Nainital, the glittering jewel of Uttarakhand nestled in the Kumaon Hills, is not only known for its emerald lake and misty peaks but also for its charming culinary scene. Whether you’re looking for a hearty mountain breakfast, a lakeside coffee, or traditional Indian meals, this picturesque hill station offers a delicious spread for every traveler.
In this article, we’ll take you through the 12 most famous restaurants and cafés in Nainital, along with helpful tips, dish recommendations, and travel guidance.
Where to Eat in Nainital: Best Restaurants & Cafes
1. Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop
Sakley’s is one of Nainital’s most iconic eateries, dating back to 1944. It combines old-world charm with mouthwatering European and Indian food.
The cozy wooden interiors and a peaceful view of the hills make it a delightful stop for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Their cheesecakes and wood-fired pizzas are especially famous and consistently win the hearts of returning visitors.
What to Try: Blueberry cheesecake, wood-fired pizza, grilled sandwiches, hot chocolate.
Ambience: Warm wooden décor with a welcoming colonial touch.
Price Range: ₹800–₹1200 for two.
Best Time to Visit: Brunch or late afternoon coffee with dessert.
Why Visit: Its long-standing legacy and international-quality bakery make it a must-visit for every traveler.
2. Café Chica
Located in a heritage colonial bungalow in Pangot, Café Chica offers a serene garden café experience just outside Nainital. Its English breakfast, croissants, and artisanal coffees are favorites among those seeking quietude.
Surrounded by trees and flowers, it’s perfect for slow mornings, reading, or peaceful conversations. This hidden gem is loved for its rustic elegance and curated, fresh menu.
What to Try: English breakfast platter, garden-fresh salads, croissants, cappuccinos.
Ambience: Colonial countryside garden café with birdsong and open skies.
Price Range: ₹700–₹1000 for two.
Best Time to Visit: Morning or late lunch.
Why Visit: Perfect for those looking to slow down and enjoy a proper farm-to-table mountain meal.
3. The Cask Café & Bar
The Cask Café & Bar stands out with its stylish interiors, contemporary ambiance, and multi-cuisine offerings. It’s the go-to hangout for couples and friends seeking a lively space with great food and drinks.
The menu features everything from tandoori starters to continental comfort food. Evenings are especially popular here, with ambient lighting and a vibrant atmosphere adding to the experience.
What to Try: Grilled chicken platter, Maggi bowls, paneer tikka, fresh coffee blends.
Ambience: Urban-chic interiors with warm lighting and a vibrant vibe.
Price Range: ₹1000–₹1500 for two.
Best Time to Visit: Evenings.
Why Visit: Best for casual gatherings, couple hangouts, or light evening meals.
4. Brittney’s Café
This rooftop café offers panoramic views of the Naini Lake, making it one of the most scenic places to dine in Nainital. Brittney’s serves a delightful mix of Italian, Asian, and Indian dishes.
It’s known for its relaxing ambiance, photogenic sunset views, and romantic setting. Whether you visit for coffee or a full meal, it guarantees a memorable dining moment.
What to Try: White sauce pasta, butter chicken, lemon tea, sizzling brownies.
Ambience: Rooftop open seating with hilltop views.
Price Range: ₹900–₹1200 for two.
Best Time to Visit: Sunset hours for panoramic golden-hour views.
Why Visit: Come here for the view, stay for the food. It’s romantic and photogenic.
5. Zooby’s Kitchen
Zooby’s Kitchen, located on Mall Road, is a modern café with vibrant décor and a menu to please all palates. From Indian street-style meals to continental favorites, the food is served fresh and fast.
It’s a popular choice among locals and tourists alike for its great service, cozy vibe, and reliable dishes like tandoori platters, shakes, and crispy fries.
What to Try: Tandoori platter, cold coffee, chole bhature, pizzas.
Ambience: Smart-casual setting with rustic-modern décor.
Price Range: ₹700–₹1000 for two.
Best Time to Visit: Lunchtime or pre-dinner snack break.
Why Visit: It’s conveniently located, quick, and tasty—great for mid-day recharges.
6. Embassy Restaurant
Embassy Restaurant is one of Nainital’s oldest dining spots, serving delicious North Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine for decades. Its straightforward, comforting dishes and friendly staff have made it a reliable favorite for families.
Located near the heart of town, it’s perfect for a relaxed lunch or dinner. Don’t miss their butter chicken and paneer-based meals paired with hot naan.
What to Try: Veg Manchurian, butter chicken, fried rice, dal makhani.
Ambience: Casual, family-friendly with classic Indian seating.
Price Range: ₹600–₹900 for two.
Best Time to Visit: Dinner or group lunch.
Why Visit: Budget-friendly, generous portions, and old-school charm.
7. Café Lakeside
As the name suggests, Café Lakeside offers stunning views of Naini Lake through large windows. With warm interiors and a cozy café menu, it’s a haven for coffee lovers and peace seekers.
Visitors rave about their hazelnut coffee, egg rolls, and homemade pancakes. This is a fantastic spot to sip coffee, read, or simply unwind while watching boats float by.
What to Try: Hazelnut latte, Nutella pancakes, egg rolls, grilled sandwiches.
Ambience: Warm café interiors with a lake-facing wall.
Price Range: ₹800–₹1100 for two.
Best Time to Visit: Mornings or evenings just before sunset.
Why Visit: The ambiance is unmatched, especially during monsoons or winter mist.
8. Giannis Pure Veg
Giannis is a vegetarian restaurant located conveniently on Mall Road. With its modern look and consistently fresh menu, it attracts locals and tourists looking for clean, sattvic-style meals.
The variety of Indian thalis, South Indian staples, and light snacks makes it a reliable stop for vegetarians. It’s especially popular with families, religious travelers, and those seeking pure veg dining.
What to Try: South Indian thali, rajma chawal, dahi puri.
Ambience: Simple, family-oriented interiors with modern cleanliness.
Price Range: ₹600–₹800 for two.
Best Time to Visit: Anytime, especially for lunch.
Why Visit: Trusted by vegetarian families and ideal for travelers avoiding meat.
9. Machan Restaurant
Tucked near the Mall Road area, Machan Restaurant offers a cozy wooden ambiance and serves hearty Indian and Chinese dishes. With generous portions and affordable prices, it’s a favorite among budget travelers and foodies alike.
Regulars recommend the chicken curry and hakka noodles. If you’re looking for a quiet place with filling meals and local flair, this is it.
What to Try: Chicken curry, naan, veg hakka noodles, sweet corn soup.
Ambience: Wooden cabin-style interiors.
Price Range: ₹500–₹800 for two.
Best Time to Visit: Lunch or early dinner.
Why Visit: You get filling meals with warm service without breaking the bank.
10. Sher-e-Punjab
For lovers of rich, flavorful Punjabi food, Sher-e-Punjab is a go-to restaurant in Nainital. Known for its robust gravies, aromatic biryanis, and sizzling tandoori items, it offers a homely North Indian dining experience.
The place may be unpretentious in appearance, but the food speaks volumes. Ideal for hearty eaters craving comfort meals packed with authentic spices and flavors.
What to Try: Mutton rogan josh, paneer lababdar, garlic naan.
Ambience: Basic but clean and welcoming.
Price Range: ₹700–₹1000 for two.
Best Time to Visit: Dinner.
Why Visit: Spicy, soulful food just like a true Punjabi kitchen.
11. Brittle Drop: Pots & Stones Café
Pots & Stones Café, also called Brittle Drop, is an art-inspired café known for its peaceful setting and creative menu. The décor is earthy and minimalist, with an emphasis on eco-friendly elements.
It’s a great spot for herbal teas, handmade snacks, and laptop work. Perfect for solo travelers or digital nomads looking for inspiration in every cup and corner.
What to Try: Herbal teas, hot cocoa, garden sandwiches, millet cookies.
Ambience: Earthy décor, natural wood furniture, occasional live music.
Price Range: ₹700–₹900 for two.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning or late afternoon.
Why Visit: For the mindful traveler, this is a relaxing and thoughtful café stop.
12. The Mud House Café
An offbeat gem in Nainital, The Mud House Café offers a rustic eco-dining experience. With bamboo furniture, natural lighting, and fresh air, it’s an oasis of calm.
They serve organic, vegetarian food with an emphasis on health and sustainability. The banana walnut cake, herbal teas, and garden-fresh meals make it ideal for detox days or mindful afternoons in the hills.
What to Try: Banana walnut cake, ginger-lemon tea, quinoa salad, thukpa.
Ambience: Bamboo huts, dim lanterns, fresh breeze.
Price Range: ₹700–₹900 for two.
Best Time to Visit: After sunset.
Why Visit: To disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with slow food and nature.
Best Time to Explore Cafés in Nainital
- Summer (April–June): Perfect weather, but expect crowds. Reserve in advance.
- Monsoon (July–September): Misty cafés, fewer tourists. Enjoy warm drinks with scenic views.
- Autumn (October–November): Clear skies, crisp evenings – excellent for foodies.
- Winter (December–February): Cozy café interiors, bakery specials, and snow-dusted rooftops!
Suggested 3-Day Nainital Café Hopping Itinerary
Day 1:
- Morning: Breakfast at Café Chica
- Afternoon: Snack at Café Lakeside
- Evening: Dinner at Sakley’s
Day 2:
- Morning: Coffee at Pots & Stones
- Afternoon: Lunch at Sher-e-Punjab
- Evening: Enjoy The Cask Café with sunset views
Day 3:
- Morning: Herbal tea at The Mud House
- Afternoon: Indian lunch at Embassy
- Evening: Wind down with dessert at Zooby’s Kitchen
Final Thoughts
Nainital is not just a scenic retreat but a place where flavors come alive. Whether you’re dining by the lake or tucked inside a cozy hillside bungalow, every meal in Nainital can be an experience. This curated list of the 12 most famous restaurants and cafés in Nainital offers a blend of heritage, modernity, and regional tastes—making it easier for you to savor the best the town has to offer.
So next time you’re in Nainital, let the aroma of fresh coffee, wood-fired pizza, and simmering curries guide your journey. And remember, the food here tastes better with a view.
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