Nainital, with its beautiful lake and misty hills, is not only a great spot for nature lovers but also a hidden treasure for food lovers. The cool air and stunning views are a treat for the eyes, and the town’s wide variety of restaurants offer a delightful experience for your taste buds. The Best Restaurants in Nainital range from cozy cafés in charming old bungalows to lively eateries along the busy Mall Road.
You can enjoy everything here, including North Indian dishes, international flavors, and local Kumaoni specialties. Let’s dive into the top 11 restaurants in Nainital that will surely make your taste buds happy this year!
11 Best Restaurants in Nainital for Foodies
1. Machan Restaurant
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: 9FR4+CQR, Mall Rd, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001
Service options: Has all you can eat · Serves vegan dishes · Good for kids birthday
Timing: 10 AM–4:30 PM, 7–10 PM Daily
Must-Try Dish: Dim Sum, Soups
Machan Restaurant, located on the busy Mall Road, is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It is known for its cozy setting and tasty food. As one of the best restaurants in Nainital, Machan serves a variety of dishes, including North Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The dim sum and soups are especially loved by visitors. With quick service and friendly hospitality, this restaurant is a must-visit restaurant in mall road nainital.
2. Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Poplar Estate Alps Hotel Compound, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001
Service options: Serves vegan dishes · Has Wi-Fi · Has kids’ menu
Timing: 10 AM–10 PM Daily
Must-Try Dish: Pizzas, Sizzlers, Chocolate Brownies
Opened in 1944, Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop is one of the historic spots in Nainital. It has a delicious menu that includes soups, pizzas, sandwiches, sizzlers, and burgers. The restaurant is famous for its stunning mountain views, offering a great place to enjoy a peaceful meal. As one of the best restaurants in Nainital, Sakley’s is a must-visit for anyone looking for good food and a beautiful setting.
3. Zooby’s Kitchen
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟 (4.5)
Address: Mall Rd, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001
Service options: Has all you can eat · Serves vegan dishes · Has Wi-Fi
Timing: 12 AM–11 PM Daily
Must-Try Dish: Mutton Rogan Josh, Chicken Steak
Zooby’s Kitchen is a popular Restaurant in Mall Road Nainital known for its unique decor and stunning rooftop view of Naini Lake. It serves a mix of Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes, making it a top choice for tourists seeking a comfortable dining experience. The setting is ideal for both family meals and romantic dinners.
4. Giannis Pure Veg
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟 (4.5)
Address: 9FR4+9W4, Mall Rd, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001
Service options: Has all you can eat · Serves vegan dishes · Good for kids birthday
Timing: 9 AM–4:30 PM, 6:30–10 PM Daily
Must-Try Dish: Paneer Dishes, Indian Thalis
If you want to enjoy authentic Indian vegetarian food, Giannis offers pure vegetarian dishes, making it one of the best restaurants in Nainital to satisfy your cravings. The thali at Giannis is highly recommended for those looking to enjoy a wholesome meal. Known for its cleanliness and quality, Giannis is a favorite among vegetarians.
5. Embassy Restaurant
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐🌟 (3.5)
Address: The Mall, Mall Rd, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002, India
Service options: Has outdoor seating · Serves vegan dishes
Timing: 9 AM–11:30 PM Daily
Must-Try: Paan Shots, Butter Paneer Masala
Embassy is an old-school restaurant that has been serving the people of Nainital for decades. Located conveniently on the Mall Road in Nainital, this place is perfect for anyone looking for a casual dining experience with family or friends in reasonable prices. The restaurant specializes in North Indian cuisine and is particularly known for its rich, creamy curries.
6. Café Chica
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Prasada Bhawan, Oak Park, above Academy Traning Institute, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002
Timing: 11 AM–3:30 PM Daily
Must-Try Dish: Lamb Burgers, Hummus Platter, Chocolate Muffins
Café Chica is a cozy café, away from the busy area of Mall Road. Located in the gardens of the Abbotsford Heritage Hotel, it offers a mix of Continental and Indian fusion dishes. Even though it is not on Mall Road, it is still a great choice for a quiet and peaceful meal compared to other restaurants in Nainital.
7. Sher-e-Punjab
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: 9FM7+3F9, Mall Rd, Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001
Service options: Has all you can eat · Has outdoor seating · Serves vegan dishes
Timing: 11 AM–11 PM Daily
Must-Try Dish: Mutton Special, Punjabi Thalis
As its name suggests, Sher-e-Punjab is a great spot for those who love Punjabi food. The restaurant is known for its rich gravies and tasty tandoori dishes. With fast service and hot, freshly served meals, it’s a favorite among families and large groups. Located on Mall Road in Nainital, it’s easy to reach for visitors.
8. Boat House Club
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: near Rickshaw Stand, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001
Timing: 10 AM–9:30 PM Daily
Must-Try Dish: Grilled Fish, Chicken Stroganoff
One of the most unique and charming places to eat in Nainital is the Boat House Club. While this restaurant is mainly for members, tourists can visit by getting a temporary membership. The restaurant is well-known for its beautiful views of Naini Lake and serves delicious North Indian and Chinese dishes.
9. Simz Café
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐🌟 (4.5)
Address: 9FJ6+297, Thandi Rd, Tallital, Nainital, Naina Range, Uttarakhand 263002
Timing: 9 AM–9:30 PM Daily
Must-Try Dish: Pancakes, Club Sandwich, Cappuccino
Simz Café is a top choice for anyone who enjoys all-day breakfast and light snacks. Located near the beautiful Mallital area, it offers a cozy space with modern decor. Simz Café is also known for serving some of the best coffee among restaurants in Nainital.
10. Cafe de Mall
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: Mall Rd, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002
Timing: 9 AM–11 PM Daily
Must-Try Dish: Coffee, Sandwiches
Café de Mall is a cozy café on Mall Road, offering a range of Indian and Continental dishes. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere and tasty food, making it an ideal place to relax after a day of exploring the area.
11. Sonam’s Momos
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Address: TIBETAN MARKET, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002
Service options: Cash-only · Has outdoor seating · Serves vegetarian dishes
Timing: 11 AM–8 PM Daily
Must-Try Dish: Momos, Thukpa
If you enjoy Tibetan food, Sonam’s Momos is a place you should not miss. It is near the Tibetan Market and is known for its tasty momos and thukpa. This small eatery is always busy with both locals and tourists, making it a popular spot to enjoy a delicious meal.
Conclusion
When you visit Nainital, tasting its food is just as important as enjoying its beautiful scenery. The best restaurants in Nainital offer a wide range of dishes, including authentic North Indian meals and tasty Continental options. Dining at a cozy café or a traditional Indian restaurant will ensure your taste buds are as satisfied as your eyes with the town’s stunning views.
FAQ’s
Are there good vegetarian restaurants in Nainital?
Yes, Nainital has many vegetarian-friendly options. Sakley’s Restaurant and Chandani Chowk are popular spots that offer delicious vegetarian meals.
Where can I find restaurants with a view in Nainital?
Zooby’s Kitchen and Café Lake Side provide stunning views of Naini Lake while you enjoy your meal. They are perfect for a scenic dining experience.
Do restaurants in Nainital serve Kumaoni food?
Yes, Machan and Simz Café serve local Kumaoni dishes along with other cuisines, allowing you to taste the regional flavors of Nainital.
What are the must-try dishes in Nainital?
Must-try dishes include dim sum at Machan Restaurant, pizzas at Sakley’s, and momos at Sonam’s Momos.
