The charming yet lively town provides breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayas, winding roads through pine trees, roofs in the Elizabethan style, and a delightful cuisine culture that creates fairytale-like surroundings.
A trip to the queen of the hills remains a popular choice among the general public because it not only offers stunning vistas but also a delicious culinary experience.
Shimla is a must-visit destination for both Indians and foreigners, as it is a popular summer weekend getaway from North India.
A variety of warm and eccentric cafes and hangout areas serving delectable meals throughout the day add to its attractiveness. Here is a list of local favorites, both for cuisine and atmosphere.
The only and best method to explore the city’s central area is on foot via the twisting walkways and stairs that travel uphill and downhill.
If you are a foodie, which is a high probability, given the fact that you’re reading this content, make sure to have your accommodation near a place that has no conveyance issues.
Like Himachal Stay, situated at the centre of the Queen of Hills near Old Bus Stand with conveyance catering to each and every part of Shimla!
Here are Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Shimla
Café Simla Times
Café Simla Times, formerly known as Fiesta Food Court, is named after a prominent newspaper that circulated in Shimla when the city was still known as Simla. This establishment has an artistic atmosphere. It offers a great deal of inventiveness and originality in both its food and its interior design. The meal is exceptional and the atmosphere is original.
The walls and roof are decorated with sketches of Shimla landmarks, creating the impression that the café was designed by an artist who also happened to be a chef. The presence of a model of a classic automobile enhances the mood. The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can choose to enjoy the painted walls inside or the view outdoors. In either case, everyone wins.
Their wood-fired pizzas include thin, crisp crusts, flavorful toppings, and copious quantities of mozzarella cheese. The smoked chicken and olive pizza is a fan favorite.
Ashiana & Goofa
Ashiana & Goofa is a Shimla icon due to its gazebo-like form. The snow-capped mountains on one side and the bustling city of Shimla on the other give a 360-degree panorama. This location is managed by the Himachal Pradesh tourism department and offers authenticity. It delivers authentic Himachali cuisine that annually attracts hundreds of tourists.
Chaang, the indigenous rice wine, is highly regarded as one of the drinks served here. It is normal for folks to arrive late for lunch and spend the rest of the day massaging their stomachs with thanks. It is also inexpensive – a win-win situation!
Devicos Restaurant & D Lounge Bar
Devicos, which was founded in the 1970s, nevertheless has its vintage appeal. During the day, it is a family restaurant with an Indian and continental menu, but at night, it transforms into a classy bar with an extensive collection of whiskeys and vodkas. This location is extremely popular with college students, therefore the audience has a really youthful vibe. The drinks and cuisine are all basic classics, so you cannot really order them incorrectly. As strange as it may sound, many people praise the grilled shrimp served here.
Café Sol
A lively restaurant serving cuisine from all around the world. The café is directly accessible via an elevator from Cart Road, saving visitors many calories that would have been burned hiking up. Fresh, delicious food is what attracts large groups. Please note that they are best recognized for their meat dishes.
The salads offered here are a harmonious combination of fresh vegetables, fruits, and seasoning. A personal favorite is the traditional Caesar Salad with Grilled Chicken, which is composed of fresh lettuce, parmesan cheese, oregano croutons (rebaked bread), and Caesar dressing.
If you are planning to enjoy your weekend with your family then you can book your stay with the Himachal Stay.
Fans of seafood should absolutely try the grilled fish. Fish served with spicy finger chips and semi-roasted vegetables have a mild sour taste. The fish’s characteristic barbecue flavor combined with a squeeze of lemon juice makes it palatable. If you desire simple fish nibbles, the fish burger and fish tacos are good options.
Additionally, Cafe Sol delivers the best real shrimp in Shimla. Fried shrimp with a fiery garlic sauce is a must-have. They are served with herb butter, which is a mixture of butter, seasoned black pepper, and certain herbs such as basil, parsley, and oregano.
Do you feel perplexed by the whereabouts of the eateries and cafes?
Take a deep breath! With Himachal Stay, you can opt for family-friendly and welcoming guides.
The Indian Coffee House
Despite its poor food quality, Indian Coffee House is an icon on Shimla’s Mall Road, despite the abundance of run-down, inexpensive eateries in the area; the place simply has character.
You should go there for a cup of coffee and some local gossip, as it is always full of backpackers and chattering locals. It is also the only restaurant on the road open at 8 am. Their dosas are finicky; sometimes they’re fantastic, and other times they’re average.
Did you know that our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi also visited the iconic Indian Coffee House?
Conclusion
The convergence of tourists, Tibetan immigrants, and retired army soldiers who have made Shimla their home also influences the local cuisine. During the frigid winter evenings, it is nice to enjoy a plate of piping-hot Maggi with chai or a bowl of steaming momos and Tibetan dim-sums. There were also a number of food stalls providing fresh bread, pakoras, and omelets at The Mall, without which no tour of Shimla’s indigenous cuisine would be complete.
Pizzas, burgers, and Indo-Chinese specialties have very much entered the everyday culinary scene of Shimla’s cafes, which are popular with international and Indian tourists alike.
FAQs:
What are the most popular restaurants in Shimla?
Though there are a plethora of street side points that have become a major tourist attraction in Shimla, Cafe Simla Times triumphs over most of them.
What are the best restaurants in Shimla for families with children?
Cafe Sol, a lively restaurant serving cuisine from all around the world happens to be the best restaurant in Shimla for families.
What are the best places to eat in Shimla?
Besides the crispy KUKREJ and momo points spread around the whole of Shimla, Cafe Simla Times and Devices are considered to be tourist favorites.
What are the best restaurants in Shimla with a view?
The snow-capped mountains on one side and the bustling city of Shimla on the other give a 360-degree panorama making Ashiana and Goofa the best restaurants with a scenic view.
