Be it your love for coffee or Momos, Dharamshala never fails to offer you the delectable food you’re looking for. From ‘’Dai ke Momos to Food Safari ka burger’’, everything here is a retreat to your taste buds. Now, give it a thought why travellers from all over go gaga over the foody streets, roadside stalls, noisy dhabas, and quirky cafes of the town. A satisfactory answer to this is- it’s more exciting and fun!

Whenever your tummy grumbles, don’t hassle as this beautiful place has some gorgeous cafes that’ll serve you scrumptious food and at once Instagram-worthy views. Keeping in mind the same, let’s go out on the town because recently there has been a surge of cute, quirky, and fabulous cafes in Dharamshala. 

Finally, it’s time to dig one of the best cafes in Dharamshala. Though these aren’t at all, there are a lot of cafes in upper Dharamshala as well, what you may know as Mcleodganj. For that stay tuned to our next blog. Till then enjoy reading this one and don’t forget to include the following in your Dharamshala itinerary.

Best Cafes in Dharamshala

1. Illiterati Books and Cafe
2. The Hollywood Café
3. Bakes and Brews
4. Café Econtro
5. Yellow Llama
6. Rahi Café and Adventure
7. Toral Café
8. Tunna’s Book Café
9. Food Safari
10. Himalayan Musaafir

1. Illiterati

Initially, a book shop that dates all the way back to 2012. After they began serving, the name just stuck around and it turned into a full-fledged cafe. The stunning views of the Dhauladhars, its food and the unique concept of blending books and food has made everyone fall for this place. Imagine what it feels like having an espresso while watching the all-powerful Dhauladhars. Speaking of the library, they have an amazing assortment of books, across various cultures and genres, mostly in the English language. From coffee table books and second-hand books to travel-related diaries they have everything in their magical pocket. Additionally, there’s WIFI obviously. Do visit and take memories with you. However, it is a little hard on your pocket. If that doesn’t bother you, romance your books while you sip your coffee.  

Must Eat- Belgian waffles, coffee, soup selections, bruschetta and lemonade
Timings- 10:30 am to 9:00 pm
Price for Two- Approximately Rs. 1,500

2. The Hollywood Café

In case you’re in Dharamshala and want to visit Norbulingka Institute and are obfuscated on where to eat: this café is the ideal decision to make. You’ll love going here for all the big chills. It has a charming vibe with astounding Hollywood posters around and a backyard. So if you are simply meeting a friend over some coffee or it’s friends and family get together, The Hollywood Café in Dharamshala is a spot for everyone!!! The vibe of this place is adequate to keep you coming back.

Must Eat- Honey Chilli Potato, Chocolate Pancakes, and Soups.
Timings- 10:00 am- 11:00 pm
Price for Two- Approximately Rs. 600

3. Bakes and Brews

Getting the sweet-toothed folks an amazing variety of baked treats is Bakes and Brews in Sidhpur, Dharamshala. Blueberry Cheese Cakes, Choco Doughnut, Sinaas apple, Melting Chocolate, Choco Hazelnut, Chocolate Trifle Mousse and Fresh Fruit Muffin, aren’t these mouth-watering for people having a strong liking for sweet food? Bakes and Brews in Dharamshala have it all. The moment you enter the cafe, you get welcomed by the warm and attentive staff monitoring the counters, who‘re anxious to serve you. This bakery obliges with a variety of pure-vegetarian treats such as cakes, pastries, cookies, snacks, puddings, mousse, cheesecakes and muffins. You can also place an order for a designer cake if there is an occasion around. Do visit this charming café for an extraordinary experience.

Must Eat- Blueberry Cheese Cakes, Chocolate Trifle Mousse
Timings- 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Price for Two- Approximately Rs. 350

4. Café Encontro

 In case you are searching for amazing food options, extraordinary service and neighbourliness, Café Encontro is your go-to café. It is a mix of reviving ambience with outstanding food taste and quality. The staff is truly kind and cordial. It is one of those spots where you begin an incredible conversation with a newly met friend, read a book, or listen to music despite what thoughts are going on in your mind. They essentially serve Italian, Tibetan and Chinese food. Additionally, it can be a working space for freelancers who’re looking for a quiet environment to work.

Must Eat- Alfredo Pasta, Cheese Momos.   
Timings– 11:00 am to 9:30 pm.
Price for Two- Approximately Rs. 500.

5. Yellow Llama

Here good food meets great ambience. Located in Kotwali Bazar (main market) Yellow llama with a rooftop offers spectacular views of Dharamshala. After watching Kangra Art Museum in Kotwali Bazar, you can have a meal at Yellow Llama Café. The café is new in town yet gaining popularity fast. The staff here is super friendly, the food too is a treat to the taste buds and the location is bang on! A picturesque view of the snow-clad Dhauladhars in sunny afternoons and cosy evenings is a sight for sore eyes. The cafe boasts Italian, Tibetan and American cuisines. Whenever in Dharamshala, go sit and make memories at Yellow Llama Café. One of the best cafes in Dharamshala to hang out with friends and family and enjoy a gala time.

Must Eat-. Baked cheese Momos, Pasta.
Timings- 10:00 am to 11 pm
Price for Two- Approximately Rs. 800

6. Rahi Café

Another new café in town! Situated near Osho Ashram, Sheela village. Rahi café and adventure will offer you peace and a relaxing ambience. The café provides healthy and fresh meals in a real sense. Apart from serving you tasty food, they are into adventure services like paragliding, trekking & camping, road trip on bike or car to interior Himalayas area like Spiti Valley, Leh-Ladakh, Kinnaur, Kashmir, etc. and also, sight-seeing in Kangra district. They have seating areas like indoor on the floor, an outdoor cafeteria, a small terrace with privacy for family and friends, and a big terrace with a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas. If you have a meeting to attend, order some coffee and find the right place to sit and start working. Additionally, you can also book an indoor seating area for up to 12 persons for a movie or sports night. Along with that they’ll serve you freshly made tasty meals of your choice.

Must Eat– Pancakes, Pizza
Timings– 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Price for Two– Approximately Rs. 550

7. Toral Café

Located at Thatri, Khanyara which is a few minutes away from the main city this cute little café sits between two huge mountains. Though it is a small café it makes sure one has a great food experience by offering highly appetizing food. Whether it’s local or not so local, everything here is super tasty. Apart from that, in the evening while you enjoy the aesthetic views from the café, you can feel the cold breeze hitting you. How does that feel? From sharing food and crunching on a steaming hot supper to taking part in a grasping swap of travel anecdotes that is what Toral café is all about. Make sure you have some cash in your pockets as due to lack of signal connectivity online payments sometimes creates trouble.

Must eat– Khatta meat (local), Chilli Chicken, Momos
Timings– 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
Price for two– Approximately Rs. 400-500

8. Tunna’s Book Café

Now, this is what we call an astonishing blend of an honest library vibe, breathtaking views and tasty food. All in one place. To begin with, the food is amazing and decently priced. In addition, there is a small library for you to curl up with. If you’ve always wanted to be in a place encircled by books, find an ideal corner and order some hot coffee that is the exact vibe of Tunna’s book cafe. Late in the evenings, you can hear the sound of the river flowing nearby. Hands down, one of the coziest places in Dharmshala. And the coffee is delicious too!

Must Eat- Chinese food, Biryani on Sundays
Timings– 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
Price for Two– Approximately Rs. 350

9. Food Safari

If you’re looking for cute Cafes in Dharamshala, then Safari place is the place for you. It is located at the Dharamshala-Kangra road opposite the War Memorial. This cafe is the seamless haunt to kill your hunger wrenches and grab a quick bite with your loved ones. The beautiful blue and white interior will surely have a calm effect on your mind. Usually, the go-to place for college and school students, this quirky cafe will crush your hunger pangs with yummy food that’s reasonable in price. Food Safari shouldn’t be given a miss if your tummy is asking for some delicious burger! Happy cravings!!

Must Eat– Burger, Pasta, Wraps, Peri-Peri Momos
Timings– 9:30 am to 10:00 pm
Price for Two– Approximately Rs. 500

10. Himalayan Musaafir

Let’s end this list of the best cafes in Dharamshala with an eco-friendly café.  Located at bypass road to Macleodganj, the backside of the Dharamshala bus stand, this café offers awestruck beauty to its customers. The staff is quite friendly and polite. You’ll be flabbergasted by the insides as each thing utilized here is somewhat of a waste for us yet the proprietor considered it to be a beneficial thing. The seating here is quite noteworthy as it is made of drums which is utilized to keep ‘atta and dal’. You should visit the place to check out what the place has to offer.  

Must Eat- Chicken Momos
Timings- 9:30 am to 10:00 pm
Price for Two- Approximately Rs. 500

And that’s how we sum up the best cafes in Dharamshala, now it’s up to you guys where you wanna hang out. We think we’ve given you enough inspiration for the same. Dharamshala is such a place where you cannot resist yourself going out. There is a unique thing about the hills that keeps on captivating us. So, whenever you’re in the town do visit these amazing cafes that we’ve mentioned above because at the end it’s all about a quaint place, food, and ambience!

However, keep in mind a few things:

– Always carry extra cash as some of the cafes may not acknowledge cards/e-wallets.
– Check the café timings.
– Checking reviews prior would be a great deal to avoid disappointments.