Hey there, with Christmas around the corner, all we can think about is sitting in a cozy restaurant with a cup of hot chocolate, surrounded by twinkling Christmas lights and maybe a bit of snow outside the window. But since snow isn't guaranteed, it’s led us all to pack our bags for a getaway to Manali. Now, the big question is, which restaurant in Manali do we choose? Well, fear not, because whether you're up for a hike or just want to snuggle up in a warm spot, Manali has some fantastic food options for you. Let me spill the beans on where to eat in this winter wonderland.
Some top restaurants in Manali you must check out
1. The Lazy Dog Cafe, Manali
Situated on the banks of river Beas, The Lazy Dog Cafe Manali offers a very laid back, rustic yet chic setting with its wooden chairs, bean bags, hammocks and huge glass windows. This restaurant in Manali with a casual lounge patio has a diverse menu spanning cuisines from around the world ranging from fries, soup, and pasta to fried prawns and trout fish. Once your stomach and heart are full, you can go have a little walk around the Vashisht Village, famous for its hot springs and old-world charm.
Where: Manu Temple Rd, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Cost: Rs 800 for two
2. Chopsticks, Manali
With its minimalist Oriental decor, Chopsticks, Manali is a haven for foodies, offering an extensive menu with Chinese, Tibetan and Japanese flavours. The use of bamboo, subtle lighting, and traditional Tibetan decorations such as a snow lion flag, a Laughing Buddha statue, and a bhava chakra wall hanging creates an ambience that perfectly complements this diverse menu. Do not forget to try their thukpa and cheesy spinach momos.
You also get to visit the Old Manali neighbourhood, known for its vibrant markets and bohemian atmosphere while you’re there.
Where: Mall Rd, Model Town, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Cost: Rs 1,000 for two
3. Sher-e-Punjab Restaurant, Manali
Offering an authentic taste of Punjab all the way to Manali is Sher-e-Punjab restaurant, Manali with its diverse Mughlai and Punjabi food on the menu. Amritsari kulcha, paneer tikka masala, and Afghan chicken with butter naan are some of the must-try dishes.
Where: Leh Manali Highway Opposite Sub Post Office Bahang, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Cost: Rs 700 for two
4. Corner House, Manali
A harmonious blend of contemporary aesthetics and rustic charm, this restaurant in Manali offers a symphony of diverse tastes, reflecting a fusion of local Himachali ingredients and Chinese with Thai cuisines. And do you know that Corner House, Manali also offers a great selection of delicious hot chocolate?
Where: Model Town Road, Mall Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Cost: Rs 350 for two
5. The Johnson's Café, Manali
Located on the Manali Circuit House road, this little rustic and charming cafe adorned with wooden accents and cosy furnishings offers the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. In addition to the fun, it also offers live nighttime performances. What a delight, right? But this also leads to this place being a little overbooked in the festive seasons, so make sure you make the booking in advance. Now, while being an absolute delight to your ear with its live performances it's no less for your stomach as well with its signature dish- trout fish, of which it offers up to 10 different varieties, so don’t go without as much as trying it out.
Where: Circuit House Road, Siyal, Kullu, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Cost: Rs 1,500 for two
6. Il Forno, Manali
Surrounded by the view from the great Himalayas, wrapped within apple orchards, this 19th-century rustic lodge is a small Italian heaven in Manali. Situated on the Hadimba Temple road in the Siyal area, this exceptional old-charm restaurant in Manali is renowned for its wood-fired pizzas and in-house kitchen garden, where they source their vegetables.
Its warm interiors and the aroma of freshly baked pizzas filling the air are enough to keep you enticed for the evening.
Where: Hadimba Temple Rd, Siyal, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Cost: Rs 200 for two
7. Drifter’s Cafe, Manali
With its eclectic decor and vibrant yellow-coloured walls, it captures the free-spirited essence of Manali. Talking of free- spirit, this place is also a great one to hang out with your friends, it is home to acoustic and karaoke nights as well, and well when it’s not music it gives you board games to pass your time with. The restaurant in Manali also has a sundeck for us lazy people to get some little rays of sunshine and get on with the morning vibe. Now, coming to the menu, it features fusion dishes, blending local and international flavours.
This place is also just a short drive away from Naggar Castle for a glimpse into Himachal's rich cultural heritage.
Where: Manu Temple Rd, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
Cost: Rs 650 for two