Shillong has quickly caught up being one of the most visited destinations for travelers and food lovers from all over the country. Popular for its cool weather, scenic views and laid-back charm, the ‘Scotland of the East’ has much to offer.

Along with tourism, the café culture here is a game changer for Gen-Z travelers. Cafés in Shillong are turning into creative hubs, work-friendly corners and sunset spots that make you want to stay longer.

If you’re planning a trip or simply curious about what the city has to offer, let’s take you through a little café hopping experience before you even try it yourself!

The Press

Where: Jylli Shop, Nongthymmai, Shillong, Meghalaya, 793014.

Cost: Estimated at ₹200-₹400 per person

Best Dishes: BBQ Chicken Tacos and hearty chicken sandwiches/burgers

A cup of cappuccino paired with projects go a long way

I ended up going to The Press Cafe practically every other day while I was in Shillong. It feels warm and inviting as soon as you walk in, and it’s located in the center of the city. The area isn’t extravagant; it’s just cozy, uncomplicated, and ideal for spending hours sitting quietly. The sheer number of employees was what I found most appealing. It is evident that it has become a popular place for people who need to finish work, as seen by the students using laptops, freelancers on the phone, and small meetings taking place over coffee. If you’re traveling or working remotely, their free WiFi really makes it even better.

The menu is filled with many options for one. The vibe? Cozy and instagrammable. It’s one of those places you visit post work hours to catch up with your pending work or just enjoy a chit chat with your friends and colleagues.

I particularly enjoyed their arrabiata pasta paired with a freshly made cappuccino. Talk of the town says their pasta is always rich, creamy and filling without being too heavy. Perfect!

They also have delectable breakfast and dessert options if you wish to explore more. Overall, the cafe feels less like a tourist spot and more of an attraction you may naturally walk into because of food, coffee and a laid back business friendly atmosphere.

The Farraway

Where: J66, Motinagar, Nongthymmai, Shillong, Meghalaya 793014

Cost: Estimated at ₹400-₹600 per person.

Best Dishes: Veg burrata pizza, Spaghetti Alio Olio and Iced Matcha Float

 The soft pastel interiors with wooden furniture

Farraway quickly became my favourite in the list of ‘top Italians cafés of shillong’. It is definitely a unique place to visit because the first thing you notice is the space. It has clean walls, soft pastel interiors with a light and refreshing atmosphere. It has two floors and if you’re lucky enough to grab a seat upstairs in the evening, you get to see the best sunset views the city has to offer. 

The entire experience feels beautiful because of the golden light streaming in through the windows which makes it a high in demand place which doesn’t surprise me because it’s mostly full.  It’s a great spot for a laid back outing, a cute date or just having a good time with yourself too. 

You can’t do cafés without good food and Farraway nailed it. I tried their fresh cream burrata pizza topped with succulent cherry tomatoes which has a decadent taste.

And their Iced Matcha Float is something you don’t expect but end up loving. It’s smooth, slightly earthy from the matcha, with a creamy sweetness that makes it unique and refreshing.

Farraway feels like the kind of place you visit once for the aesthetic but return to for the food. It’s not just pretty, it genuinely delivers on taste and experience.

Books and Brews

Where: Laitumkhrah, Shillong

Cost: ₹200-₹300 per person

Best Dishes: Vegetable and corn grilled sandwich, Artisan Coffee

Delectable dessert with warm cup of coffee makes reading cozier

I find Books and Brews to be one of the most unique cafés of Shillong. This cafe does not solely focus on the food, but rather provides the best experience that any book lover would instantly want. 

The cozy atmosphere along with books and coffee culture has been the talk amongst the locals and visitors all over Shillong. 

It is a relaxed book-friendly space which not only highlights one’s joy of reading, but we can also purchase our favorite books and take them home! Exciting, isn’t it? 

Coffees and refreshing brews were one of the most ordered items here and when I ordered the artisan coffee myself, it didn’t disappoint. The drinks along with the budget friendly approach of this café will definitely make me come back here again and again. 

Books and brews has that slow afternoon vibe to it, and by being budget friendly too and combining the love of reading with delicious food, it earns a spot amongst the top cafés in Shillong on its own. 

Baking Leaven

Where: Laitumkhrah, Shillong

Cost: ₹200-₹300 per person

Best Dishes: New York Cheesecake, Opera Cake, Café Frappe

Wooden interiors with wide range of patisserie for full appetite

If you’re looking for a place with the best freshly baked desserts, Baking Leaven has to be your favorite. My visit here was very warm and welcoming, I enjoyed the café frappe which paired well with almost any baked goodness that Baking Leaven has to offer. 

It is a cozy corner café which is compact yet homely. It offers a wide selection of desserts and some main dishes like pasta, pizza and sandwiches too. Baking Leaven also has an outdoor smoking area for those who want a quick smoke.

The service is quick, attentive and professional. The ambience is very quiet and comforting even after being situated among the hustle and bustle of Laitumkhrah’s busy streets. 

The pricing is affordable and reasonable if we look at the quantity of food they provide. If café bakery is what you’re looking for, Baking Leaven should be one of your top picks.

Roma Eatery

Where: Laitumkhrah, Shillong

Cost: ₹400-₹500 per person

Best Dishes: Neopolitan-style pizza, Beijing Rice with Smoked Pork

Cozy and homely atmosphere for a warm and comforting meal

Roma Eatery grabbed my attention in the very beginning of my café hopping spree because of how warm and welcoming it looked. The atmosphere combines the beauty of café’s casual coffee and meal session and restaurant’s cozy evening dinners. It appears to be well-liked by locals and tourists alike.

Roma Eatery can be a perfect spot too for grabbing a drink as it has a separate bar area, which doesn’t have the flashing lights and unwanted noise, rather it has the same pleasant vibe as the café. 

The service is top tier, and the staff are very courteous who suggested the specials in dishes that Roma has to offer. 

Regarding cuisine, the most popular picks are Neopolitan-style pizza, and the wide selection of pasta which definitely catches one’s eyes. The dishes that were recommended to me were embedded with an Asian touch, like chicken katsu sushi and flavorful ramen bowls. I instantly loved them and would recommend them in a heartbeat! 

Overall I found the experience is worth the money. The pricing is moderate and the quantity is just right for the price. If we look at the excellent service and the homely vibe, Roma has to be one of the best in Shillong.

Cafe Sola

Where: Lumsyiap, Shillong

Cost: ₹300-₹600 per person

Best Dishes: Miso Ramen, Flavourful Chicken Momos, Spicy Chicken Burger

A two storey cafe that offers one of the best sunsets

Situated in Lumsyiap, a hilltop spot filled with not just food, but feelings, is what Cafe Sola wants you to remember. The soft lighting, the warm wooden tones, enormous windows overlooking the hills makes you want to slow down and be lost in that moment.

A place where you can converse with your beloved easily, where you can just sit with a cup of coffee and watch the city slowly changing with the mist. You can enjoy your solo dates with books, catch up with friends, or spend time with your families. Cafe Sola is the place where the atmosphere meets a sense of calm in your mind.

Their menu consists of some amazing dishes spanning from ramen, momos, noodles, rice bowls to good coffee and desserts which will help you complete the experience. Nothing is rushed here, the presentation of the food looks appetising, the vibe is simply aesthetic and it has a very fresh ambience.

Cafe Sola will remind you of those warm huts in the middle of icy mountains we see in movies. It provides a sense of serenity and that is what makes it unforgettable.

ZEN Garden

Where: Nongthymmai, Shillong

Cost: ₹200-₹400 per person

Best Dishes: Ramen Bowls, Bibimbap, Teriyaki Chicken, Bulgogi

Wooden interiors with Christmas decor and some good company

Located in deep Nongthymmai, a cafe which you will stumble on to, a cafe which will take you to places just with their food. Zen Garden, known for its Korean and Asian cuisine, has quickly gained attention for its crazy bold flavours and comforting bowls. Rated at 4.6, it is affordable and the food is delicious in both quality and value.

The menu is for the people who love Asian cuisine, it serves from ramen and bibimbap to teriyaki chicken, bulgogi, and flavourful stir-fried noodles. You will feel satisfied with each dish feeling hearty and satisfying, which makes it a great spot for casual lunches, dates and family dinners. It has so much variety like Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese, giving the customers plenty of options to explore.

The ambience also does not disappoint, it is simple and comfortable and lets the food take the center stage and speak for itself. The cafe stops all cravings, from warm and soupy on a misty Shillong evening or you plan a laid back meal with friends. Zen Garden is an escape into rich Asian flavors right in the heart of the city.

Dylan’s Café

Where: Dhankheti, Shillong
Cost: ₹400 – ₹800 per person
Best Dishes: Bob’sBurger, Chicken Classic Club Sandwich

The perfect blend of music and delicious food

Dylan’s Café located in Malki, Dhankheti is renowned throughout Shillong due to its name taken from legendary musician Bob Dylan. The music themed interior with relaxed atmosphere provide visitors with a dynamic experience at the café.

The menu has many options from pastas, sandwiches and continental platters with their loaded nachos and the flavour some burgers being some of the attractions for visitors.

Furthermore, the combination of a music-themed interior, seating arrangements and the games make Dylan’s Café a very popular venue for casual or informal gatherings among friends. Peak hour service at Dylan’s is estimated to take around 20-30 minutes.

Although prices at Dylan’s Café are somewhat higher than other cafes around the city; the quality and presentation of food served there is worth every penny spent.

For visitors who are searching for the best café within Shillong featuring excellent food and a fun atmosphere, Dylan’s Cafe should undoubtedly be on your list.

So when you’re in the hills, don’t just chase viewpoints, chase good coffee, warm plates of pasta and sunsets from a pastel window seat.

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So when you’re in the hills, don’t just chase viewpoints, chase good coffee, warm plates of pasta and sunsets from a pastel window seat.