10 Instagram Worthy Cafes in Manali

You will need to look really hard or else you may miss this gem of a place. If you are looking for a nice, secluded place where you can sip on a cup of cold coffee, the Backstreet Cafe is just for you! With a beautiful outdoor setting, overlooking green pastures and a river’s sweet noise, you are bound to have a peaceful time with your soups and sandwiches. And if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, the rooftop will surely do so as you look at the hills and mountains like a wide-eyed child. What’s more, the many graffiti-laden walls in and around the cafe make for the perfect Instagram post!

Like most cafes, this too finds itself amongst the lanes of Old Manali. Do you want to spend your date night with your partner at a place that exudes warmth? Do give Cafe 1947 a visit. If you are lucky enough, you will get to eat your slice of pizza riverside, where you can hear the water flow over the pebbles. And if not, the inside is equally good, especially with the helping hand of brilliant live music. The warm wooden interior, adorned by mellow lights, make for the quintessential background for a picture for social media. Many say this to be the best cafe in Manali. Go and see if you feel the same way!

You know what’s better than live music? The music that flows right out of nature! The music of a river flowing and the chatter of people surrounding it beats everything else. The River Music Cafe affords you the best seats in the house as you cut a piece from your tiramisu slice. Don’t be alarmed if you see enthusiastic people zip-lining nearby as the area is popular amongst tourists for its adventure sports. Just imagine a candid of your side profile with the river in the background!

If you are not careful enough, you might just miss this wonderful cafe along the way. Disguised as a warm, cosy cottage, the Casa Bella Vista cafe happens to be one of the best cafe restaurants in Manali. As soon as you sit on their cushion-like seats and look out the windows, you will be able to see a stunning view of the lush green hills. Be it the cheesy pizza or the delectable homemade cheesecake, the multifaceted menu will satisfy your every pang of hunger. This cafe is perfect for a romantic outing with your partner or a fun-filled afternoon with the whole family!

When we talk about the Instagram-worthy cafes that one can find in the hill station, the Lazy Dog has to be right up there. With its raw wooden interior and blue sofas, it makes for the perfect canvas to paint a beautiful evening on. And if the inside is too fancy for you, you can always find yourself in the calming outdoor seating. Nothing can beat the combination of some white sauce pasta and the lush green surroundings that embrace you.

Tucked away in the winding nooks and crannies of Old Manali is this cafe. Known for its food and ambience, the Drifter’s Cafe should be a must-visit while here. It will be a huge miss if you don’t enjoy your meals on their famous sun deck. After all, who would want to miss an opportunity to get some sun-kissed pictures for their Instagram! You can hear the soft music hum in your ears as you enjoy the exquisite mutton rice or the simple rajma chawal. And if you are more of a lone traveller, don’t hesitate to come in and have a beverage with a good book. The best part? The cafe is pet-friendly, so out of all the Manali cafes, this one can’t be missed!

Another eatery that is worth a visit is the Moon Dance Cafe, a famous cafe in Manali. A favourite among tourists and locals alike, it has been able to maintain its old charm amidst all the new blood. While their simplistic decor may not be as Instagram-worthy as other cafes, their decadent plates of food certainly are!

Manali is replete with many biker’s cafes, but the Sunshine Cafe surely tops the list. Don’t be scared to be out of place inside. Just like you, others too want a place with some delicious food and a good ambience. But if you are a biker or dream to have that Leh Ladakh solo trip, make sure to keep this on your itinerary. All these certainly make it a top cafe in Manali. And what’s unique about this place is its green interior! So don’t forget to take some gorgeous snapshots of the ambience before you call it a night!

If you can’t get enough of the stunning mountains, and you are a foodie, the Manali Bistro is here to solve both your problems! The seats on the balcony give you a panoramic view of the peaks, and also the quaint little houses that spot the hill station. You won’t be able to make a choice, such is the diverse menu. From the famed fish steak to the delicious desserts, everything will make your taste buds tingle with satisfaction. End the day with a selfie with the mountains, and keep it as a reminder of the wonderful times you had or share it on social media.

Finally, we come to the Johnson’s Cafe, the epitome of an Instagram-worthy ambience. With the cabin-style interior, you will instantly feel warm as soon as you enter the cafe. You will be treated with a live concert as you savour the wood-fired pizza. Once you are all comfortable in your seat, you will realise that almost every corner of the cafe is worth capturing. Be it a family dinner or some quality time with your significant other, Johnson’s cafe has to be one of the best cafe restaurants in Manali.

Next time you are in Manali and feel like having a bite, these cafes are at your and your camera's service!