There are certain cafes in Delhi that we love going back to, again and again. Whether it's for the food they serve or the groovy music or even the snug ambience of it all. So, we’re suggesting some nice hideouts where you can tuck into comfort food, wrap your hands around a hot cuppa joe, and make the most of, while you're in town.
Note: This is a list of cafes, and not restaurants/bars.
The fact that it’s centrally located makes it a promising bet. Whether you’re hankering after calorie bigwigs like pakoras and aloo tikki, or looking at keeping it healthy with upma and green tea, there’s lots to feast your eyes (and taste buds) on.
If you have more time to kill, you can check if there’s an exhibition happening at the centre, and then pretend to make sense of the artwork over filter coffee.
Recommended For: Shammi Kebab, Palak Patta Chaat, filter coffee.
The big, French windows and a ladder full of potted plants add a touch of whimsy to this place that does great coastal fare. So, here’s an offer you can’t refuse: Sukha Mutton Fry and Masala Chai Toddy (alcohol FTW!).
Recommended For: Eat It With Your Hands Kerala Grilled Chicken, Mustard Fries and Sangria.
A bit of a cultural misfit in GK, at this cafe you can even pretend to be in the hills. The cosy ambience, complete with log tables, and a chimney will make you want to make this your retirement house in winters.
Recommended For: Penny Lane Hot Chocolate, Wolf Mountain Juicy Chicken Sizzler, Bacon Cheese Fries.
Soul Garden in Gurgaon is a beautiful garden that’s a co-working space, a brekkie spot, and an organic haven. It's a space that lets people chill with music, pups, and authentic, wood-fired pizzas.
Recommended For: Bruschetta, Verdure Pizza, Hot Chocolate.
Caara At Ogaan by the folks at Caara Cafe is their sit-down restaurant on Malcha Marg that does European food, and has a beautiful and cosy outdoor seating. The space is perfect for brunches and candlelit dinners.
Recommended For: Classic Broken Eggs, Chocolate Hazelnut Torte, and Grandma’s Carrot Cake.
Pretty outdoors, good food and hospitable staff, Cafe Di Milano has it all. It has a stunning outdoor area with teal and white decor that's perfect for those who love to go alfresco.
Recommended For: Hot Chocolate, Butter Chicken Pizza, and Penne Alfredo Mushroom Pasta.
Cafe Lota is a great place for winter chilling with a book and epic regional Indian food. While you're there, be sure to drop by the Crafts Museum, too.
Recommended For: Palak Patta Chaat, Apple Jalebi with Coconut Rabri, Assamese Black Chicken.
On a good weather day, this is the place to be with an ample amount of coffee and your friends. While a CCD is not the first place you'd head to for chilling with friends, those who've been to Taj CCD will tell you that it's unlike any CCD you'll find in Delhi. Lots of green covers and a chill, open space is what you can expect here.
Recommended For: Sriracha Chicken Sandwich, Vanilla Mochaccino.
Pink flowers, a green canopy, romantic vibes, and a ton of sunlight make this Santushti Complex cafe a must-visit. You'll get a ton of photos, good food, and an overall happy vibe at Diggin. Be prepared to wait your turn though! They're always full.
Recommended for: Chicken leg confit, Spaghetti Aglio Olio, and Tiramisu (which is to die for).
With greenery and trees central to their decor, Guftagu cafe is perfect for a daytime date when you're in and around Gurgaon. They also host live events over the weekend, so be on the lookout for those.
Recommended for: Smoked Chicken Crostini and White Sauce Pasta.
Olly's family picnic brunch on Sundays is an almost perfect way to spend a weekday. Expect live music, a special all-you-can-eat-menu, unlimited cocktails, a special picnic basket, and fun games.
Recommended for: Penne Arabiata, Bangers & Mash, and Bourbon Orange Sweet Tea.
Dates and Rustique is a combination you can't go wrong with. The wooden furniture and interiors look charming and as the day turns into the night (a sign of a good date? yep), the lights come on and the space looks absolutely beautiful.
Recommended for: Artisan Breads, Chocolate Chunk Brownies, and a cup or two of their Cappuccino.
It's a cafe. It's in a park. We feel that's enough to head out to this Gurgaon eatery this winter. Feelings aside, the food at roots is pretty amazing too and going there is always kind of a calming experience for us.
Recommended for: Poha, Bun Omelette, and Masala Chai.
Looking for cool places to visit in G-town? Here are some of the best rooftop cafes in Gurgaon to hit up with your brigade.
Nukkad Cafe & Bar's village-style setup, rustic furniture, and an open courtyard area is a great recipe for a perfect day. They regularly host cool music gigs as well which makes the dining experience even better.
Recommended for: Pav Bhaji, Palak Patta Chaat, and Paan Mojito.
Bihari cuisine is a turnaround story with this eatery. What takes the cake is that Potbelly also offers a lot of good views while you’re well-covered—both food and shelter wise. Think cheery vibes and savour the heavenly meat pakoras at this rooftop.
Recommended For: Litti Chokha, Phataka French Fries, Mutton Champaran.
This gorgeous cafe in Mehrauli (no, not Olive) is absolutely snug, open and has just the right amount of light entering through those french windows (if you live for golden hours). Their food is delicious, drinks (sangrias) and desserts are divine, sunlight aplenty, AND they have board games to keep you occupied.
Recommended For: God O' Lambsey Burger, Shrimp Benedict, Banoffee Waffles.
Located in Dhanmill Compounds, Cafe Dori is spacious, pet-friendly and serves one of the best coffees (and hot chocolate) we've ever had. It's a great open space to get your furry mates along with you and enjoy heavenly cuisine with a bit a retail therapy on the side.
Recommended For: Mushroom Baked Eggs, Cafe Mocha, Hot Chocolate.
P.S., find the best hot chocolates in Delhi here. And if you're too lazy to step out then buy these hot chocolate blends online.
Earlier limiting their magic to just the South Delhi folks, Greenr Cafe recently opened a new outlet in GK-1 and it's just as captivating as the other two. Head in for some soulful (and healthy) pizzas, sandwiches and a great time, of course.
Recommended For: Manali Super Hemp Pizza, Mocha Mucho Bowl.
Disclaimer: While all the cafes mentioned in the list are following all safety protocols, it's absolutely essential that we take our own precautions by practising social distancing and wearing masks at all times.