If you have an appetite for spectacular views and good food, this is your go-to-guide for the best rooftop cafes in Udaipur for couples, families, and solo travellers.
There’s just something about Udaipur that makes you slow down your strides. No, it’s not the typical city traffic or larger-than-life edifices that look like tall industrial blocks. The ethereal beauty of Udaipur lies in its sustained simplicity and how tourist-friendly this historic city is. No decorative frills attached, if we may add.
Azure sky in the day that turns into a star-studded blanket in the night, sparkling but placid lakes, unmissably narrow bylanes juxtaposed with heritage havelis, and most importantly the uber-cool rooftop cafes in Udaipur — this inimitable fusion has given tourism in Udaipur a whole new exciting reputation. Imagine daily evenings of live music, candlelight dinners, menus listing local as well as modern dishes, and of course, spectacular outdoors and indoors with unlimited lake views. Need we say more? Whether you are navigating the city alone or with someone, bookmark these six rooftop cafes in Udaipur for that Instagram-perfect bucket list featuring fine food and finer views.
Baro Masi, Udai Kothi
The most interesting thing about navigating your way to Baro Masi is that it is a tiny journey of its own, meandering through the turns and corners inside Udai Kothi, a boutique hotel where this rooftop restaurant is located. A melange of vivid colours, enthralling chandeliers, artworks of historic Udaipur and a stellar swimming pool greets as one walks through.
And if you love art and opulence, Baro Masi on the terrace of this kothi is a must-visit. From small bites, appetisers, main course, and desserts to a selection of spirits and cocktails that are served from the alfresco bar area, dining with Lake Pichola views an unforgettable experience. The best time to visit? Between 4 to 6 pm if you don’t want to miss capturing a mesmerising sunset!
Must-have: Veg or non-veg Mewari thali, sarson mahi tikka, mac and cheese.
Where: Baro Masi, Udai Kothi, Chand Pole Road, Hanuman Ghat Marg, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Sun N Moon Restaurant & Cafe
One of the most charming rooftop cafes in Udaipur, especially when you’re in and around the touristy spots of the old city like the iconic Jagdish Temple and Bagore ki Haveli, keeping Sun N Moon restaurant on your list will assure you some great pictures for the ‘gram, along with a wide selection of local and international food fare. You don’t just get to revel in the lakeside views, but also see the cityscape with a whole new perspective, all thanks to the restaurant hosting three levels of rooftop venues with different vantage points.
What do we love the most? Sun N Moon serves its breakfast menu all day long, so if you’re one of us who likes to catch breakfast for dinner, then you know where to go!
Must-have: Grilled Chicken Steak, Kadhai Chicken, Chicken Rajputana, Nachos, and lots of beer!
Where: Sun N Moon restaurant & cafe, Near Jagdish Temple, Gangaur Ghat, Udaipur. Rajasthan
Upré by 1559 AD
Perched right on Lake Pichola Hotel, Upré by 1559 AD is one of the most-visited rooftop cafes in Udaipur. What makes it a must on the wishlist of travellers and locals alike is that it sits in close proximity to all the significant landmarks in the old city area, overlooking the majestic City Palace, Gangour Ghat, and Pichola Lake, in all its tranquil glory.
An open-air bar with cabanas alongside a stunning dining set-up complete Upré by 1559 AD where you can tuck into a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian local dishes like Ker sangri, Rabodi kanda, Mewari egg curry, Dhungar Murg and Laal maas, or go for some modern picks like Chicken Stroganoff, Quesadilla Chicken, Mac and Cheese, to name a few.
Must-have: Khargosh (rabbit) Ka Keema, Laal Maas, Ker Sangri, and Mutton Biryani.
Where: Upré by 1559 AD, Lake Pichola Hotel, outside Chand Pole, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar
Skirting the banks of Lake Pichola and wrapping the undisturbed, calm charm of the old city, Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar in old city of Udaipur is perfect to visit any time of the day. It is popular among tourists and locals alike for its coffees, desserts, and quick Italian bites. A gorgeous haven for breakfast-with-views or for a light, unwinding lunch after wandering the streets of Udaipur or for snacking while witnessing the sky change hues during sunset — Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar is one of the best rooftop cafes in Udaipur to embrace a bit of both, local and modern.
Must-have: Mushroom Sandwich, Walnut Pie, Hazelnut Frappe, Chilli Cheese Toast, and Wood-fired Pizzas.
Where: Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar, Jheel Guest House, Gangaur Ghat Marg, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Panna Vilas Restaurant and Lounge
Inside Hotel Panna Vilas, a lake facing boutique hotel in Udaipur, is Panna Vilas restaurant and lounge. The seating arrangement, its interiors, and the panoramic view are as sublime and beautiful as it gets here. Nestled about two kilometres away from the city centre, Panna Vilas enjoys the company of serene Fateh Sagar Lake, one of the most visited lakes after Lake Pichola.
Dining here during the daytime and early evening is recommended to soak in most of the rooftop experience and an extensive menu that spells delectable to the T —from Mexican and Italian to Global and Indian, not to forget a long list of spirits make Panna Vilas one of the finest rooftop restaurants in Udaipur.
Must-have: Oriental sizzler, Chicken Rajputana, Chicken Banjara, Paneer Lababdaar, and Lasagna.
Where: Panna Vilas Restaurant and Lounge, Rani Road, Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur, Rajasthan
Jaiwana Haveli Rooftop Restaurant
A total of four floors need to be hiked up before you make it to Jaiwana Haveli Rooftop Restaurant in Udaipur. This in no way the venue’s disadvantage as you get unparalleled vistas of Lake Pichola, the ghats, and the mighty Aravalli mountain range.
In close proximity to City Palace and Chandpole, Jaiwana Haveli models a blend of modern and traditional interiors while serving a palatable array of Mughlai, Rajasthani, and Indian-Chinese dishes including the crowd-favourite Butter Chicken, Laal Maas, Gatte ki Sabzi, Bhutte ki Sabzi, Tandoor Chicken, and thalis. If you’re an early riser and have plans to trail the old city in the morning, Jaiwana Haveli cooks up a vast choice of breakfast options too!
Must-have: Stuffed Paratha with yoghurt, Gatte ki Sabzi, Kadhi Pakora.
Where: Jaiwana Haveli Rooftop Restaurant, Lal Ghat Road, Near Jagdish mandir, Udaipur, Rajasthan