Embarking on a summer trip to the mountains sometime soon? Bookmarking these popular cafes and restaurants in Himachal Pradesh is highly recommended. By Karan Kaushik
Himachal Pradesh is home to some of India’s most-visit tourist destinations. From the colonial charm of Shimla and Dalhousie to the hippie vibes of Manali and the peaceful McLeodganj, Himachal offers delightful travel experiences. Cosy restaurants and chic cafes serving traditional and international fare add to the touristy charm of Himachal. We’ve featured some of the best eat-out options in the mountain state for you. Happy Summers!
Best cafes and restaurants in Himachal Pradesh
Sita Ram and Sons, Shimla
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Located near the iconic Regal building and Christ Church, this small roadside eatery is known for serving the best chana kulchas in Shimla. Their limited menu includes chana luchi, chana tikka, and chana kulcha. They are usually sold out by afternoon, so try and plan an early visit. They also serve delicious burgers. They don’t have a seating arrangement, and you may grab a public bench to enjoy your food.
Where: M.C. Complex, Ridge Sanjauli Road, Near Regal Building, Lakkar Bazar, Shimla
Renaissance, Manali
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You will be blown away by the flavours and consistency of the vegan cheese dishes served at Renaissance. One of the most popular cafes in Manali, Renaissance is known for its sumptuous Italian and Mexican cuisine. They brew the best kombucha in town. With chic and cosy interiors, the cafe restaurant also serves beers and mocktails. Their spicy Mexican dishes are made from local herbs and fresh veggies sourced from their kitchen garden. Don’t miss their Mexican smoked chicken burgers. Their stir-fried veggie plate with garlic and tomato rosette garnish is also very popular.
Where: On the way to Manu Temple, Old Manali Road, Old Manali
Kwality Restaurant, Dalhousie
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Being an evergreen hill station, Dalhousie has no dearth of good restaurants. One of its oldest and most popular restaurants is Kwality Restaurant on Gandhi Chowk. Established in 1972, the restaurant serves all meals from breakfast to dinner and even tea-time snacks. The old-school vibe of the place will remind you of a quintessential Indian mountain vacation. They also serve vegan and gluten-free meals. Popular dishes include chilli chicken, saag chicken, and sizzlers. Do try their bestseller Himachali chicken, aka Chai chicken, which is featured above.
Where: Gandhi Chowk, Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh
Indian Coffee House, Shimla
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The iconic Indian Coffee House in Shimla has hosted leading politicians, intellectuals, bureaucrats, and stalwarts from different fields. Its patrons include leaders from India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to its current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Located on Mall Road, the old-school establishment is perfect for a cup of hot coffee with some classic Indian snacks on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Apart from their coffee, they are famous for their dosas and burgers. Their burger sauce deserves a special mention.
Where: No 1, Mall Road, Lower Bazar, Shimla
Sol Cafe, Kaza
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Perhaps the most famous cafe in Spiti, Kaza’s Sol Cafe is all about aesthetics and zen vibes. Started in 2012 by a group of Ecosphere volunteers, the cafe is known for its strong coffee, herbal tea, and light snacks. You must order their French toast, waffles, pancakes, and wholewheat baked goods. They also have vegan options to choose from. The cafe also features a beautiful terrace area with nice views. A safe haven for backpackers, the cafe exudes a laidback vibe with mellow music and great food. They also organise movie screenings in their back room, where you can be seated on bean bags and enjoy a movie over bytes of fresh food.
Where: Main Market Kaza, Kaza, Himachal Pradesh
Himachali Rasoi, Shimla
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If you wish to taste the most authentic Himachali food in Shimla at a pocket-friendly price, head to Himachali Rasoi on Mall Road. The restaurant has limited sitting capacity but their delicious traditional food makes up for it. They follow the traditional Himachali concept of Dham, a festive spread served on special occasions. Try their Kangari Dham, Mandyali Dham, and sweet and savoury Sidu. The dhams feature an assortment of lentils and rice. Wash down your meals with a glass of rehru, a type of warm spicy buttermilk.
Where: 54, Mall Road, Middle Bazar, The Mall, Shimla
Mcllo Restaurant & Beer Bar, Mcleod Ganj
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This landmark restaurant is possibly the best in McLeod Ganj. Located right at the centre of the main square, Mcllo is a vibrant bar and restaurant with delectable offerings. They have been visited by the likes of Hollywood legend Piers Brosnan. The restaurant features four floors, including a roof-top. It’s usually jam-packed during most times of the day. They serve mouthwatering Chinese, French, Italian, and Indian fare. Popular dishes on their menu include momos, spaghetti, and grilled trout. Their pizzas also come highly recommended. The interiors of the restaurant have walls dotted with framed photographs of Indian and international cricketers who have visited the restaurant. The alcoholic beverages here are priced reasonably and you can expect a gala time with proper pub vibes here.
Where: Jogiwara Road, McLeod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh
Hindustan Ka Aakhri Dhaba, Chitkul
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One of the reasons why travellers, especially the food-loving ones, visit Chitkul is Hindustan ka Aakhri Dhaba. As its name suggests, this is the last eatery on the India-Tibetan border. Decorated with rows of colourful Buddhist prayer flags, the dhaba offers mesmerising views of the mountains and the gurgling river beneath them. There’s huge signage here which makes for the perfect gram-worthy photo spot. You will be happy to meet the humble and helpful locals here. While your food gets prepared, it’s a good idea to take a short walk to the ITBP check post. If that doesn’t sound interesting to you, you can simply relax on their balcony and drink in the beauty of the majestic Himalayas.
Where: 9C2P+6G3, Chitkul, Himachal Pradesh
Cafe Kunzum Top, Tabo
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Easily Tabo’s best cafe, Kunzum Top is nestled amidst gorgeous flowery plants. A beautiful parachute canopy held high on a prayer pole adorns it from the top. The cafe dishes out superb local and Tibetan fare. Their Spiti Thali is very popular among first-timers to Spiti. They also serve continental food. The coffee here is worth a mention too. Located near the Tabo Monastery, the cafe is a favourite among backpackers, who spend hours chilling here. Do try their Tibetan soups if you end up feeling a bit exhausted or under the weather. Their cold coffee pairs amazingly well with a plate of crispy hot fritters. Other popular dishes include spinach and cheese momos and seabuckthorn juice. The cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
Where: Sonam Homestay, Tabo, Spiti
June 16, Bir
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If you have a paragliding trip in Bir, we recommend dining at Cafe June 16. One of the most-flocked restaurants in Himachal Pradesh, Cafe June 16 is high on aesthetics and taste. Named after the owner’s wedding date, the cafe serves yum sandwiches, pasta, ratatouille, and garlic hummus. Their wraps are amazing too. For drinks, you can order coffee, peach ice tea, and home-brewed kombucha. Their alfredo pasta, veggie cheese grilled sandwiches, chocolate plum cake, and banana walnut muffins are highly recommended. So are their grilled tofu in fusion sauce, and mushroom-melt sandwiches.
Where: Cafe 16 June, Paragliding Landing Road, Bir
Morgan’s Place, Dharamkot
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If you decide to ditch Dharamsala and McLeodganj for their quieter sibling Dharamkot, make sure you visit Morgan’s Place for one of the best pizzas in Himachal. Comfort your cravings with freshly-cooked meals as you bask in the sun. Their signature dessert made with fresh strawberries is loved and relished by everybody who walks in. Their panini sandwiches also can’t be missed. Rule the gram with aesthetic corners and stunning mountain views when done savouring your food. Other recommended dishes are charcoal-grilled veg skewers, fries, fish fingers, and pesto veg pizza.
Naggar Castle, Manali
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If dining in a beautiful Himachali setup is high on your wish list during your mountain vacay, we recommend the rooftop restaurant at Naggar Castle. It is housed inside the iconic Naggar Castle, which was built in 1460 AD by Raja Sidh Singh of Kullu, and now serves as a popular heritage hotel run by the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation. Designed in traditional Himachali wood architecture, the gorgeous restaurant makes for a memorable dining experience. Afternoons can be blissful here and maybe spent enjoying a sunbath and fresh food with your loved ones. They are famous for their sumptuous Himachali cuisine.
Where: Patlikuhal – Naggar Road, Patlikuhal, Himachal Pradesh
Musafir – The Traveller’s Cafe, Bir
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This cafe in Bir is everything a discerning traveller looks forward to on a mountain vacay. Great views, good vibes, warm and hospitable locals, and interactions with fellow travellers from all corners of the world. Tucked away in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, this cosy cafe serves a variety of cuisines. They are located at a kissing distance from the paragliding landing site in Bir. On offer here are incredible sunsets too. Get the much-needed motivation to fly as you see other gliders in action while relishing a cup of hot chocolate and piping hot paranthas. The owner is fondly called Bhuppi Bhaiya and he makes incredible mint ice tea and sandwiches. You can’t afford to miss this cafe when in Bir.
Where: Musafir Cafe, near Landing Site, Bir, Himachal Pradesh
Cafe Jungle Valley, Jibhi
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If an offbeat experience in Jibhi is what you would fancy this summer, do make sure to visit Jungle Valley restaurant. Possibly the most happening restaurant in the valley, Jungle Valley serves different types of cuisine. They are particularly known for their traditional Himachali fare. The atmosphere of the restaurant is relaxed. The service could be a little quick but when you have spectacular views to treat your eyes with, your taste buds shouldn’t mind waiting. They host live band performances, which adds to the overall vibe of the place.
Where: Jungle Valley Jibhi Valley, Jibhi, Himachal Pradesh
Rendez-Vous, Old Manali
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Another super popular restaurant in Manali, Rendez-Vous features a sprawling front garden yard. Its lovely interiors boast artistic pictures and are spacious. They host live music events too. They are known for preparing delightful tandoori and Israeli delicacies. They also serve an impressive range of beers and wines. Try the bowl of white pasta and sandwiches here. The restaurant also serves superlative cappuccino.
Karan Kaushik
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