Beyond Trekking: Best Cafes To Explore In Mcleodganj

Places Included

1. Jimmy's Italian Kitchen
2. Mc'llo 
3. Woeser's Bakery 
4. Tibet Kitchen 
5. Crepe Pancakes 
6. Khaana Nirvana
7. Nick's Italian Kitchen 
8. Lobsang's Four Seasons Cafe 
9. The Chocolate Log 
10. Moonlight Cafe Bakery 
11. Shiva Cafe 
12. Carpe Diem 
13. Namgyal Cafe 

A popular destination for trekking among tourists, McLeodganj is situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. This beautiful and scenic beauty in the suburbs of Dharamshala is home to a large number of Tibetans with a slight British touch in its surroundings. You’d be signing up for pretty waterfalls like Bhagsunaag, some temples at hill tops and the scenic Naddi hills when you visit McLeodganj. Stretched over a large area, the mall road or McLeodganj market is home to several tourist-friendly cafes and restaurants. 

The place is brimming with tourists during the peak season and offers a pleasant weather along with a fascinating view of the mountains. This paradise-like place is sure to give you some hippie vibes with its relaxed culture and atmosphere. If you’re much of a traveler, you could take a bus directly from Delhi or Chandigarh and head straight to McLeodganj but it would be a long ride. The other way to get to McLeodganj is to take a train from Delhi till Pathankot and hire a cab to ride you to your final destination. Pathankot railway station is the nearest and it is a pleasant three-hour drive from there. 

Best Cafes In McLeodganj 

Now, once you’ve reached McLeodganj, you would definitely be looking for some place to eat right? That’s when we are going to help you. Bookmark this guide to the best cafes in town. 

1.  Jimmy’s Italian Kitchen 

The best place to head out for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Given its name, the place has got a soothing vibe to it with outdoor seating that lets you enjoy the weather. Grab some omlettes and pancakes in the morning or some grilled chicken and pasta for lunch. Also, they’ve got free wifi so you can sit and work too. 

Where: Jogiwara Road, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala

Timings: 9 am-9 pm

Cost For Two: ₹600 

Cuisines Offered: Italian 

Source: Jimmy's Italian Kitchen/Instagram

2.  Mc’llo 

It would be hard for you to miss out on this café once you’ve entered the mall road. The café is situated in the centre of the mall road, like this tall upper ground café. The ambience is a cross between a casual diner and a restaurant. Their chilli chicken and noodles are a must-try even though their pizza is one of the bestsellers. 

Where: Main Chowk, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala

Timings: 10 am-11:30 pm

Cost For Two: ₹1,500 

Cuisines Offered: Italian, Chinese, Continental, North Indian

Source: Mcllo Restaurant/Instagram 

3.  Woeser’s Bakery 

You might have to do a little searching to find the place as this gem is hidden inside the basement of a restaurant. However, the search will be worth it when you take the first bite of that famous carrot cake. Quaint and peaceful, this bakery is for those who want to find some solace. Also, their chocolate brownies are to die for. 

Where: Jogiwara Road, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala

Timings: 10 am-8 pm

Cost For Two: ₹200 

Cuisines Offered: Bakery, Desserts 

Source: Woeser Bakery/Instagram

4.  Tibet Kitchen 

It would be a sin to come to McLeodganj and not savour their steaming hot momos once. The authentic Tibetan preparation makes them even more delicious as do their other dishes like tingmo, thupka and thenthuk. 

Where: Jogiwara Road, House #1 Main Square, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Timings: 12 pm-9:30 pm 

Cost For Two: ₹600 

Cuisines Offered: Chinese, Tibetan, North Indian 

Source: Tibet Kitchen Official/Instagram 

5.  Crepe Pancakes  

With a soothing and calming air to itself, this crepe junction has got some decadent things brewing and baking all day long. You must try their ginger cake which has a sticky texture or their refreshing mint tea. No need to look here and there for breakfast because they’ve got the best pancakes and eggs and books to keep you company. 

Where: Jogiwala Road, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala

Timings: 8:30 am-10 pm

Cost For Two: ₹400 

Cuisines Offered: Desserts, Coffee, Breakfast 

Source: The Sarcasti Traveller/Instagram

6.  Khaana Nirvana 

All the vegans out there, you needn’t fret. This organic and vegan eatery has everything that you can eat. Fresh from the farm and rich food, the meals at this place have a calming effect on you. From hot beverages like apple cider to pad thai, you will find diversity in their menu. 

Where: Temple Road, Above HDFC Bank, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala

Timings: 10 am-11 pm

Cost For Two: ₹850 

Cuisines Offered: Café, Desserts

7.  Nicks Italian Kitchen 

Overlooking the Dhauladhar range, Nick’s Italian Kitchen is a popular eatery in McLeodganj. Along with amazing views, you find a great range of pizzas and pastas too. Do try their carrot cakes and spinach momos. 

Where: Bhagsunag Rd, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Timings: 7:30 am-9 pm

Cost For Two: ₹500

Cuisines Offered: Italian, Desserts 

A quaint-little place on the Jogiwara road, Four Seasons café has all your Tibetan cravings sorted. While you’d find plenty of Tibetan restaurants, once you reach here look no further. It has the best kothe momos in town and their chicken chowmein is worth trying too. 

Where: Jogiwara Rd, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Timings: 8 am-9:30 pm

Cost For Two: ₹500

Cuisines Offered: Italian, Tibetan 

All you sweet toothers, head to Chocolate Log as soon as you reach McLeodganj. This tiny eatery will satiate all your sweet and savoury cravings with its Death by Chocolate. Do try their quiche and thukpa too. 

Where: Jogiwara Road, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala

Timings: 9 am-10 pm

Cost For Two: ₹600

Cuisines Offered: Desserts, Beverages 

From sunrise to moonlight, you can witness everything here. Located on the first floor, the window tables give you the best view from the top. You cannot get away without trying their ginger lemon honey tea along with some Bhagsu special cake. 

Where: Dharamkot, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala

Timings: 7 am-10:30 pm

Cost For Two: ₹500

Cuisines Offered: Coffee, Bakery

A very popular café in the hill station, Shiva Café has a serene and peaceful ambience that attracts local tourists and foreigners alike. Enjoy the pahadon wali maggi with a view at this café or gorge on their Farmhouse pizza. 

Where: Near Bhagsu Naag Temple, Bhagsu Naag, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala

Timings: 8 am-10 pm

Cost For Two: ₹500

Cuisines Offered: North Indian, Italian

Just like the name of the café, the vibe is also very relaxed and comforting with low seating and cushions. Grab a cup of coffee or indulge in their American breakfast early morning. You can also try their North Indian spread including dal makhni and paneer butter masala. 

Where: Maim square mcleodganj, dharmashala, Mcleodganj, Dharamshala

Timings: 10 am-10 pm

Cost For Two: ₹300

Cuisines Offered: Continental, North Indian, Chinese

If you’re in town and craving pizza, most people will direct you to Namgyal café. Their wood-fired veg pizza is of top-notch taste with Roquefort cheese doused in it. 

Where: Second Floor, Temple Rd, Opp. Municipal Parking, McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh 176219

Timings: 7:30 am-8:30 pm

Cost For Two: ₹600

Cuisines Offered: Italian, Continental, Tibetan