Best Restaurants in Darjeeling: Top Places to Eat, Cafés & Local Food Guide
Darjeeling is not just famous for its rolling tea gardens, Himalayan views, and colonial charm—it is also a quietly exciting food destination in Eastern India. Influenced by Nepali, Tibetan, Bengali, and British cuisines, the town offers a wide range of dining experiences, from heritage restaurants and cosy cafés to authentic local eateries serving traditional mountain food.
Whether you are visiting Darjeeling for a short holiday or staying longer to explore nearby villages, knowing where to eat in Darjeeling can significantly enhance your travel experience. This guide covers the best restaurants in Darjeeling, including iconic old establishments, popular cafés, and places known for local flavours—based on reputation, consistency, and traveller experience.
Also Read:
Darjeeling Travel Guide
Places to Visit in Darjeeling
What Kind of Food Can You Expect in Darjeeling?
Before diving into restaurant recommendations, it helps to understand Darjeeling’s food culture.
Darjeeling cuisine reflects its multi-ethnic population, mainly the Lepcha, Bhutia, and Nepali communities. Alongside local dishes, you’ll find influences from Tibet, North India, and British-era recipes.
Common food options include:
- Momos and thukpa
- Nepali-style curries
- Tibetan bread and soups
- Continental and Chinese food
- Bakery items and café-style meals
Vegetarian food is widely available, though Darjeeling is particularly known for its non-vegetarian comfort food.
Best Restaurants in Darjeeling
1. Glenary’s Restaurant & Bakery
No list of the best restaurants in Darjeeling is complete without Glenary’s. Established in 1911, Glenary’s is a heritage restaurant and bakery that reflects Darjeeling’s colonial past.
Located on Nehru Road, near Chowrasta Mall, Glenary’s is divided into two sections— a ground-floor bakery and a sit-down restaurant upstairs.
Why Glenary’s is Special
- Over a century old
- Famous for baked goods
- Classic continental menu
- Calm ambience with hill views
Must-Try Items:
- Chicken steak
- Shepherd’s pie
- Fresh cream cakes
- Pastries and bread rolls
Best for: Breakfast, lunch, bakery items
Ideal for: Families, couples, first-time visitors
2. Keventer’s
Another legendary name in Darjeeling, Keventer’s, has been serving travellers since the early 20th century. Located just below Glenary’s, this restaurant is especially popular for its breakfast and brunch offerings.
Keventer’s gained fame during the British era and still maintains its old-school charm with outdoor seating overlooking the hills.
Highlights
- Historic reputation
- English-style breakfast
- Scenic open-air seating
Must-Try Items:
- Pork sausages
- Ham and eggs
- Chicken cutlets
- Hot chocolate
Best for: Breakfast and early meals
Note: Seating is limited during peak season
3. Kunga Restaurant
If you want to try authentic Tibetan and Nepali food in Darjeeling, Kunga Restaurant is a top choice. Located near Chowrasta, this modest, no-frills eatery is immensely popular with locals and tourists alike.
The focus here is on flavour, simplicity, and authenticity rather than décor.
Why Locals Love Kunga
- Consistent taste
- Affordable pricing
- Traditional recipes
Must-Try Items:
- Chicken momos
- Pork thukpa
- Shaphaley
- Tibetan bread
Best for: Lunch or casual dinner
Ideal for: Budget travellers and food explorers
4. Park Restaurant
Located close to the Darjeeling Mall Road, Park Restaurant is one of the town’s oldest eateries and is especially famous for its Nepali-style non-vegetarian dishes.
The restaurant has a simple interior but is known for hearty portions and bold flavours.
Popular Dishes
- Pork curry
- Chicken chilli
- Traditional Nepali thali
- Local-style fried rice
Best for: Dinner
Recommended for: Those wanting local flavours
5. Nathmull’s Tea Lounge
Darjeeling is synonymous with tea, and Nathmull’s Tea Lounge offers a refined experience for tea lovers. Located near Chowrasta, this is less of a restaurant and more of a tea-tasting lounge.
Here, you can sample and purchase some of the finest Darjeeling teas, guided by knowledgeable staff.
What Makes It Unique
- Authentic Darjeeling tea tasting
- Educational experience
- Calm indoor seating
Best for: Evening tea sessions
Tip: Ideal stop after sightseeing
6. Sonam’s Kitchen
Sonam’s Kitchen is a small but highly popular café-style restaurant, especially among backpackers and repeat visitors. It is known for its freshly cooked breakfast items and warm hospitality.
The menu includes a mix of Indian, continental, and local dishes.
Must-Try Items:
- Pancakes
- Breakfast platters
- Toasts and omelettes
- Homemade-style meals
Best for: Breakfast and brunch
Atmosphere: Friendly and homely
7. Keventer’s Coffee Shop (New Branch)
Apart from the heritage outlet, Keventer’s also operates a modern café-style branch offering lighter meals, coffee, and desserts. This is suitable for travellers looking for a quick bite.
Best for: Coffee, snacks, casual meals
8. The Elgin Darjeeling – Dining Room
For those looking for a premium dining experience, the in-house restaurant at The Elgin Darjeeling offers elegant ambience and well-prepared dishes.
The restaurant is housed inside a restored colonial mansion and is ideal for slow, relaxed meals.
Cuisine Offered:
- Indian
- Continental
- Local-inspired dishes
Best for: Fine dining, special occasions
Ideal for: Couples and heritage hotel guests
9. Revolver Café
Darjeeling is often called the rock music capital of India, and Revolver Café embraces that identity. This café is popular for its relaxed vibe, music posters, and comfort food.
Must-Try Items:
- Burgers
- Sandwiches
- Coffee and desserts
Best for: Casual hangouts and evenings
10. Local Street Food Spots (Around Chowrasta)
While restaurants are popular, Darjeeling’s street food culture is equally worth exploring. Around Chowrasta and Mall Road, you’ll find vendors selling:
- Steamed momos
- Aloo dum
- Chowmein
- Boiled eggs with spices
These are best enjoyed in the evening when the town comes alive.
Vegetarian Food Options in Darjeeling
Darjeeling is vegetarian-friendly, though choices may be fewer compared to metro cities. Restaurants like Glenary’s, Sonam’s Kitchen, and hotel dining rooms usually offer vegetarian meals.
You can also find pure vegetarian restaurants in the town, though menus are often limited.
Tips for Eating Out in Darjeeling
- Dinner timings are usually early (7–9 PM)
- Many restaurants close during off-season
- Cash is still preferred at small eateries
- Ask locals for seasonal recommendations
- Avoid wasting food—portions can be generous
Best Time to Explore Restaurants in Darjeeling
The best time for food exploration in Darjeeling is from March to May and October to December, when most restaurants operate fully and fresh local produce is available.
During monsoon months, some eateries may operate on limited hours.
