19 BEST Restaurants in Shillong (from a local)

Looking for the best restaurants in Shillong? I’ve got you covered!

My husband is from Shillong so I had a local guide when I’m in the area and he knows how important it is to me to enjoy good food when I travel. These are the 19 best restaurants in Shillong.

My personal favorite restaurants in Shillong are: Sao Aiom Restaurant at Ri Kynjai, Spectra at the Marriott, and Heritage Club at Tripura Castle. Regardless of what type of meal you are looking for, you’ll find a place to eat that fits your needs in the list below.

Best Family Friendly Restaurants in Shillong

Looking for a restaurant to enjoy a family meal at? Here’s a few places to eat where everyone will find something to their liking.

1. Heritage Club (at Tripura Castle)

Did you know Shillong is home to the former Tripura Royal Family? A part of the Tripura Castle is now a hotel with a couple of restaurants. Head to the lounge if its chilly or get a table amidst the pines in the lawn!

Good for: families, group meals, and couples

2. Rynsan

This new restaurant sources their ingredients from organic rural and urban farms. Their menu showcases the unique position of Northeast India in the world by featuring dishes influenced by the diverse Indian sub-continent, South China, and Southeast Asia. It’s currently open for lunch and dinner.

Good for: families, small group meals, and couples

3. Deja Vu

Looking for a good, sit down Chinese meal in Shillong somewhere the locals would eat? Deja Vu in the heart of Laitumkhrah is the place for you!

Good for: families, group meals, and couples

4. City Hut Family Dhaba

If you’re looking for a good Indian or Chinese meal in Shillong, City Hut Family Dhaba is a sure thing. It is famous with local families who often do weddings, receptions and dinners here!

Good for: families, group meals, and couples

5. Lamee

Another favorite with local families, this is another restaurant in Shillong with good Chinese food. Located in Police Bazaar, it’s a good pit stop for lunch or dinner during your shopping trip.

Good for: families, group meals

6. The Wok

With two branches, this is a local Chinese favorite. Try the momos, wantons, soup chow or the good old standby, Shillong Chow!

Good for: families, group meals

7. Little Chef Spices of Asia (at the Golf Retreat)

Another Indian and Chinese restaurant, located at the Golf Retreat, which is a hotel next to a private golf course called Golf Links. While the golf course isn’t open to the public, anyone can stop in to enjoy a delicious meal at Little Chef Spices of Asia. This was one of my favorite meals in Shillong.

Good for: families, group meals, and couples

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Shillong

If you are looking for a fancier option for a date night or special celebration then check out these three restaurants.

8. Spectra at Courtyard by Marriott

The all-day restaurant at the Courtyard by Marriott (the best hotel in Shillong) serves an authentic international buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with cooking stations. Cuisines featured include Indian, Asian, and Western.

I recommend ordering the twice cooked pork and request it with no fat. It’s a spicy dish but it’s delicious!

There’s also a section of the menu that is called “locally inspired Asian” which is a mix of indigenous dishes from local tribes.

If you are looking for fine dining in Shillong, the Spectra is a great option.

Good for: families and couples

9. Ahavah 

For something different than Indian and Chinese food, try Ahavah restaurant. Their menu consists of Italian, French and Mediterranean cuisine.

Go here for a special night. They even specify a dress code on their website of smart casual, semi-formal & formal.

Good for: date night, special celebrations, couples

10. Mynt at the Vivanta

At Vivanta’s all day dining restaurant, Mynt, you’ll be sure to be treated to Taj’s renowned attentive service. They serve array of European, Mediterranean, Southeast Asian and Indian favorites.

They also have a coffee shop with an outdoor patio that is good for meeting with friends for a light bite and coffee or tea.

Good for: families and couples

Best Cafes in Shillong

Looking for a nice café to enjoy your meal or a cup of tea? Here’s four places to grab a bite and catch up with friends.

11. Dylan Cafe

This cafe is a tribute to the great Bob Dylan. Head here for some great coffee, Bob Dylan music and vibes.

Good for: snacks and coffee, lunch with friends

12. Cafe Shillong

Shillong is famous for its hakka noodles (lovingly called chow) and momos (dumplings). And there are none better than Cafe Shillong, which does chow in a banana leaf with onion, a Shillong classic! Head to the one in Laitumkhrah for the city buzz or to Cafe Shillong Heritage for some peace and views.

Good for: small group meals, families, couples

13. Cherry Bean Cafe

This new cafe offers a variety of continental food in a clean modern setting. It opened in November 2023 and is already a local favorite.

Good for: small groups, coffee dates, couples

14. Munchies

Finding a beef burger with actual beef in India can create a beef! Not in Shillong though where beef is legal since 70% of the state is Christian. Head to Munchies for a good burger. This outdoor food stand with picnic tables is a favorite with the college kids around Shillong.

Good for: a quick meal with friends, cheap eats

15. Irish Pub at Polo Towers

As the name suggests, this is an Irish themed pub at Hotel Polo Towers. Head here for a drink and quick bites.

Good for: drinks, small plates, dining with friends

Best Restaurants in the Outskirts of Shillong

While in Shillong, you’ll quickly realize that everything gets better with a little drive around it. The city is busy and hasn’t changed much in the last 30 years, apart from its population doubling! So, head for a meal around the city for some calm, views and food.

16. Sao Aiom Restaurant at Ri Kynjai

Overlooking the serene Lake Umiam, this restaurant is attached to the picturesque Ri Kynjai resort. The Chinese food is highly recommended.

Good for: families and couples

17. Sunset Cafe

As the name suggests, this cafe overlooks the valley and is a great place for a beautiful Shillong sunset.

Good for: quick bites, group meals

18. ML05 cafe

You’ll see a lot of ML05 on the car number plates in Shillong. The locals treasure their cars and this creative cafe in a forest around the outskirts of Shillong!

19. Soilina Huts

Soilina Huts is a local favorite on the route to or back from Cherrapunjee (also known as Sohra). This restaurant has little huts built along a hill side where you and your company can enjoy a meal.

Map of the Best Restaurants in Shillong

Plan your meal around where you’ll be in the city.

What is the best Khasi food?

The Khasi people are a local indigenous tribe in Shillong. You can find Khasi food served in stalls all around Shillong. Many Khasi dishes are pork based; Jadoh is rice with smoked pork, Dohneiiong features pork in a black sesame gravy, and Doh Khlieh is essentially a pork salad.

What food is Shillong famous for?

Chinese food is a very popular cuisine in Shillong. Noodles and dumplings are common dishes, locally referred to as chow and momos. Another Shillong specialty is a Big Momo, which is large pork filled dumpling, best served with the signature red chutney.

TL;DR: Best Restaurants in Shillong

Shillong’s restaurant scene is largely a highlight of Indian and Chinese food, but you can find variety of places to enjoy a meal from the peaceful atmosphere of Sao Aiom Restaurant overlooking Lake Umiam to action packed people watching at Munchies overlooking the city streets. Enjoy!

If you’re planning a trip to Shillong, there’s endless beautiful places to see and fun things to do in the city and around Meghalaya.