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.
Mayur Restaurant
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.
Rose Garden Restaurant
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.
People
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.
Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted
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.
La Plage
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.