What happens in Manali, stays in Manali! The hill station is the nation’s favorite getaway town and holds a special place in the hearts of bag packers and honeymooners. Adorned with the lush greenery of the Kullu Valley, the place is a heaven for all the naturalists of the world!
But the beauty of Manali is not only limited to nature. The town has a blazing café trail that gives the hill station a unique culinary richness of its own! While some of the Best Cafes in Manali are curled up on the riverside, some are located amid orchards, but one thing’s for sure- each of them brings a distinct flavor to the palate!
If you’re traveling to Manali, making a café itinerary should be your top priority as not all cafes would match your style.
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My Yellow Plate
11. FAT PLATE CAFE
Fat Plate is one of the Best Cafes in Manali because of its quality, variety, and, most importantly, location! Lodged amid green apple orchards that give an awe-inspiring view of the valley, the place is a hidden gem of Manali. They are mostly known for their indulging desserts that are served in all shapes and sizes. Their Apple Pie and Warm Chocolate Cake are a must-try! Apart from their desserts, you could also dig into their food and beverage menu that would take you on a culinary roller coaster. If you are planning for a full-on meal at the Fat Plate, place an order of Bacon Wrapped Chicken, Chicken Burger with Fries, and Virgin Mojito! Address: Naggar Road, Manali
10. SUNSHINE CAFE
Sunshine Café is located in the perky lanes of Old Manali and sways anyone and everyone by its quaint and rustic charm. It is adorned with monochromatic paintings and homespun interiors that complement its striking green-bricked walls. Renowned for introducing Israeli cuisine to the hill station’s foodscape, it is certainly amongst the Best Cafes in Manali. The joint is nothing short of a haven for the vegetarians in town as it serves an assorted range of vegetarian delicacies. The perfect spot for enjoying a hearty meal, make it a point to visit this café at least once! We recommend tasting their Thin Crust Pizza that goes well with their Hot Chocolate. Address: Manu Temple Road, Old Manali, Manali
9. CAFE MERAKI
Meraki Cafe goes beyond the expectations of its patrons in terms of ambiance and food. But what exactly has made the café so popular in the first place that it has become one of the Best Cafes in Manali? First things first, their location! Located on the foothills of the Himalayas, the café is surrounded by a scenic landscape that gives you splendid glimpses of mountains, lush green forests, and rivers. Secondly, their lip-smacking food! You can relish their widely acclaimed momos or simply opt for their delightful Coffee and Snacks. So, if you are looking for a place where you can grab some comfort food, this is the place to be! Address: Farm Hostel & Camps, Shnag Road, Old Manali, Manali
8. RASTA CAFE
Rasta Café is located near the Vashist Temple and overflows with colors and artworks of travelers from across the globe. It is an alfresco café that offers a nine-course meal, which is bold on taste but light on the calories! It has a unique farm-to-table styled menu where every ingredient is sourced from the local farms. Giving stunning views of the Rohtang, the Rasta Café is ideal for those who want to relax amid the laps of nature. If you are set on visiting Manali, this café has to be on your places-to-visit list! Their Wood Fire Pizzas and Momos are to-die-for, so make sure to taste them! Address: Near Vashist Temple, Kullu District, Near Vashist Temple, Manali
7. DYLAN'S CAFE
Dylan's is another fine café of Old Manali and is the place where coffee and conversation come together. Serving an authentic café experience since 2005, the joint has become one of the Best Cafes in Manali. With its wide assortment of quick bites, desserts, and beverages, this cozy place brings a touch of calmness into the culinary landscape of Manali. We recommend going to the café for a soul-fulfilling breakfast and trying their Honey Banana Pancake, Mocha Latte, and Cappuccino. You could also try out their legendary Chocolate Chip Cookie and Burgers! Address: Old Manali, Manali
6. THE LAZY DOG
Lazy Dog is situated on the Manu Temple Road and is a 2008-established western-style pub that appeals to the seasoned travelers of the hill station. The Lazy Dog Lounge has left no stone unturned to become the one-stop for those who yearn for a wholesome breakfast or a relaxing drink in the evening. Located on the banks of River Beas, this cafe would enthrall all of your senses at once. Serving Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai cuisines, they have a lot of delicious items. But if we were to name the top ones, it would be their White Sauce Pasta, Falafel, and Chicken Salad! Address: Manu Temple Road, Old Manali
5. CAFE AMIGOS
Cafe Amigos is a cute little joint that has brought the flavors of German cuisine to the streets of Manali. It has earned a spot on our Best Cafes in Manali listicle because of its whimsical décor and delicious food. They have become popular across the foodscape of Manali because of their tantalizing desserts. From their Apple Pies to Croissants and Nutella Crepe, every bakery item here brings a taste of divinity to the palate! In case you come across this café, make sure to place an order of Apple Pie, Chocolate Ball, and Nutella Crepe! Address: Circuit House Road, Siyal, Manali
4. DRIFTER'S INN & CAFE
Drifter's Inn & Café Drifter's Inn & Café is tucked away on the quaint Manu Temple Road and is one of the Must Visit Cafes in Manali to serve authentic Himachali cuisine. For instance, their Himachali Mutton Curry and Rice. Ladled out with just the right ratio of spices and herbs, the dish boasts succulent pieces of mutton, and honestly, is one of the highlights of their menu! They also have a sundeck that offers a panoramic view of the valley and adds to the overall dining experience. If you are in Old Manali, make sure to head down to Drifter's Inn & Café and try their Mutton Curry and Rice and Kheema Pav. You could dive into their Italian menu and taste their Pasta and Pizzas! Address: Manu Temple Road, Old Manali, Manali
3. THE JOHNSON'S CAFE
The Johnson's Cafe is the perfect little getaway for those who want a peaceful, secluded, and romantic setting! Serving Indian, Italian and Continental cuisines for over a decade. With food that incites the taste buds and an atmosphere that keeps your senses entranced, the Johnson's Bar Restaurant has to be on your itinerary when you visit Manali. Do taste their iconic Korean Fried Chicken and Virgin Strawberry Colada that strikes a chord with the palate and brings a different euphoric experience! Address: Johnson Lodge & Spa, Circuit Road, Old Manali
2. IL FORNO CAFE
IL Forno is located amid the scenic apple orchards of Aleo, and this family-run Italian café offers ravishing views of the Himalayas. This ancestral lodge was originally built back in the 1860s but was given a slight makeover in 1994 to serve as a restaurant. Today, it has become amongst the Best Cafes in Manali, thanks to its snug ambiance, charming location, and delicious food. Most of their ingredients come from their garden kitchen, while the rest are sourced locally from the region. Offering both indoor and al-fresco garden seating, the café provides an authentic hill station experience. We recommend trying their Woodfire Pizzas, Lasagne, and Pasta. Address: Hadimba Temple Road, Siyal, Aleo, Manali
1. CAFE 1947
Cafe 1947 is located alongside the banks of River Beas and is one of the oldest and Best Cafes in Manali with a view. Always immersed in the sounds of gushing water and quaint music, the café would captivate your senses with its riverside seating. Giving stellar vistas of the lush green valley, Café 1947 ambiance continues to remain unmatched. In terms of food, they have a well-crafted menu and serve both the local and European cuisines. Their hand-tossed authentic wood fire Calzone Pizza would enchant your palate, while their Burger of Bodom is a haven for non-vegetarians. Address: BPO Bahang, Leh-Manali Highway, Nehru Kund, Tibetan Colony, Manali
So, what’s your favorite Cafe in Manali? Inbox me on Instagram @
My Yellow Plate