Shimla in Himachal Pradesh offers stunning panoramas of the snow-capped Himalayas. It has everything you could want, which is why the Queen of Hills is a haven for people who want to get away from reality. There are many tourist events and attractions available in Shimla for visitors to enjoy. Of course, the city also has many eateries and cafes. Apart from being gorgeous and artistic, these cafes have the most breathtaking vistas. You must visit these 7 best cafes in Shimla if you happen to be anywhere in the area.
Best Cafes In Shimla
- Book Cafe
- Wake And Bake
- Hide Out Cafe
- Cafe Sol
- Honey Hut Cafe
- Wood Street Cafe
- The EBR Cafe
1. Book Cafe
Book Cafe, previously was an icon for inmate rehabilitation. Yes, you understood well, this cafe was run by prisoners who were serving lifetime imprisonment in the Kaithu jail. It soon was widely recognized as an experiment to give prisoners another chance at normal life, while the food offered here became famous because it was prepared by the prisoners running it.
The Book Cafe is located at the Takka Bench Ridge and offers freshly-cooked meals, snacks, beverages, and lots of books. It is a comfortable and homely place to casually sip coffee and read in peace. You can find a lot of fiction and non-fiction books there to pick from depending on your mood and meal.
If what you’re looking for is a place to snuggle, eat, and read without being disturbed for hours together, head to Book Cafe which is simply one of the best cafes in Shimla.
Address: Takka Bench, Ridge, The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001
Timings: 8.45 am – 10 pm
Price Range: INR 100 – INR 500 per person
2. Wake And Bake
Supporting the name quite literally, Wake And Bake is a well-lit cafe. Overlooking the hills, Wake And Bake offers Indian, British, and Eastern European cuisines. If you’re lucky enough, you might just get a chance to witness some live performances that happen in the cafe.
Save yourself from the sin of depriving your taste buds of good food and have the tastiest omelet and shakshuka paired with lots of flatbread in Shimla. You can choose to either dine in the cafe or the outdoor seating provided. Just in case you’re exhausted from touring Shimla and want to retire to your beds ASAP, grab your takeaway, or even better, just order in with their home delivery option.
The ambiance is calm and cozy but can switch to chill and happening very quickly, depending upon the crowd in the cafe (yes it is almost always crowded so you don’t miss the metro crowds even there).
Address: The Mall, 34/1, Mall Road, Middle Bazar, The Mall, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001
Timings: 9.30 am – 10 pm
Price range: INR 100 – INR 600 per person
3. Hide Out Cafe
As you step inside Hide Out Cafe, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cafe’s menu is a delightful fusion of local and international flavors, offering a diverse range of dishes to satisfy every palate. From aromatic coffees and refreshing teas to mouthwatering snacks and hearty meals, Hide Out Cafe has something for everyone.
Located near the Gaiety Theatre, the cafe is a nice place to head for a nice meal after watching a film. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to work or a cozy corner to catch up with friends, the cafe has the perfect setting. For all of you who love your booze, the cafe offers happy-hour drinks and for the foodies, there is happy-hour food as well.
The friendly staff of this cafe adds to the overall positive experience, ensuring that visitors feel homely. So, if you find yourself in Shimla craving a delightful culinary experience in a charming setting, Hide Out Cafe is the perfect hideaway for a happy dining experience.
Address: 1st Floor Shop No 30, Adjacent To Fire Station, The Mall Road, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001
Timings: 9 am – 10 pm
Price: INR 100 – INR 800 per person
4. Cafe Sol
Cafe Sol is a culinary gem that captivates both locals and tourists with its vibrant atmosphere and amazing offerings. This charming cafe in Shimla seamlessly creates a cozy retreat for tourists. The warm, earthy tones, and stylish decor invite visitors to unwind and savor the unique fusion of flavors.
Renowned for its diverse menu, the cafe features an array of dishes inspired by global cuisines. From sizzling Mexican fajitas to hearty Italian pastas, the culinary journey offered here is pure bliss for foodies.
The chefs at Cafe Sol take pride in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to craft each dish, ensuring a burst of flavor with every bite. Apart from the food, the cafe also offers smoothies and an on-premise bar serving cocktails and light alcoholic beverages. For all the booze lovers, this cafe is certainly a hit and one of the best cafes in Shimla
Live performances and fast service are the highlights of Cafe Sol. This cafe also offers wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Address: Mall Road, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001
Timings: 11 am – 11 pm
Price range: INR 100 – INR 1,000 per person
5. Honey Hut Cafe
Honey Hut Cafe is paradise if you have a crazy sweet tooth. Specializing in vegetarian and vegan fast foods, the cafe offers breakfast, brunch, and desserts. Heavily inspired by the name, honey tea, honey chili potato, and honey cinnamon saffron tea are dishes that you must try in this place.
You can opt to dine either inside or outside of the cafe or simply order with their home delivery facility. But you can consider visiting the cafe to enjoy the cozy ambiance with their hospitable staff and delicious food. The cafe also has parking, entrance, and seating that are accessible to the physically challenged.
Address: Khadi Bhawan, 70, Mall Road, Middle Bazar, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001
Timings: 9 am – 9.30 pm
Price range: INR 200 – INR 500 per person
6. Wood Street Cafe
Owned by a woman, this cafe screams women’s empowerment. Established in 2019, Wood Street Cafe is situated in the bustling Lakkar Bazar. The fact that it’s run by all women automatically makes it one of the best cafes in Shimla. Shop, explore and when you want to keep those shopping bags down and feed your famished body, just head to the cafe in the market itself!
Wood Street Cafe serves vegetarian and vegan options ranging from Middle Eastern to Asian to European cuisines. Apart from food, the beverages offered are also diverse. So if you’re confused between an iced coffee and a hot chocolate, just pick both!
You can visit the cafe for either breakfast, lunch, brunch, or dinner or enjoy a simple session of high tea with your childhood buddies in their comfortable seating. Although usually casual and cozy, the place can get crowded at times. It is a family-friendly place with warm hospitality and even warmer food.
If you’re in Shimla, go to Wood Street Cafe and do not leave without trying out the veg momos and hummus & pita platter there.
Address: Shop 23, Lakkar Bazar, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171001
Timings: 10 am – 7.30 pm
Price range: INR 400 – INR 1,000 per person
7. The EBR Cafe
The EBR Cafe offers an extensive range of spicy and savory dishes. Adopting Asian, Mexican, and Italian cuisines, salads, pizza, and pasta are the must-try dishes in this place.
With the staff’s kind assistance, patience, and recommendations for the best dishes, your experience is sure to be memorable (so take all the time in the world to order because obviously, food is love). Tiny toddlers too can have a great time here and not spill food on themselves because EBR Cafe provides high chairs, bibs, and napkins.
You can visit this family-friendly cafe and opt to have delicious food for either breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Address: The EBR Cafe, Near Bhattakuffar, Sanjauli, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh 171006
Timings: 10 am – 9 pm
Price range: INR 500 – INR 1,000 per person
Summing Up
Whatever you seek, Shimla provides. Seek peace and jaw-dropping landscapes, well just twirl and look all around you, the quiet mountains have heard you. Seek some delicious food and voila, some of Shimla’s best cafes have that taken care of too! Relish some yummy food at the 7 best cafes in Shimla while creating some lasting memories the next time you visit.
FAQs
Which Food Is Shimla Famous For?
Shimla is famous for several of its vegetarian dishes like lentils (dal), kidney beans (rajma) mixed with rice, chole bhature, and sidu. Non-vegetarian dishes like madra, dhaam, and chha gosh are also must-haves. The Shimla apple is one of the famous fruits.
What Is The Famous Sweet Of Shimla?
Khoya Gulab Jamun, Peanut Desi Ghee Laccha Chikki, and the Nature Cipzer Delight Panjeeri amongst several other famous sweets.
What Is Famous In Shimla?
The city’s major attractions are Shri Hanuman Jakhu (statue), Viceregal Lodge, Christ Church, Mall Road, and many more.
Why Is Lakkar Bazar Famous?
Lakkar Bazar is known for the wooden toys made there by a small community of Sikh carpenters who settled in Shimla over a century ago from Hoshiarpur.
What Language Is Spoken For Shimla?
English and Hindi are predominantly spoken in Shimla. Native dialects of different Pahari languages are also spoken.
In Which Months Does It Snow In Shimla?
It snows in Shimla between October and February so these are the right months to visit if you prefer winter. In the summer, you can visit between May and June.
