Serving momo, Maggi and chai, these mountain cafes are massive tourist spots – almost as famous as their hill station homes. How many have you been to?
Legendary Cafes That Make Every Hill Holiday Memorable
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Café 1947
This riverside café in Old Manali is a favourite with travelers, who keep going back for a slice of pizza, a cup of coffee and an evening of music.
Distance From Delhi: 12 hours and 43 min (535.3 km) via NH 44
Price: INR 1,500 for two people.
Clock Tower
Clock Tower café in Landour looks every bit the hill station café of your dreams – an all-brick exterior, wooden seating and views for days. The New York Cheesecake is perhaps the pièce de résistance at this café. Also, you must try their Calabrian Pizza snd Spinach Lettuce Berry Salad while here.
Distance From Delhi: 7 hours and 4 min (289.8 km) via Saharanpur Road
Price: INR 1K for two people.
Shiva Café
Almost synonymous with McLeodganj, Shiva Café is best visited with your travel group (don’t head here alone). We’d recommend this iconic café for the stellar views, yummy momo and for the sake of been-there-done-that. We've heard good things about their banana - Nutella pan cakes, Maggi and Breezers, so do try these!
Distance From Delhi: 9 hours 54 min (473.3 km) via NH 44
Price: INR 400 and up.
Sakley's
You’ve probably sampled Sakley’s mountain flavours in Delhi by now, but if you find yourself in Nainital, a trip to the original is definitely recommended. Once upon a time, you could score pastries for as low as INR 30 and, while those prices maybe in the past now, their desserts are still amazing.
Distance From Delhi: 6 hours 52 min (330.3 km) via NH9
Price: INR 1,500 for two people.
Glenary's
A bakery-cum-café, a restaurant and a pub, Glenary’s has it all. Their breakfast selection is wonderful – there’s no better way to start your day than with a croissant and a hot cup of coffee. Named the best bakery in Darjeeling, Glenary’s is well worth a visit (or two). Do try their Pork Roast, Japanese Cheese Cake and Dark Chocolate Mousse for sure, once you're there.
PS: Don’t forget to check out the old-school telephone booth perched right in the middle of the bakery!
Distance From Delhi: 27 hours (1,514.5 km) via NH27
Price: INR 1K for two people.
The Lazy Dog
Unwind at The Lazy Dog cafe, in Old Manali, as you pop open a pint of beer (or wine, if you’re fancy like that), listen to the sound of the river Manalsu gushing by and chow down on Nutella pancakes. Treat yo’ self.
Distance From Delhi: 12 hours 43 min (532.7 km) via NH 44
Price: INR 800 for two people.
Hotel Deyzor
Think mountains, think momo. If you’re in Kaza and, for some reason, aren’t staying at Hotel Deyzor, make sure you stop by their café for a hearty helping of dim sum and soup or their spiced lamb chops, mutton ghee roast and chicken malai walla, mushroom ravioli and field fresh green pea soup.
Distance From Delhi: 17 hours 6 min (731.8 km) via NH 44
Price: INR 800 and up.
Illiterati
This book cafe’s ravioli is out of this world. We won’t recommend this place for the peace and quiet, especially since it’s in the middle of the town and the noisy road outside can be a dampener. We would love you to go for the burgers though. Flavourful wood-fired food, the smoky taste-memory makes us want to catch a bus to Mcleod right now.
Distance From Delhi: 9 hours 47 min (470.3 km) via NH 44
Price: INR 800 for two people
Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen
A sister concern of the Clay Oven, Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen does really good pizza. We’ve even heard patrons raving about their pastas and the chicken in red wine sauce. Think Big Chill at half the price, and with a better location.We recommend that you go with time on your hands because the service is a little sleepy, but then so is the town. The chocolate mousse is exquisite.
Distance From Delhi: 9 hours 54 min (471.7 km) via NH 44
Price: INR 600 for two people.
Landour Bakehouse
You can’t come to Landour and not visit the iconic bakery here. Stop by this quaint little bakehouse for slabs of lemon cake, freshly-baked chocolate cookies and delicious apple pie. Sit by their window overlooking the hills, and enjoy your baked goodies with a cup of steaming hot ginger tea. Make sure you take some of their stick jaws back for folks at home.
Distance From Delhi: 7 hours 7 min (292.1 km) via Saharanpur Rd
Price: INR 500 and up.
Moonshine Madness Cafe & Lounge
Moonshine Madness Cafe is a great place to grab food and chill at when in Bir. The service is quick and everybody there is super warm to talk to. Their mutton burger, potato fries and seekh kebabs are totally the most recommended! If you'd like to know more about this cafe, read here.
Distance From Delhi: 10 hours 39 min (511.9 km) via NH 44
Price: INR 1,000 for two.
Honey Hut Cafe
Honey Hut is a super cosy cafe, located in Shimla, and we suggest you try their Flavoured Honey Coffee (sprinkled with cinnamon), and apple pie. Their apple pie is served warm and dense, and totally worth the visit!
Distance From Delhi: 7 hours 43 min (342.2 km) via NH 44 and NH5
Price: INR 450 and up.
Silver Linings Cafe
If you love the idea of filling breakfasts in the hills, then this cafe is a must go-to. Whilst here you should try their many variety of eggs along with pancakes, and homemade iced tea! Read more about this cosy cafe here.
Distance From Delhi: 10 hours 43 min (512.5 km) via NH 44
Price: INR 400 and up.