Top 10 Cafes in Shillong to Unfurl Meghalaya's Rich Musical Legacy

Have you ever thought what distinguishes the cafe culture from city to city apart from food & ambiance? If not, think about it! It’s always the crowd that instigates evolving the cafe culture over the years. If you are new to Meghalaya, Northeast, select a handful of quirky cafes in Shillong, the state capital, to explore its extravaganza and delve into its rich cultural heritage. Shillong has always been known for its unwavering musical spirit which flows through the veins of youths of all generations, and these cafes have been successful enough to preserve and showcase their keen interests and passion. While loitering in the narrow, bustling lanes of Shillong, take out some time to relish some diverse international flavors and treat your soul to some good music.

Cafes in Shillong: Find Your Ultimate Instagrammable Corner

Shillong, Meghalaya, always boasts of its incredible cafe culture that puts emphasis on varied new concepts and ideologies which shed light on its creative community. Being sprawled with a plethora of pocket-friendly and artistic cafes in every nook and corner of Shillong’s streets, you will fall in love with the delectable food, eclectic musical rhythms, and breathtaking sights of Meghalaya’s verdant landscapes by visiting the best cafes in Shillong. Ranging from the local delicacies, American savory delights to the fanciful European classics, you will find an array of options that will cater to your preferences. Never forget to miss out on visiting the popular Dylan’s Cafe which is dedicated to the legend Bob Dylan, join his fan club, and rejoice in his renditions.

Let’s have a glance at the top 10 cafes in Shillong to get a sneak peek of Northeast’s Cafe culture and how it has evolved over time.

Dylan’s Cafe: Pay a Tribute to Bob Dylan
Shillong Cafe: The Ideal Musical Retreat
The Living Roof: Rejoice Amid the Tranquil Surroundings
You & I – Arts Cafe: Join the Artistic Community
Munchies: Get Your Instant Bites
Grub’s Cafe: Devour the Giant Burger
Open Up Cafe: Marvel at the Majestic View
ML 05 Cafe: Cheer up the Intrepid Bikers
Cherry Bean Cafe: Dig into the Sizzling Fries
Woodstock Cafe: Embrace Shillong’s Lively Spirit

1. Dylan’s Cafe: Pay a Tribute to Bob Dylan

Located near the popular shopping hub of Shillong, Police Bazar, Dylan’s Cafe is an ideal spot for all the locals and tourists to unwind in the best possible way. Pay homage to Bob Dylan and meet his fans from Shillong who have come up with innovative ideas of celebrating the legend and his ideal rock jingles. Often considered the best cafe for rock music in Shillong, Dylan’s Cafe has opulent interiors which show an idyllic blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. You can embark on an incredible gastronomic journey and devour the heartwarming manchow soup to the signature classic of Dylan’s Cafe, Bob’s Burger loaded with cheesy fillings. You can get a bird’s eye view of the breathtaking scenery of Meghalaya from the cafe’s balcony, drenched in green.

Location: Tripura Castle Rd, Dhankheti, Malki, Shillong, Meghalaya 793014

Opening Hours: 11.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m.

Cuisine: Asian, American, Chinese, Khasi

Must-try Dishes: Manchow soup, Bob’s Burger, Fiery Hot Chicken Wings, Pancakes, Chili Cheese Toast, Sesame Noodles with Chicken, Fruity Sangria, Minty lemon iced tea

2. Shillong Cafe: The Ideal Musical Retreat

Being in the heart of Shillong town, Shillong Cafe is one of the famous cafes that creates a space to integrate food and culture to showcase their passion for culinary art. With a quirky setting that is ideal enough to capture the best shot of yours for Insta feed, Shillong Cafe will lure you with its indulging music culture which brings the cafe to life. Since the cafe features some of the unique Meghalaya’s local delights, don’t forget to try out ‘Jadoh’, a Khasi delicacy made of rice and meat. It takes pride in its young and dynamic team catering to the needs of every visitor in delivering top-notch hospitality. You can connect to the locals and the community at Shillong Cafe, one of the best places to visit in Shillong, to get valuable insights about Meghalaya’s cultural heritage.

Location: Don Bosco Technical Institute Shillong, LP Building, Nongkynrih, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya 793003

Opening Hours: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Cuisine: Khasi, Asian, International

Must-try Dishes: Jadoh, Bamboo Shoot Curry, Irish Coffee, Noodles, Chicken Thukpa, Tuna Sandwich, Penne Arabiatta, Khao Suey, Classic Chicken Lasagna

3. The Living Roof: Rejoice Amid the Tranquil Surroundings

The Living Roof offers a casual dining setup to get a tinge of American, Chinese, and Indian flavors on your palate which would linger for a while. Located within the Living Roof hotel premises, the cafe will make you drool over the mouthwatering delicacies served in an elegant setting. Every corner of the cafe offers homely comfort as you can bring your pets to this space and create some fond memories to cherish for a lifetime. Go through the comprehensive menu of Living Roof and try out some of its signature dishes like Chicken Caesar Salad, Grilled Chicken Pizza, sizzling fries along with dips and treat your senses to the savory delights. Often considered one of the best cafes in Shillong, the Living Roof is a way to escape the mundane and find solace amid the Khasi hills.

Location: Landmark, 153 Anders,Bomfyle Road, College, near Shillong, Shillong, Meghalaya 793003

Opening Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cuisine: American, Chinese, Indian

Must-try Dishes: Grilled Chicken Pizza, Schezewan Noodles, Thai Lemon Ginger Garlic Fried Rice Prawn, Crispy Chilli Baby Corn, Chicken Caesar Salad, Wok Stir Fry, Chicken in Black Pepper Sauce

4. You & I – Arts Cafe: Join the Artistic Community

If you are interested in sustainability journey, You & I Arts Cafe in Shillong is the best way to get a clear idea of varied sustainability practices for preserving Meghalaya’s rich culture. This cafe came up with a melting pot of ideas that offers a space to its community and the visitors to discover oneself for personal growth. Marvel at the archaic wonders showcased in the cafe and try to visit this cafe during the musical sessions to get a gist of Meghalaya’s culture. One of the best things to do in Shillong is carry out numerous fun activities in this cafe ranging from card reading, making hand puppets, attending mind-mapping workshops, journaling, weaving dream catchers to watching documentaries. The cafe also has a comprehensive menu featuring Khasi delicacies out of which Phan Saw, Jhur im, & Tungtap is the top-rated.

Location: Mawroh-Mawtawar Road, Umshing-Mawkynroh, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001

Opening Hours: 11.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.

11.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. (only for Saturday)

Remains closed on Sunday

Cuisine: Authentic Khasi

Must-try Dishes: Phan Saw, Jhur im & Tungtap, Pu-Tharo, Riewhadem, Dohthad Sniang, Pu-doh

5. Munchies: Get Your Instant Bites

Even though Munchies Cafe doesn’t have an elegant setting like that of the other cafes in Shillong, it will lure you with its scrumptious delicacies like the loaded cheesy and grilled burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and seasoned pasta. With an open rooftop setting, often considered an ideal hangout place for youngsters, Munchies is a pocket friendly cafe that never fails to cater to the preferences of every visitor and one of the top 10 cafes in Shillong. If you get late sometimes, you don’t need to worry since Munchies will delight your senses even at night with the best food. Never forget to try out their signature dish Lebanese Shawarma which is best known for its flavorful taste that will linger in your mind and you will never get tired of it during your recurrent visits.

Location: Rani Villa, Laitumkhrah Main Rd, near Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya 793003

Opening Hours: 10.30 to 9 p.m.

12 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Sunday)

Cuisine: American

Must-try Dishes: Lebanese Shawarma, Chicken Burger, Iced Tea

6. Grub’s Cafe: Devour the Giant Burger

Located in Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Grub’s Cafe will blow away your mind with the sumptuous gigantic burgers filled with meat patty, cheese, egg, caramelized onion. The cafe features a quirky and opulent setting where you can find delight and comfort to have your meal and enjoy the ambiance. The cafe has a separate cutesy and artistic bakery that features a plethora of artful dessert items that will suit every mood and weather in Shillong, one of the best places to visit in India. What fascinates the visitors is the ideal menu which is renewed after 3 4 months suiting every season and catering to the needs of visitors. Don’t miss out on trying out the best cheesecake in the town they have, which is popular for its rich flavors. Moreover, if you have a sweet tooth, you can try out their pannacotta, cupcakes, custards, pastries, pies, etc.

Location: Laitumkhrah Main Rd, Nongkynrih, Laitumkhrah, Shillong, Meghalaya 793003

Opening Hours: 1 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. (Remains closed on Sunday)

Cuisine: American & International

Must-try Dishes: Spaghetti Ragu Chicken, Tuna Sandwich, Double Whammy Burger, Honey-Sriracha Chicken Wings, Tuna Sriracha Wrap

7. Open Up Cafe: Marvel at the Majestic View

Being on the outskirts of Shillong town, Open Up Cafe is often considered the best cafe in Shillong for youngsters and backpackers to grab instant savory bites for fueling themselves up. Known for the proper backpacker vibe, Open Up Cafe boasts of its American burgers and international delicacies that can lure you for recurrent visits. If you are on an ideal weekend getaway, visit this cafe with your beloved ones to spend some of the best times amid the calm and tranquil surroundings. It features an outdoor seating area from where you can witness the majestic beauty of verdant hills of Meghalaya and immerse yourself in the captivating views of it. Delight your senses by trying out their signature dishes like Himalayan Delight, Stir Fried Rice Noodle with Peanut & Chicken, Basa Fish Fillet with Pasta & Veggies.

Location: Mawlai, Mawroh, Pdengshnong, Meghalaya 793008

Opening Hours: 1.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. (Remains closed on Monday)

Cuisine: American & International

Must-try Dishes: Himalayan Delight, Stir Fried Rice Noodle with Peanut & Chicken, Basa Fish Fillet with Pasta & Veggies, Chicken Spaghetti in White Sauce, Kabab Burger Chicken

8. ML 05 Cafe: Cheer up the Intrepid Bikers

If you are on an expedition, finding a quirky yet comfortable space for yourself in the heart of Shillong, your search is over. Stop by the ML 05 Cafe which is based on a particular theme showcasing the owner’s love and passion for bikes, sports, and travel. Since cafe hopping in Shillong is one of the best things to do in India, you can connect with a couple of travelers and bikers with similar interests and passion at this cafe which can stir up long talks. Devor the best local delights, classic Italian and Chinese dishes for an enriching culinary experience. Try out their varieties of Pizza ranging from classic cheesy Margherita Pizza to the authentic Farm house pizza which are known for the burst of flavors. Never forget to savor the delectable, sweet treats for an alluring affair.

Location: AH 1, Mawsynram-Shillong Rd, near Eastern Air Command, Shillong, Meghalaya 793005

Opening Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Cuisine: Local, Italian, Chinese

Must-try Dishes: Roasted Chicken with Barbecue Sauce, Wai Wai Thukpa Platter, Farm house Pizza, Alfredo Pasta, Italian Corn & Cheese Sandwich, Wai Wai Bhel, Herbed Potato Wedges

9. Cherry Bean Cafe: Dig into the Sizzling Fries

Cherry Bean Cafe is a cafe in PB Shillong that attracts thousands of visitors including the Bollywood star Rajkumar Rao. This new establishment in the town offers a cozy and comfortable ambiance that features its handful of signature dishes like cheesy burgers, hotdogs, savory fries, and their special coffee. Moreover, don’t forget to try out their refreshing beverages to delight your senses. Visit the cafe with your beloved ones and unwind in the best possible way. If you are lucky enough, you might bump into some celebrities and cherish these moments for a lifetime. If you are seeking peace and tranquility while having your food, Cherry Bean Cafe is an ideal retreat to relish the enticing flavors in the heart of Shillong town for an immersive experience.

Location: GS Rd, opposite Broadway Hotel, Police Bazar, Shillong, Meghalaya 793001

Opening Hours: 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Cuisine: American, Italian, International

Must-try Dishes: Chicken Caesar Salad, Tuna Salad, Mushroom Cheese Bruschetta, Tempura Fried Prawns, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Roasted Chicken Pizza, Arrabiata Pasta, Cheery Bean Special

10. Woodstock Cafe: Embrace Shillong’s Lively Spirit

Woodstock Cafe is an in-house cafe in Shillong which offers both indoor and outdoor dining spaces to undertake an incredible culinary voyage. Ranging from the Indian, Chinese, to Continental cuisine, Woodstock Cafe has a plethora of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, catering to the needs of every traveler apart from the best restaurants in Shillong. With a unique interior featuring Shillong’s musical spirit, you can celebrate your love and passion for music with the performances of the classic artists organized from time to time. If you are visiting this cafe in the morning hours, try out their English breakfast platter which is fanciful and heartwarming at the same time. Devour the giant and delightful Maggie burger which is another major highlight of the cafe.

Location: 8th Mile, Lumdewsaw NH40, Mylliem, Shillong, Meghalaya 793009

Opening Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cuisine: Indian, Chinese, Continental

Must-try Dishes: English Breakfast, Delightful Maggie Burger, Farm House Momo, Wanton Soup, Beer Battered Chicken Popcorn, Spaghetti Aglio Olio, Dreamy Oreo Cookies, Homemade Ginger Ale

Cafes in Shillong are a must-visit for locals and visitors alike because they provide a delightful fusion of regional flavors, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and friendly service. Shillong's café culture accommodates a wide range of tastes and preferences, from lively places bustling with activity to charming hideaways buried away in the city's nooks. Shillong's cafes offer the ideal environment for relaxing with a book or catching up with friends, depending on your preferences. These cafés add to the diverse culinary and cultural environment of Shillong with their own charm and individuality, giving guests a lasting impression of the friendliness of the city. Book your Meghalaya tour packages with us to grab the best offers and explore every corner of this incredible Northeast Indian state.

Cafes in Shillong FAQ’s

Q1. Is Shillong a party place?

Yes, you can find a plethora of bars and clubs in Shillong, best known for musical performances by local artists and karaoke nights where you can chill with your friends. Since Shillong has a rich musical legacy, you can experience the thrill in every beat of local artist’s performance.

Q2. What are the top 5 cafes in Shillong?

Shillong has a rich gastronomic scene where you can find a diverse range of dishes starting from the local organic delights to the international delicacies. The top 5 cafes in Shillong are:

Dylan’s Cafe
Shillong Cafe
Living Roof
You & I
Grub’s Cafe

Q3. What is the famous sweet dish in Shillong?

Even though there are very few dessert items in Meghalayan or Khasi cuisine, one of the famous sweet dishes in Shillong is Pu Khlien. It is made from fermented rice, and you can find it in every restaurant serving authentic Khasi dishes.

Q4. What is the most famous food in Shillong?

You can find an array of Khasi delicacies in Shillong which are made from locally available ingredients and using simple methods of cooking. Some of the famous dishes to try out in Shillong are:

Jadoh
Doh Khlieh
Kyat
Tungrymbai
Dohneiiong

Q5. Which is the most popular cafe in Shillong for rock music?

Even though Shillong has numerous cafes that boast of the thriving music culture, Dylan’s Cafe is the most popular cafe in Shillong for rock music. It is dedicated to the legendary artist Bob Dylan who has got a huge fandom in Shillong.

Q6. When is the best time to visit Shillong?

The best time to visit Shillong is during March to June when the weather remains cool and pleasant, making it favorable for the visitors to carry out their touristic activities.

Q7. How many days are required for Shillong?

At least 5 days is ideal in Shillong to discover the ethereal beauty of various natural splendors on the outskirts of the town and unfurl its rich culture and historic past. You can even extend your stay in Shillong based on your preferences.

Q8. What is the best way to reach Shillong?

The best way to reach Shillong is to book a cab from Guwahati airport which is a 4 hours' drive to reach Meghalaya’s capital city. You can enjoy the mesmerizing views of the misty mountains and verdant landscapes all throughout the way.

Q9. Why is Shillong famous?

Shillong is mostly famous for its breathtaking landscapes including the looming mountains, unwinding roads, lush green valleys, splashing waterfalls, quaint wooden houses, and rich cultural heritage. Moreover, Shillong is best known for its majestic natural wonders where beauty has no bounds.

Q10. What are the top 5 restaurants in Shillong?

Shillong also boasts of its diverse culinary landscape, which you can experience in some of the best restaurants. The top 5 restaurants in Shillong are: