As you know, P and I travelled to Manali in April for a week and we’re curating a series of articles to help you plan your summer vacation this year to the beautiful hill station. Today, we aim to focus on the cute cafes we certainly think you must try on your Manali trip. From the cosy cafes in Old Manali to cute ones close to Manali Mall road, we tried them all and here’s a list of the ones we loved and why!
So without further adieu, here’s our list of cafes in Manali you must not miss!
Cafes In Manali: Manali Mall Road Cafes
The most popular spot in Manali, the Mall road is where you’ll find quite a few eateries and cafes. Apart from the regular fare of tourists busy bargaining for trinkets and souvenirs to take home, you will also find groups of travellers exploring cafes on the Mall road in Manali. While there are tons of places you could grab a bite, we were very selective about the places we wanted to check out. Hence, here are the two must visit cafes on the Mall road that serve up aromatic brews, delicious treats and a vibe to match your tribe!
The Johnson’s Cafe: Bring Your Tribe, You’ll Get The Vibe!
Exhausted from Mall Road? Take a detour to The Johnson’s Cafe, a rustic, European-style cafe nestled beside a hotel. The entry to this gorgeous cafe reminds you of those vintage wooden pubs with fairy lights, a stone bonfire place, and an open area to sit around. As you walk through a small path, you enter a huge sitting area decorated with lights. We grabbed a seat close to the bar and the band area. While the band wasn’t playing the night we visited, we heard great things about them from those who visit there frequently.
Source: PrinkledThe menu had everything one would expect at a cafe. From breakfast options, salads to pastas and pizzas, you can relish anything you wish. You also get a huge variety in drinks. From coffees to mocktails to wines and cocktails, this rustic cafe in Manali is perfect if you want to make the most of your time with friends over drinks and good food. They also have a special trout section on their menu, which we heard many great things about from the staff.
Source: Prinkled
Source: Prinkled
Source: PrinkledAnyway, P and I ended up ordering a Spicy Chicken Pizza, Peri Peri Fries with Cheesy dip, and a white wine sangria. While we waited, we clicked a few photos to capture the vibe of this cafe, and man, it looked breathtaking in the evening. Definitely a place for a romantic date, I would say!
Source: Prinkled
Source: Prinkled
Source: Prinkled
The food arrived in the next 15 minutes, and we began relishing it. The pizza was freshly baked, delicious, and hearty. The fries were absolutely gobsmacking with the cheesy dip. The white wine sangria was just as I wanted it to be – chilled, aromatic, and amazing! We had a great time at this cafe, and considering its cosy vibe, we’d definitely visit this place next time we’re in Manali.
Amigos German Bakery: A Cosy One With Pocket-Friendly Treats!
If there was a poster cafe for cute and cosy, Amigos German Bakery on Manali Mall Road would be it. Nestled at a small and cute spot on the Mall Road, this bakery has a legacy of serving foodies for more than three decades. We hopped inside this cute spot as it began to pour cats and dogs on the Mall Road, and thank God for it! The menu had the regular fare you would expect a bakery to offer. But, the aroma inside as you found a cute bench to sit with your buddies was mind-blowing. Considering the chilly weather and the rain, we ended up ordering a hot chocolate and a cafe latte along with a chocolate mud cake. It arrived in about 10 minutes and while we waited a cute guitarist entertained us with his music. The staff also was very friendly and helped us know about the legacy of the place while our order was being readied.
Source: PrinkledWhen our order arrived, we were elated. The aroma of the hot cafe latte and hot chocolate just completely took over our senses and we couldn’t wait to dig in. One sip of the coffee and I was sold. P also loved his hot chocolate thoroughly. The chocolate mud cake was decadent, delicious and gooey. We loved everything about it.
Source: PrinkledThe coffee, hot chocolate and cake inside a cosy bakery cum cafe is all you need when you’re at a hill station like Manali and trust me, Amigos German Bakery hits all the right spots with its vibe. It’s a must-visit cafe if you’re on mall road.
Cafes in Manali: Old Manali
Old Manali, a laid-back, cosy, and absolutely pristine district, is a hot favourite among tourists. It exudes a bohemian vibe, boasting several souvenir shops brimming with homegrown art and artefacts. Beyond shopping, Old Manali offers a haven in its series of small and quaint cafes. Here, you can be transported to a zen-like state, surrounded by peace, tranquillity, and, of course, plenty of coffee. Bob Marley and Bob Dylan’s portraits adorn many cosy nooks in Old Manali, reflecting the district’s bohemian spirit that whispers ‘Que Sera Sera.’ We fell head over heels for Old Manali and wished we had more time to explore. Here’s a list of the two cafes we absolutely adored!
Also Read: Manali Trip This Summer? Here’s A Guide To Road Conditions, Weather & Places to Stay
Dylan’s Coffee House: Homegrown Coffee, Nirvana for Nomadic Souls in a Boho Paradise!
If your nomadic soul craves nirvana and kindred spirits, then you should definitely land at Dylan’s Coffee House in Old Manali. This coffee house boasts a vibe unlike any other, known for its roasted and toasted coffee beans brewed in old-school ways. It’s cosy, laid-back, and boasts a simple yet unforgettable ambiance. Quirky artwork adorns the walls, and there are small rooms to chill and vibe with fellow boho souls. Perfect for those who love making new friends and enjoy a good cuppa joe, this coffee house is an experience you won’t forget. We ended up here on a friend’s suggestion, and let me tell you, we were absolutely over the moon that we listened!
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Source: PrinkledWe ordered two coffees at Dylan’s, and they warned us it would take some time since it’s brewed by hand. We were totally on board, excited to taste the magic. In the meantime, we chatted with some regulars who couldn’t stop raving about this cafe – it seems everyone in Manali loves it! When our coffee finally arrived, the aroma itself was a guarantee of spectacular taste. And let me tell you, the first sip did not disappoint! It was totally worth the wait, and the handmade home cookie that came with it was melt-in-your-mouth good. We truly loved the entire experience.
Source: Prinkled
Source: PrinkledOn the whole, Dylan’s Coffee House in Old Manali isn’t just a cafe; it’s a vibe, a vibe you rarely encounter but will crave forever. Do yourself a favour and try it!
Come A Napoli Pizzeria: A Slice of Italy in Old Manali!
Craving a taste of artisanal Neapolitan pizza? Look no further than Come A Napoli Pizzeria in Old Manali! This adorable and aesthetically pleasing spot serves up authentic Neapolitan pizzas that are perfect for a quick bite overlooking the Beas River. We almost walked right past this gem, but the charming decor reeled us in – and we’re so glad it did! Even though it’s a cosy little cafe, it offers the perfect setting to grab a bite and enjoy the view.
Source: PrinkledWe snagged a rooftop seat overlooking the river and ordered the classic Margherita pizza. While we waited, we soaked in the cool breeze and the lively scene of tourists zip lining and enjoying adventure activities by the river.
Source: PrinkledOur pizza arrived in 10 minutes, looking absolutely tantalising. We dove right in, and wow – the cheesy Margherita was a revelation! Each bite transported us straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany. This cute little pizzeria is a true gem for fans of authentic pizza. Don’t miss it!
Prinkled’s Parting Thoughts:
Our time in Manali was a whirlwind, and with a jam-packed itinerary, we sadly couldn’t explore every hidden gem. But both Old Manali and the Mall Road boast a vibrant cafe scene that begs to be explored. If you have more time on your hands, these spots could easily become your regular haunts. We absolutely fell for Old Manali’s charm and would definitely spend more time there on a future trip.
Have you visited any of these cafes in Manali? We’d love to hear about your experience! Let us know in the comments below.