If you are looking for the best restaurants in Gulmarg Skiing destinations, start with Highland Park, Cloves Restaurant at The Khyber, Black Bear Brew, Bakshi Restaurant and Pine View Restaurant. They offer everything from authentic Kashmiri food to cafés with great mountain views. Most people visit Gulmarg for snow, skiing and the Gondola. Then lunch time arrives and the same question pops up.
“Where should we eat?”
That is where many travellers waste time. Some walk into the first place they see near the market. Others spend half an hour checking reviews. We have found that knowing a few good places before your trip saves both time and money. This guide shares the best restaurants in Gulmarg, what each place is known for, the food you should try, the average cost and which type of traveller will enjoy it most.
Best Restaurants in Gulmarg at a Glance
1. Highland Park Restaurant
If someone asks us to recommend only one place for authentic Kashmiri food, Highland Park is usually near the top of our list. The setting feels warm, especially in winter, and the menu has a good mix of local and North Indian dishes.
Try: Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Kashmiri Pulao
Good for: Families and first-time visitors. Average cost for two: ₹1,200 to ₹2,000.
2.Cloves Restaurant at The Khyber
This is one of the most popular luxury Gulmarg restaurants. Even if you are not staying at one of the resorts here, you can often dine at The Khyber with a reservation. The food is excellent, but many people come just for the beautiful mountain views through the large windows.
Try: Trout fish, Wazwan dishes, Fresh desserts
Good for: Couples and special occasions. Average cost for two: ₹3,500 to ₹6,000.
3. Black Bear Brew
Need a break after walking around the market or riding the Gondola? Black Bear Brew is a great stop for coffee and comfort food, and if you’d rather sit somewhere with a view over hot chocolate and pastries, the Igloo Cafe is another spot worth a visit. It has a relaxed feel that younger travellers and families enjoy.
Popular items: Cappuccino, Hot chocolate, Pizza, Brownies
Average cost for two: ₹1,200 to ₹2,000.
4. Bakshi Restaurant
Bakshi Restaurant is a good choice if you want tasty local food without spending too much. The menu is simple, but the portions are generous.
Don’t miss: Rajma Chawal, Rogan Josh, Chicken Curry
Average cost for two: ₹700 to ₹1,200.
5. Pine View Restaurant
Vegetarians have plenty of options in Gulmarg, and Pine View is one of the better choices. The food is simple, fresh and filling after a long day outdoors.
Recommended dishes: Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Paneer Butter Masala, Dal Tadka
Average cost for two: ₹800 to ₹1,400.
6. Hilltop Restaurant
Hilltop is popular with tour groups because it serves large meals and offers a wide menu. If your family likes different cuisines, everyone usually finds something here.
Best picks: Butter Chicken, Vegetable Biryani, Tandoori Roti
Average cost for two: ₹1,500 to ₹2,500.
What Should You Eat in Gulmarg?
Even if you only have one day here between exploring other things to do in Gulmarg, try at least one traditional Kashmiri dish. The flavours are rich but not overly spicy. Our favourites are: Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Gushtaba, Rista, Dum Aloo, Nadru Yakhni, Haak Saag, Kahwa, Noon Chai. Many visitors remember their first cup of hot Kahwa long after the trip ends.
Are Restaurants Expensive in Gulmarg?
Not always. Luxury hotel restaurants charge more, but local restaurants remain quite affordable.
As a rough guide:
- Budget meal: ₹300 to ₹600 per person
- Mid-range restaurant: ₹700 to ₹1,200 per person
- Luxury dining: ₹1,500 to ₹3,000+ per person
During Christmas and New Year, prices may be slightly higher.
Can You Find Vegetarian Food?
Yes. Almost every restaurant serves good vegetarian meals. Paneer, dal, mixed vegetables, rajma and Kashmiri Dum Aloo are available almost everywhere. If you need Jain food, call the restaurant in advance because some dishes take extra time to prepare.
Is Alcohol Available in Gulmarg Restaurants?
Yes, but not everywhere. Most local restaurants do not serve alcohol. If you want wine, beer or other drinks, luxury hotels are usually your best option. Availability can also change with hotel policy and the tourist season.
Tips Before You Choose a Restaurant
A little planning can make your meal much better.
- Book ahead if you are visiting in December or January, when the snowfall season draws the biggest crowds.
- Carry some cash because card machines may stop working during network issues.
- Ask about today’s fresh specials.
- Try at least one local dish instead of ordering only familiar food.
- Eat before 1 pm if you want to avoid lunch crowds.
Conclusion
A good meal can turn an ordinary holiday into one you remember for years. Gulmarg has beautiful mountains, but it also has restaurants that make you slow down, warm up and enjoy the place one bite at a time. Whether you’re here in peak winter or exploring places to visit in Gulmarg in winter, the real question is not whether you will find good food here. It is which restaurant you will wish you had discovered on your very first day.
FAQs
Which is the best restaurant in Gulmarg?
Highland Park Restaurant and Cloves Restaurant at The Khyber are among the most popular choices for food, service and atmosphere.
Where can I eat authentic Kashmiri food in Gulmarg?
Highland Park, Bakshi Restaurant and several hotel restaurants serve traditional Kashmiri dishes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni and Gushtaba.
Are there cafés in Gulmarg?
Yes. Black Bear Brew is one of the best cafés for coffee, snacks and desserts.
Is vegetarian food easy to find?
Yes. Almost every restaurant offers vegetarian meals, including Kashmiri Dum Aloo, paneer dishes, dal and rice.
Are restaurants open during snowfall?
Yes. Most restaurants stay open throughout winter, although very heavy snowfall can sometimes limit a few menu items.
