Complete Guide to Cafes & Restaurants in Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a vegetarian city by law — no meat is sold or served within city limits, and alcohol is officially banned. What you get instead is one of India's most creative vegetarian food scenes, shaped by decades of visiting yogis, Israeli backpackers, European trekkers, and domestic pilgrims. The cafe strip runs along the east bank of the Ganga between Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula, with the highest concentration near the Laxman Jhula market. Prices are budget-to-mid range, portions are generous, and almost everywhere has a Ganga view if you choose a window or rooftop seat.
Top Cafes at Laxman Jhula
The east-bank market road at Laxman Jhula is Rishikesh's cafe heartland. Most places occupy narrow three- or four-storey buildings with rooftop or balcony seating overlooking the bridge and river.
Little Buddha Cafe
Best for: Rooftop Ganga views, all-day brunch, relaxed vibe.
Possibly the most photographed cafe in Rishikesh, Little Buddha sits directly above the Laxman Jhula bridge approach with jaw-dropping suspension-bridge and river panoramas from its rooftop tables. The menu spans continental breakfasts, Israeli shakshuka, banana pancakes, momos, pasta, and a long list of fresh juices and smoothies. Prices are slightly above average for Rishikesh (mains ₹180–380) but the view justifies every rupee. Arrive before 8 AM to grab a riverside rooftop spot; afternoons fill up with yoga retreaters seeking a post-class caffeine fix. Wi-Fi is available but patchy.
- Timings: 7:30 AM – 10 PM
- Must order: Shakshuka (₹230), Banana Nutella Pancakes (₹190), Fresh Turmeric-Ginger Latte (₹120)
- Location: East bank, top of Laxman Jhula ramp
Oasis Cafe
Best for: Organic food, Israeli travellers, health bowls, long stays.
Oasis has been a fixture of the Rishikesh backpacker scene for over 15 years and remains the go-to for anyone seeking organic, plant-based, Israeli-influenced food. The menu reads like a Tel Aviv health café with Garhwali accents: hummus with pita (₹180), falafel wraps (₹200), granola bowls with house-made yogurt (₹160), avocado toast (₹210), and excellent fresh-pressed juices. The vibe is relaxed and slow — a place where solo travellers nurse a lassi for three hours while reading. Organic certification applies to most produce. Popular among long-term yoga-retreat visitors.
- Timings: 8 AM – 9:30 PM
- Must order: Hummus Platter (₹180), Beetroot Falafel Wrap (₹200), Passion Fruit Juice (₹130)
- Location: Laxman Jhula market lane, east bank
German Bakehouse
Best for: Fresh baked goods, real coffee, pastries, smoothie bowls.
The German Bakehouse is Rishikesh's answer to a European artisan bakery. Sourdough loaves, multigrain rolls, croissants, cinnamon rolls, apple strudel, and carrot cake are baked on-site from scratch each morning. This is one of the few places in town serving genuine espresso drinks using imported beans — the flat white (₹150) and pour-over (₹130) are excellent by any standard. Smoothie bowls are topped generously with granola, seeds, and fresh fruit. Seating is cramped but charming; popular for early breakfast before yoga sessions.
- Timings: 7 AM – 8 PM (sells out by afternoon)
- Must order: Sourdough Toast with Nut Butter (₹140), Cinnamon Roll (₹90), Flat White (₹150)
- Location: Laxman Jhula market, east bank
60s Cafe
Best for: Music, live acoustic evenings, retro atmosphere.
60s Cafe is Rishikesh's most musically inclined hangout — walls lined with Beatles posters, vintage record album artwork, and photos of the 1968 Maharishi visit that made Rishikesh famous in the West. The food menu (₹150–320) is solid but secondary to the atmosphere: acoustic guitar sessions some evenings, a great vinyl-era playlist all day, and a crowd of musicians, yoga teachers, and long-term travellers. Banana lassi (₹90), thalis (₹180), and pasta are the crowd favourites. This is where people end up after the evening Ganga Aarti.
- Timings: 8 AM – 10:30 PM
- Must order: Banana Lassi (₹90), Veg Thali (₹180), Chocolate Brownie (₹120)
- Location: Near Laxman Jhula, east bank
Cafes Near Ram Jhula & Swarg Ashram
Chotiwala Restaurant
Best for: Traditional North Indian vegetarian food, local experience.
Chotiwala is an institution — operating since the 1960s and recognisable by the turbaned man statue at its entrance. It draws a mix of pilgrims, families, and curious tourists. The menu is classic North Indian vegetarian: dal makhani, paneer dishes, puri sabzi, and unlimited thalis (₹160–220). No fusion, no Instagram plating — just honest, flavourful food cooked in enormous quantities for hundreds of diners daily. The speed of service is impressive. Two branches sit across the street from each other near Ram Jhula; the original (identifiable by a slightly longer queue) is the one to choose.
- Timings: 8 AM – 10 PM
- Must order: Unlimited Thali (₹180), Puri Sabzi (₹90), Lassi (₹60)
- Location: Near Ram Jhula, Swarg Ashram side
Devraj Coffee Corner
Best for: Quick coffee, light snacks, watching river life.
A tiny but beloved spot near Ram Jhula that serves some of the best filtered South Indian coffee in Rishikesh (₹50–80) alongside light snacks like upma, poha, and vada. No pretension, no frills — just a counter, a few stools, river breeze, and excellent coffee. Open early (6 AM) for pilgrims and early risers wanting coffee before temple visits or morning yoga.
- Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
- Must order: Filter Coffee (₹60), Masala Chai (₹30), Medu Vada (₹70)
- Location: Near Ram Jhula bridge
The Third Eye Cafe
Best for: Meditation-retreat crowd, holistic menu, quiet corners.
The Third Eye pitches itself at the yoga and meditation retreat community — the menu features Ayurvedic tonics, adaptogen lattes, kitchari (₹170), golden milk (₹110), and raw desserts alongside more conventional café food. The interior is calm and thoughtfully decorated with mandalas and soft lighting. Popular among people doing extended stays at nearby ashrams. Herbal teas sourced from Uttarakhand farms are a highlight.
- Timings: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Must order: Kitchari Bowl (₹170), Golden Milk (₹110), Raw Cacao Bliss Ball (₹80)
- Location: Swarg Ashram area, east bank
What to Eat in Rishikesh: A Menu Guide
| Dish | Type | Typical Price | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Israeli Shakshuka | Breakfast | ₹200–250 | Oasis, Little Buddha |
| Banana Pancakes | Breakfast | ₹150–200 | Most cafes |
| Veg Thali (unlimited) | Lunch/Dinner | ₹160–220 | Chotiwala, dhabas |
| Hummus + Pita | Snack/Lunch | ₹160–200 | Oasis, Little Buddha |
| Sourdough Toast | Breakfast | ₹120–160 | German Bakehouse |
| Momos (steamed/fried) | Snack | ₹90–130 | Street stalls, cafes |
| Fresh Juice/Smoothie | Drink | ₹80–160 | All cafes |
| Masala Chai | Drink | ₹20–40 | Every dhaba and stall |
| Lassi (sweet/salty) | Drink | ₹60–100 | Chotiwala, dhabas |
| Kitchari | Main | ₹150–200 | Third Eye, ashram canteens |
Cafe Tips for Rishikesh
- No meat, no alcohol: Rishikesh is a strictly vegetarian city. All cafes serve only veg food. This isn't a guideline — it's law.
- Israeli influence is strong: Decades of Israeli backpacker traffic means hummus, falafel, shakshuka, and tahini appear on menus city-wide.
- Rooftop spots fill fast: At popular cafes like Little Buddha, arrive before 8:30 AM or after 2 PM to get a prime riverside table.
- Cash preferred: Many smaller cafes and stalls don't accept cards. Carry ₹500–2,000 in cash; ATMs are near Laxman Jhula market and Muni Ki Reti.
- Water safety: Drink only bottled or filtered water. Most cafes serve filtered water; check before drinking tap water.
- Post-Aarti crowds: Cafes around Laxman Jhula fill up fast after the 6 PM Ganga Aarti at Parmarth Niketan. Book or arrive early for dinner.
How to Reach Rishikesh
Rishikesh is 239 km from Delhi (5–6 hrs by road), 24 km from Haridwar (45 min), and 43 km from Dehradun. Nearest airport: Jolly Grant (DED), 35 km away, taxis ₹700–1,000. See Rishikesh overview for full transport details.
Budget & Practical Tips
- Budget meals at dhabas and street stalls: ₹60–150 per person; cafe meals: ₹200–500 per person.
- Most cafe strips are a 5–10 minute walk from main guesthouses in the Laxman Jhula and Swarg Ashram areas — no transport needed.
- Ashram canteens (Parmarth Niketan, Sivananda) offer simple, cheap, or free satvik meals to registered ashram guests.
FAQs
- Is alcohol available in Rishikesh cafes?
- No. Rishikesh is a dry city — alcohol is banned within city limits. You will not find beer, wine, or spirits at any cafe or restaurant. The nearest place to legally buy alcohol is Dehradun (43 km).
- Are there non-vegetarian restaurants in Rishikesh?
- No. The entire city of Rishikesh is vegetarian by municipal law. All restaurants and cafes serve exclusively vegetarian food. Meat is not sold anywhere within city limits.
- What is the best cafe for a Ganga view?
- Little Buddha Cafe at Laxman Jhula offers the most dramatic river and bridge views, especially from its top-floor rooftop. Arrive early morning for the best light and available seating.
- Do Rishikesh cafes have Wi-Fi?
- Most cafes offer Wi-Fi but speeds can be slow, especially during peak season (March–May, September–November). Little Buddha, Oasis, and German Bakehouse have the most reliable connections.