Top Cafes of Manali to Satisfy Your Wanderlust

What do you do when you love mountains and you love food? You go to Manali. Home to some of the top cafes in Manali, Old Manali has become the go-to place for those who love to treat their taste-buds. There is a saying about Manali, “Manali nights are colder to the body and warmer to the soul!” and I think these lines have never been spoken. Manali is a quaint little resort town nestled in the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. Manali witnesses heavy footfall throughout the year and most popular for its natural landscapes and unmatched beauty. There’s a lot that pretty much everyone does when in Manali if you go the touristy way. Manali has cafes with not only tasty food and drink menus but a certain rustic charm to them that keep you wanting to come back for more. If you are more than just a traveler if traveling and food are your second nature, then here are some popular Manali cafes that will redefine your experience of Manali: 

Best Cafes in Manali You Must Go

1. Born Free Cafe

Come to Born Free if you want to enjoy the best live music in Manali. The live music of this beautiful cafe that they play in their lounge is probably what your soul needs after a tiring day of sightseeing. If that was not enough for you, this place also happens to be a hostel as well as a co-working space. It provides affordable rooms to travelers from across the globe. It also has that hippie vibe to it – that typical Old Manali charm is reflected through beautiful graffiti on its walls. All types of cuisines especially Pasta and Hummus starting from American to Himachali are available here making it one of the most visited cafes in Manali.

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Address: Old Manali Bridge
Cost for two: INR 500
Timings: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM

2. Cafe 1947

Dotted with colorful yet tiny little trinkets, located beside the flowing Beas river, the very vibe of this place is enough to keep you coming back. By appearance, it is a quaint, cozy little cafe on a corner of the Old Manali Bridge. You may opt for outdoor seating as well but if you do settle inside make sure to choose a seat by the window so that you can enjoy the surreal view while relishing some of the best continental cuisines that Manali has to offer. Apart from coffee, the must-try dishes are Pizzas, Pasta, and Burgers. Touted as one of the top cafes in Manali, they also serve cold beers and sheesha, the quality of which is found to be above average.

Address: On the way to Manu Temple, Old Manali
Cost for two: INR 500
Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM every day and 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Wednesday

3. Cafe Meraki

If you are looking for that quick comfort food or just plain starving Cafe Meraki offers some of the best in town cuisine that ranges from burgers to momos and much more. The Hotel Antarctica on Manu Temple Road houses this beautiful cafe in old Manali where people from different places come together and make music from time to time as they even provide music equipment. They have made a name for themselves among the locals and travelers alike with their distinct attention to detail and amazing customer service. Momos and burgers are must-try dishes apart from coffee. 

Address: Hotel Antarctica, Manu Temple Road.
Cost for Two:  INR 400
Timings: Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

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4. Dylan’s Toasted and Roasted Coffee House

For all the hardcore coffee lovers it is the best place to kick back, enjoy a coffee while munching on freshly baked cookies, and have a heart-to-heart conversation with your loved one. Dylan’s is one of the amazing places and certainly the best cafe in Manali Mall Road. If you are a true coffee lover you must not miss Turkish Coffee with fresh cookies. It also stacks up books in a mini-library for you to curl up with. Good music, good vibes from travel partners, and all things Bob Dylan – the perfect recipe for an afternoon full of daydreaming.

Address: Old Manali
Cost for two: INR 800
Timings: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM (closed on Sundays)

5. Martins

The popular cafe in Manali among locals and travelers alike for their specialization in brunch, this cafe gets your amazing food with breathtaking views to go with it as they have an al-fresco laid back seating system that fully takes advantage of the amazing location. Martins is run by an Austrian chef, whom the cafe is named after, the cafe has a very large cult following. But, before you go make sure you reserve a table as they are usually packed during brunch hours on the only Sunday they are open. Grilled chicken, and smoked Trout you must try here. 

Address: Shanag Village, Himalayan Sports Club, Manali
Cost for two: INR 1000
Timings: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Only Sundays) April to November

6. The Lazy Dog Lounge

Everything about Lazy Dog Cafe, be it the location of this place or the food, makes it one of the top cafes in Manali. You can enjoy really good food with your favorite chilled drink here without burning a hole in your pocket, and even enjoy live performances by the famous bands like The Local Train and Rudra during the peak season.  The alcohol is a bit overpriced here but the food and ambiance definitely make up for it.  Must-try dishes are Spring rolls, Sushi, and Trout. 

Address: Manu Temple Road, Old Manali
Cost for two: INR 800-1000
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM

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7. Rasta Cafe

Rasta cafe is the hangout spot for travelers with their low-table and cushions seating and budget-friendly food located near the Vashisht Temple. A great place to chill and relax while you watch your favorite shows and movies as they even have a dedicated TV room. The cafe also features Greek salad, Trout, Pizza, and if we talk about interior the artworks from across India and the world on its walls as the owner really encourages artists to express themselves.

Address: Near Vashisht Temple, Vashisht, Manali, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Cost for two: INR 500
Timings: 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM

8. Drifter’s Cafe

Drifter’s Cafe is one of the hidden gems that take very good care of your breakfast. Again an Old Manali champ, it even gets a local band to play Hindi and English classics in the evenings. if you don’t want coffee anymore try Chicken Stroganoff, Egg Benedict, Trout, and Pizza. Great food, lovely interiors, and board games to kill time- these are the specialties of this amazing cafe in Manali.  Visit during the peak season is a pro recommendation here that would be a great experience the delightful warmth. And your cocktail fanatics, a separate bar menu is available. 

Address: Manu Temple Road, Old Manali
Cost for two: INR 500 (excluding booze)
Timings: 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM

9. Casa Bella Vista

This famous cafe in Manali named Casa Bella Vista makes pizzas that can very well draw in Italians. Its alfresco seating and location make you admire the beauty of the hill town more (if that’s even possible). Late in the evenings, you can hear the sound of the river flowing nearby. Apart from Pizza and coffee, you can also taste Ravioli and cheesecake. 

Address: Log Huts Road, Off Old Manali Road
Cost for two: INR 1000
Timings: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM

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10. People Art Cafe & Lounge

Located right opposite to the Lazy Dog Cafe, this cafe lets you enjoy an amazing meal with a side of hookah if you so, please. With live music and cuisines from over 5 countries, this cafe is sure to assault your palate with all kinds of flavors. The must-try dishes of this amazing cafe in Manali are Pad Thai Noodles, Sushi, and burgers. 

Address: Hotel The Conifer Manali Road, Old Manali, Manali
Cost for two: INR 500
Timings: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM

11. Sunshine Cafe

Sunshine Cafe is known for its Israeli cuisine, this entrancing Manali cafe does not stop at that. The staff is super-friendly, and the crowd is anything but mainstream. The food is not only delicious, but the portion sizes are more than enough with ample options for vegetarians. Interiors scream of a rustic old cafe with black & white paintings adorning green-bricked walls. Thin crust pizza, salad, and hot chocolate you definitely must try. 

Address: Tempe Road, Manali
Cost for two: INR 500
Timings: 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM

12. Cafe Amigos

If you feel like eating along to some soothing guitar tunes and really good hippy decor, this cute little cafe that serves German cuisine will take care of that for you. Apart from the delicious food that they serve, the laid-back al fresco setting is an added delight for the eyes. Though, the best way to make the most of your time there is by booking your table in advance and enjoying a game of bowls on the lawn. This best cafe in old Manali is great for some quick bites and even provides free Wi-Fi. Apple Pies, Chocolate Ball with Coffee definitely you taste. 

Address: Circuit House Rd, Siyal, Manali
Cost for two: INR 400
Timings: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

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13. Johnson’s Cafe

Located just opposite to a picturesque backdrop of snow-capped mountains, this quaint Manali cafe has one of the best ambiances in town. Giving you an option to dine outside, a lush green floral garden greets you in the daytime. If you like evening time better, a dimly lit area with a bonfire will welcome you. Inside, rustic wooden furniture and retro music album posters form the highlights. The menu is limited but has some of the best European classics. However, the prices are a tad bit on the higher side. Trout fish is one of the must-try dishes except for coffee. 

Address: Circuit House Road, Manali 
Cost for Two: INR 800
Timings: 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM




So far we have discussed the best 10 cafes in Manali for foodies & nature lovers which contains the proper information regarding address, cost and timings. I hope you might have loved reading this article and if you love to read more about cafes around the world then kindly head to our other articles.

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