Manali Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Manali

February 4, 2018 Nicolette Lion

In Hinduism, Manu was said to have survived a great flood that destroyed the rest of the world. He then recreated mankind in this Kullu Valley town. What a rush, huh? No wonder the towering peaks and verdant terrain of Manali attracts adventure travelers, with heli-skiing, hiking, mountaineering and river rafting the favored active pursuits. Come down from your endorphin high by breathing deeply at the four-story, wooden Hidimba Devi Temple, which sits in the middle of a nearby deciduous forest, or take a medicinal soak in the hot springs burbling from the ground a 30-minute walk from town.
Things to do in Manali

1. Chopsticks

The Mall Road, Manali, Manali Tehsil 175131, India Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol Chinese, Japanese, Asian, Soups, Tibetan, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night +91 1902 252 639
Excellent
39%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 869 reviews

Chopsticks

Reviewed By anubhav_gaur - Panchkula, India

Went there yesterday with family.. Had lunch. being vegetarian and a sucker for wantons (you don't get them everywhere, so I grab a chance whenever I see one). And boy.. the soup did not disappoint..
A huge bowl.. with 8 wantons in it... Yup, you read that right 8... Each one was nicely pouched together and not even one was burst open with veggies popping through.. So someone definitely knows how to make them right and it was bang on one of the best wanton soups I've had.
Fresh ingredients.. The place has a nice vibe and is right on main mall road. you cannot miss it. It is a favourite place for locals too and even though it is off season right now, the place was crowded with more than 50% tables taken.
The service is fast, the fare is decent and you get your bang for the buck..
So, for folks wanting to have chinese or TIbetan fare, I think this is a good place..

2. Adarsh Restaurant

The Mall | India, Manali, Manali Tehsil 175131, India Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards Indian, Fast Food, Asian, Chinese, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks, Breakfast HK$24 - HK$110 +91 94180 02578
Excellent
48%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 184 reviews

Adarsh Restaurant

The famous Land mark on Mall Road Manali "Adarsh Restaurant" serves variety of food and is very famous for its food among the travelers since 1976. Punjabi food, South Indian food, Trout fish, Pizzas and Butter chicken is extra special item.

Reviewed By sknglobal - Bengaluru, India

We had a dinner in this restaurant during our visit to Manali. Conveniently placed in Mall road and relatively spacious this is a good place for a decent meal at a good price. They don't have a proper wash room and the wash basin was...MoreDear sir, Thank you so much for the valuable feedback Thanks and regards Rajesh

3. The Lazy Dog

Manu Temple Road | Old Manali, Manali, Manali Tehsil 175131, India Free Wifi, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Bar, Asian, Indian, International, Pub, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Late Night, Drinks +91 1902 254 277
Excellent
53%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 371 reviews

The Lazy Dog

Old Manali's oldest and coolest gastro-pub, with excellent food, wines, cider, cocktails, free wifi, great music and amazing river-side Seating. A wide range of international cuisine - Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, Continental, Salads, Sushi, and a range of bakes from a traditional Indian clay oven. Besides, there's a range of refreshing coffees, teas, shakes and coolers to choose from.

Reviewed By Vipin K - New Delhi, India

Where do i start ....for me it was best in every sense - food, ambiance, location, live music, indoor/outdoor sitting with bar.

4. Johnson Bar and Restaurant

Circuit House Road | Circuit House Road, Manali, Manali Tehsil 175131, India Outdoor Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Wine and Beer Italian, Indian, Bar, Asian, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks HK$24 - HK$71 +91 1902 251 523
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 679 reviews

Johnson Bar and Restaurant

Now you can have some quality time with your family and friends at the Johnson Bar and Restaurant, Manali. Whether you want to gather around the fire places on chilly winter evenings or soak up the sun in the garden on warm days, you will always have great time. The cozy ambiance at the Johnson Bar will set you at ease. Choose your favorite drink from the extensive list of wines, liquors, exotic cocktails and mind blowing shooters and have a blast with your friends or spend some quality time with your near and dear ones. The multi-cuisine restaurant, boasting our new Italian chef, serves some mouthwatering Italian, continental, Indian and Asian cuisine. Thanks to the great food, lovely ambiance with the garden setting and friendly staff, every meal here will be memorable. We have Live Music Events regularly where some of the most famous musician plying live music giving guests a first hand experience. At Johnson the party never ends.

Reviewed By samaljn - New Delhi, India

The place is a bit pricy but hands down the best place to eat, drink and spend some leisurely time in Manali. It's located in a quiet lane, isolated from the hustle and bustle of the Mall Road. You have to walk about 300 meters from Mall road through a rather dark alley to reach here. The place is warm and cosy. I visited in Feb which is a off season so it was not very crowded. They have a wide variety of food and a well stocked bar. The Trout Fish is a must try here. I recommend "Spiced Up Masala Trout". I had a really great time here.

5. Casa Bella Vista

Log Huts Road, Off Old Manali Road, Manali, Manali Tehsil 175131, India Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Wifi Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Breakfast, Late Night +91 91294 99315
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 247 reviews

Casa Bella Vista

The best pizzeria in North India, also serves wonderful European cuisine. Ideally located just across the stream from Old Manali.

Reviewed By Shyam M

Landed up on a December winter afternoon. Vegetarian only. Lovely decor. Soups, thin crust wood fired pizza were a delight. And served very quickly. The heating could be better. Just one heater in a corner. The main wood based equipment was not running. Though it was started by the staff for themselves mid way through our meal ! At 5 C you do need warming. The main door needs fixing. Every time someone went in or out it got opened wide. Not the most pleasant thing in winter.

6. Saba restaurant

Nehru Park | The Mall, Manali, Manali Tehsil 175131, India Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff Indian, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +91 1902 252 468
Excellent
47%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 87 reviews

Saba restaurant

Reviewed By Ekta C

So I visited Manali for the second time and I managed to visit this place twice this time. We have tried alot of things here and always had amazing experience. So if you are in Manali and are in search of good food then visit...Morethanks . do visit again ?

7. Johnson's Cafe

Circuit House Road | Distt. Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, Manali, Manali Tehsil 175131, India Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Validated Parking European, Italian, Indian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$39 - HK$78 +91 70183 06324
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 532 reviews

Johnson's Cafe

The Johnson's cafe is more than just a restaurant. It's an experience under one roof. The finest wine, gourmet food, a perfect ambiance. At Johnson's cafe, we make sure you go back with a feeling of satisfaction and want to keep coming back for more.

Reviewed By kartik p

As we narrowed down this restaurant due to its name we found it below our expectations. Good ambience and location. However the staff seems to be over tasked. Nearly it took an hour after order for food. Lasagne was pretty ok but the thin crest wood fried pizzas were tasteless. Could have been better.
Menu is overpriced for sure. Even the bill brought by staff was incorrect. Taxes other than GST also were included as service charge tax which is incorrect.
Still the search for perfect taste continues in Manali ....

8. Cafe 1947

Near Bridge | On way to Manu Temple, Manali, Manali Tehsil 175131, India Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi Italian, Pizza, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$47 +91 94184 61969
Excellent
60%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 618 reviews

Cafe 1947

Cafe 1947 welcomes you to the surreal Himalayas. The name of the cafe symbolizes freedom, as India got independence in 1947. We believe food and music are the gateways to the road of enlightening ourselves.That is why we endeavor to flavor you with the best of it.We provide the most exquisite Italian dishes prepared with ethnic Italian cheese and spices.Music nights are also routine.Live music is performed by professional musicians along the river.There are also live jam sessions from time to time with visitors from around the world joining in.

Reviewed By vivekkW7465NB

Went to this place on our way back from Manu temple. A friend had recommended this place to us.
Ambience is fantastic with Seating next to flowing Beas river and a lovely view. Staff is helping and courteous.
We ordered a spicy chilli pizza which was extremely cheesy and delicious. Had not come across a good pizza place for a while and our craving was well satisfied. In dessert we ordered tiramisu which is their specialty as mentioned by the servers. We highly recommend their tiramisu.
Dishes are definitely not cheap but completely worth every penny you spend!
Loved the place and the food!

9. Drifters' Cafe

Manu Temple Road | Old Manali Village, Manali, Manali Tehsil 175131, India (Formerly Drifter's Inn and Cafe) Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Validated Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Waitstaff, Accepts Credit Cards International, European, Italian, American, Indian, Bar, Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch, Dinner HK$31 - HK$47 +91 98160 05950
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 323 reviews

Drifters' Cafe

Serving a great selection of all-day fare from American, Continental and select Indian cuisine, along with dedicated breakfast, lunch and dinner items, and a fully stocked bar, Drifters’ Café is best known for its vibe that allows you to achieve a lot by doing nothing at all.Walk in any time of the day, and you’ll find that time takes on its’ own pace. Take your pick from a selection of exciting board games, relax in the comfort and warmth of fireplace on a cold snowy day, browse on our free WIFI, swap stories with fellow travelers from around the world or just laze around with a book from the library or while listening to some of the best music in town. Post sunset, the Café takes on a different flavour. You could be seated next to a singer from Latin America, a banker-on-a-break from Europe, a journalist from Russia or even an exotic dancer from the Middle East. We run day's special menu during summer months. We even extend our Cafe service on the first floor Sun Deck during sunny days.We often have different themed events happening in the Cafe, like Live Acoustic Music, Karaoke, Quiz Nights, Live Electronic Music & more. All of it contributing to making your evening a fun experience. Ask any regular visitor to Old Manali, and he’s bound to tell you “Drifter’s Inn and Café is where the action’s at!” At the risk of sounding a bit immodest, no, he wouldn’t be exaggerating.

Reviewed By Saurabh G - New Delhi, India

I have visited this cafe half a dozen times over past 5-6 years..The management has changed over last 2 years and I must say it is not for good. The place is good but was a lot better when it was managed by Nishant. The food still is good but they need to seriously work on the drinks part. We went there for breakfast as it was the nearest to our hotel (serving horrible food) . We did go for Bread toasts, chicken stroganoff and Alfredo penne pasta. The toast was Ok, stroganoff and pasta was delightful. The chicken portion was good. We ordered honey ginger lemon tea, coffee and hot chocolate. All the 3 were equally screwed up. My suggestion is to have beer and avoid any drink that needs to be prepared and served hot. The pricing is moderate. However if you are looking for calm, cozy place this is a good option. In the evening, the whole aura gets to Life with live band, and a fireplace (mostly on new year, Christmas or peak season). This used to be one of the best cafes in old manali few years back; with this not able to ramp up for growing competition, Cafe 1947 would be a better pick.

10. Honey Hut

Mall Road, Manali, Manali Tehsil 248179, India Takeout, Seating Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly Breakfast, Dinner +91 135 263 0088
Excellent
34%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 124 reviews

Honey Hut

Reviewed By Traveloney - Gurugram (Gurgaon), India

This place offers very unique menu with awesome taste. Do try the shakes. We had the truffle shake - with cake. Never tasted something so good and different.

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