Dharamshala is one of the most peaceful and stunning towns in Himachal Pradesh. It is not just popular for its natural beauty but also for Tibetan culture, dense greenery, and delicious food. Throughout the year, this place is filled with tourists from all across the world who wish to experience its enchanting atmosphere and authentic food. One can find a range of the best cafes in Dharamshala that provide the taste of delicious snacks. Surrounded by mountains and fresh air, these cafes serve delicious food, coffee, and desserts with picturesque views. These cafes also serve as an ideal spot for reading, working, listening to music, having meaningful conversations, and more. Through this comprehensive guide, let’s explore some of the best cafes in Dharamshala that you should not miss out on for a great experience, good vibes, and delicious food.
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List of the Top 10 Best Cafes in Dharamshala
Dharamshala makes sure that travelers get to enjoy a satisfying meal upon their arrival in Himachal Pradesh. Even if you are looking for a cozy cafe, a lively bistro, or a modern dining establishment, Dharamshala has it all. Let’s have a closer look at some of the prominent cafes in Dharamshala:
1. Takri Cafe
Takri Cafe is one of the most magnificent cafes in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. It is a fun and artsy place where tourists can feel creative and relax. The cafe has extremely colorful paintings and a calm feeling that makes you want to sit and chill for hours. Moreover, Takri Cafe also allows you to relish a strong coffee or tasty tea that is made from local leaves. They also make yummy homemade cakes and sweet pastries that go perfectly with your drink. Therefore, it is one of the best places to enjoy calmness, creativity, and local teas. The approximate cost for two people here is ₹300 to ₹500.
| Cafe Name | Takri Cafe |
| Description | Artsy cafe with colorful interiors, perfect for relaxation and creativity. |
| Must-Try | Coffee, local teas, cakes, pastries |
| Address | Palampur Dharamshala road, SH 17, Gopalpur, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh 176059 |
2. Yellow Llama Cafe and Lounge
One can find the Yellow Llama Cafe in Kotwali Bazar of Dharamshala. This is one of the best cafes in Dharamshala, known for delicious snacks and the utmost relaxing environment. You can sit inside or go outside to a huge balcony where you can witness beautiful snowy mountains. It’s a peaceful and significant site for quiet time. Also, the coffee offered here is rich and tasty, which makes it suitable for coffee lovers. There are comfy chairs and even fun games to play, so families and friends can enjoy their time together. The approximate cost for two people is ₹400 to ₹800 (depending on food).
| Cafe Name | Yellow Llama Cafe & Lounge |
| Description | Relaxing cafe with balcony views of snowy mountains and cozy seating. |
| Must-Try | Coffee, snacks |
| Address | Above Adidas, Kotwali Bazar, opposite Community Hall, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 |
3. Tibet Kitchen
Tibet Kitchen is a popular place where you can taste real Tibetan and Bhutanese food. It’s close to peaceful monasteries, so after eating, you can take a walk nearby. The food is full of flavor and feels warm and comforting. You should definitely try the Tibetan thali, which has momos, chilli chicken, soft bread called tingmo, noodles, and a cheesy dish from Bhutan called ema datshi. Their hot thukpa (noodle soup) is also amazing. When searching for the top cafes in Dharamshala, this one should surely be on your list. ₹500 to ₹900 is the estimated cost for two people.
| Cafe Name | Tibet Kitchen |
| Description | Authentic Tibetan & Bhutanese food near monasteries. |
| Must-Try | Tibetan thali, thukpa, ema datshi |
| Address | House #1, Main Square, Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 |
4. Food Safari Dharamshala
Food Safari is one of the best cafes in Dharamshala that you can visit to make the most of your trip. It is near the cricket stadium and is also close to the War Memorial. Food Safari serves many tasty snacks like momos, burgers, and wraps. One of their best drinks is hand-beaten coffee, which is thick and delicious. People love how good the food tastes and how much you get for the price. The place is easy to find and has a nice, relaxed vibe. Momos, wraps, burgers, and the famous hand-beaten coffee are some of the top dishes to try here.
| Cafe Name | Food Safari |
| Description | Casual spot near cricket stadium, famous for hand-beaten coffee. |
| Must-Try | Momos, wraps, burgers, coffee |
| Address | 49, Civil Lines Rd, Jawahar Nagar, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176213 |
5. Shiva Cafe
Shiva Cafe is one of the most famous places to eat in Dharamshala. It’s high up in the mountains and close to waterfalls, which makes it feel like a magical place. You can eat Indian food like butter chicken and drink lassi while enjoying the sound of water and the view of nature all around you. It’s a significant place to take photos and enjoy peaceful moments. If you are two people visiting, you can expect a budget of around ₹400 to ₹800. Make sure to try their core items, Butter chicken, and cold lassi while sitting by waterfalls.
| Cafe Name | Shiva Cafe |
| Description | Iconic hilltop cafe near waterfalls with magical views. |
| Must-Try | Butter chicken, lassi |
| Address | Waterfall, near Bhagsunag, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176216 |
6. Himalayan Musafir
When hunting for the best cafes in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh, make a visit to Himalayan Musafir. Himalayan Musafir is a small and cozy restaurant where the food feels like a warm hug. The inside is warm and friendly, and the people working there are always kind. They serve Indian food like curries, biryani, and soft naan bread. Moreover, if you are feeling cold, this cafe is the best place to warm up with tasty food. Some of the must-try dishes also include Dal makhani (lentils), biryani, and fresh naan. ₹600 to ₹1200 is an approximate cost for two people.
| Cafe Name | Himalayan Musafir |
| Description | Cozy eatery with warm Indian meals, ideal for cold weather. |
| Must-Try | Dal makhani, biryani, naan |
| Address | Near Ropeway, Loharkadi Upper Sudher, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 |
7. Lhasa Cafe
Lhasa Cafe is one of the most colorful cafes in Dharamshala. It makes you feel like you are in Tibet. The walls are bright, and the music makes you want to dance. You can drink butter tea (a salty Tibetan tea made with yak butter) or fruity lassi. The food includes momos (Tibetan dumplings) and yummy noodles. It is one of the most stunning cafes in Dharamshala to enjoy local flavors and culture. ₹400 to ₹700 is an approximate budget for two people. However, the cost can vary depending on the type of food ordered.
| Cafe Name | Lhasa Cafe |
| Description | Colorful Tibetan-style cafe with vibrant walls and local flavors. |
| Must-Try | Butter tea, momos, noodles |
| Address | Cantt Road, Kotwali Bazar Rd, Loharkadi Upper Sudher, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176215 |
8. Morgan’s Place, Dharamkot
Morgan’s Place is known for its thin-crust pizzas and tasty pastas. It’s in a quiet area with lovely views of the Dharamkot village and extensive mountains. When you sit outside, you feel peaceful and happy. The fresh juice is extremely refreshing. Sometimes the place gets crowded and smoky because people smoke and drink there. But the food is still delicious, and the views are worth it. It is one of the famous cafes in Himachal Pradesh.
| Cafe Name | Morgan’s Place |
| Description | Popular for thin-crust pizzas & pastas with mountain views. |
| Must-Try | Pizza, pasta, fresh juice |
| Address | Morgan’s Place, Dharamkot, Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh 176216 |
9. 1740 Bakery, Dharamshala
1740 Bakery is situated on the Fatehpur Road in Dharamshala and is operated by a woman named Nidhi. This place provides a calm and relaxing vibe, and the owner, Nidhi, has made it feel like a home. with small touches like putting jaggery and brown sugar in jars instead of paper packets. The blueberry cake offered here is extremely tasty and encourages you to go for a second slice. The sandwiches and cold coffee are also a must-try. If you can’t finish everything, they are happy to pack it up for you. ₹300 to ₹600 is the approximate 2-person cost.
| Cafe Name | 1740 Bakery |
| Description | Homely bakery run by Nidhi, famous for cakes & sandwiches. |
| Must-Try | Blueberry cake, cold coffee, sandwiches |
| Address | Bridge, Fatehpur, VPO Sidhbari, Rakkar Fatehpur Rd, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176057 |
10. Chilly Beans Cafe
Chilly Beans Cafe is in Bhagsu, and it’s a perfect spot for people who work on laptops or travel while working, also called digital nomads. Every table has a plug point to charge your devices, and there is free Wi-Fi too! The cafe plays calm, bohemian music and serves a lovely ginger lemon honey tea that helps you feel fresh and relaxed. ₹300 to ₹500 is an estimated cost for 2 individuals.
| Cafe Name | Chilly Beans Cafe |
| Description | Work-friendly cafe with Wi-Fi & plug points, great for digital nomads. |
| Must-Try | Ginger lemon honey tea |
| Address | Bhagsu Nag, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176216 |
Conclusion
Dharamshala has a lot to offer, be it adventures, stunning natural beauty, or even delicious food. Every traveler can make the most of the best cafes in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. These cafes, with an extensive menu and breathtaking views, offer some of the best experiences to their visitors. Also, these allow you to try Tibetan dishes, read good books, and have steaming cups of coffee. So, plan your adventure to this stunning destination and make some unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
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