A holiday in Shimla is about much more than sightseeing.
Yes, you’ll stroll along Mall Road, watch the sunset over the hills, browse local shops and spend time taking in the beauty of the mountains. But ask most travellers what they remember most after a great vacation, and food is almost always near the top of the list.
The perfect breakfast before a day of exploring. A coffee with a view. A leisurely lunch with family. A memorable dinner after a long day in the hills. Great food has a way of becoming part of the story.
Fortunately, Shimla is a city that loves good food. From cosy cafés and dessert spots to breweries, rooftop bars and family restaurants, there are countless dining options to choose from. The challenge isn’t finding somewhere to eat—it’s deciding where.
When searching for the best restaurants in Shimla, travellers should look beyond just a menu. Variety, quality, ambience, views and convenience all play an important role in creating a memorable dining experience.
Why Food Matters More Than You Think on Vacation
No one wants to spend their holiday hunting for meals.
After a day of walking through Shimla’s winding streets and exploring its attractions, most visitors want places that are reliable, enjoyable and close at hand. That’s why many experienced travellers now choose hotels that offer multiple dining experiences under one roof.
It means less time searching and more time enjoying.
It’s also one of the reasons Hotel Willow Banks has become a favourite destination not only for guests staying at the property, but also for food lovers looking for some of the best restaurants in Shimla Mall Road.
Start the Day at Café Simla Times
Every great vacation day deserves a great start.
Perched above the bustle of Mall Road, Café Simla Times has become one of Shimla’s most loved cafés. Guests come here for freshly brewed coffee, hearty breakfasts, comfort food and spectacular views of the hills.
Whether you’re enjoying a slow morning with a cappuccino, catching up with friends over brunch or simply watching the town wake up below, it’s the kind of place where people often stay longer than planned.
For many visitors, Café Simla Times isn’t just a café—it’s part of their Shimla ritual.
Family Dining at Eighteen71
When it comes to lunch and dinner, comfort and variety matter.
Eighteen71 offers exactly that. Warm interiors, attentive service and a menu designed to appeal to everyone at the table make it a favourite among families visiting Shimla.
From rich North Indian classics and flavourful curries to popular Chinese dishes and comforting favourites, the menu focuses on food people genuinely enjoy eating while on holiday. It’s the sort of restaurant where grandparents, parents and children can all find something they’ll love.
That’s one of the reasons it consistently features in conversations about the best restaurants in Shimla for family dining.
Craft Beer and Elevated Dining at Shimla Brewing Company
Some meals deserve something a little more special.
Shimla Brewing Company combines handcrafted beers, inventive cocktails and a food menu designed to complement them perfectly. The atmosphere strikes a balance between lively and relaxed, making it ideal for an evening out with friends or a casual dinner after a day of exploring.
Signature dishes, fresh ingredients and house-brewed beers create an experience that feels distinctly different from a traditional restaurant.
It’s a favourite stop for travellers looking to experience a more contemporary side of Shimla’s dining scene.
Sunset Views and Evenings at SkyBar
There are few things better than watching the lights of Shimla appear across the hills as evening sets in.
With panoramic views, cocktails, music and a relaxed rooftop atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day in town. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a holiday evening, the setting alone makes it worth a visit.
Many guests arrive for a drink and end up staying for the entire evening.
Don’t Skip Dessert at Beyond Gelato
Every great meal deserves a sweet ending.
Beyond Gelato has quickly become one of the most talked-about dessert destinations on Mall Road. From rich Matilda Cake and indulgent cheesecakes to handcrafted gelatos and dessert jars, it’s the kind of place that makes choosing just one dessert almost impossible.
Housed inside its charming train-inspired carriage, it adds a little extra magic to every dessert stop.
Why Willow Banks Makes Dining Easy
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Hotel Willow Banks is that you don’t have to choose just one dining experience.
Few properties bring together a café, family restaurant, brewery, rooftop bar and premium dessert destination within the same location. Whether you’re craving coffee, comfort food, craft beer, a sunset cocktail or a slice of cheesecake, it’s all just a short walk away.
For travellers searching for the best restaurants in Shimla or exploring the best restaurants in Shimla Mall Road, Willow Banks offers something unique—a complete dining destination in the heart of the city.
Because on a great vacation, the meals shouldn’t be an afterthought.
They should be one of the highlights.
