Where to eat in Shimla this summer

It's not making it to the list of India's top food destinations in a hurry, but Shimla has always been among India's favourite hill-stations. So, if you are heading up the hills this summer, better be armed with this list of the best restaurants and cafes in Shimla.

The Restaurant, The Oberoi Cecil, for a fine-dining experience

Step back in time at this legendary restaurant, where a whiff of the Raj still lingers. Wood panelled walls, tall French windows that frame the lush mountains and a dress code (no shorts for men or flip flops)—the setting is as critical to the experience as the meal. The menu is a mix of international, Indian and local Himachali food, which comes with a five-star twist. Stuffed with oriental mushrooms, sidu (a Himachali snack, like a steamed bun) is served on a bed of spinach with burnt chilli. The Army Camp Soup is served with burnt garlic, onions and lemon, and poured in the bowl right in front of you. Don't skip the slow cooked chicken—one of their signature dishes. Did we mention that the orange pannacotta is brilliant? Chaura Maidan, 7am–10.30pm

Shimla Book Café, to experience a social experiment This is for the day when you want to bite into the light-as-a-cloud cream roll, away from the chatter of The Mall, with just a book for company. Apart from its stunning location near the Ridge overlooking the Himalayas, what sets this tiny cafe apart is the staff. In a state with one of the country's boldest open prison policies, authorities have handed the running of the café to jail inmates. The food, all prepared in the prison bakery, is limited to snacks like burgers, pizzas and pastries, but is attractively priced, fresh and tasty. Ridge, Takka Bench, 10am–8pm

Dimsum, for Happy Hours on momos There is something comforting about digging into momos in the hills and this place serves really good ones with three different sauces. Other classics in this 25-seater restaurant run by a friendly Chinese family such as chilly chicken and chowmein are equally appetizing. This is also one of the few places in the city to serve pork, so head here if you're craving good old chilly pork. On certain days they also offer pork spare ribs as the special of the day. We love the fact that they have Happy Hours on momos: grab a plate of at half the rate (Rs75) from 3-6pm, Monday to Friday. Next to Baljees, Middle Bazar, The Mall; Noon—9.30pm

Wake and Bake Café, for the breakfast and views The food is not its only draw: with yellow windowpanes and walls decked in art, this cafe has a happy vibe. They serve English (bacon and eggs) and Israeli breakfast staples (eggs and hummus) till noon. Pizza by the slice is not your typical New York slice but four rectangular slices of bread. We can't deny that the variety is huge (more than 20). The crepes and waffles, made from buckwheat, are available in sweet and savoury versions. Apart from pastas, toasties and sandwiches, the Middle Eastern fare is worth a try. Grab a seat by the window on the second floor and watch the world stroll by at The Mall. Or crawl up to the terrace to see Shimla sprawl out before you. The views are particularly beautiful at sunset. 34, The Mall, 9.30am–10pm

Himachali Rasoi, for the traditional dham Even though colonial flavours still entice in the erstwhile summer capital of the British, do tap into Shimla's Himachali roots. This is the only restaurant in the city that offers the traditional Himachali dham, a lavish feast served at weddings and festivals. The two versions of the dham—Kangri and Mandyali–are served on rotation through the week. Both include four to five curries prepared with a variety of lentils and dairy products. Unusually for a vegetarian indulgence, no vegetables are used in the dham. Also on the plate are Himachali snacks like sidu (steamed bun stuffed with poppy seeds) served with ghee, babroo (fried wheat bread), patande (wheat pancake). For a more authentic experience, head to the first floor, where they have traditional floor seating. 54, Middle Bazar, Near Shiv Temple; Noon–9.30pm

Café Simla Time, for comfort food and live music Grab a drink or coffee, bite into that perfectly made wood-fired oven pizza and gaze over the valley at this quaint café that is an ode to Himachal's capital. An old Fiat car at the entrance has Shimla's skyline painted on it while graffiti on the walls and ceiling grabs your attention inside. The cuisine is a mix of Indian, Italian, Thai and Mexican and includes burgers, sandwiches and wraps. The bread is made in-house and the pizzas are quite popular. Linger at any time because they never rush you out or go on the weekend to enjoy live music at the open-air terrace. The sunset from here is spectacular. Near Tourism Lift, The Mall; noo –11pm

Café Sol, for when there's too many of you Ponder over what to order under the cheerful ambience of an orange and yellow semi-circular ceiling that casts a warm glow on everything. This is the place to head to when you are in a group with different tastes–the menu at the city's most popular café has something for everyone. Pick from Italian, Continental, Lebanese. Our recommendation? Ask for the Mexican fare: the fajitas, enchiladas and tacos are as good as you'll find anywhere. Did we mention they also serve alcohol? Hotel Combermere, Mall Road, 11am–11pm