Here’s a comprehensive guide to the must-visit restaurants in Gaya & Bodh Gaya, tailored so tourists don’t need to look elsewhere. Expect cuisine types, menus, pricing, timings, special tips, and transport details—all in one place.
1. Paprika Fine Dine Pure Veg Restaurant (Gaya)
- Cuisine: Pure-veg, North & South Indian, Chinese, desserts
- Ambience: Elegant, plush seating—ideal for family dinners and celebrations
- Popular Dishes & Prices:
- Tandoori Chaap – ₹225
- Kurkure Momos – ₹230
- Kashmiri Pulao – ₹295
- Hyderabadi Paneer – ₹395
- Cold Coffee w/ Ice Cream – ₹225
- Timings: 11 AM–11 PM
- Location: Dulhingunj near Kiran Cinema
- Highlights: Highly rated for quality and service; good card/UPI support; fine for special occasions
- Tip: Best to call ahead on weekends to book a table.
2. The Spice Affair (Gaya)
- Cuisine: Multi-cuisine—North & South Indian, Chinese, Biryani, Mughlai
- Ambience: Bollywood-themed interiors; rooftop terrace for small parties
- Popular Dishes & Prices: Biryani and Mughlai specials; mid-range pricing
- Timings: 11 AM–11 PM
- Location: Riverside Rd near IDBI Bank, Dulhingunj
- Tip: Ideal for casual group dinners and birthday celebrations.
3. Blackheart Café (Gaya)
- Cuisine: Fusion (Indian + Western): biryani, burgers, pizza, chaats, samosas
- Ambience: Trendy—a favorite hangout spot with exposed brick decor
- Timings: 10 AM–10 PM
- Location: Kareem Ganj, near Palm Garden
- Tip: Popular with youth—best visited post-evening.
4. BrooD’s Play N Eat (Gaya)
- Cuisine: Indian & International, plus food-for-fun activities
- Ambience/Activities: 9D VR egg, games, lively setting
- Timings: 11 AM–11 PM
- Location: AN Road in Yasin Complex
- Tip: Great for families and birthday groups—book in advance for weekends.
5. Coffee Roaster’s (Gaya)
- Cuisine: Cafe-style – coffees, sandwiches, light meals
- Ambience: Rooftop with indoor & smoking zones
- Timings: 9 AM–10 PM
- Location: Chanakyapuri Colony, Judges Colony
- Tip: Cute for relaxed evenings—navigate to upper floors for sunset views.
6. Athithyam (Gaya)
- Cuisine: Authentic South Indian (dosa, idli, uttapam)
- Tip: A must for dosa lovers—open for breakfast and lunch hours.
7. Gopal Sweets
- Cuisine: Traditional Bihari sweets and snacks (litti-chokha, tilkut)
- Location: Near central Gaya
- Tip: Try seasonal specialties—kjhuria and tilkut in winter.
8. Nirvana The Veg Café (Bodh Gaya)
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, café-style
- Ambience: Calm & clean, ideal for post-temple meals
- Tip: Reserve ahead during tourist season.
9. Maya Heritage Restaurant (Bodh Gaya)
- Cuisine: Multi-cuisine including Continental
- Ambience: Heritage-style décor
- Tip: Perfect for special dinners; book indoor seating on cooler nights.
10. Tibet Om Café (Bodh Gaya)
- Cuisine: Vegetarian Tibetan & Himalayan fare
- Popular Dishes: Thukpa, momos, tingmo
- Timings: 8 AM–8 PM (seasonal)
- Tip: Order momos with soup and grab a souvenir from their gift shop.
Quick Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Type | Price Range | Signature Dish | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paprika Fine Dine | Pure Veg Fine-Dine | ₹200–₹400 | Tandoori chaap, momos | Celebratory meals, veg lovers |
| The Spice Affair | Multi-cuisine | ₹150–₹300 | Biryani, Mughlai dishes | Group dinners, casual outing |
| Blackheart Café | Fusion Café | ₹100–₹200 | Burgers, pizza, fusion chaats | Youth, casual meetups |
| BrooD’s Play N Eat | Food + Entertainment | ₹100–₹250 | Singapore noodles + VR | Families, kids, fun outings |
| Coffee Roaster’s | Café | ₹80–₹200 | Coffee, sandwiches, desserts | Chill evenings, small groups |
| Athithyam | South Indian | ₹60–₹150 | Dosa, idli, uttapam | Breakfast, dosa lovers |
| Nirvana Veg Café | Veg Café (Bodh Gaya) | ₹100–₹200 | Indian café fare | Temple goers, calm setting |
| Tibet Om Café | Tibetan Veg | ₹80–₹200 | Thukpa, momos | Tibetan cuisine lovers |
| Fujiya Green | Tibetan/Asian | ₹80–₹180 | Mutton momos, thukpa | Casual meals, local picks |
| Be Happy Café | Café/Desserts | ₹70–₹150 | Carrot cake | Dessert lovers |
Local Tips for Food Lovers
- Try tilkut from Gopal Sweets—Bihar’s signature winter sweet
- Book Tibet Om Café before popular mealtimes.
- For a bite with a view, head to Blackheart Café rooftop in the evening.
- BrooD’s Play N Eat needs advance booking if visiting on weekends.
- Athithyam opens early—perfect breakfast spot before sightseeing.
- Sample local street snacks like litti-chokha and khaja near Gopal Sweets.