The moment you get to Srinagar, you're enthralled by the incredible panoramas you see everywhere you go. There are peaches being harvested, apples dangling off trees, ripen walnuts in fields, orchards in full bloom, and a host of other beautiful flowers blooming across the roads. Besides, the snow-capped mountains are a stunning backdrop that just makes everything else look brighter and majestic. That being said, it's also a very warm and welcoming place, and so is their food.
You get the most delicious rogan josh, shab daig, matschgand, and modur pulao here. If you're awed by the epic view of the city and would love to enjoy a wholesome meal amidst a scenic backdrop, you should consider eating in restaurants and cafes in Srinagar that have a view. The gorgeous views clubbed with pleasant weather and hospitable people will make every moment of your trip worthwhile. If you’re ready to treat your eyes and your tastebuds, here’s a list of some of the best restaurants and cafes in Srinagar with a view. Check these out!
The Chinar is a luxurious multi-cuisine restaurant that has both indoor and outdoor seating available. Their outdoor seating is popular among the people and is almost always fully booked. It's one of the few places that gives you a view of both Dal Lake and Srinagar Valley at a glance. You’ll be stunned at how gorgeously it's surrounded by green space and clear blue sky among big Chinar trees. It’s no surprise then that the view this restaurant offers is one of the main reasons for its popularity.
Seated under the shade of the magnificent Chinar trees, you can enjoy your breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. Sipping on a glass of Kahwa during a pleasant Srinagar evening is going to fill your heart with joy. The aura of The Chinar is very pleasant, calming, and warm. You’ll want to visit this place very often and we don't blame you.
Address: Gupkar Road, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Price Approximation: INR 1,000 for two people.
Ideal For: Families with children, couples, small and large groups, and singles.
Must-Try: Kahwa, achari paneer tikka, and tandoori trout.
Timings: Every day from 7:30 am to 11:00 pm.
Also read: Jammu Travel Guide
Shamyana Lodge & Restaurant is going to awe you with its mesmerizing view of Dal Lake. Just because it has an outdoor seating area and a view of Dal Lake, you don't have to expect it to be fancy. It's a local restaurant with a warm and welcoming ambiance, pleasant view, and great food. And honestly, that's all it takes to make your visit worth a while.
If you're on the lookout for some wholesome authentic Kashmiri meals, Shamyana Restaurant is the place for you. They have an extensive menu that offers you a wide range of authentic Kashmiri dishes at affordable prices. But, their all-day breakfast menu is the one to look out for as it's very popular among the locals and tourists alike. While you're here, you can check out their Asian cuisine which offers you some lip-smacking items as well.
Address: Ghat No.2, Boulevard, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Price Approximation: INR 800 for two people.
Ideal For: Families with children, couples, small groups, and singles.
Must-Try: Mutton kabab, chicken tikka, and Afghani paneer tikka.
Timings: Every day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
All the book and coffee lovers are going to be in awe of Gulshan Cafe. Not only do they have some fantastic coffee but they also have over 80,000 books. Additionally, the cafe has an indoor and rooftop seating area. You’ll have to take a Shikara to reach this cozy cafe that overlooks Dal Lake and its surrounding areas. The ambiance of this place is very surreal, comforting with a touch of vintage decor. Locally known as Gulshan Books, this is a great place for you to just unwind and have a pleasant time.
You can pick out any book from the collection and read alongside a slice of banana bread and a cup of coffee. Plus, there are a few activities like boating and swimming around the cafe that you can engage in. All in all, you get to have some delicious snacks, read some of your favorite books, and take a breath of fresh air when at Gulshan Cafe.
Address: Residency Road, Regal Chowk, Munshi Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Price Approximation: INR 500 for two people.
Ideal For: Families, friend groups, couples, and singles.
Must-Try: Cold coffee, banana bread, pastries, and chocolate brownies.
Timings: Mondays to Saturdays from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm. Closed on Sundays.
Also read: 10 Things You Must Do In Kashmir
Sipping on coffee while gazing into the beautiful sky and snow-capped mountains of Srinagar is a scene you don't want to miss. But if you want to experience it in person, you must visit Golden Chinar Restaurant. It has a laidback vibe and outdoor seating arrangements with a remarkable view. You can visit this place for your meals or just for a casual snack. The selling point for this restaurant is its view and you’ll only know what the hype is all about when you visit.
Having said that, the food served here is going to be just as amazing. The tasty food at this restaurant is cooked in the traditional Kashmiri way. Large nickel-plated copper vessels are used to cook large portions of food over a wood fire. Eating at this restaurant is an experience you can't miss. Besides, you have the backdrop of one of the most scenic views of Srinagar. How can you say no to that?
Address: Golden Chinar Cloud Kitchen Aali Kadal, Srinagar, India 190001.
Price Approximation: INR 500 for two people.
Ideal For: Singles, couples, and families with children.
Must-Try: Harisa, seekh kebabs, and pizzas.
Timings: Every day from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm.
In the heart of Srinagar, you’ll find Tao Restaurant & Café, a serene space that has one of the best outdoor seating arrangements. Along with the ambiance, the food served here is also really delicious. You can check out their Indian, Kashmiri, and Chinese dishes to satiate all your hunger pangs. All of the items on their menu are freshly prepared and served on the go.
The restaurant has a very relaxing and comfortable arena with a vintage cottage core aesthetic and greenery everywhere. So, whether you want to chill with your friends or read a book while sipping on some coffee, Tao Restaurant and Café fits both vibes. You must definitely visit this cafe and get a few aesthetic pictures for the Gram.
Address: Residency Road, Near GPO, Munshi Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Price Approximation: INR 400 for two people
Ideal For: Families, couples, friend groups, and singles.
Must-Try: Wazwan thali and freshly baked pizzas.
Timings: Every day from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
If you're interested in looking for a restaurant that has good food with a gorgeous ambiance, Lhasa Restaurant is one place you must visit. They have an indoor courtyard where they have artificial grass and a seating area that creates an illusion of outdoor seating. This restaurant is great to visit in the evening as the whole vibe is just blissful. The dim lights and the pleasant weather create a very romantic atmosphere.
They serve a variety of cuisines but their Tibetan and Chinese dishes are to die for. You'll love their steamed momos and the thukpa. It's a very popular restaurant among the locals and you’ll find it crowded most of the time. That's precisely why pre-booking your tables at Lhasa Restaurant is a must.
Address: Lane No 3, Boulevard Road, Near Shah Abbas Hotel, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Price Approximation: INR 700 for two people.
Ideal For: Families, couples, and singles.
Must-Try: Roast duck with mushroom, steamed momos, and ginger prawn.
Timings: Every day from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Also read: 6 Best Places For Street Food In India
Ahdoo's is a restaurant and hotel that is known for its ambiance and authentic Kashmiri food. But what's also known about this restaurant is the view of Dal Lake it offers. The ambiance is gorgeous no doubt, but the view is the selling point and you can't deny it. Their breakfast food options are great and so are their pastries. Those are some of the best things to try when you visit this place first.
It's one of the first restaurants that opened up in the valley. Ahdoo’s was established in 1918 and is known to be the connoisseur of Kashmiri Wazwan. That's one dish on the menu that you must order and we promise it won't disappoint. Even though it's a multi-cuisine restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese, and Mughlai, its Kashmiri food is the most loved by all.
Address: Residency Road, Regal Chowk, Raj Bagh, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir 190001.
Price Approximation: INR 1,500 for two people.
Ideal For: Couples, families with children, groups, and singles.
Must-Try: Wazwan platter, mirchi korma, and dum aloo.
Timings: Every day from 10:00 am to 9:30 pm.
Summing Up
Srinagar has a number of cafes and restaurants that not only serve you the best food but also have a gorgeous view of the city. They either have the view of snow-capped mountains, the stunning Dal Lake, or the plantations that are spread across the city. All of these restaurants will make you feel comfortable while also enabling you to experience the food culture of Srinagar. Plus, the food and the ambiance in itself are enough reasons for you to visit these cafes and restaurants during your trip to Srinagar.
Why Is Srinagar Famous?
Srinagar is one of the most popular tourist spots in Jammu and Kashmir. It's most known for its lakes, gardens, food, dried fruits, handicrafts, and houseboats.
Which Is The Best Time To Visit Srinagar?
If you've been thinking of visiting Srinagar, you need to know that it's equally gorgeous all year long. But, the months from April to October are more favorable for tourists. It's the time when the weather is pleasant and the temperature is not too hot or too cold. Plus, sightseeing during this time is just perfect.
Which Sweet Is Famous In Jammu Kashmir?
Phirni is a well-known sweet dish of Jammu Kashmir. It’s made with rice, saffron, some spices, and a whole lot of dried fruits. It's very sweet to taste and gets its crunch from the dried fruits.
What Is The Famous Food Of Srinagar?
One of the primary things to try when visiting Srinagar is its authentic food. The Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine is world-famous. Rogan josh, in particular, is one of the most famous dishes in Srinagar that you have to give a try. It’s an aromatic meat curry that is traditionally cooked with lamb, mutton, or goat and is flavored with alkanet flowers and Kashmiri chilies.
How To Get To Srinagar?
Getting to Srinagar is convenient by air, railways, and by road as it's a city well connected with all modes of transport. It has an international airport that connects Srinagar with other domestic as well as international cities. Srinagar also has Banihal Railway Station and the Srinagar Railway station. There are regular trains coming in from all major cities of the country. Lastly, Srinagar is well connected with all its neighboring cities via NH1-A or the new NH44. So you can also plan a road trip to get to the gorgeous city of Srinagar.
Is There Any Snowfall In Srinagar?
Yes, it does snow in Srinagar.
How Long Is A Flight from Delhi to Kashmir?
A flight from Delhi to Kashmir is just about one hour and the aerial distance between both the cities is around 645 km.
