How wonderful it is to have some lip-smacking food with the snow-clad mountains and pristine environment as your view, ain’t it? Picture this, after a long day of adventure activities, you land in a cosy cafe with great ambience and amazing views and you would want to Instagram it, while at the same time want to eat some delicious and nutritious food. Added to that, some of these cafes practice sustainability! Cool isn’t it?
Here are 15 cafes that you should check out while you visit Himachal Pradesh!
This café tucked away in the hills of Bir-Billing, is reminiscent of rustic living, with Himachali architecture, mud exteriors, and an organic kitchen garden. The location has stunning views, especially after sunset. The kitchen provides Himachali food such as desi rara chicken, khatta meetha kadu, and other meals. The meal will make you fall in love with the local cuisine, and you may even want to request the recipe. Don’t forget to say hello to Cara and Buddy, the two lovely retrievers.
Cuisine: Pahadi, Indo-Chinese, Italian
Address: Near Landing Site, Bir, Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 08219530500
Avva’s Café, located near the paragliding landing point in Bir, is a cultural melting pot. The café boasts relaxing Japanese-inspired décor and offers southern Indian cuisine ranging from uttapam to idli and dosa to puliyogre. ‘Avva’ is a colloquial Tamil word that means ‘mother’. The name was chosen since the owner’s mother operated the cooking on her own during the café’s early days. Rasam shots are served as a unique welcome drink to guests. The stunning view of the Dhauladhar Mountains and the verdant barley fields outside the café is framed by large glass windows. The seating space is divided into three sections: interior, terrace, and backyard. In the café, there is also a small area for art shows.
Cuisine: South Indian.
Address: Suja, Baijnath, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 098186 36236
The Yellow Llama Cafe and Lounge is located in Dharmshala’s Kotwali Bazaar. Yellow Llama has a pleasant inside seating room as well as a large open patio dining area. The café takes pride in its stunning views of a range of snow-clad mountains. Sun-dried tomato pizza, peri-peri momos, and home-style baked pastries are all must-order items.
Cuisine: European, Chinese, and Indian with a twist.
Address: Above Adidas, Opposite Community Hall Kotwali Bazar Dharamshala, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh; Yellow Llama Cafe.
Contact no: 097369 70808
This location is reached by a steep route distant from McLeodganj’s major roadways. As you enter, you are greeted by stunning artwork from a variety of artists. The art gallery also functions as a café, providing coffee, tea, and baked goods. The furnishings are simple and rustic, and the vistas are breathtaking. The café’s menu is always changing and is based mostly on items available in the local market. Are you working from the mountains? The café also has a co-working area, a meeting room, and a quiet zone with high-speed WiFi.
Cuisine: Contemporary
Address: Village Jogibara, Ward NO 3, Kangra, Post Office McLeod Ganj, Tehsil, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 070187 35787
Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen, located in one of the tiny alleyways of Himachal’s Lhasa neighbourhood, is another hidden gem. What began as a modest cafe beneath a Tibetan home has evolved into an Italian restaurant. The facility has a homey feel to it, with window sitting overlooking the mountains and a stunning rooftop dining space. It’s a humorous tale of how the place earned its name: the signmaker misinterpreted the Tibetan name and built a sign that said “Jimmy” instead. Jimmy’s became a popular hangout for residents and visitors alike once the owner opted to go with the moniker. The family-run restaurant serves traditional Italian fare such as pizza and spaghetti, as well as tiramisu.
Cuisine: Italian
Address: Bhagsu Road, 1st Floor, McLeod Ganj, 2min Walk From Main Square, Mcleod Ganj, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 078761 64439
Wake and Bake welcome visitors with bright yellow windows and trippy 3D wall art, and it has something for everyone. The café offers three dining spaces, one of which is on the roof. The first and second floors have excellent views of Mall Road and the magnificent Town Hall structure, while the rooftop provides a panoramic view of the valley below. The cuisine is influenced by the owner’s global travels and includes French buckwheat crepes, waffles, falafel lafa, and spaghetti. The Nutella waffles are our favourite. Local reading groups and chess clubs, as well as impromptu jam sessions, are periodically held at the café. When you’re tired of walking along Mall Road, this is the ideal place to take a break.
Cuisine: French, Arabic
Address: 34/2, The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 0177 2813146
Café Shimla Times, located on the roof of the hotel Willow Banks, is another must-see on Mall Road. It provides some of the nicest views of Himachal’s capital city. They’re much more beautiful at sunset. Café Shimla Times is an excellent choice for a romantic date or a relaxed evening with friends. The café also has a brewery where you can have freshly made beer and other speciality beverages.
Cuisine: Italian, Thai, Mexican, Indian, and Lebanese
Address: Bundla, Opposite Vindya Vasini Temple, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 9940151591
This café, nestled on Shimla’s highest peak (8,000 feet above sea level) and snuggled amongst deep pine trees, is truly the crown of Shimla. Through the glass facade, the calm of the surrounding forest may be seen. The café also offers a small balcony where you may take in the beauty of the surrounding forests. This location is the realisation of two brothers’ common desires. The construction is entirely formed of repurposed deodar wood and is designed to imitate a leaf-like pattern, hence the name Café Under the Tree. There is a variety of teas and other beverages available. And their dosas will have you praising the chef!
Cuisine: European, Indian, Chinese, Lebanese, Himachali
Address: Highland Jakhu, Near Hanuman Temple Jakhu, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Café Shimla Times, located on the roof of the hotel Willow Banks, is another must-see on Mall Road. It provides some of the nicest views of Himachal’s capital city. They’re much more beautiful at sunset. Café Shimla Times is an excellent choice for a romantic date or a relaxed evening with friends. The café also has a brewery where you can have freshly made beer and other speciality beverages.
Cuisine: Italian, Thai, Mexican, Indian, and Lebanese
Address: The Mall Road Shimla, Adjacent to Hotel Willow Banks, Near Tourism Lift, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 099101 70312
The café is named Mitti in honour of where our food comes from, and it sits on a cliff overlooking the lovely valley. The interiors are modern with a vintage flair. The café also has plenty of outside seats where you may stay for hours and take in the scenery. The all-vegetarian café serves a variety of cuisines, including hot sizzlers and handmade pizza. Don’t forget to try the sea salt hot chocolate. Furthermore, the cafe welcomes pets.
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean.
Address: Near Sanawar Lawrence School, Near Lawrence Sanawar School, Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 099874 77752
The Cliff-Rooftop Bar & Lounge, with its eco-friendly architecture and exquisite surroundings, is a must-see. It boasts a 360° view of Dharamshala and is nestled in the foothills of the Dhauladhars. The interiors are meant to strike an ideal blend between modern and rustic aesthetics. Choose a window seat to take in the breathtaking views of the mountains. The rooftop seating provides stunning views of the sunset. The live music in the evening just adds to the ambience of this establishment. The bar menu includes handmade mocktails, cocktails, and a wine list.
Cuisine: Himachali, Mediterranean
Address: Blossoms Village Resort, Khanyara Road, Sidhpur, Kangra District, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 086289 66338
Lazy Dog is perched on a rocky cliff above a river. The name is derived from one of Kahlil Gibran’s lyrical works. The café, which was founded in 2008 by a former filmmaker, has become a local favourite. A comfortable, easygoing mood is exuded by rustic cottage décor and live music in the evenings. There is outside sitting by the river that allows you to take in the beauty of Himachal. Pad Thai Noodles, carciofi, chicken katsu wrap, and tuna avocado melt are among the flavorful meals on the menu. The grilled tuna fish is a must-order item. A diverse beverage selection includes teas, coffee, smoothies, juices, beers, and wines.
Cuisine: Thai, Contemporary
Address: Manu Temple Road, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 07018 228 644
Offlimits Cafe, a coffee establishment with breathtaking views, is nestled in old Kasol, often known as India’s mini-Israel. The setting is cosy and romantic, built along the Parvati River. The café features both an indoor and outdoor eating space along the river, making it an ideal brunch spot. Aside from coffee, the menu features a selection of American, English, and Indian breakfast items, as well as a large range of à la carte alternatives. There is also a well-curated book library at the coffee shop. Offlimits has also banned all single-use plastic.
Cuisine: Indian, American, English
Address: Alpine Guest House, Kasol, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 7303317471
Café 1947, perched on the bank of the Beas River, is one of the best places to hang out in Manali. The vistas are breathtaking. There is an interior area as well as an outdoor area with views of the river. The bubbling of the river regularly interrupts live music in the evenings. The menu includes foods inspired by travels throughout the world, as well as mocktails, cocktails, and hot drinks. Their freshly made speciality pizzas and hot chocolate are not to be missed.
Cuisine: Italian, Indian, Mediterranean
Address: BPO Bahang, Leh- Manali Highway, Nehru Kund, Tibetan Colony, Manali, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 94184 61969
Café Himalayan Musafir is nestled in the slopes of Dhauladhar in a little town called Khereri, at 1,800 metres above sea level, among oak and pine trees. The interiors are raw and rustic, with a few bright splashes of colour. The vista from The Himalayan Musafir’s large windows is a delight in and of itself. Local cuisines, as well as Indian and European fare, are available on the menu. The café also offers a campground in a tiny town with a view of snow-covered mountains, where they organise excursions to a local lake and offer facilities such as a guide and a bonfire.
Cuisine: Indian, European
Address: Near Sheetla Mata Mandir Kareri Kareri Khas, Kareri, Himachal Pradesh.
Contact no: 8628878770
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