The Himalayan resort town of Manali, surrounded by the Dhauladhar and Pir Pinjal mountain ranges and the pristine Beas river flowing alongside, is one of the most sorted after tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh. With the influx of tourists, both Indian and foreigners, Manali has also evolved in its café culture serving all kinds of global cuisines. The only thing one desires in the beautiful mountainous backdrops is, a lazing day exploring the nature and then gorging on some scrumptious hot meals in the chilling atmosphere.  Here is a guide to the most popular cafes in Manali to satisfy every foodie’s tummy and soul.

The Johnson’s Café

Located on Circuit House road, Old Manali, the beautiful ambience of this place adds on to the natural beauty of Manali. With an outdoor garden and seating area overlooking the mountains, you can enjoy its delicious in-house preparations or choose to spend time indoors in its comfy wooden interiors. The overall ambience of the place is so beautiful, that the visitors here, recommend it among the best restaurants in Manali. Some of the most sort after dishes here are the thin crust pizzas from wood fired oven, pastas, banana pancakes, cold and hot coffees.

Cuisines served – Indian, European, Italian

Special Preference available – Veg, Vegan, Gluten free

Price Range – High, every dish ranges from ₹275 – ₹700

Café 1947

The stylish Café 1947, is one of the oldest in Old Manali and also the first music café in town. The location of this café is next to the Manalsu River. You can plan to relax around the café while reading from your favorite novel and sipping on some coffee. Of course, the delicious food and the regular live music gigs adds up to your experience. Some of the specialties in their menu are Burger of Bodom, Vegeta, UFO, Slayer (pizza) and Metallica (Pasta).

Cuisines Served – Indian, Fast food, Barbecue, Asian, Café

Special Preferences available – Veg, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Price Range – ₹ 500 for two

Dylan’S Toasted &Amp; Roasted Coffee House

Cuisines Served – Café style, Breakfast, Dessert

Special Preferences available – Veg, Vegan Options

Price Range – ₹ 500 for two

Fat Plate Café

This family run café is located at Naggar Road. The café offers an indoor lounge, a veranda and also outdoor seating option around its property. The greenery around the café garden with its colourful flowers is sure to cheer up the visitors. It’s no surprise, to see the Gurang family mingle with their visitors around the garden.
The variety spread of food is prepared under the supervision of the owner-chef Anubhav Gurung. His mind-blowing recipes are prepared using ingredients grown in their garden or fresh produce from local farmers. He also curates the menu based on seasonal ingredients available. Don’t forget to taste some plum jam and blackberry ice cream made from the fruits grown in their garden. All breads are baked in the café and salads are prepared using the fresh garden greens.

Cuisines Served – European and North Indian specialties

Special Preferences available – Veg, Vegan Options

Price Range – ₹500 or below

Il Ferno Café

Another family run Italian cuisine restaurant is located on Hadimba Road. Nested in the 1860 constructed Kathkuni architecture building (Very few remaining in Western Himachal), this place was originally called ‘Kedar Cottage’. The cafe thus also has an architectural significance. Situated between an apple orchard, there are options for indoor and outdoor verandah seating.
Specialty dishes include wood fired pizzas, calzones and other in-house Italian cuisines. Most veggies come from their kitchen garden or are locally sourced.

Cuisines Served – Italian

Special Preferences available – Veg, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options

Price Range – ₹500 or below

Ride Inn Café

The Ride Inn is a motorcycle themed Cafe and boutique hotel across Nehrukund Bridge on the way to Rohtang Pass. The beautifully located roof-top café gives a 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains and the Beas river flowing alongside. The place is owned by Sneh & Godwin D’Cruz who are passionate travelers and have explored the length and breadth of India on their motorcycle. The café interiors are inspired by the owners’ love for travel and furnished by recycled parts of old vehicles. Visitors can’t stop mentioning about their Chicken delicacies and Thai Curry recipes.

Cuisines – Italian, Chinese, Indian, Cafe, Thai

Special Preferences available – Veg, Vegan Options

Price Range – ₹200 to ₹500

The Lazy Dog Café

This is a resto-bar located in Old Manali along the banks of Beas River and one of the popular food cafes in Manali . Its traveler centric décor is picked from around the world. There is a laidback vibe to the place. There are hammocks, bean bags and wooden chairs for lazing around. It has a wide spread of breakfast options. Evenings can be enjoyed with live music sessions. Best known for its grilled trout and variety cuisines. Indian thalis, butter chicken and chicken curry are some of the popular dishes. The indoor bar has a decent stock of beer and wine.

Cuisines –  Multi-cuisine (Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, Continental, Salads, Sushi)

Special Preferences available – Veg, Vegan Options

Price Range – 800 for two (approx.)

Walking through the by-lanes of Manali under the pine forests, you can easily spot comfy relaxing cafes to spend some quality time and serving a variety of Indian and International cuisines. Some of the other recommended cafes in Manali are the Café Meraki, Sunshine Cafe, Rasta Café, Drifter’s Inn and Café, Kilta Café and Casa Bella Vista.

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