Revealing the 6 hidden gem restaurants in Shillong
Beyond the majestic hill slopes, Shillong tantalizes me with decades-old hearthside delicacies following grandma’s recipes, innovatively laid out and chic bistros that lend inventive Khasi touches to world cuisine, urging foodies to come and enjoy flavors of hill stations extend over roots and shores.
Let’s venture to 6 incredible places that are guaranteed to make you enjoy Shillong’s culinary tapestry – one flavorful bite at a time.
1. Dejavu – Fusion Dining and Karaoke Haven
Nestled in the heart of Shillong, Dejavu stands out as a captivating restaurant cum lounge bar, attracting customers with its unique charm and vibrant ambiance. Catering mainly to the younger crowd, Dejavu offers a perfect blend of delectable cuisine and lively music, making it a sought-after destination for those looking for an unforgettable dining experience. The soft glow of dimmed lighting envelops the restaurant, creating a tranquil atmosphere that offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. A standout feature of Dejavu is its exclusive karaoke station, a rare offering in Shillong, allowing guests to unleash their inner rock star while enjoying delicious dishes.
- Police Point, Laitumkhrah | Dejavu Restaurant, 3rd Floor, Branto Complex Building, Red Hill Rd, Shillong 793003, India.
- Dejavu welcomes guests from 12:00 to 22:00, so you can enjoy the offer at both lunch and dinner.
- With an average cost of INR 1000 for two, Dejavu offers an affordable yet delicious dining experience.
- Treat your taste buds to signature dishes such as the honey-glazed roast pork and spicy chicken corn soup, ensuring a culinary journey that delights all the senses.
2. Cafe Shillong – Where flavors meet artistry!
Cafe Shillong exudes comfort through delectable global bites coupled with charming street-side seating, allowing us to enjoy the vibrant capital of the state. Under artistic walls, tuck into a wood-fired thin-crust chicken tikka pizza or savor the complex textures of Burmese Khow Suey, while melodies from nearby performances light up the atmosphere. For food that pleases both the eye and the palate, Cafe Shillong is at the top of my list!
- Award-winning open-air lounge café
- Globally inspired fusion food menu
- Young creative meeting place in the middle of the city center
- Occasional performances by live music bands
3. Dylan’s Cafe – Celebrating the music legend
Dylan’s Cafe keeps me hooked with quirky bric-a-brac celebrations in honor of music icon Bob Dylan, while satisfying the hunger with generous burgers, salads and more. Enjoy fruit smoothies under cool pop art walls as you admire Dylan’s journey captured through memorabilia. For artsy bites combined with music nostalgia, this little cafe hits all the right notes!
- Award-winning music-themed cafe
- Serves snacks, burgers, healthy bowls, etc
- Youth-friendly prices attract student crowds
- Dylan’s song in the background
4. Red Rice Restaurant – Southeast Asian flavors
Take your taste buds on an exotic journey without a passport at Red Rice Asian restaurant, featuring chef’s special stir-fries, aromatic Thai curries and more made from culinary treasures of the East. Beneath elegant works of art, enjoy the bursting flavors of tender chili lamb, beautifully paired with white rice, as culinary wisdom from different cultures merges to delight your taste buds impeccably. For experimental Asian flavors combined with slick hospitality, Red Rice always delivers!.
- Award-winning gastronomic restaurant with modern Asian cuisine
- Specialized in Thai, Vietnamese and Oriental delicacies
- Sophisticated modern, minimalist interiors
- Extensive pan-Asian menu
5. The Living Roof – Scenic outdoor delights
Literally on a hilltop, the Living Roof cafe makes evenings special with thin-crust wood-fired pizzas, creamy pastas and more Asian dishes from their compact world menu. Under fairy lights, grilled meat dishes become irresistible while a light breeze caresses us and reminds us of the sublime decision to dine outside for an unparalleled view!
- Chic open-air lounge café
- Offers a selection of Indian, Chinese and Italian dishes
- Outdoor seating with panoramic views of the valley and city
- Cocktails and mocktails menu
6. Bamboo Hut Restaurant – native tribal flavors
I discover relatively unexplored gems from the indigenous cuisines of the North East at Bamboo Hut, dramatically designed as a tribal hut. Enjoy the unique texture of skewers under traditional wood carvings or try the rice beer while cultural performances keep you company. If you want to experience the traditions of North Eastern cuisine in an innovative and authentic way, you can stop by Bamboo Hut, where little surprises promise you.
- Award-winning cultural themed restaurant
- Showcases Northeastern tribal cuisine through pork and shellfish dishes
- Daily dinner performances by ethnic artists
- Seating derived from a tribal hut theme
Through decades-old hearth delights innovatively plated in sleek spaces and carefully blending global influences with indigenous goodness – Shillong keeps my taste buds excited with its multi-faceted flavors that span roots and coasts.