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Shimla receives visitors from all over India and abroad and the cuisine that is available here reflects this as well. After all, one of the top things that you want to know while planning a vacation is the kind of food that will be available here. While local Pahari cuisine is delectable and has its own unique tastes and textures with its blend of spices, Shimla has several other options as well for those who wish to stick to familiar favourites. Thus, food in Shimla is a good mix of different cuisines and tastes.
If you’re looking for fancy gourmet restaurants in Shimla, you’re not going to find many but the many local eateries there more than make up for this. Several of these places to eat in Shimla can be found on Mall Road itself, where people converge for shopping or just walking to take in the sights of the Ridge nearby. Here’s a list of some of the best restaurants in Shimla.
Once you decide to check out below mentioned restaurants in Shimla, it’s a good idea to visit the SOTC website first so you can see the numerous offers and deals on Shimla tour packages and Himachal tour packages that are available.
Located in Hotel Combermere, Café Sol is one of the iconic restaurants in Shimla. There’s a range of cuisines available here, be it Chinese or Italian but the best option would be to go for a club sandwich or choose Indian dishes instead.
This is a lovely little café that you can find in the Mall Road, where you can get some delicious French crêpes and a number of tasty little offerings. Frequented more by youngsters, there’s a decidedly relaxed air to the café whose décor includes oak tables and natural lighting while the walls are covered with hand painted branches and vines.
The Cecil at The Oberoi is counted as one of the best restaurants in Shimla. While a little pricier than other restaurants, it’s every bit worth it as the menu features several pan-India, international as well as Pahari dishes. If you do come here, don’t miss out on the Himalayan Kheru or the Masala Chai Kulfi. The views from here are rather spectacular too and with its dark mahogany wall panelling and gently tinkling antique chandeliers, Cecil has an old-world charm that is hard to replicate.
Here’s a café where every item on the menu features honey. One of Himachal’s best products is honey and this café heroes it in every way possible. Every dish in the café is sweetened with honey and people love the coffee here, which is also topped with honey. There’s a shop attached to the café as well, selling honey-infused soaps, lip balms and chocolate.
It’s quite possible that you will be able to find the best food in Shimla here. This iconic eatery is at two levels – Aashiana is on top and offers a 360-degree view of the city while Goofa is in the basement. Located on the Ridge, close to the Gaiety Theatre, it’s hard to miss Aashiana with its circular building. If you’re here, do try the Chicken Anardana, a Himachali dish which is their specialty. The food here is tasty and extremely affordable.
If you want to try some excellent food in Shimla, do head to Spars Lodge, which is located on Museum Road. It’s not too far from Mall Road and serves delicious dishes, especially the locally caught trout which is cooked in a number of different ways.
Some delicious food can be had at 45 Central Perk which is located on the Mall Road. 45 Central Perk is known for its lovely hot mocktails such as the mulled pom citrus with cloves and cinnamon which will warm your belly in a very satisfying manner. Since they serve Indian, Asian and Continental dishes too, do try the Sesame Stir-fried noodles or the warm gajar ka halwa which is pure bliss.
This is one of the iconic restaurants in Shimla which can be found on Mall Road. While no connection to the South Indian chain of restaurants, this café/restaurant is also a good place to enjoy some pretty good filter coffee while the food here is appetising and inexpensive. It’s one of the reasons why you will find plenty of people, locals, backpackers and tourists, flocking to this hole in the wall restaurant.
Yet another restaurant located in Hotel Combermere, albeit on the 7th floor, this is a lovely place to visit should you want a romantic meal for two without having to burn a hole in your pocket. The views here of the surrounding mountains is quite enchanting while the menu is multi-cultural and offers tasty delights such as succulent chicken tikka. You can enjoy your meal al fresco on the terrace where a cheery fire keeps you warm on chilly nights.
This is a cosy restaurant on Mall Road serves a number of different cuisines but largely with a focus on Arab style dishes. If you’re here, you can expect to have a relaxing meal on your own or with company. The ambiance is elegant and the food, rather eclectic. It’s leisure and luxury, coming together delightfully. Don’t miss the falafel.
There are several other eateries such as Sharma Vaisno Dhaba whose meetha phulka with jaggery is rather delicious or Alfa with its kheema samosas that will have you coming back for more.
