Manali has become a paradise for food lovers, offering cafes that combine delicious food with stunning mountain views. Whether you’re seeking Italian cuisine, riverside ambiance, or cozy corners to relax, the cafes in Manali have something for everyone. Here’s my guide to the top 10 cafes that you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
1. Cafe 1947 – The Riverside Music Hub
Located in Old Manali near the Manu Temple, Cafe 1947 is one of the most iconic cafes in Manali. Situated right beside the Manalsu River, this cafe offers a perfect blend of Italian cuisine and live music.
The rustic wooden interiors create a cozy atmosphere, while the outdoor seating lets you enjoy your meal with the sound of flowing water in the background. Their wood-fired pizzas are legendary, with thin crispy crusts and fresh toppings. The pasta dishes, especially the creamy white sauce preparations, are equally impressive.
What sets this cafe apart is the live music. Regular performances by local and traveling musicians create a vibrant atmosphere, especially on weekends. Try their tiramisu for dessert—it’s the perfect way to end your meal.
Timings: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM (7:00 PM – 11:00 PM on Wednesdays)
Price: ₹1,500 for two
2. Johnson’s Cafe – The Heritage Garden Experience
Part of the heritage Johnson’s Lodge, this cafe on Circuit House Road offers a beautiful garden setting with mountain views. The lush green garden filled with colorful flowers makes it one of the most picturesque cafes in Manali.
Their trout fish preparations are exceptional, using locally sourced fish. Vegetarian options include grilled vegetables, cheese platters, and hearty soups. The combination of European and Indian cuisine ensures there’s something for everyone.
The cafe also hosts live music evenings, making it perfect for a relaxed dinner with entertainment.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Price: ₹800 for two
3. The Lazy Dog Lounge – Riverside Relaxation
Located in Old Manali, The Lazy Dog Lounge is perfect for those seeking a laid-back riverside experience. The outdoor seating beside the river, under weeping willow trees, creates a peaceful atmosphere where you can spend hours relaxing.
The menu focuses on Asian cuisine—Thai curries, Chinese stir-fries, and Japanese-inspired dishes. Their stir-fried vegetables and tofu preparations are particularly good. For vegetarians, they offer plenty of healthy and delicious options.
The eclectic decor with colorful cushions and the sound of the river make this one of the most relaxing cafes in Manali.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Price: ₹600-800 for two
4. Dylan’s Cafe – The Coffee Lover’s Paradise
Originally called Double Vision, Dylan’s Cafe in Old Manali is dedicated to Bob Dylan and serious coffee. The walls feature posters of the legendary musician, creating a nostalgic vibe enhanced by classic music.
Their Turkish coffee is renowned—thick, strong, and prepared traditionally. The fresh-baked cookies complement the coffee perfectly. They also have a mini-library where you can browse books while enjoying your drink.
Dylan’s attracts travelers, writers, and artists, making it a great place to meet like-minded people or work quietly.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
Price: ₹800 for two
5. Il Forno Cafe – Authentic Italian in the Mountains
Located on Hadimba Road, Il Forno occupies a beautiful building from 1860 built in traditional Kathkuni architecture. Set within an apple orchard, this family-run cafe brings authentic Italian cuisine to the Himalayas.
Their wood-fired pizzas use dough prepared from scratch and vegetables from their own kitchen garden. The calzones are generously stuffed and perfectly baked. This farm-to-table approach ensures everything tastes fresh.
The balcony seating provides stunning mountain views, making it one of the most unique cafes in Manali.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price: ₹700-900 for two
6. Backyard Cafe – Nature’s Dining Room
True to its name, Backyard Cafe in Old Manali feels like dining in a private garden. Surrounded by dense trees near the Beas River, it offers one of the most peaceful settings among cafes in Manali.
Their Israeli shakshuka is legendary—eggs poached in spiced tomato sauce make for a hearty breakfast. The trout fish preparations are fresh and flavorful. They also serve authentic falafel wraps and cater well to vegans.
The natural setting with bird songs and river sounds creates a deeply relaxing dining experience.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price: ₹600-700 for two
7. Cafe Meraki – Budget-Friendly Excellence
Located in Hotel Antarctica on Manu Temple Road, Cafe Meraki proves you don’t need to spend much for quality food. This is one of the most affordable cafes in Manali without compromising on taste.
Their breakfast menu is impressive, with generous portions of both Indian and Continental items. The momos—both steamed and fried—are particularly good. Their burgers are well-constructed, and the fries are crispy and well-seasoned.
The coffee is surprisingly good for the price point, making it popular among budget travelers.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: ₹400-500 for two
8. Sunshine Cafe – The Breakfast Specialist
Hidden in a quiet corner of Old Manali, Sunshine Cafe specializes in breakfast and brunch. Their banana pancakes are near-legendary—fluffy, perfectly cooked, and served with maple syrup and fresh fruit.
The homemade cakes and pastries are baked fresh daily. Fresh fruit juices made to order are refreshing and naturally sweet. During apple season, their fresh apple juice is a must-try.
Evenings bring local bands performing Hindi and English classics, plus board games for guests. It’s a great place to linger and connect with other travelers.
Timings: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Price: ₹500-600 for two
9. Rocky’s Cafe – The Hilltop View
Perched near Manu Temple in Old Manali, Rocky’s Cafe offers stunning panoramic views. The climb is worth it—from the terrace, you can see the valley, distant Jogini waterfall, and snow-capped peaks.
Their momos are a specialty, served with spicy tomato chutney. The hummus with pita is creamy and flavorful. Their soups are perfect for cool evenings—hearty, hot, and well-seasoned.
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best views. The afternoon has a laid-back vibe, while evenings are livelier with a party atmosphere.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price: ₹600-700 for two
10. Cafe Bella Vista – The Romantic Overlook
Located on Log Huts Road, Cafe Bella Vista lives up to its name with beautiful mountain views. The outdoor seating is designed to maximize the vista, making it perfect for couples.
Their wood-fired pizzas have perfectly crispy crusts with generous toppings. The lasagna is comfort food at its finest—layers of pasta, filling, and creamy sauce baked to perfection. Fresh salads and traditional pasta dishes round out the menu.
Among cafes in Manali, this is particularly recommended for romantic dinners, especially at sunset.
Timings: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price: ₹800 for two
Want to know the tourist places to visit in Manali? This complete travel guide has you covered.
Tips for Visiting Cafes in Manali
Best Time to Visit: Mornings are great for breakfast cafes like Sunshine and Meraki. Evenings are ideal for live music at Cafe 1947 and Johnson’s. Visit view cafes like Rocky’s and Bella Vista during sunset.
Budget Planning: Cafes in Manali range from ₹400-1,500 for two people. Budget travelers have excellent options, while those seeking premium experiences can find them too.
Dietary Needs: Most cafes in Manali offer excellent vegetarian and vegan options. Staff are familiar with dietary restrictions and happy to customize dishes.
Working Remotely: Dylan’s and Sunshine Cafe during off-peak hours are good for remote work, with WiFi and comfortable seating.
Why Cafes in Manali Are Special
The cafes in Manali offer more than just food—they provide experiences. Many are set beside rivers or within apple orchards, offering natural beauty alongside your meal. The mix of international cuisines reflects Manali’s diverse visitor base, creating a unique culinary landscape.
These cafes also serve as social hubs where travelers connect and share stories. With live music, beautiful settings, and delicious food, the cafes in Manali transform simple meals into memorable experiences.
Whether you’re a foodie hunting for authentic cuisines, a traveler seeking scenic spots, or someone looking to relax with good coffee, the cafes in Manali deliver on all fronts. Each offers its own unique charm, making cafe-hopping an essential part of any Manali visit.
