Where to Eat in Gulmarg – Top Restaurants & Cafes
Restaurants in Gulmarg Photos
Introduction – A Taste of Paradise in the Mountains
Gulmarg, often referred to as the Meadow of Flowers, has more to offer than just snow-covered mountains and verdant meadows; it is a culinary destination where taste meets altitudes, and every meal is accompanied by an awe-inspiring view of the Himalayas.
After a day spent skiing, snowboarding, or trekking its pine trails, there is nothing more satisfying than a hot bowl of soup, a plate of Rogan Josh, or Kashmiri Kahwa in the great outdoors with the imposing Mount Apharwat in view.
Whether you’re looking for authentic Kashmiri Wazwan cuisine, a fresh pizza, or a café to enjoy a hot chocolate, you can find everything— local flavour, great atmosphere, and hospitality of the type that can only come from travelling to Gulmarg, Kashmir.
As your travel partner, Kashmir Traveler presents the following go-to-guide of the best places to eat in Gulmarg, each offering phenomenal food, a characteristically beautiful setting, and friendly service that will make eating at these restaurants or cafes exciting and unforgettable.
Understanding Gulmarg’s Food Scene
Compared to Srinagar, the gastronomic scene in Gulmarg is smaller but totally focused on high-quality cuisine, including:
- Upscale hotel dining featuring premium Kashmiri and global fare
- Cafes and ski lounges with comfort food and hot drinks
- Family-run local restaurants serving authentic mountain food
Gulmarg’s food is also strongly influenced by it’s weather. Chilly evenings call for hot soups, slow-cooked meats, and fragrant teas – the comfort food experience that can only occur at 8000 ft in the Himalayas.
Top 10 Restaurants in Gulmarg You Must Try
1. Cloves Restaurant – The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa
If there’s a restaurant that epitomizes fine dining in Gulmarg, it’s Cloves at The Khyber Himalayan Resort.
Situated above snow-covered pine forests, this upscale restaurant combines Kashmiri, Indian, and Continental cuisines with anointing royalty.
Must Try: Rogan Josh, Risotto, Trout Fish, Walnut Tart
Ambiance: Panoramic mountain view, elegant
Why Visit: Gulmarg’s finest fine dining experience
Where high-end luxury comes face-to-face with the hospitality of Kashmir.
2. Bakshi Restaurant – Authentic Local Delight
For tourists who seek local tastes at local rates, Bakshi Restaurant is a standout. Situated close to the main market, it offers traditional Kashmiri, North Indian, and vegetarian food.
Must Try: Dum Aloo, Rajma Chawal, Mutton Curry
Ambiance: Understated and homey
Why Go: Excellent taste and value
A local secret where people from around here eat alongside visitors.
3. Highlands Park Restaurant – Colonial Charm & Heritage
Set in one of Gulmarg’s heritage hotels, dating back to years ago, while staying at Highlands Park is a step back into the colonial times. The restaurant is a blend of traditional and international delicacies with antique interiors and live fireplaces.
Must Try: Lamb Yakhni, Chicken Stroganoff, Apple Pie
Ambiance: Warm, vintage, with an old-world feel
Why Go: Ideal for night dinners following skiing
Each morsel tastes like dining in a slice of history.
4. The Maple Leaf – Comfort Food in the Snow
Situated close to the central circle of Gulmarg, The Maple Leaf is a modern restaurant offering multi-cuisine dining ranging from Indian curries to Continental food.
Must Try: Butter Chicken, Biryani, Sizzlers, Hot Chocolate
Ambiance: Contemporary interiors, casual seating
Why Go: Perfect for families and groups
Where comfort and variety meet right in the midst of Gulmarg.
5. Hotel Pine Palace Restaurant – Scenic and Soulful
The Pine Palace Resort contains one of Gulmarg’s favorite restaurants, serving both Indian and Western cuisine. The beauty of the white-capped golf course is a bonus.
Must Try: Tandoori Chicken, Trout Fish, Vegetable Soup
Ambiance: Sophisticated with beautiful outdoor seating
Why Go: Great food with a matchless view
Perfect for warm lunches with breathtaking mountain views.
6. Downhill Restaurant – A Skier’s Favorite Spot
Be true to its name, Downhill Restaurant is a favorite among thrill-seekers. Located near the Gulmarg Gondola, it’s ideal for sitting down to a hearty meal after a day on the mountain.
Must Try: Pizzas, Burgers, Trout, Dum Aloo
Ambiance: Informal and lively
Why Go: Inexpensive, quick, and satisfying
A skier hotspot for fueling up with flavor.
7. Kolahoi Green Heights Restaurant – Elegant and Family-Friendly
One of the favorite Kolahoi Green Group restaurants, this eatery serves up both modern luxury and local charm. The restaurant serves multi-cuisine fare and a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian offerings.
Must Try: Chicken Korma, Kashmiri Pulao, Pasta
Ambiance: Chic, cozy, perfect for families
Why Go: Great service and upscale environment
Where foodies and families meet in the middle
8. Hotel Hilltop Restaurant – Budget-Friendly and Authentic
Restaurant at Hotel Hilltop is famous for wholesome food taken in a Kashmiri-style. It’s particularly favorite among trekkers and long-stay travelers.
Try: Rista, Yakhni, Rajma Rice
Ambiance: Plain and friendly
Why Go: Inexpensive, satisfying, and tasty
The meal here tastes like eating at a friend’s house.
9. Alpine Lounge Café – Coffee, Views & Conversations
When you’re in the mood for good coffee and great conversations, Alpine Lounge Café is your go-to spot. With wooden interiors and snow views, it’s ideal for a relaxed evening.
Must Try: Cappuccino, Chocolate Cake, Fries, Momos
Ambiance: Cozy, Instagram-worthy
Why Go: Awesome couples’ and friends’ hangout
Drink, munch, and gaze at snowflakes.
10. Nedous Dining Hall – A Legacy of Taste
One of the oldest hotels in Gulmarg, Nedous Hotel is a vintage dining experience in its Nedous Dining Hall. The recipes have been carried down through generations, keeping the old Kashmir alive.
Must Try: Trout Curry, Roast Chicken, Walnut Brownie
Ambiance: Heritage architecture, fireplace dining
Why Go: Ideal for those who love nostalgia
Feel how British officers used to dine in the middle of Gulmarg.
Best Cafes in Gulmarg – Cozy Corners to Warm Your Soul
After a snow ride, what’s better than sitting at a window sipping a hot cup of coffee or Kahwa. Here are some of Gulmarg’s warmest cafes to visit.
☕ 1. The Log Hut Café
A quaint mountain café with waffles, hot chocolate, and local treats.
Why Visit: Amazing ambiance, nearby the ski slopes.
2. Gulmarg Bakery Café
Fresh cakes, bread, and pastries — great for breakfast or tea time.
Why Visit: Renowned for apple pie and walnut cake.
3. Café Igloo
Famous for its warm interiors and live fireplace, the café offers the best Kahwa and pancakes in Gulmarg.
Why Visit: Suitable for families, warm ambience.
4. Snow Dine Café
A quaint café within the local market complex offering Indian snacks and desserts.
Why Visit: Inexpensive and easily accessible for light bites.
5. Chai & Chill Café
A traveler-friendly spot where Kashmiri tea is blended with Western snacks.
Why Visit: Ideal for travelers and backpackers to seek warmth and comfort
Signature Kashmiri Dishes You Must Try in Gulmarg
When you eat at Gulmarg, do not forget to try these local specialties:
Rogan Josh – Flavoursome red lamb curry
Gushtaba – Meatballs in yogurt
Yakhni – Mutton prepared with herbs and curd
Dum Aloo – Baby potatoes in spicy sauce
Trout Fish – Freshwater fish from nearby streams
Kahwa Tea – Saffron-flavored green tea
Every meal is a narration of Kashmiri hospitality and tradition.
Insider Dining Tips from Kashmir Traveler
- Book table in advance during winter or holiday season.
- Experience trout and Wazwan at local family restaurants for the real deal.
- Accompany meals with traditional breads such as Lavasa or Sheermal.
- Have light dinners as altitude can play havoc with digestion.
- Ask your local guide at Kashmir Traveler for offbeat restaurants that tourists usually miss.
Why Dine with Kashmir Traveler
At Kashmir Traveler, we are of the view that traveling is incomplete until you taste the essence of a destination. That’s why we provide handpicked culinary tours in Gulmarg, such as:
Guided excursions to local cafes and bakeries
Personalized dinner experiences at heritage resorts
Winter food trails for adventure seekers
Warm Kahwa tastings with locals
Kashmir Traveler – Taste the Himalayas, Feel the Hospitality.
Final Thoughts
At Kashmir Traveler, we are of the opinion that travel is not complete unless one experiences the essence of a place. That is why we provide bespoke dining tours in Gulmarg, such as:
Guided tours of neighborhood cafes and bakeries
Tailor-made dining at heritage hotels
Dining in Gulmarg is an experience that blends flavor, culture, and scenery in perfect harmony. From royal feasts in luxury resorts to steaming Kahwa in cozy cafés, every bite captures the magic of Kashmir.
So next time you’re in the Meadow of Flowers, don’t just explore the snow — explore the taste of paradise with Kashmir Traveler guiding your way.
Winter food trails for adventure travelers
Cozy Kahwa tasting sessions with locals
Kashmir Traveler – Savor the Himalayas, Experience the Welcome.
Top 10 FAQs About Restaurants & Cafes in Gulmarg
1. What is the best restaurant in Gulmarg for authentic Kashmiri food?
Cloves at The Khyber Himalayan Resort is considered the best for fine Kashmiri dining.
2. Are there budget restaurants in Gulmarg?
Yes, Bakshi Restaurant and Hotel Hilltop offer excellent food at affordable prices.
3. What cuisines are available in Gulmarg?
Kashmiri, Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisines are widely available.
4. Where can I find vegetarian food in Gulmarg?
Most restaurants serve vegetarian options; try Kolahoi Green Heights or Maple Leaf.
5. Which cafés are popular for coffee and desserts?
Alpine Lounge Café and Gulmarg Bakery Café are the top choices.
6. Can I find trout fish dishes in Gulmarg?
Yes, many restaurants, including Nedous Dining Hall and Pine Palace, serve fresh trout.
7. Are restaurants open during snowfall?
Yes, most hotels and cafés operate year-round, even during heavy snowfall.
8. What is the average cost of a meal in Gulmarg?
Expect ₹600–₹1500 per person depending on the restaurant’s standard.
9. Is alcohol served in Gulmarg restaurants?
Only select hotels like The Khyber offer alcoholic beverages.
10. Does Gulmarg have street food options?
Yes, small stalls near the market area serve momos, soup, and Maggi.