Rishikesh is one of those cities that offers much more than what it is famous for. Yes, the yoga is awesome, the Ganga is gorgeous. However, you will see what is really special after sitting in one of its cafes for an hour.
It’s a quiet, warm, character-filled cafe here. You’ll discover places that overlook the river, a garden, co-working spaces, and menus that are actually healthy. If you’re looking for a few of the best cafes to visit in Rishikesh, here are 10 of them.
Best Cafe in Rishikesh
1. Himalayan Yoga Cafe
Some places just get it right from the start. One of these places is Himalayan Yoga Cafe. There’s a shift that occurs as soon as you get inside. The street noise disappears, the speed decreases and you begin to feel that you can finally breathe.
This cafe is conveniently located but yet it feels like it’s a world of its own when you are inside. Inside the interiors are simple and clean. Nothing is overdone. But it’s the simplicity that makes the space so comfortable to spend time in.
The food here is the food that your body can truly appreciate! Delicious fresh juices, herbal teas, nutritious Indian dishes and even healthy food that tastes good. Servings are plentiful, tastes are authentic, and it seems they’ve thought of it. When you get up this morning you can start the day with a warm meal and a fresh glass of something and you’re on your way to having a good day.
Most likely though it’s the people you’ll be able to meet here that make this a cafe. Yoga students, long-distance travellers, those who have a keen interest in wellness and curious souls from all over the world find themselves at the same tables. The interactions that take place here are authentic and considerate. No rush to get anywhere, to do anything. All one needs to do is to sit, eat and connect, something that not every cafe can boast of.
The WiFi is reliable and can be used for email and other writing in between sessions. There are also a number of seating spots to pick from and when the cafe is pretty packed you can always find a quiet spot. There are some corners that are almost private, which is nice if you want to concentrate.
Staff are friendly, but not intrusive. They are aware of regulars; they’re okay with inquiries regarding the menu; and they actually appear to enjoy being there. This form of energy is transferred to those lazing at the coffee shop too.
Prices are fair and reasonable. You leave with a feeling like you have received more than you have paid for, not only for the food, but for the overall experience. In addition, the café is somewhat in line with a health-oriented lifestyle, there’s nothing here you would regret.
This is a must visit café for anyone visiting Rishikesh. The first time you come, you’ll know why they come back.
2. Himalayan Garden Cafe
Ever wanted to eat in the middle of a garden with mountains in the background and fresh air surrounding you? Himalayan Garden Cafe makes that possible.
This cafe knows what it does to take an outdoor dining experience seriously. There is a green space with a lot of greenery, with seating areas around you. The natural light is most welcome throughout the day. It is not the sounds of traffic or loud music, but rather the birds, leaves, and occasional breeze. It’s therefore the most organic sort you can give yourself during a hectic journey day.
Food is plain and nutritious. This menu specializes in fresh ingredients, seasonal produce and light menus that don’t leave you hungry. Salads, grain-based foods, herbal drinks, and hearty Indian cuisine styles that aren’t quite your typical restaurant dishes will be available. This is all designed to make you feel good, rather than full!
But it’s the café’s usability as a workspace, too, that makes it a worthwhile stop. The garden’s location helps to minimize noises. The Internet connection is good. Natural light is pleasant to the eyes. Unlike other co-working spaces, which have a kind of sterile, medical tone to them, this is more of a meditative experience. You accomplish your goals, but without the stress associated with achieving them!
Sitting arrangements are well thought out. If you prefer to feel the sun, there are spots open, if you would like something a bit cooler and quiet, there are shaded corners. In addition, the tables are spaced sufficiently apart, preventing the feeling of sitting too near to another group of persons.
The speed and feeling of the place is slow and deliberate. Nobody rushes you. It’s okay to eat two hours in one sitting and no one will turn a blind eye. Indeed, that’s sort of the whole idea. We want you to take a seat and experience the place you are.
They are very tranquil and friendly, which goes with the garden theme. The price is reasonable and what you pay is actually good value. Moreover, the cafe is suitable to have for both private visitors and groups, as it has enough area for both without giving either a feeling of being out of place.
The Himalayan Garden Cafe ticks it all off the list, you can enjoy a delicious meal while savoring the natural surroundings and still have internet access.
3. Kohi Co-Working Cafe
Not all the cafes in Rishikesh are designed for remote working. Most are excellent for vibes and food, but not so good when it comes to the practicalities, fast internet, comfortable seating for long periods and adequate power points to keep your laptop charged. Kohi Co-Working Cafe resolves all that, and adds REALLY good coffee on top.
The place is definitely geared towards the working professional. The WiFi here is quick and reliable, and you can do video calls without fretting. The seats are ergonomic and designed for long term use. There are different spaces in the cafe, each having its own function: quiet working areas for when silence is needed, cooperative spaces when working with a collaborator and informal chairs for when you want to sit down with a cup of coffee and think.
But it’s the coffee that distinguishes Kohi from just a workspace. Here they are serious about brewing. From pour-over coffee to flat white to cold and strong on a sweltering afternoon, the quality is always outstanding. In addition, long work days can be accommodated by the food menu, which includes wraps, sandwiches, light snacks and appropriate meals that don’t make you sleepy.
This crowd being in here is a good addition to the experience. From freelance to startup founders, online coaches, travel bloggers, digital nomads, and more, everyone finds themselves on Kohi. The focus and the productivity of the energy is open and friendly. Humans take breaks, converse, exchange suggestions, and go back to work. Consequently, it seems less like an office that’s being rented and more like an assembly thereof.
Kohi is truly the best place to work in Rishikesh for those who are staying for a longer duration and require a safe work space. It copes with the practical stuff pretty well, and without sacrificing the quality of the food or coffee.
Co-working pricing is reasonable and transparent. You have an idea of what you’re paying for, and you are getting it and more, since the vibe here is really inspiring. Further, the staff is aware of the needs of guests while working and does not disturb needlessly. They handle things behind the scenes so you can get on with what you’ve come here to do.
Kohi is an example of a good working café without an office-like feel. It can feel more like a destination that you would want to spend a day at.
4. Little Buddha Cafe
Little Buddha Cafe has been a favourite place in Rishikesh for years and one of the reasons for this is that it is adjacent to Laxman Jhula. The views of the Ganga from here are quite unbeatable and the rooftop seating gives them an extra level. It’s the scene of the evening in front of the river and temple bells somewhere in the distance that you will remember long after you are gone.
From solo travel to traveling with friends, Little Buddha has something for every taste. It’s a place that is solid comprehensive and well earned.
5. Freedom Cafe
There’s a laid-back vibe to Freedom Cafe that many travelers just love, with shoes off. The staff are friendly. Meals are simple but satisfying and the whole place is geared towards people who just need to take a break. There is no rush here, and it’s catching.
Just a glass of fresh lemonade and a plate of Dal Bati and it’s a perfect afternoon. Also, the budget-conscious travelers will find it a much easier place to visit as Freedom Cafe is very budget friendly. It is the type of premises which one returns more than once while on tour in Rishikesh.
6. Chotiwala Restaurant
Chotiwala has been in Rishikesh for decades and continues to attract locals as well as tourists for one reason, the food is always good.
One of the best indicators of quality is that the restaurant is always full. Moreover, the ambiance here is quite attached to the spirit of Rishikesh. It’s not with the intent of impressing anyone. It’s a job that does what it’s designed to do, that’s enough.
7. Bistro Nirvana
The other cafes in Rishikesh are somewhat more domestic, but Bistro Nirvana is a bit more international. There are Indian continental and Middle eastern cuisine items available and they are very well made and cooked.
Indoors, rooms offer a warm inviting and comfortable atmosphere, perfect for an easy meal. But if warm-dom is the name of the game, of course, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy a meal alone or with other travelers.
8. Oasis Restaurant
Although it does not always make it into the tourist’s list Oasis is a place known to locals. This food is very simple and homestyle Indian cooking, which is cooked as if someone really cares about what he’s putting on the plate.
In addition, the cost of staying at Oasis is very reasonable and is especially beneficial for guests who plan to stay long-term at Rishikesh. In addition, its relaxed nature and relaxed ambiance make it an environment that you will feel comfortable walking into any day of the week.
9. Ganga Beach Restaurant
No place in the world can match the experience of eating by Ganga shores and that is what Ganga Beach Restaurant will provide you. You are sitting by the water, close to the body of water, and the river in front of you is.
It’s all about Indian cooking, nothing special, just the surroundings make it great. Besides, the taste of river water does not go away when you are drinking this flow of the Ganga. It is quite simple, truly beautiful and certainly worth doing at least once while you’re in Rishikesh.
10. Devraj Coffee Corner
Devraj Coffee Corner is a humble, laid-back and excellent coffee shop. This is a strong and fresh coffee, created with true care and attention. If you have to have caffeine first thing in the morning, this is a must see. It’s the type of place that coffee aficionados visit and never forget.
It’s ideal for the early yoga class or the late, slow afternoon when you want something to jump-start you again. Also the nature of the location is a place that you actually enjoy yourself in, even if it’s only for 30 minutes. Devraj Coffee Corner is definitely deserving of a place on this list, no matter how small.
