-you-can-eat seafood” in a dhaba style. Contact: RS 181/9, Plot 4, ECR Road, Lawspet. Phone: +91-413-225-4656.
Conclusion: Dive into Pondicherry’s Seafood Paradise
Pondicherry is more than just a pretty beach town—it’s a seafood lover’s dream come true. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy Tamil-style crab curry, French-infused seafood delicacies, or a simple grilled fish with ocean views, this charming city delivers in every way. From the budget-friendly bites at Hotel Sri Kamatchi to the luxurious experience at Wildfish Bistro, there’s something for every palate and pocket.
So next time you’re by the Bay of Bengal, skip the usual and explore the best seafood restaurants in Pondicherry. These spots aren’t just places to eat—they’re where local flavors meet coastal charm, creating unforgettable memories with every bite. Whether you’re a tourist capturing content for your blog or a foodie chasing that perfect prawn curry, Pondicherry’s seafood scene is waiting for you.
FAQs – Finding Seafood in Pondicherry
Its coastal location means daily fresh catch! You’ll find fish, prawns, squid, and crabs caught by local fishermen and sold in markets. Restaurants then turn these into tangy Tamilian curries, grilled platters, and more. Beachside eateries usually have the freshest seafood – from Serenity Beach to the Rock Beach area. Pondicherry’s French influence also means some unique fusions (think Creole curries and continental grills).
Classic picks include Tamil-style meen kuzhambu (spicy fish curry), prawn masala, fish fry (with lots of chili and curry leaves), and crab curry or butter garlic crab. If you’re into chowders or Western styles, cafes like Wildfish might offer things like Lobster Thermidor or grilled sea bass. Don’t miss local specialties like Crab Lollipops or Kamatchi (peppery prawn) curry at spots like Sri Kamatchi.
Beach shacks (Theevu Plage, Rock Beach stalls) source right off the boat. “Live” seafood restaurants like De Bluefin let you pick your catch moments before cooking. Also look for restaurants that explicitly say “fresh catch of the day” on their menu. In markets (Goubert Market, Lawspet fish market) you can buy fish directly and even have small kitchens cook it for you.
Theevu Plage (Serenity Beach) and Wildfish Bistro (by the old lighthouse Promenade) offer awesome sea vistas. Sunset at Theevu or FinZ’s beachside patio is hard to beat. Even De Fish House has a pond view. Mention the location (bay, pond) when choosing a table to eat with a view.
For popular spots (FinZ, Wildfish, De Fish House) especially on weekends, it’s wise to call ahead or reserve. Smaller places like Hotel Kamatchi or Prawn & Crab don’t take reservations but also fill up quickly with locals. If you’re a tourist staying in a resort, the concierge can often help book a table at the “best seafood restaurants in Pondicherry.”
You’ll find everything from budget eats (~₹300–₹500 for two at dhaba-style joints like Prawn & Crab) to mid-range (₹800–₹1,000 for two at casual bistros like De Bluefin or De Fish House) up to premium (₹2,000+ at fine-dining spots like Wildfish or FinZ). But generally, seafood here is quite affordable compared to many other coastal cities – one reason Pondicherry is such a best place to eat for sea-loving foodies.
Think about atmosphere and budget. For beachfront vibes, try Theevu Plage or FinZ. For local flavor on a budget, head to Sri Kamatchi or Prawn & Crab. For a unique experience, De Bluefin’s live seafood or Wildfish’s French ambiance stand out. And yes, word-of-mouth and review sites frequently mention the above spots as the best restaurants in Pondicherry for seafood – so you’re in good company following this list!. Bon appétit!
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