BEST CAFES IN SHIMLA
Are you an adrenaline junkie? Shimla has got adventure sports! Do you adore spending time amid nature’s creation? Shimla provides majestic spectacles of snow-clad mountains! Whatever you seek, Shimla provides, and this is what makes the Queen of Hills a sanctuary for those who yearn to escape from reality.
But Shimla is so much more than a sightseeing retreat! It is also a haven for those who live by their passion for trying exotic cuisines. Some of the Best cafes in Shimla ladle out cuisines from around the globe and date back to the 1950s.
If you are planning to visit Shimla, make sure to map out a trail that marks the best cafes in town. Or, you could simply take a look at our list of Best cafes in Shimla that have been handpicked based on their food quality, location, and reviews. Here’s a crisp rundown of our list:
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My Yellow Plate
9. 45th THE CENTRAL
45th The Central is located in the heart of Mall Road, and if you ask us, they serve some of the best North Indian cuisines in town, making them one of the Best cafes in Shimla! Furnished with cream-color interiors, the café gives a quaint yet contemporary look. Founded back in 2016, the café whips out a series of mouth-watering chicken delicacies, making it a haven for non-vegetarians. Their Rara Chicken, Butter Chicken, and Butter Roti are quite famed in the city, while their Hot Garlic Chicken Wings are to die-for! So, if you love chicken, try out this place at least once! Address: 45, The Central Perk, Municipal Corporation, Longwood, Shimla
8. HONEY HUT CAFE
Honey Hut is nestled near the Khadi Bhavan, and they have managed to stand out of the hustle and bustle of Mall Road. So, what exactly attracts the seasoned travelers to this café? Well, they have pulled off the feat of serving everything honey. Yes, you read that right! From their Honey Turmeric Latte to Honey Chilly Mushrooms, every item on their menu has honey in some form or the other. So, if you are looking for some lip-smacking delicacies that are served with a healthy twist, head down to this café. It was set up back in 2008 and has surely become amongst the Best Cafes in Shimla! We recommend tasting their Honey Cappuccino along with Honey Butter Toast. (Fact: They also have a store that offers an array of honey-based products, so make sure to check that out as well.) Address: Khadi Bhawan, Middle Bazaar, Mall Road, Summer Hill, Shimla
7. EIGHTEEN71 COOKHOUSE & BAR
Eighteen71 can be found at Hotel Willow Banks, and after having achieved the ideal fusion of décor, food, and ambiance, they have become amongst the Best Cafes in Shimla. Their menu takes you on a flavorsome journey across Asia, serving Bengali curries, Rajasthani delights, Thai, and Burmese cuisines with modern twists, and they have been doing this for the past five years! Their décor gives a regal and plush ambiance, thanks to the ideal blend of metal, wood, and leather. If you are looking for Oriental cuisine, try out their Kung Pao Chicken and Chili Garlic Noodles! But you could also taste their North Indian menu and try their Bhatti Ka Murgh and Hyderabadi Biryani. Address: Hotel Willow Banks, Mall Road, Longwood, Shimla
6. INDIAN COFFEE HOUSE
Indian Coffee House is snuggled up on the Lower Bazaar of Mall Road, and ever since its establishment back in 1957, it has become the pride of Shimla. Many great personalities have visited this café during its 64 years of history, such as JL Nehru or Narendra Modi. It has stood the test of time because everything inside the café makes you reminisce about vintage India. In terms of food, they serve some of the best South Indian food and filter coffee in town. Hence, do give their Special Dosa, Butter Toast, and Filter Coffee a try! Address: 1, The Shimla Mall Road, Longwood, Shimla
5.CAFE SOL
Cafe Sol is another popular café located on Mall Road, and if you are searching for an insta-worthy joint where you can get majestic vistas of the city, this is the place to be! Ladling out Italian, Thai, Continental, and Mexican cuisines since 2003, they are amongst the Best Cafes in Shimla for their variety. Moreover, their cozy ambiance coupled with a wicker interior gives the place a hip yet casual vibe. In case you visit their café on your next trip to Shimla, dive into their menu and taste their famed Lebanese Mezze Platter and Blue Berry Cheesecake. You could top it off with their aromatic cup of Americano! Address: Hotel Combermere, Mall Road, Longwood, Shimla
4. HIDE OUT CAFE
Hide Out Café is curled up on the ever-busy Mall Road of Shimla and is a hidden gem of the town’s foodscape. They have become one of the Best Cafes in Shimla for two main reasons. First, their fusion of western-style dishes with the local cuisines, and second, the warm ambiance the café radiates. Everything on their menu, from their coffees to desserts, is served with a touch of finesse. Most people visit the café for a hearty breakfast, and if you are looking forward to tasting their culinary skills, we recommend trying their Choco Berry, Pizzas, and Cupcakes! Address: Mall Road, Near Police Station, Summer Hill, Shimla
3. WAKE AND BAKE
Wake and Bake is located near Longwood and is a melting pot of art, culture, and cuisines. Established back in 2011, the café surely has built a strong presence in its decade-old history. Their yellow walls themselves are a piece of art and give off a 3D effect in the evenings! The café offers an outdoor seating area that gives a panoramic of the deep valley, becoming the ideal place for enjoying food with a view. If you drop by their café on your visit to Shimla, place an order of Carrot Cake, Hot Chocolate, and Pasta! Address: 34/2, The Mall Shimla, Longwood, Shimla
2. CAFE UNDER TREE
Cafe Under Tree is nestled near the Jakhoo Temple and comfortably seated at an elevation of 8,000 feet, the 2016-established joint is renowned as Shimla’s highest restaurant. But this isn’t the only title, which its owners are proud of! It has also become widely acclaimed as one of the Best Cafes in Shimla, and yes, it is worth the hype! Starting with its décor, the café is made out of herculean deodar wood that gives the joint a rustic touch. Its ambiance and view remain unparalleled as it is always immersed in the sounds of nature. Being a vegan café, they do serve an intriguing menu. We recommend tasting their Basil and Thyme Masala Dosa, Beetroot Halwa, and Pahadi Chai! Address: 1, Below Jakhoo Temple, Jakhu, Longwood, Shimla
1. CAFE SIMLA TIMES
Cafe Simla Times is lodged on the iconic Mall Road of Shimla, and every element of the café has been carefully curated to radiate an artistic vibe. Be it the paintings on its walls that bring Shimla to life or the vintage car that makes you reminisce about the 90s era, the café scores full marks in terms of décor! But the reason why they are amongst the Best Cafes in Shimla is because of their food and ambiance. Serving an eclectic mix of six cuisines since 2015, the café ladles out some of the tastiest wood-fired oven pizzas and desserts, so make sure to check them out! Coupled with the scenic view of the town’s skyline, you have to visit this place at least once. Address: Hotel Willow Bank, Mall Road, Longwood, Shimla
So, what’s your favorite Cafe in Shimla? Do let me know on Instagram @ My Yellow Plate