There is something about the hills that continues to enthrall us. And even more about the quaint surroundings that push us to scale the heights and make it there. The effervescence of a laid back retreat and aroma of unexplored cuisines make hill station cafes in India so loved and popular. Cafes that sit atop mountains entwined amid the woods and rocks bring nomads together to share a drink, munch on a piping hot meal, and engage in a gripping exchange of travel tales. On that note, I bring you the 20 top hill station cafes, going from Himachal to Uttarakhand to Sikkim, then West Bengal, and then Tamilnadu. Sit back, initiate an impromptu, drift along with nature’s magnificence, and soak in the laziness around- that’s exactly how you like it! Eh?
20 Best Cafes In India
All excited to get acquainted with the most famous hill station cafes in India? Here is an intricate list of cafes in the most popular cities in India. From Manali to Shimla, this list covers everything. Take a look to know more about them!
- Drifters’ Cafe: It’s All About Good Food
- Cafe 1947: Lip-Smacking Italian Delicacies
- Wake & Bake: Arise, Awake, And Hog!
- Cafe Sol: Good Food Complimented By Great Ambiance
- Shiva Cafe: Coz They Follow The Path Once Walked By Shiva
- Moonpeak Espresso: A Laidback Pitstop For Backpackers
- Stone Garden Café: Brace Yourself For A Trippy Ambiance
- Shanti Cafe: High By The Woods
- Cafe Rudra: Cosy And Quality Are The Words
- Lansdowne Trip – Travel Cafe: The Quirky Retreat
- Ramana’s Organic Cafe: Behold The Lush Spectacle
- Bistro Nirvana: A Foodie’s Ultimate Nirvana
- Little Llama Cafe: Living In The Fast-Food Lane
- Kalsang Friends Corner: Taste Of Real Tibet In Mussoorie
- Cafe Chica: Where Nature Comes To First And Food, Second
- Cafe Live & Loud: Taking A Dip Into The Frenzy
- Glenary’s: Of Imperial, History And Tickling Delicacy
- Hot Stimulating Cafe: Music, Mist, & Lots Of Masti
- Cloud Street: It’s All About A Quaint Place, Food, And Fireplace!
- Willy’s Coffee Pub: Cosy Cafe In The Heart Of Ooty
Best Cafes In Manali
Manali is one of the most visited cities in Himachal Pradesh and if you are a foodie, then you must explore the best cafes in Manali. Here is a list of the best cafes that you can visit on your trip and gorge on delicious food at. Keep scrolling down and read along to know more!
1. Drifters’ Cafe: It’s All About Good Food
The cafe serves some lip-smacking American, Continental, and selected Indian dishes. Along with a dedicated breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, the cafe has a fully stocked drunkard’s corner. It is one of the best hill station cafes in India for all those who love food!
Must try: Espresso with brown sugar and a shot of whiskey topped with cream
Website | Timings: Summer – 09:30 am – 11:00 pm, Winter – 09:30 am – 09:30 pm
Must Read: 60 Best Hill Stations In India That You Must Explore At Least Once In Your Life!
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2. Cafe 1947: Lip-Smacking Italian Delicacies
At Cafe 1947, they serve some of the most exquisite Italian dishes prepared with ethnic Italian cheese and spices. Pizzas and Risotto are a Must Try. They have routine music nights as well, thus making hanging out there all the more fun!
Must try: The Burger of Bodom, Vegeta, UFO, the Slayer Pizza, and the Metallica Pasta
Reviews | Timings: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Best Cafes In Shimla
Shimla is another hill station that is known for its impeccable cafes and here is a list of the most amazing ones that you can’t miss out on your vacation. Check out the list and do visit them on your next holiday!
3. Wake & Bake: Arise, Awake, And Hog!
Wake & Bake brings you an array of Italian cuisines, Middle-Eastern delicacies, fast foods, and plenty of beverages to choose from. It is one of those places to initiate good conversation with a stranger, read a book, play or listen to music along with all the surreal thoughts going on in your mind. Wake and Bake is one of the most popular hill station cafes in India and it attracts a lot of foodies from the nearby cities as it serves delectable food.
Must try: Crepes, hummus, pita, and waffles
Website | Timings: 09:30 am – 10:30 pm
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4. Cafe Sol: Good Food Complimented By Great Ambiance
Cafe Sol is a throbbing place with a range of food menu from across the world. The cafe is popular for authentic Mexican and Italian food. Seafood fans have the option of Grilled Fish, which is served with spicy finger chips and semi-roasted vegetables.
Must try: Classic Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken served with fresh lettuce, parmesan cheese, oregano croutons (rebaked bread), and Caesar dressing
Reviews | Timings: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm (Monday closed)
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Best Cafes in McLeod Ganj
McLeod Ganj is a quaint spot for all nature and food lovers. Here is a superb list of the best hill station cafes in India that you can visit in McLeod Ganj. Take a look and do visit them in 2023!
5. Shiva Cafe: Coz They Follow The Path Once Walked By Shiva
Key motivation to tread the narrow trail leading to this cafe is the brilliant views the path offers. A doper’s paradise, it is ‘the’ place to sway to some awesome Trance music and mingle with fellow backpackers.
Must try: Chinese and Tibetan dishes
Reviews | Timings: 08:00 am – 05:00 pm
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6. Moonpeak Espresso: A Laidback Pitstop For Backpackers
The cafe boasts of a beautiful sunset view. Himachali thali is a Must Try; top it with an amazing coffee and you get a memorable experience. Some say the coffee served here is the best in the town.
Must try: Apricot Mutton and Iced Hibiscus
Reviews | Timings: 07:00 am – 09:00 pm
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Best Cafes In Kasol
Check out this terrific list of hill station cafes in Kasol where you can relish scrumptious delicacies and hang out with the locals as well as other travelers. Keep scrolling down and read along to know more about these cafes!
7. Stone Garden Café: Brace Yourself For A Trippy Ambiance
Trippy music is the highlight at Stone Garden Cafe. Located near the main Kasol street, this cafe gives you more reasons than just dining. But what wins you over is the music and the ambiance. Food is run-of-the-mill; tasty nonetheless.
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8. Shanti Cafe: High By The Woods
Stoners harness special love for food. It happens more in Kasol because the place breathes hashish and thanks to the irrepressible hunger that arises after a couple of a few puffs. Non-smokers enjoy the food too because food in Kasol is pretty much awesome! Thanks to cafes like the Shanti Cafe that serves warm food.
Best Cafe In Kasauli
Here is a list of the most amazing cafes in Kasauli that you can stop by and relish delectable meals at. Keep scrolling down and read along to know more about them!
9. Cafe Rudra: Cosy And Quality Are The Words
Cafe Rudra is a very simply done, small cafe around one corner of the main Kasauli market. It presents you with some delicious snacks along with a steaming cup of coffee and rejuvenating music for your ears. It is indeed one of the most trusted places in Kasauli to grab a quick bite.
Reviews | Timings: 09:00 am – 09:30 pm
Best Cafe In Lansdowne
Located in Uttarakhand, Lansdowne is a gorgeous town where you can relax and beat the summer heat. This town is home to various cafes and some of the best ones that not only offer lip-smacking food but also, have a serene ambiance are mentioned below!
10. Lansdowne Trip – Travel Cafe: The Quirky Retreat
A cute little cafe situated by the highway, Lansdowne Travel-Trip Cafe has a small seating area, gramophone, a few books, walls decorated with quirky pics, and an antique store. Sounds like fun for travelers passing by!
Must try: Pomegranate tea and chicken sausage
Reviews | Timings: 09:00 am – 07:30 pm
Best Cafes In Rishikesh
Below mentioned is the best cafe that you can visit on your Rishikesh trip. Take a look and keep scrolling down to know more!
11. Ramana’s Organic Cafe: Behold The Lush Spectacle
Enjoy a wide range of organically grown salads and vegetables, homemade soups, and fresh baked goods at Ramana’s Organic Cafe. All the vegetables and most of the fruits served there are grown in their surrounding gardens.
P.S. Closed now because of the off-season. The cafe reopens in October.
Must try: Kale Lasagna and Pumpkin Ravioli
Reviews | Timings: 11:00 am – 04:00 pm
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12. Bistro Nirvana: A Foodie’s Ultimate Nirvana
And all this while, you’ve been wondering, how having a good food is synonymous to nirvana! You will continue to do so until you’ve visited Bistro Nirvana – a go-to place for all the foodies traveling to Rishikesh.
Must try: Avocado Quesadillas with pineapple sauce, hummus, and pita
Reviews | Timings: 09:00 am – 10:30 pm
Best Cafes In Mussoorie
From cafes that serve aromatic coffee to cafes that serve amazing snacks, Mussoorie has it all! Take a look and do satiate the foodie in you at these cafes!
13. Little Llama Cafe: Living In The Fast-Food Lane
Little Llama Cafe is your quaint little space where you can easily spend a couple of hours sipping the Hibiscus Ice Tea or nibbling on a variety of salads. With beautiful mountains evoking creativity in you, it is an exceptional experience to be here and enjoy a delish meal.
Must try: Pork ribs, berry shake, and spiced frappe
Reviews | Timings: 10:00 am – 09:00 pm (Closed on Tuesday)
14. Kalsang Friends Corner: Taste Of Real Tibet In Mussoorie
The eatery is run by a bunch of funky guys from the North-East. Chinese-Tibetan ambiance, soothing music, hearty food, and quick service distinguishes this food joint from the others in the area. Some profound sayings by Dalai Lama have been framed and keep there and it can be seen adorning the cafe’s interiors.
Must try: Tibetan dishes
Reviews | Timings: 11:00 am – 10:30 pm
Best Cafe In Nainital
Nainital is one of the most frequented hill stations and it is known for its adorable cafes. Check out the list of the ones that are perfect for your relaxing and relishing a cup of coffee at!
15. Cafe Chica: Where Nature Comes To First And Food, Second
The cafe is known for its endearing property tucked amid the mountains. Italian, Asian, Grill, Indian, European, British dishes make a perfect menu for the cafe. Dine under the stars to savor the real allure of the place.
Must try: Ham, Cheese Croissants, and Baked Chicken
Website | Timings: 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Best Cafe In Gangtok
If you are wondering, where to eat in Gangtok, then you must consider the below-listed cafes! Keep scrolling down and get ready to be tempted!
16. Cafe Live & Loud: Taking A Dip Into The Frenzy
Discotheque, myriad of colors, and groovy music – you get all of these at Cafe Live & Loud. And that’s exactly what you seek!
Reviews | Timings: 10:00 am – 09:00 pm
Best Cafes In Darjeeling
Get ready to enjoy a cup of coffee while you are reading a book and are surrounded by beauty and calmness. These cafes in Darjeeling will make you fall in love with them!
17. Glenary’s: Of Imperial, History And Tickling Delicacy
One of the prominent landmarks of Darjeeling since British colonial days, the Glenary’s specialize in serving amazing sweets and delicacies that have become the hallmark of excellence. Go on and tickle your tastebuds!
Must try: Chicken chili and sausage rolls (pork and chicken)
Reviews | Timings: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm
18. Hot Stimulating Cafe: Music, Mist, & Lots Of Masti
Once in awhile, you run across a cozy and funky cafe straight out of the ’60’s, with food that will leave you wanting for more! Such is the Hot Stimulating Cafe in Darjeeling.
Must try: Momos and masala chai
Timings: 08:00 am – 07:00 pm
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Best Cafe In Kodaikanal
Take a glimpse at one of the best cafes in Kodaikanal that will offer you scrumptious food and refreshing drinks.
19. Cloud Street: It’s All About A Quaint Place, Food, And Fireplace!
Savor every bite of your wood-fired pizza, with spicy Goan sausage as you sit by the warmth of the fireplace, while paintings on the wall will catch your fancy for sure.
Must try: Baked fish in mustard sauce and lasagna
Website | Timings: 09:00 am – 09:00 pm
Best Cafe In Ooty
The final cafe in our list of hill station cafes in India will satiate the foodie in your for sure. Read on to know more about it!
20. Willy’s Coffee Pub: Cosy Cafe In The Heart Of Ooty
Located on a small side street off commercial road, on the first floor of a small arcade, the Willy’s Coffee Pub is a perfect sojourn for travelers. The cafe houses a small library which makes an ideal pair with freshly brewed filter coffee. Often frequented by youngsters, this is a great place to relax.
Must try: Filter coffee and chicken cutlets
Reviews | Timings: 10:00 am – 09:30 pm
Further Read: 54 Best Beaches In India Straight Out Of A Tropical Dream To Visit
Well, I know that’s a small part of the huge list of awesome hill station cafes in India, and I promise to add more soon. Till, then where are you planning your next pit-stop? Plan your trip to these Indian destinations and get ready for a memorable vacation!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Hill Station Cafes In India
Where in Kasol can you get a chilled beer and delicious food?
The Evergreen Cafe serves the best-chilled beer and delicious food. This is actually one of the best hill station cafes in India and you can’t miss this.
Which are the best cafes in Shimla?
Honey Hut, Cafe Sol, and Wake & Bake are the best cafes in Shimla. A few play live gigs and serve great food and have a mini library for a read.
Which are the best cafes in Darjeeling for a piping hot cup of tea?
Hot Stimulating Cafe is the best cafe you can visit for the famous masala chai and is surrounded by greenery.
Which cafes in Manali offer the best food and drinks?
Cafe 1947 has beautiful interiors and offers delicious burgers, pizzas, and multi-cuisine food. Drifter’s Cafe is popular for espresso coffee. Stay away from the noise and enjoy food and hot beverages at this cafe.
Which are the best cafes in Dharamshala?
Shiva Cafe and Moon Peak Espresso are popular in Dharamshala. Taste the Himachali Thali at the Moon Peak Espresso. This is also the best place to get a view of the sunset.
Which is a popular music cafe in Kasol?
Jim Morrison Cafe in Kasol is popular for playing music, serving delicious vegetarian food, and giving a beautiful view of the river.
Which are the best cafes in Rishikesh?
Ramana’s Organic Cafe serves delicious food made from organic produce. Bistro Nirvana is another place for foodies to relish delicious continental food.
Which are the best cafes in Ooty?
Willy’s Coffee Pub serves the best coffee and has a small library. Chicken cutlets are the best here along with filter coffee.
Which are the best cafes in Nainital?
Cafe Chica is surrounded by beautiful lush green and scenic views. Nestled in the beautiful mountains, they serve a variety of international cuisine. Enjoy relishing Asian, European, Italian, and British dishes.
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