The
Dining Guide

One of Shillong's more refined dining destinations, combining a full-service restaurant with a bar. Home to Shad Skye, a premier cocktail bar ranked No. 38 on India's 30 Best Bars list (January 2026), the space is known for its innovative, Northeast-inspired cocktails that highlight regional ingredients such as pinewood and bamboo shoots. With its elevated ambience and sweeping city views, it is an ideal choice for evenings, celebrations and an upscale night out.

Not just a restaurant but a cultural dining space, Rynsan builds its menu around Northeast India's culinary identity, drawing from Khasi, Garo, Jaintia and Southeast Asian influences. With a strong focus on locally sourced, organic ingredients, each dish is crafted to celebrate regional flavours in a heritage setting. Recognised as one of Condé Nast Traveller India's Top 50 Restaurants in 2025, it stands as one of Shillong's most distinctive and concept-driven dining experiences.

A dynamic dining and nightlife destination where great food, crafted drinks and live music come together effortlessly. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and strong music culture, it offers an experience that goes beyond dining, making it a key part of Shillong's nightlife scene.

Located within Windermere Resorts, Bistro 16 offers a contemporary dining experience set against a scenic hilltop backdrop near Umpling, with views of pine forests and Shillong town. The menu brings together Meghalayan flavours and international cuisine, while the space balances modern elegance with rustic charm through its indoor and outdoor seating, creating a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere.

A newly opened, modern dining space in Nongkyriem, Nongthymmai, The White Rock stands out for its rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of Shillong. Set within a contemporary 3-star property and managed by an all-women team, it combines thoughtful hospitality with a clean, aesthetic setting. With its open rooftop seating and scenic backdrop, it is especially suited for special occasions, intimate evenings and slow, visually pleasing dining experiences.

Located in Laitumkhrah, Olivia's Kitchen is a contemporary café and restaurant known for its cozy yet refined atmosphere, making it a favourite for date nights, small gatherings and solo dining. The menu brings together American and Continental comfort food with a modern touch, consistently delivering on both flavour and quality. Known for its well-executed dishes, highlights include the signature beef tenderloin, grilled chicken with mushroom sauce, burgers, tacos and pastas, with the beef steak often regarded as a must-try. Over time, it has built a strong local following for its reliability and overall dining experience.

Located in Mawlai Mawroh near Golf Links, Blackstone Grill stands out as Shillong's first dedicated Middle Eastern and Arabian dining destination. The restaurant focuses on authentic, non-Indianised flavours, specialising in charcoal-grilled meats, traditional mandi platters and classic dishes such as shawarma, hummus and falafel. Signature offerings include Al Faham grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, shish tawouk and generously portioned mandi platters designed for sharing. The space features a cozy, black-themed interior with views of the surrounding hills, creating an elegant yet relaxed dining atmosphere. With a halal-friendly menu, a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and traditional beverages like Turkish coffee, Moroccan tea and Arabic qahwa, Blackstone Grill offers a niche, cuisine-focused experience that stands apart within Shillong's food scene.

A popular and aesthetically driven café in Shillong, Cherrybean Café is known for its minimalist décor and warm, cozy atmosphere that feels like a "home away from home." Opened in November 2023 by actors Rajkummar Rao and Patralekha, the space blends comfort with a clean, Instagram-worthy aesthetic. With its soothing music, relaxed setting and welcoming service, it is especially suited for coffee breaks, casual bites, solo visits or quiet work sessions. A favourite among students, tourists and small groups alike, Cherrybean stands out as a go-to spot for laid-back, feel-good dining.

Located in Laitumkhrah, Roma Eatery is a contemporary restaurant known for its cozy, trend-forward setting and eclectic global menu. Founded by Rida Tariang and Sahil Majaw, it has become a popular choice among both locals and visitors for its comfort food and well-designed space. With its natural lighting, indoor plants and rustic elements, the ambience strikes a balance between relaxed and stylish, making it ideal for casual hangouts or date settings. The restaurant also features a separate bar area along with outdoor seating, while its friendly and efficient service continues to add to its strong local appeal.

Located near ITI Rynjah, La Khaum is a cozy and aesthetically driven café that brings together Korean, Japanese and Himalayan influences in a way that feels both accessible and distinctive. Known for its warm lighting, thoughtfully designed interiors and quiet corners, it offers a calm, inviting space that works well for solo visits and small gatherings. What sets it apart is its subtle blend of experience and dining, from its curated menu to unique touches like the hanbok experience, allowing guests to engage with Korean culture in a relaxed setting. Occasionally hosting activities such as sip and paint sessions, La Khaum stands out not for being flashy, but for its consistency, character and charm.

A contemporary addition to Shillong's café scene, Farraway Café in Motinagar has quickly gained popularity for its minimalist aesthetic and thoughtfully curated menu. Since opening in early 2025, it has built a strong following for its creative beverages and diverse offerings that span Continental, Asian and Italian cuisines. The space is defined by its clean, modern design and cozy atmosphere, often described as both peaceful and highly photogenic. Despite its compact size, Farraway stands out as one of the city's most sought-after cafés, especially during busy weekend evenings.

Located in Lower Nongrim Hills, Lah Monte Diner is a popular new addition to Shillong's café scene, known for its Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic and cozy, visually appealing atmosphere. Tucked away on JJS Cable Road, it offers a relaxed and scenic setting that has quickly gained attention as an Instagram-worthy spot. Specialising in Thai cuisine, the menu features a mix of familiar favourites and globally inspired comfort dishes, with popular picks like Nasi Goreng and the Mango Coconut Smoothie. Its inviting ambience and laid-back charm make it a great choice for casual outings, small groups and slow, unhurried dining experiences.

A well-established favourite in Shillong, YCC is a multi-cuisine restaurant best known for its strong focus on Thai cuisine while also offering a mix of Chinese, Continental and Naga dishes. Its diverse menu and consistently good flavours have made it a reliable go-to for both locals and visitors. The space features a cozy, aesthetically designed interior that lends itself well to social gatherings and casual dining. With attentive service, group-friendly seating and a reputation for quality reflected in its high customer ratings, YCC continues to stand out as one of the city's most dependable Asian dining spots.

Located in Lower Lachumiere, Tzai Thai Dining is an authentic Thai restaurant known for its genuine flavours and a "Bangkok-like" dining experience. Tucked away from the city's busier areas, it offers a calm, slightly hidden retreat that feels both intimate and refined. The space combines a contemporary café-style aesthetic with a warm, inviting ambience, while the menu stays true to traditional Thai cuisine with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. With its balance of authenticity, presentation and atmosphere, Tzai stands out as a modern yet rooted destination for Thai food in Shillong.

Kynjai Cloud Kitchen is a popular Korean and Pan-Asian dining spot in Shillong, known for delivering authentic flavours in a cozy, thoughtfully designed setting. Despite its cloud kitchen origins, it offers a charming dine-in experience within a traditional Assam-type house, featuring wooden interiors and vintage elements that create a warm, "Pinterest-worthy" atmosphere. Well-loved among younger crowds and Korean food enthusiasts, the menu focuses on flavourful and affordable dishes, while unique touches like complimentary hanbok try-ons add an interactive cultural element to the experience.

Umaii is a well-loved dining spot in Shillong specialising in Korean and Japanese cuisine, known for its balance of quality, affordability and aesthetic appeal. The space features a cozy, contemporary setting with soft, homely touches such as floral elements and subtle décor details, creating a relaxed yet trendy atmosphere. Popular for casual dining and small gatherings, Umaii offers a menu that combines flavourful dishes with accessible pricing, making it a favourite among younger crowds. With its welcoming service and inviting ambience, it stands out as a reliable go-to for those seeking an easy, aesthetic Asian dining experience.

Located in the Fire Brigade area, Zen Garden is a well-rated Pan-Asian restaurant with a strong focus on Korean cuisine, known for its authentic Far Eastern flavours and thoughtfully designed space. The interior features a refined, green-themed aesthetic that creates a calm and immersive dining environment. What sets it apart is its interactive dining setup, with specialised chimneys for tabletop grilling and hotpots, allowing for a more engaging and experience-driven meal. It is a popular choice for those looking to enjoy Korean cuisine in a comfortable yet distinctive setting.

A newly opened Asian fine-dining destination in Nongkynrih, Lady Aiko brings a distinctive and immersive dining experience to Shillong. Founded by Chef Reuben, the restaurant specialises in Korean BBQ and hotpot, combining high-quality ingredients with interactive dining elements. Notably, it is among the first in the region to serve Wagyu beef, alongside a menu that includes dishes such as Army Stew (Budae-Jigae), ramen, prawn tempura and karaage. Guests can engage directly with their meal through cook-your-own hotpot experiences, with staff assistance available when needed. Adding to its appeal, the restaurant also offers a hanbok experience for guests, blending culinary exploration with a cultural touch. With its concept-driven approach and refined setting, Lady Aiko stands out as a unique addition to Shillong's evolving Asian dining scene.

Located in the heart of Iewduh, Bei Synshar Jadoh Stall is widely regarded as one of the most iconic spots to experience authentic Khasi cuisine. Known for its decades-long legacy, the stall embodies the essence of Shillong's local food culture through its simple, unpretentious setting and deeply traditional cooking methods. Prepared fresh daily over charcoal, the jadoh here carries a distinct smoky flavour, further enhanced by the use of local country chicken rather than broiler meat. A favourite among locals and visitors alike, it has even received recognition from Meghalaya's Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for its authenticity. Best visited during lunch hours, it remains a benchmark for those seeking the true taste of traditional Khasi food.

Located in the heart of Iewduh (Bara Bazar), Dukan Pyrbot is widely regarded as one of the oldest and most legendary jadoh stalls in the Khasi Hills, with origins dating back to the early 1890s. A true landmark of Shillong's food culture, it holds a special place in the city's culinary heritage. Often referred to as the "OG of jadoh," the stall is celebrated for its consistency, simplicity and deep-rooted traditional preparation. With its longstanding reputation and authentic flavours, Dukan Pyrbot remains a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the history and essence of Khasi cuisine.

A well-known local favourite, Kyrsoi Jadoh Stall has been serving authentic Khasi cuisine for over four decades, earning a strong reputation for its homely flavours and traditional preparation. Rooted in everyday food culture, it offers a genuine glimpse into how locals experience jadoh beyond curated settings. What sets it apart is the ability to customise meals with a variety of sides such as beef balls, pork salad and smoked meat curries, allowing for a more complete and personal dining experience. Best visited during lunch hours, it remains a staple for those seeking comforting, true-to-tradition Khasi food.

Located in the heart of Police Bazar, The Meghalayan Experience is a well-known restaurant and cultural hub that offers an immersive introduction to the culinary traditions of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo tribes. Built around traditional recipes and locally sourced ingredients, it delivers a true farm-to-table dining experience rooted in regional authenticity. The space combines a cozy, contemporary setting with elements of Meghalayan culture, from its interiors to music, creating an atmosphere that feels both accessible and culturally rich. Beyond dining, it also features an artisanal retail corner showcasing local handicrafts and jewellery. Recognised for its approach, the restaurant was awarded the Gold Award for Sustainable Food Experiences in 2025 by Meghalaya Tourism and Outlook Responsible Tourism, further cementing its place as a must-visit for first-time visitors.

Located in the Police Bazar area, Trifle is a premium artisanal café and bakery known for its high-quality eggless desserts and freshly baked viennoiseries. With a focus on seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully crafted offerings, the menu features a balance of indulgent sweets and select savoury options. The space is defined by its slow, intentional aesthetic and warm, cozy atmosphere, often described as having a "magical" charm. With its attention to detail, family-friendly setting and consistently good service, Trifle stands out as one of Shillong's most refined dessert destinations.

A well-regarded patisserie in Shillong, Robert Junior has built a strong reputation for its premium, artisanal approach to baking under the direction of its founder and pastry chef. Known for its focus on quality ingredients and craftsmanship, the bakery offers a refined take on classic desserts and pastries. Particularly celebrated for its French-style baked goods, the menu features buttery, flaky croissants in a variety of flavours alongside carefully crafted cakes and desserts. Blending skill with creativity, Robert Junior stands out as a modern bakery with a loyal following and a distinct identity within Shillong's dessert scene.

A warm, homely dessert space, Iingshet brings a sense of comfort and familiarity to Shillong's café scene. Located in Nongrim Hills, this artisan bakery and coffee spot is known for its thoughtfully made breads, savouries, and desserts, all rooted in simplicity and quality. The name, derived from the Khasi phrase "Ïing shet ja" (meaning "the kitchen"), reflects its essence — a space that feels personal, inviting and grounded. With its cozy, laid-back atmosphere often described as a "cup of comfort," Iingshet has become a local favourite for slow coffee moments and comforting baked treats.

Tucked away in Jaiaw, Crumbs Bakery & Café is a charming spot known for its freshly baked goods and calm, inviting atmosphere. Often described as a "hidden gem," the space stands out for its clean, neat setting — ideal for a quiet catch-up or a peaceful solo visit. The menu highlights a range of well-loved desserts, with standout favourites including the light and fluffy Japanese Cheesecake, classic Tiramisu and the warmly spiced Cinnamon Apple Pie. With its balance of comfort and quality, Crumbs offers a simple yet satisfying café experience in Shillong.