If you're booking a Himachal Pradesh tour package from us, then I can assure you that this trip will not be limited to scenic views, but you can also get a chance to explore the popular food cafes in Manali. WanderOn not only focus on the trip but also offers the experience which makes us different from others.
Whether you're looking for the best cafes in Manali for breakfast and brunch with good coffee or searching for riverside cafes in Old Manali with chilled-out vibes, you’ll find plenty to love. These places are the best places to eat in Manali, which will leave you with a gastronomic experience.
From a unique interior in Ride Inn Café that is made up of a motorbike part to scenic views of Sunrise Café, Manali has everything one can think of. In this Manali cafe guide, we will discuss hidden gems, scenic hotspots, and places where you can unwind with a warm drink, free Wi-Fi, and a view to remember. So, which are the most popular food cafes in Old Manali with river views? Let’s dive into the flavours of Manali.
Located on Circuit House Road, Old Manali, the beautiful ambience of this place adds on to the natural beauty of Manali. With an outdoor garden and seating area overlooking the mountains, you can enjoy its delicious in-house preparations or choose to spend time indoors in its comfy wooden interiors.
The overall ambience of the place is so beautiful that the visitors here recommend it among the best cafes in Old Manali. Some of the most sought-after dishes here are the thin crust pizzas from wood-fired oven, pastas, banana pancakes, cold and hot coffees.
The stylish Café 1947 is one of the oldest in Old Manali and also the first music café in town. The location of this café is next to the Manalsu River, which makes it one of the top riverside cafes in Old Manali. You can plan to relax around the café while reading from your favourite novel and sipping on some coffee.
Of course, the delicious food and the regular live music gigs add to your experience. Some of the specialities in their menu are Burger of Bodom, Vegeta, UFO, Slayer (pizza) and Metallica (Pasta). So if you are looking for the best cafes in Manali with live music with scenic view, this is the place for you!
- Location: Near Nehru Kund, Leh Manali Hwy Vpo Bahang, Dist, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175103
- Timings: 1–11 pm
- Cuisines Served – Indian, Fast food, Barbecue, Asian, Café
- Special Preferences available – Veg, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
- Price Range – ₹ 500 for two
Also Read: 20 Best Adventure Activities In Manali 2025
3. Dylan's Toasted & Roasted Coffee House
Dylan’s is one of the most popular food cafes in Manali, among both Indian and foreign tourists. Originally called ‘Double Vision’, this café was recently renamed after the iconic musician Bob Dylan. The wall of the café is adorned with many posters of the American singer. You can enjoy some classic American music while indulging in some of the famous desserts in this little coffee house.
Just grab some coffee on your way or network with fellow travellers in this ‘hole in the wall’ cafe. The most liked dishes include its breakfast spread, chocolate cookies, pancakes, cinnamon tea and the popular desserts like ‘Hello to the Queen’.
- Location: Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
- Timing: 9 am- 9 pm (Tuesday closed)
- Cuisines Served – Café style, Breakfast, Dessert
- Special Preferences available – Veg, Vegan Options
- Price Range – ₹400- 800 for two
Fat Plate Café is a family-run café that offers an indoor lounge, a balcony and also an outdoor seating option, which makes it one of the popular food cafes in Manali. The greenery with its colourful flowers around the café garden is sure to cheer you up. One of the unique things about this cafe is you never know when you meet the Gurang family, the owner's family. They will not only interact with you but also share their stories.
The variety of food is prepared under the supervision of the owner-chef, Anubhav Gurung. His mind-blowing recipes are prepared using ingredients grown in their garden or fresh produce from local farmers. He also curates the menu based on seasonal ingredients available. Don’t forget to taste some plum jam and blackberry ice cream made from the fruits grown in their garden. All breads are baked in the café, and salads are prepared using fresh garden greens.
Also Read: 10 Top Travel Tips For Manali
Another one of the famous food cafes in Manali is Il Ferno Café, which is a family-run café that proudly serves Italian cuisine, is located on Hadimba Road. You can find this cafe in the 1860 constructed Kathkuni architecture building, which makes it one of the most fascinating cafes in Manali, as these cafes are very rare to find in Western Himachal. This place was originally called ‘Kedar Cottage’, and has now been turned into a beautiful cafe in Manali.
This one of the top cafes in Mananli is surrounded by an apple orchard, offering seating there are options for indoor and outdoor balcony seating. The special dishes of this cafe include wood fired pizzas, calzones and other in-house Italian cuisines. The best part of this cafe is that you don’t need to worry about the preservatives, as most of the veggies come from their kitchen garden or are locally sourced.
One of the most popular food cafes in Manali is Ride Inn Cafe, which has a unique motorcycle-themed cafe. You will enjoy your food at the rooftop while admiring the 360-degree views of the mountains, and the Beas River flowing alongside makes it one of the amazing riverside cafes in Old Manali.
Sneh & Godwin D’Cruz are the owners of this best cafe in Manali with views, and they themselves are passionate about travelling, and this is the reason behind giving the cafe a different look. The café interiors are inspired by the owners’ love for travel and are furnished with recycled parts of old vehicles. The fun about this cafe doesn’t end on the interior or food, but you can also find a library, musical instruments, board games that you can enjoy with your friends and family.
Also Read: 9 Best Places To Visit In Manali In One Day
The Lazy Dog Café is one of the most popular food cafes in Manali, which is located in Old Manali along the banks of the Beas River. Offering outdoor as well as indoor seating, this place is one of the wonderful riverside cafes in Old Manali. There are hammocks, bean bags and wooden chairs for lazing around.
Their menu spans around in a wide range, including breakfasts, soups, sushi, tandoors and more. This cafe is not only about the best views, but it is also counted among the best cafes in Manali, with live music, as in the evening, you will get to relish the lip-smacking food along with the talented artist's performance. Best known for Indian thalis, butter chicken and chicken curry are some of the popular dishes.
- Location: Manu Temple Rd, Old Manali, Manali, Himachal Pradesh 175131
- Timings: 12 pm- 11 pm
- Cuisines – Multi-cuisine (Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, Continental, Salads, Sushi)
- Special Preferences available – Veg, Vegan Options
- Price Range – 800 for two (approx.)
8. Drifter’s Café by The Hidden Tribe
Comfortable seating, a gastronomic experience, and amazing views are combined when we talk about one of the most popular food cafes in Manali, Drifter’s Cafe. From exotic pancakes to lip-smacking burgers, their menu offers a wide range of dishes which will leave you with once in a lifetime experience. As soon as the sun goes down, this place comes alive with the talented artist performing live music, to whom you can request your song, making it one of the best cafes in Manali with live music.
Also Read: 12 Best Treks In Manali
If you’re searching for popular food cafes in Manali, Sunshine Café in Old Manali deserves a top spot on your list. This charming riverside spot is known for its chilled-out vibes, warm hospitality, and delicious Israeli and Indian dishes. It’s one of the best cafes in Old Manali you can come to relax after exploring the hills.
With a laid-back setting and the soothing sound of the river nearby, it qualifies as one of the top riverside cafes in Old Manali. You’ll love the open-air seating, friendly vibe, and a menu packed with comfort food, vegan options, and great coffee. Whether you need fast Wi-Fi, a cosy corner, or homemade desserts, this cafe has it all for you!
When it comes to popular food cafes in Manali, how can we forget Rocky’s cafe, which must be mentioned in every Manali cafe guide. Surrounded by some of the amazing places to visit in Manali, this cafe offers great food and even better views. Whether you’re here for breakfast or dinner, the menu is a blend of Indian and Western comfort food. The café is cosy, welcoming, and serves up some of the best momos and thukpa in town.
Also Read: Best Local Food In Manali
Looking for the best cafes in Old Manali, then how can you forget Cafe Amigos? This place is rustic charm with stunning views, which makes it one of the most popular food cafes in Manali. From foreigners to Indian tourists, this place tops everyone’s list as its menu offers a wide range of food.
Whether you want to have Israeli platters or just have a craving for North Indian delights, their menu is diverse and satisfying. You can enjoy this culinary experience while admiring the views of mesmerising Manali. The rooftop seating and chilled-out ambience adds up to it’s popularity among it’s visitors.
As its name suggests, Evergreen cafe is all about delicious organic food, which is also the reason behind making it one of the most popular food cafes in Manali. If you are health-conscious, then you must visit this cafe.
Known for serving everything from social media-famous Israeli shakshuka to fresh smoothies, which makes it one of the best cafes in Old Manali, especially among youngsters. This best food cafes in Manali is well known for offering a relaxed setup, fast Wi-Fi, and real flavours of ingredients which you must try.
