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.
Johnson’s Cafe
This cosy cafe has beautiful wooden interiors, complemented by alfresco seating arrangement amidst the lush lawns of the Johnson hotel. Equally popular as a breakfast joint and a party hub, the cafe is frequented even by visitors who aren’t staying at the hotel. If you’re planning a dinner here, try and grab a table at the cafe’s terrace under the star-lit sky. Best known for its European fare, the cafe’s specialities include the lamb and mint gravy and the blue cheese ravioli. For sweet endings, try the apple crumble. The happy hours are from 2 pm to 10 pm.
The Lazy Dog
This cosy cafe has beautiful wooden interiors, complemented by alfresco seating arrangement amidst the lush lawns of the Johnson hotel. Equally popular as a breakfast joint and a party hub, the cafe is frequented even by visitors who aren’t staying at the hotel. If you’re planning a dinner here, try and grab a table at the cafe’s terrace under the star-lit sky. Best known for its European fare, the cafe’s specialities include the lamb and mint gravy and the blue cheese ravioli. For sweet endings, try the apple crumble. The happy hours are from 2 pm to 10 pm.
Cafe 1947
Situated in the quiet lanes of Old Manali, the dimly-lit Cafe 1947 is a quaint eatery which serves delectable continental, Indian and Israeli fare. The most popular dishes at the cafe are the burger of bodom, vegeta, UFO, the slayer pizza and the metallica pasta. Located on the banks of the Manalsu River, this is Manali’s first music cafe and hosts gigs quite frequently. Enjoy your favourite beer, sip on a hot cup of ginger tea or sweeten your mouth with desserts such as fiametta and tiramisu. Make sure you try the mutton burger, lasagne and the daily specials listed on the chalkboard.
Casa Bella Vista
Situated in the quiet lanes of Old Manali, the dimly-lit Cafe 1947 is a quaint eatery which serves delectable continental, Indian and Israeli fare. The most popular dishes at the cafe are the burger of bodom, vegeta, UFO, the slayer pizza and the metallica pasta. Located on the banks of the Manalsu River, this is Manali’s first music cafe and hosts gigs quite frequently. Enjoy your favourite beer, sip on a hot cup of ginger tea or sweeten your mouth with desserts such as fiametta and tiramisu. Make sure you try the mutton burger, lasagne and the daily specials listed on the chalkboard.
Drifter’s Cafe
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.