Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, is undoubtedly a hill station which is a pleasure for the eyes and the soul. The serene weather, warm people, organic food, and spotless streets—it would be an understatement to call it heaven on earth.
If you are lucky, you can get a view of the majestic snow-capped Mt. Kanchenjunga. If not, don’t worry; Gangtok has a scenic view at every turn. Not just that, Gangtok is also a paradise for foodies. Cafes in Gangtok are known for their laidback setting. Gangtok’s Cafes and you are a perfect match if you are on a workcation, a solo trip, or just want to take things slow.
Take out a pen and paper because here is a list of 5 cafes in Gangtok you cannot miss:
1. The Local Cafe
Situated in the heart of Gangtok, this place is a favourite among tourists. The first thing you will see as you enter are baked goods and pastries lined up on the glass shelf. The aroma will sweep you inside.
Once you are in, you will be spoiled for options from pizza, pasta, and sandwiches to laphing. They have the best laphing you will eat in Gangtok, so definitely order it. However, one thing you cannot afford to miss here is the coffee because this place is run by people who genuinely know what good coffee is. So, all in all, your trip to Gangtok will truly be incomplete without visiting this cute cafe.
Address: New Market , below bank of Baroda, Gangtok
Timing: 9:30am–8pm (Monday-Sunday)
Price: ₹600 for 2 people
2. The Coffee Shop
This cosy cafe, located at the MG Marg, is perfect to hang out with friends and family. They have background music playing, which surely will help you wind down. They also have outdoor seating which overlooks the MG Road. This place is known for its all-day breakfast; we recommend you try the Himalayan or American breakfast. They also serve Italian food; you can try their lasagne and pizza. One plus point is you won’t have to wait for long for your food to arrive because the service here is super quick; if you are in a hurry, head over to The Coffee Shop without a second thought.
Lastly, you cannot leave without trying the coffee here (it’s in the name!), but if coffee is not your cup of tea, then you can enjoy your food with a chilled beer.
Address: Anola Building, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Gangtok
Timing: 9am-10pm (Monday-Sunday)
Price: ₹800 for 2 people
3. Bibliothèque
At first glance, you will mistake this place for a bookstore.It is not your fault because this place has books lined up on every wall—literally. A window seat which overlooks the beautiful Gangtok, a book in your hand, and delicious food. What could be better than this? We say nothing. That is exactly what you come for at Bibliothèque.
If you are in Gangtok for a few days, you can even borrow books and return them after 2-3 days. This place keeps getting better!
Though it is a bit difficult to find; so make sure to ask the vendors around for the exact location. The only disappointing thing is they have a limited menu, but we recommend you must try their Ramen.
Address: Tharo line Lal bazar, lower, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, near Denzong Cinema Hall, Gangtok
Timing: 10:30am-8pm (Monday-Sunday, except Thursday is closed)
Price: ₹600 for 2 people
4. Cafe Fiction
Another book cafe! The name is enough to attract all the bookworms. Cafe Fiction is the best place if books and food together are your idea of perfection. It is located below the Rachna Bookstore, so definitely head upstairs and browse through their incredible book collection. If you are a Manga reader, you are in for a treat because they have a good collection of Manga. It is a bit far from the mall road—away from the hustle and bustle and a perfect spot to spend some “Me Time”. They have the best Momos in Gangtok, so do not miss out on them.
Address: Jeewan Theeng Marg, Upper Sichey, Sungava, Gangtok
Timing: 9am-6pm (Monday-Saturday, Sunday is closed)
Price: ₹400 for 2 people
5. Cafe Live and Loud
We are ending this list with a bang. It is the hippest and liveliest place in Gangtok. If chilling with your buddies over a couple of beers with live music playing in the background sounds like a deal to you, then this is the perfect place for you. We recommend you try some local beer like Dansberg and Hit, and they also have hookah, if you fancy that. It is slightly more pricey than all the other places on this list.
Address: Tibet Road, Gangtok
Timing: 11am-11:30pm (Monday-Sunday)
Price: ₹1,000 for 2 people
We have given you a list of the best of the best to explore and relax with your friends, family, or alone—whatever you prefer.
A few tips you need to take note of:
Always carry extra cash with you; some places might not accept cards.
Make sure to check the reviews before going to avoid any disappointment.
Check with the cafe to confirm if they are open as some places are closed during the off-season.
Do not forget to carry an umbrella because rains are unpredictable in Gangtok.
Happy exploring!