Top 9 Restaurants in Darjeeling

Fondly called the Queen of Hills, Darjeeling is an idyllic town in the Indian state of West Bengal. Nestled in the lap of the mighty Himalayas, this hill station is known for its breathtakingly beautiful landscapes as well as its rich cultural heritage. Influenced by its diverse population which mainly comprises Nepalis, Tibetans, and Bengalis, this place can be aptly termed a melting pot of culture. And this diversity is not only limited to the culture but also reflects in the cuisine. Boasting a thriving culinary scene, Darjeeling offers a unique blend of Indian, Tibetan, and Nepalese cuisine. No matter what your food preferences are, this hill town promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience with its long list of restaurants.

Top 9 Restaurants in Darjeeling

Although there are several things to do in Darjeeling, nothing can beat indulging in the mouthwatering food this place offers. From high-end restaurants offering fine dining experiences to small eateries, cosy cafes to vibrant gastropubs, there are plenty of options for food lovers.

Here is a list of some of the best restaurants in Darjeeling that you should definitely visit on your trip to this enchanting hill station.

• Shangri-La Restaurant
• Kunga
• Penang Restaurant
• Joey’s Pub
• The Park
• Glenary’s
• Dekevas
• Himalayan Coffee
• Sonam’s Kitchen

Shangri-La Restaurant

Located on the famous Nehru Road, this is one of the best restaurants in Darjeeling where you can devour some lip-smacking dishes. Housed in an old heritage building in the city, this place is also known for its rustic charm. With amazing wooden décor and a tastefully done seating area, this restaurant attracts a large number of people on a daily basis. In short, if you’re looking for a place that offers the perfect combination of good ambience and delicious food, this is a place you shouldn’t miss.

Cuisine: Tibetan, Indian, Continental

Must-try Dishes: Momos, Thukpa, and Tibetan Bread

Kunga

If you want to try some delicious food at reasonable prices, this is just the right place for you. Located near the Planter’s Club on Gandhi Road, this small eatery is one of the best places to eat in Darjeeling. You can come here to grab a late breakfast or an early lunch. However, make sure to keep a little extra time on hand, as this place remains full most of the time. So, you may need to wait for some time to get a table here.

Other than their reasonable price list, this restaurant is also known for the good portion size they offer. You can try a variety of Chinese and Tibetan dishes here, and all of them are fresh and rich in flavour. For all these reasons, this place is popular among locals and tourists alike.

Cuisine: Chinese, Tibetan, Nepalese

Must-Try Dishes: Pork Momos, Beef Thukpa, Shaphalay

Penang Restaurant

Located on the Ladenla Road, Penang is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Darjeeling. They have been serving delicious Chinese and Tibetan food since 1972. Known for its great ambience, generous portions, and authentic flavours, this place is a big hit among tourists and locals. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option for casual dining, this can be a great choice.

Cuisine: Tibetan, Chinese, Indian

Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Thukpa, Pork Momos, Chilli Chicken Noodles, and Fried Rice

Joey’s Pub

If you want to experience the vibrant nightlife of Darjeeling and enjoy some delicious food at the same time, this is a great option you have. Located in the heart of the city, this gastropub is housed in a beautiful, old building that looks like a British country home. Built in 1948, this building originally used to serve as a small inn. Decades later, it turned into this beautiful and lively place that is immensely popular among tourists and locals alike. Offering the perfect combination of good music and good food, this is an ideal spot to unwind after a long day of exploring the city.

Cuisine: Indian, Continental

Must-Try Dishes: Chicken Steak, Fish Fingers

The Park

Known for its lively atmosphere and diverse menu, this is among the best multi-cuisine restaurants in Darjeeling. Boasting a mesmerising décor, this restaurant offers a gorgeous view of the surrounding mountains that make it extremely popular among tourists. Located on the Laden la Road, this place serves lip-smacking Thai dishes and a wide range of Chinese and Indian food items as well. If you’re someone who enjoys flavourful and aromatic food with lots of spices, this is one of the best places to eat in Darjeeling.

Cuisine: Thai, Chinese, Indian

Must-Try Dishes: TomYam soup, Red Curry, SomThum, Sweetie Noodles

Glenary’s

Housed in a century-old, three-storied colonial building, Glenary’s is one of the best restaurants on Mall Road in Darjeeling. Known for serving a wide range of Chinese and Indian dishes, this iconic restaurant offers a great dining experience. Other than their indoor cosy seating area, they have a spacious rooftop as well that overlooks the valley. Here, you can enjoy your food while taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. On the ground floor, they also have their bakery section, where you can find an endless list of options for desserts.

Cuisine: Bakery, Continental, Indian

Must-Try Dishes: Pastries, sandwiches

Dekevas

Dekevas is another addition to the list of good restaurants in Darjeeling. Tucked away in a cosy corner of the town, this place is known for serving absolutely delicious Tibetan food. With its laid-back atmosphere and freshly prepared, flavourful food, this restaurant has gained huge popularity among tourists.

Cuisine: Tibetan, Chinese, Indian

Must-Try Dishes: Dragon Chicken Bao, Crispy Boneless Chicken Chunks

Himalayan Coffee

Darjeeling is slowly being introduced to the modern cafe culture. As a result, now you can find several good places here that serve amazing coffee with absolutely delicious food. If you’re looking for a place where you can sip on coffee while admiring the stunning view, there can be no better choice than this. Located right opposite Glenary’s, this café is housed in a huge building. With whitewashed interiors and wooden décor, this place has a refreshing ambience.

Cuisine: Bakery, Continental

Must-Try Dishes: Hot Chocolate, Blueberry Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cake, Nepalese Coffee

Sonam’s Kitchen

Although it is a little difficult to find pure veg restaurants in Darjeeling, there are several places that offer a diverse menu for vegetarians along with non-veg food items. Being one of those, Sonam’s Kitchen is a very famous restaurant in Darjeeling. Located on the Zakir Hussain road, its main outlet is relatively smaller than the other one, which opened a few years back to accommodate a good number of people at once. This restaurant is best to enjoy a nice breakfast with a variety of options. They not only serve delicious, flavourful food, but their prices are also very affordable.

Cuisine: Indian, Continental

Must-Try: Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Garlic Bread, Ginger Lemon Honey

Food is an integral part of a vacation, especially if you’re visiting a place like Darjeeling, which is known for its diverse culinary landscape. With this detailed list of the best restaurants in Darjeeling, you can easily decide where to eat, based on your preferences. Or, for those who don’t want the hassle that comes with planning a trip, Veena World offers an extensive collection of Darjeeling tour packages. These packages are all-inclusive and designed to cater to the diverse requirements of travellers.