Surprisingly, the cafes and restaurants in Manali are better than you’d expect in a small hill town. Even though there are only a handful of good spots to dine at, they make up in quality for the lack if quantity. Serving everything from Chinese and Italian to American and even French cuisine, these eateries are extremely popular with tourists during peak season you might even have to book ahead of time to ensure you get a table and exude a rustic charm that is fitting of their hilly setting. From main course to dessert; we tell you where to go and what to order once you get there.
If you’re looking for coffee as you stroll through the quaint by-lanes of Old Manali towards Manu Temple, it’s most likely that you’ll be recommended to visit Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted. Named after iconic American musician Bob Dylan, the walls of the eatery are adorned with his posters. Mingle with the friendly crowd and enjoy classic American music at this dim-lit eatery. Originally known as Double Vision, its name was recently changed to Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted, and now the coffee house is a popular hangout amongst domestic as well international travellers visiting the hill town. This small coffee house is well-known for its breakfast spread, chocolate cookies, cinnamon tea and pancakes. Amongst the desserts, apple crumble is a popular pick.
Even if you are not well-versed with French cuisine, La Plage is a must-visit. It is located a km away from the Old Manali bridge on the Club House Road, but if you make an advance reservation, the hotel staff can even pick you up from your location in a colourful auto-rickshaw. Set amidst a dense cover of apple orchards, La Plage has sophisticated wooden interiors that create a warm and inviting vibe. Some of the specialties of the dim-lit French restaurant are liver pate, pumpkin ravioli that are complemented by lip-smacking desserts such as lime mousse and the chocolate selection. La Plage’s extensive menu is likely to keep you coming back for more.
Done in bright and colourful interiors, Chopsticks is a small but popular eatery situated bang in the middle of the bustling Mall Road. This intimate restaurant is decorated with Tibetan lutes on the walls, and is famous for its momos and gyoza (their Japanese equivalent). The restaurant is a foodie’s delight and serves Indian, Tibetan, Chinese and continental fare at reasonable prices. The highlights of the menu are the local trout, the special Chopsticks noodles and vegetarian pan fried rice. Buzzing with a friendly crowd at all times, Chopsticks also serves chilled beers and fruit wines.
Located on the Mission Road, City Centre, Mayur Restaurant is a must-go-to stopover, if you love Tibetan and Chinese food. The restaurant also offers Seafood, Thai, Italian and other delicious dishes. One friendly recommendation, you must not miss trying their home-made Cantonese noodles.
This fine dining restaurant is the best place to savour authentic Italian cuisine. The expert chefs make use of only fresh and fine organic ingredients in their preparations to add that zing to the flavours. The decor at Rose Garden Restaurant deserves a special mention as the inner dining area and the cafe garden have been done quite nicely. You will feel at peace the moment you step in.
Furnished with wooden interiors, this cosy restaurant sits in the heart of Manali’s famous Mall Road (opposite Himachal Information Centre). A foodie’s delight, Khyber serves everything from Chinese, continental to Indian fare. Famous for trout, tandoori snacks, fruit wines, and cider, this dimly-lit eatery is a popular hangout spot amongst domestic as well as international travellers. Open till midnight, its ideal for those long languid dinners.
Reached by climbing a steep flight of stairs, Pizzeria offers you an entirely different view of the bustling market. Dining here is a wonderful experience. With soft, melodious music in the background, the excited chatter from the busy market ceases to exist. The rustic ambience of the rooftop restaurant feels more like a warmly lit hut with the handmade paper lamps adding charm to this tiny restaurant. Try their banana, nutella pancake or smoked chicken pizza and wash it down with a refreshing fruit juice or a sizzling cup of honey ginger lemon tea. You could also go for some medium fried chicken or the trout preparations. If you have something special in mind, you can request the chef to prepare a meal according to your tastes. Extremely helpful, the staff here will assist you with anything you may need to know about Manali.
Come to Original Shere Punjab for a meal that will make you forget all your diet plans. The cuisine that foodies swear by, Punjabi and Mughlai food, is served here in all its grandeur, and well, dollops of butter (read: love). The usual favourite Butter Chicken and Naan, among other non-vegetarian delicacies, will get you licking your fingers and craving for some more.
Located on the Club House Road, Tibet Kitchen is a must-go-to stopover, if you love Tibetan and Chinese food. The restaurant also offers Seafood, Thai, Italian and other delicious dishes. One friendly recommendation, you must not miss trying their home-made Cantonese noodles.
If you are in the mood for a few drinks, listening to good music and having a long dinner, then People is the place for you. Situated in the beautiful Old Manali, the restaurant is decorated with crayon sketches made by travellers who have visited this place over the years. The quaint eatery’s popular picks are Thai curry, pizzas, Israeli dishes, fresh vegetable salads and sushi rolls topped with grilled trout. A great place to chill with your pals, People also has bonfire nights, during which travellers gather around, share stories and enjoy delectable dishes.
Welcome to Mehak restaurant, a place that is famous for its vegetarian preparations. Not to miss are their lip smacking seasonal preparations made from vegetables. This restaurant is quite a hit amongst tourists who take a delicious break here while trekking and shopping expeditions.
Tucked away from the bustle of central Manali, Drifter’s Cafe is located in Drifter’s Inn in Old Manali. Known for its delectable American, continental and Indian fare, this cafe is visited by both locals and travellers. Best known for its breakfast menu, pizzas, garlic toasts and pastas, the cafe also has a complete bar within the premises. The chefs can also customise the food to your tastes. The highlight of the cafe is its Sun Deck (open only on sunny days) where you can take in panoramic views of the surrounding hills. For those who want to fill their itinerary with gigs, the cafe frequently hosts live acoustic music nights, karaoke nights and live electronic music nights. Walk in at any time of the day and relax with board games or a good book.
