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best cafes in bhubaneswar (2026) - honest reviews

Mar 6, 2026

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11 min read

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updated Mar 6, 2026

tldr: bhubaneswar’s cafe scene is growing fast, driven by the IT hub in infocity. top picks: aroma cafe (best overall, reliable everything), the coffee commune (best for working, strong wifi), and story cafe (best ambience, date-friendly). average spend is rs 400-600 for two. full reviews below.


bhubaneswar is not the first city you think of when someone says “cafe culture.” it’s the temple city, the city of a thousand temples, the seat of kalinga. cafes feel like a recent import.

but here’s what’s happened. the IT sector has transformed parts of bhubaneswar. infocity and the chandrasekharpur area have brought in young professionals from across india, and with them came the demand for cafes that serve more than just filter coffee and masala dosa. the result is a cafe scene that’s small but genuine, with a mix of local entrepreneurs and chain outlets competing for the attention of a growing young professional population.

what stands out about bhubaneswar’s cafe scene from research is the split between old and new. the old bhubaneswar (near lingaraj temple, old town) has chai stalls that have been around for decades. new bhubaneswar (saheed nagar, jaydev vihar, patia) has the modern cafes. both are worth experiencing.

these reviews are research-backed. prices are for two people unless stated otherwise.


the awards (top picks)

  • best overall: aroma cafe, saheed nagar - reliable coffee, food, and vibes
  • best for working: the coffee commune, near infocity - strong wifi, work-friendly setup
  • best ambience: story cafe, saheed nagar - cozy, dim-lit, date-friendly
  • best food: the yellow house, jaydev vihar - cafe food that’s genuinely good
  • best coffee: the coffee commune, near infocity - proper beans, proper technique
  • best budget: chai sutta bar, saheed nagar - kulhad chai and maggi at pocket change
  • best chain: cafe coffee day (jaydev vihar) - the reliable default

the full list

#cafeareabest forcoffee (avg)cost for twowifirating
1aroma cafesaheed nagaroverall experiencers 200rs 550yes8.5/10
2the coffee communenear infocityworking / wifirs 220rs 600yes (strong)8.5/10
3story cafesaheed nagarambience / datesrs 200rs 550yes8/10
4the yellow housejaydev viharfood + coffeers 220rs 650yes8/10
5cafe coffee day (jaydev vihar)jaydev viharchain reliabilityrs 200rs 500yes7.5/10
6chai sutta barsaheed nagarbudget chairs 50rs 200no7.5/10
7the urban cafepatiatech crowdrs 200rs 550yes7.5/10
8coco cubanojaydev viharcontinental foodrs 250rs 700yes7.5/10
9roastery coffee housesaheed nagarcoffee nerdsrs 250rs 600yes7.5/10
10cafe nirvananayapalliquiet coffeers 180rs 450yes7/10
11the bake studiojaydev viharpastries / baked goodsrs 200rs 500yes7/10
12bakehouse cafesaheed nagarbreakfastrs 200rs 550yes7/10

the standouts

1. aroma cafe

saheed nagar / cost for two: rs 550 / 8.5/10

aroma cafe is the default answer when someone asks “which is the best cafe in bhubaneswar?” and from reviews, the reputation is warranted. it’s a well-run cafe with good coffee, a solid food menu, pleasant interiors, and wifi that actually works.

the coffee menu covers espresso-based drinks well. the cappuccino is properly made, the cold coffee is popular in summer, and they have a few specialty options. the food menu goes beyond the usual cafe sandwiches, including pastas, wraps, and some fusion items. reviewers mention the wood-fired pizzas as surprisingly good.

the location in saheed nagar means it’s central and accessible. the interiors are clean, well-lit, and designed for both quick coffee stops and longer sits. wifi is available and reliable enough for light work.

what stands out: consistency. reviewers across years mention the same thing, decent coffee, good food, clean space, fair prices. in a city where new cafes open and close regularly, aroma has stayed and maintained quality.

the catch: it gets crowded on weekends, especially evenings. the parking situation in saheed nagar is always tight. some reviews mention slow service during peak hours.

verdict: the best all-around cafe in bhubaneswar. safe recommendation for anyone, whether you want coffee, food, or just a place to sit.

2. the coffee commune

near infocity (chandrasekharpur area) / cost for two: rs 600 / 8.5/10

the coffee commune is the cafe that bhubaneswar’s IT professionals have adopted as their living room. located near infocity, the IT hub, it caters to a crowd that needs strong wifi, power outlets, and coffee that doesn’t stop coming.

the coffee here is reportedly the best in bhubaneswar. they use better beans than most cafes in the city and have baristas who know the difference between an americano and a long black. the espresso is properly extracted, the latte art is attempted (and sometimes achieved), and the cold brew is a genuine cold brew, not just cold coffee relabeled.

the workspace setup is intentional. there are tables designed for laptops, power outlets within reach of every seat, and the wifi is the strongest of any cafe in the city. during weekday mornings, it’s essentially a coworking space that serves coffee.

what stands out: the combination of good coffee and a work-friendly setup. if you’re a remote worker in bhubaneswar who doesn’t want to commit to a coworking space, this is your spot.

the catch: it’s near infocity, which means it’s far from the city centre. if you’re staying in old town or the saheed nagar area, it’s a 30-40 minute commute. also, the cafe can feel too quiet on weekday mornings and too crowded on weekday evenings when the IT crowd arrives.

verdict: the best cafe in bhubaneswar for working. the coffee is a bonus.

3. story cafe

saheed nagar / cost for two: rs 550 / 8/10

story cafe goes for the cozy, intimate vibe and executes it well. the interiors feature dim lighting, booth seating, bookshelf walls, and a design that encourages lingering. it’s the most “instagram-ready” cafe in bhubaneswar.

the coffee is good but not exceptional. the desserts are the stronger part of the menu, the cakes, brownies, and pastries get consistently good reviews. the food menu covers sandwiches, pasta, and some fusion items.

what stands out: the ambience. for dates, small group catch-ups, or just a quiet afternoon with a book, story cafe creates the right environment. the booth seating provides privacy, and the music is kept at a reasonable level.

the catch: it’s small. the intimate design means limited seating, and weekend waits are common. the food portions are on the smaller side for the price.

verdict: the best cafe in bhubaneswar for ambience and dates. not a workspace, but a good place to spend an afternoon.

4. the yellow house

jaydev vihar / cost for two: rs 650 / 8/10

the yellow house is exactly what the name suggests, a cafe in a yellow house (or at least a yellow-painted space). the aesthetic is bright, cheerful, and slightly bohemian. there’s a small garden section that’s pleasant during winter months.

the food is the star here. the breakfast menu (eggs, pancakes, french toast) is popular. the lunch menu has wraps, salads, and some indian options. the coffee is decent. reviewers consistently mention the food quality as being a step above typical cafe fare.

what stands out: the food quality. if you’re going to a cafe specifically to eat (not just for coffee), the yellow house is the best option.

the catch: slightly more expensive than other cafes in the city. the garden section is unusable during bhubaneswar’s hot and rainy months (which is most of the year).

verdict: the best food-focused cafe in bhubaneswar. come for lunch, stay for coffee.


the reliable midfield

5. cafe coffee day (jaydev vihar outlet)

jaydev vihar / cost for two: rs 500 / 7.5/10

CCD is CCD. you know what you’re getting. the jaydev vihar outlet is one of the better-maintained ones in the city, with reliable wifi, AC, and the standard menu. it’s the fallback option when everywhere else is full or when you just need guaranteed baseline quality.

6. chai sutta bar

saheed nagar / cost for two: rs 200 / 7.5/10

the budget option. chai sutta bar has become a nationwide chain, and the bhubaneswar outlet does what the chain does, kulhad chai, maggi, and a few snacks at prices that make coffee shops look like robbery. a kulhad chai for rs 30-40, a maggi for rs 60. it’s not about the coffee here, it’s about the price and the vibe. popular with college students and young professionals.

verdict: the cheapest cafe experience in bhubaneswar.

7. the urban cafe

patia / cost for two: rs 550 / 7.5/10

the urban cafe serves the patia/infocity crowd. modern interiors, decent wifi, and a menu that covers coffee, shakes, and basic cafe food. it’s a solid option in the patia area, which is underserved for cafes compared to saheed nagar.

8. coco cubano

jaydev vihar / cost for two: rs 700 / 7.5/10

coco cubano leans more toward food than coffee. the continental menu is broader than most bhubaneswar cafes, with burgers, steaks (or their interpretation of steaks), and proper meal-sized portions. the coffee and shakes are serviceable.

verdict: more restaurant than cafe, but a good option if you want continental food in bhubaneswar.

9. roastery coffee house

saheed nagar / cost for two: rs 600 / 7.5/10

roastery coffee house is for the slightly more serious coffee drinker. they focus on the coffee itself, offering single-origin options, pour-over methods, and espresso-based drinks made with better attention than the average cafe. the food is secondary.

verdict: the best option for coffee purists in bhubaneswar.


the neighborhood options

10. cafe nirvana

nayapalli / cost for two: rs 450 / 7/10

a quiet neighbourhood cafe in nayapalli that serves decent coffee and basic snacks. it’s not a destination cafe, but if you’re in the area and need a coffee, it’s reliable. the space is small, clean, and unpretentious.

11. the bake studio

jaydev vihar / cost for two: rs 500 / 7/10

the bake studio focuses on baked goods, cakes, cookies, and pastries alongside coffee. the coffee is a supporting act here. worth visiting if you want fresh baked goods.

12. bakehouse cafe

saheed nagar / cost for two: rs 550 / 7/10

bakehouse cafe is a breakfast-focused spot. the egg preparations, pancakes, and french toast are the draws. coffee is serviceable. it’s a good morning option if you’re in saheed nagar.


the cafe geography of bhubaneswar

understanding bhubaneswar’s cafe layout helps:

areawhat to expectbest cafes
saheed nagarhighest concentration, most varietyaroma, story cafe, chai sutta bar
jaydev viharhotel area, more upscalethe yellow house, CCD, coco cubano
patia / infocityIT crowd, work-focusedthe coffee commune, the urban cafe
nayapalliresidential, quietercafe nirvana
old towntraditional chai stalls, no modern cafes—

the cafe scene is concentrated in new bhubaneswar. old town, near the temples, hasn’t developed a modern cafe culture yet. that’s not necessarily a problem, the chai stalls near lingaraj temple are an experience in themselves, but don’t expect a latte with oat milk there.


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