Discover the Best Cafes in Nainital for Food Lovers

Nainital, the sparkling lake city of Uttarakhand, is not just famous for its serene beauty, boating experiences, and colonial charm; it’s also a paradise for cafe lovers. Whether you’re craving a hot cup of handcrafted coffee, delicious snacks, or simply an aesthetic corner for your next Instagram photo, the cafes in Nainital offer the perfect blend of taste and ambience.

From lake-view cafes to cosy mountain hideouts, Nainital’s cafe culture has grown beautifully over the years. Travellers, especially couples, solo explorers, and food lovers, now search for the best cafe in Nainital that offers great food, aesthetic décor, and scenic views.

If you’re visiting Nainital soon, here is your complete guide to the Best cafes in Nainital, along with recommendations for coffee, snacks, desserts, and Instagram-worthy spots.

Why Nainital Has the Best Cafes in Uttarakhand

The charm of Nainital cafes lies in their unique blend of:

• Lake-view dining
• Aesthetic interiors perfect for Instagram photos
• Cozy mountain ambience
• Freshly brewed coffee and homemade bakery items
• Delicious snacks, desserts, and local fusion food

Whether you want a quiet corner to read a book or a vibrant place to chill with friends, you’ll find it here.

Top 10 Best Cafes in Nainital You Must Try

Below are the most loved and highly recommended cafes in Nainital, perfect for aesthetic photos, great food, and peaceful views.

1. Cafe LakeSide – Best Lake View Cafe in Nainital

If you want to sip a warm latte while enjoying the shimmering beauty of Naini Lake, Cafe LakeSide should be your first stop.

What Makes It Special?

• Direct view of Naini Lake
• Perfect for Instagram Reels
• Comfortable outdoor seating

Must-Try Items:

• Cappuccino
• Veg Burger
• Chocolate pastries

Why Visit:

You won’t find a more scenic spot that combines great snacks with lakeside beauty.

2. Cafe Chica – Aesthetic Cafe for Couples

One of the most charming cafes in Nainital, Cafe Chica is known for its colonial architecture, lush gardens, and peaceful environment.

What Makes It Special?

• Beautiful outdoor seating
• Pet-friendly cafe
• Perfect for couples

Must-Try Items:

• Grilled sandwiches
• Fresh juices
• Homemade desserts

Why Visit:

It is one of the best Instagrammable cafes in Nainital, especially during the golden hour.

3. The Sakley’s – Most Popular Cafe in Nainital

Sakley’s is a legendary name in the town and is known for its delicious bakery items, mountain-style decor, and premium coffee.

What Makes It Special?

• Rustic wooden interiors
• Mountain cafe vibes
• Large menu for all food lovers

Must-Try Items:

• Blueberry cheesecake
• Pizza
• Espresso

Why Visit:

A must-visit for cafe lovers and foodies searching for famous cafes in Nainital.

4. Cafe de Mall – Best for Snacks & Street View

Located near the famous Mall Road, Cafe de Mall offers a great blend of tasty snacks and people-watching opportunities.

What Makes It Special?

• Close to the main market
• Affordable menu
• Perfect for quick bites

Must-Try Items:

• Momos
• Maggi
• Shakes

Why Visit:

If you’re strolling through Mall Road, this is a great stop for light snacks.

5. Giannis Pure Veg Cafe – Best Vegetarian Cafe in Nainital

Perfect for vegetarian travellers, this cafe serves comforting Indian snacks with a modern twist.

What Makes It Special?

• 100% vegetarian cafe
• Famous for chaats and snacks
• Good seating for families

Must-Try Items:

• Pav Bhaji
• Chole Bhature
• Cold Coffee

Why Visit:

A great spot for families and veg food lovers.

6. Sherab’s Tibetan Kitchen – Best for Tibetan Snacks

Located near the Tibetan Market, this cafe is small yet extremely popular for authentic Tibetan flavours.

What Makes It Special?

• Local Tibetan dishes
• Budget-friendly
• Flavorful soups

Must-Try Items:

• Thukpa
• Fried Momos
• Tibetan noodles

Why Visit:

Perfect for those who want to try something different from usual cafe snacks.

7. Simz Cafe– Trendiest Cafe in Nainital

Known for its modern interiors and youthful vibe, Simz Cafe is a new favourite among youngsters.

What Makes It Special?

• Trendy décor
• Great for photos
• Wide snack menu

Must-Try Items:

• Waffles
• Pasta
• Hot Chocolate

Why Visit:

One of the best Instagram cafes in Nainital for creative pictures and reels.

8. Cafe Kumaon – Fusion Food with Scenic Views

This cafe blends Kumaoni flavours with modern café-style recipes, offering a unique food experience.

What Makes It Special?

• Authentic local dishes
• Fusion snacks
• Cozy interiors

Must-Try Items:

• Aloo ke Gutke Burger
• Kumaoni Raita
• Herbal teas

Why Visit:

Ideal for travellers interested in local culture and flavours.

9. Zooby’s Kitchen – Family-Friendly Cafe in Nainital

One of the most well-known eateries on Mall Road, offering both Indian and Continental food.

What Makes It Special?

• Spacious seating
• Perfect for families
• Great snack options

Must-Try Items:

• Pizza
• Hot Chocolate
• Shawarma

Why Visit:

A reliable cafe with something for everyone.

10. Cafe D’Lake – Hidden Gem with Beautiful Interiors

A lesser-known yet beautiful cafe tucked away for those who prefer peaceful corners.

What Makes It Special?

• Quiet ambiance
• Minimalist interiors
• Great coffee

Must-Try Items:

• Café Mocha
• Bruschetta
• Cheesecake

Why Visit:

Perfect for solo travelers looking for a relaxing experience.

Nainital Cafe Views & Food Gallery

Explore the beauty, ambience, and delicious food of Nainital’s best cafes through this curated photo gallery perfect for inspiration and travel planning.

Best Coffee in Nainital

If you’re a coffee lover, these cafes offer the most flavorful and aromatic brews:

• Sakley’s
• Café LakeSide
• Simz Café
• Café Chica

Try their cappuccinos, americanos, espresso shots, and hot chocolate for the full mountain café experience.

Must-Try Snacks in Nainital Cafes

The best snacks you shouldn’t miss include:

• Veg momos
• Grilled sandwiches
• Fries and nachos
• Fresh bakery items
• Waffles and pancakes
• Local Kumaoni snacks

Best Instagram Photo Spots in Nainital Cafes

If you love capturing aesthetic cafe moments, Nainital is full of picture-perfect places that blend stunning views with cosy decor. From lakeside cafes offering dreamy sunset backdrops to trendy interiors ideal for vibrant portraits, every corner of this hill town feels Instagram-ready. Whether you’re a traveller, content creator, or someone who simply enjoys beautiful café settings, here are the top Instagram-worthy spots in Nainital cafés you won’t want to miss.

Cafe Name	Instagram-Worthy Features	Best Time for Photos	Popular Photo Ideas	Why It’s Great for Instagram
Cafe Chica	Garden seating, natural light, colonial charm	Morning & Golden Hour	Coffee-in-hand shots, garden backgrounds	Soft, aesthetic, nature-inspired photos
Simz Cafe	Trendy decor, modern lighting, colorful interiors	Afternoon & Evening	Portraits, food flatlays, neon backgrounds	Stylish, vibrant, youthful look
Cafe LakeSide	Naini Lake view, waterfront tables	Sunrise & Sunset	Lake-view selfies, outdoor seating shots	Dreamy lake photos with warm tones
Sakley’s Mountain Cafe	Rustic wooden interiors, cozy cabin vibe	Evening (warm lights)	Coffee mugs, dessert shots, cozy portraits	Warm, moody mountain-cafe aesthetics
Cafe D’Lake	Minimalist interiors, peaceful ambience	Mid-morning	Minimal portraits, book & coffee shots	Clean, calm, and aesthetic photo style
Cafe Kumaon	Nature view, wooden decor, local artwork	Morning	Herbal tea shots, fusion food flatlays	Authentic, cultural, earthy vibes
Cafe de Mall	Street-view backdrop, casual interiors	Daytime	Street-style portraits, casual food shots	Perfect for candid & travel-style posts

Tips for Cafe Hopping in Nainital

Cafe hopping in Nainital is one of the best ways to enjoy the city’s cosy lake views, cool mountain breeze, and delicious snacks. Whether you’re exploring with friends, planning a romantic date, or simply looking for Instagram-worthy cafes, these simple tips will help you make the most of your café experiences. From the best timings to local flavours worth trying, here’s everything you need to know before you start your café adventure in Nainital.

Tip	Description	Why It Matters	Best For
Visit in the Morning	Cafes are quieter and service is faster between 9 AM – 11 AM.	Peaceful ambience, better photos, no waiting time.	Solo travelers, couples, remote workers.
Go During Golden Hour	Sunset lighting makes cafés and lake views look magical.	Perfect for soft, aesthetic Instagram photos.	Content creators, couples, photographers.
Try At Least One Lake-View Cafe	Cafes near Naini Lake offer beautiful outdoor seating.	Unique views you won’t find anywhere else.	First-time visitors, photographers.
Try a Mountain-Style Cafe Too	Hilltop cafes offer cosy wooden interiors and peaceful corners.	Experience the true mountain cafe vibe.	Coffee lovers, book readers.
Avoid Weekends if Possible	Cafes get crowded on Saturdays and Sundays.	Ensures faster service and quieter ambience.	Families, couples, solo travelers.
Experiment With Local Flavours	Try Kumaoni snacks, herbal teas, and homemade bakery items.	Adds cultural flavor to your food experience.	Foodies, culture lovers.
Explore Cafes Around Mall Road & Ayarpatta	These areas have the highest concentration of good cafes.	Saves time and gives multiple options.	Café hoppers and groups.
Carry a Light Jacket	Nainital gets chilly in the evening even in summer.	Helps you stay comfortable while sitting outdoors.	Everyone, especially evening cafe-goers.
Keep Cash Handy	Some small cafes may not accept online payments.	Avoid payment issues, especially in peak season.	Budget travelers, backpackers.
Charge Your Phone Beforehand	Cafe hopping means lots of photos and videos.	Ensures you don’t miss any Instagram moments.	Content creators, influencers.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you are a coffee enthusiast, dessert lover, food explorer, or someone who simply wants to capture beautiful Instagram photos, Nainital has the perfect cafe for you. From scenic lake views to cosy hilltop corners, the best cafes in Nainital offer unforgettable experiences for every traveller.

Next time you visit this beautiful hill station, make sure to try these must-visit cafes, taste their special snacks, and enjoy refreshing beverages while soaking in the mountain charm.

FAQs: Best Cafes & Instagram Spots in Nainital