Roma’s Cafe Diner is a casual Indian-and-Continental restaurant at 24, 2nd Floor, Swastik Plaza, near Ravidas Gate, Lanka, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005. Its white exposed-brick dining room and city views offer a different setting from the old city’s compact lanes and riverside eateries. Travelers come for a broad choice of fast food and substantial mains, especially when a mixed group wants familiar international cooking alongside Indian food. The location suits a meal while exploring Lanka and the northern entrance to Banaras Hindu University.
What to Expect at Roma’s Cafe Diner
The defining combination is Indian and Continental cooking in an upstairs cafe-diner setting. Indian mains make this a lunch or dinner stop rather than simply a coffee break, while the fast-food side suits a shorter visit. Its culinary range also extends across Italian, Mexican, and Asian categories. Treat it as a broad-menu restaurant rather than a specialist regional kitchen: it offers variety for companions with different preferences, not an introduction to the full traditions of Banarasi cooking.
White exposed brick gives the interior a lighter appearance than the darker brickwork common in industrial-style cafes. The elevated position provides views over the surrounding city streets; this is an urban outlook, not a Ganges-facing dining room. Request a table near the windows if the view matters. For vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals, discuss individual preparations with staff: dairy, bread, sauces, and shared cooking equipment require separate questions, particularly when ordering across several cuisines.
- Indian and Continental mains: The central offering accommodates both local-food appetites and travelers seeking familiar international options.
- Fast-food choices: A practical alternative to a full meal when fitting lunch between sightseeing stops.
- White exposed-brick interior: The restaurant’s distinctive decorative feature creates a casual cafe atmosphere.
- Upper-floor city views: Windows look toward the surrounding urban neighborhood rather than the riverfront.
- Lanka location: The Ravidas Gate address places the restaurant within the busy commercial area near Banaras Hindu University.
Roma’s Cafe Diner at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 24, 2nd Floor, Swastik Plaza, near Ravidas Gate, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India |
| Neighborhood / Area | Lanka, near Banaras Hindu University |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Friday: 11am–11pm; Saturday–Sunday: 10:30am–11pm |
| Admission / Price Range | $$; mid-range casual dining, with food and drinks charged individually |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Ravidas Gate and Lanka are useful auto-rickshaw and e-rickshaw drop-off points; ask about parking before driving |
| Official Website & Phone | For current menus and booking arrangements, telephone +91 99844 44095 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive close to opening for an early lunch, or aim for a mid-afternoon meal between conventional lunch and dinner periods. Call ahead for a larger party, a window-table request, or an evening visit with a fixed schedule. Ask about reservations, the day’s menu, and accepted payment methods in the same call. Casual sightseeing clothes suit the cafe-diner setting. Drivers should establish parking arrangements before approaching Swastik Plaza: Lanka’s busy streets make an improvised curbside stop inconvenient. For hired transport, give both “Swastik Plaza” and “near Ravidas Gate” rather than the restaurant name alone.
The second-floor address makes vertical access an important planning question. Wheelchair users and families with strollers should telephone about a working passenger lift, steps between the street and lift, doorway clearance, and toilet access before traveling. Pair the meal with Ravidas Gate and the nearby Lanka shopping streets, roughly a 5–10-minute neighborhood walk. The BHU main entrance, commonly called Singh Dwar, is another short outing, around 10–15 minutes depending on the route and crossings. Founded in 1916 through the efforts of Madan Mohan Malaviya, the university gives this part of Varanasi its academic identity. Its major interior attractions require additional travel beyond the gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours and best arrival time?
Roma’s Cafe Diner opens Monday–Friday from 11am to 11pm and Saturday–Sunday from 10:30am to 11pm. Arriving near opening works well for an early meal; telephone before making a special holiday journey.
How expensive is it, and should I reserve?
It falls in the $$ mid-range casual-dining tier, rather than street-food pricing. Call +91 99844 44095 for current dish prices and table arrangements, particularly for groups or a specific seating request.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 60–90 minutes for a seated meal and conversation. Add another 30–45 minutes if you want to browse Lanka’s shops and walk toward the BHU entrance afterward.
Is it suitable for families and wheelchair users?
The varied culinary range makes it a practical option for families with differing tastes. Because the dining room is upstairs, wheelchair users should establish the complete step-free route and toilet arrangements directly before visiting.
When planning your Varanasi travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and cafe in Varanasi, pair this stop with standout local spots including Shree Shivay Thali Dining Varanasi, The Clarks Varanasi, Trade Facilities Center Varanasi, and The Art Hotel by VIA VARANASI (0.4 km away).
