
Sip, Savour, and Soak in the City of Lakes from Above
Udaipur, often called the Venice of the East, wears its beauty like a crown of shimmering waters and golden sunsets. The royal city, embraced by the Aravalli Hills and adorned with tranquil lakes, feels like a living painting where every reflection tells a story of timeless grace.
Its charm, however, reaches its poetic peak when seen from a breezy rooftop café where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the scent of the lake breeze.
As you sit beneath an amber sky, Lake Pichola and Fateh Sagar unfold before you like mirrors to the heavens, their rippling surfaces catching the hues of twilight.
The distant palaces glow like fireflies in marble, and the soft hum of temple bells drifts across the water. Whether it’s the calm of dawn or the allure of dusk, Udaipur’s rooftops offer an experience that transcends dining, it’s where the city’s rhythm slows, and every moment feels steeped in royal tranquillity.
Perched right beside Lake Pichola, Upré by 1559 AD is a fine blend of heritage and elegance. The open terrace provides an unobstructed view of the lake and City Palace, both turning golden as the sun descends.
The décor features rustic lamps, blue-hued seating, and a royal touch that perfectly complements its traditional yet contemporary menu.
Location: Near Lake Pichola Hotel, Hanuman Ghat
Best For: Romantic dinners and sunset views
Must-Try: Laal Maas, Gatte ki Sabzi, and Chocolate Mousse
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹1800
Best Time to Visit: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM, when the sunset paints the sky and the lake reflects the palace lights.
Sun and Moon Rooftop Café is a cosy hideaway overlooking the old city’s rooftops and Lake Pichola. Adorned with fairy lights and artistic murals, it’s ideal for those who enjoy peace with a touch of creativity.
Live music performances in the evening make it even more inviting, while the view of the shimmering ghats below is simply spellbinding.
Location: Chandpole, Near Lake Pichola
Best For: Boho vibes and relaxed evening coffee
Must-Try: Pancakes, Veg Lasagna, and Cold Coffee
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹1000
Best Time to Visit: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, especially during twilight for panoramic sunset views.
The Rainbow Café is one of Udaipur’s most picturesque dining spots, where guests can sit almost at the water’s edge. Its rooftop gives a wide-angle view of Lake Pichola, dotted with boats, and the distant Aravallis.
The interiors are bright and airy, with a colourful vibe that feels both casual and scenic. The food, ranging from Indian to Italian, complements the lakeside charm beautifully.
Location: Gangaur Ghat, Near Bagore Ki Haveli
Best For: Global cuisine with lakefront panoramas
Must-Try: Wood-fired Pizza, Thai Curry, and Lemon Iced Tea
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹1200
Best Time to Visit: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM for dinner under the stars or an early 8:00 AM breakfast overlooking calm waters.
Once the residence of a royal family, Jaiwana Haveli offers an authentic Udaipur experience. Its rooftop dining space overlooks Lake Pichola and the majestic City Palace, making it perfect for guests seeking heritage with flavour.
The restaurant is known for its home-style Rajasthani thalis and warm hospitality.
Location: Lal Ghat, Near City Palace
Best For: Traditional Rajasthani meals and lake views
Must-Try: Dal Baati Churma, Mutton Curry, and Mango Lassi
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹1600
Best Time to Visit: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM, when the City Palace lights begin to shimmer across the lake.
Also read: 10 Premium Resorts in Udaipur that will Steal Your Heart
Amber is a part of the grand Jagat Niwas Palace, an 18th-century haveli that embraces both history and elegance.
The rooftop terrace, adorned with carved arches and candlelit tables, offers a direct view of Lake Pichola and the shimmering Lake Palace. Soft instrumental music and Rajasthani décor make dining here a poetic experience.
Location: Lal Ghat, Inside Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel
Best For: Fine dining with royal ambience
Must-Try: Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, and Rabri
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹2000
Best Time to Visit: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM for a candlelit dinner and sunset reflection over the lake.
If tranquillity had a taste, it would be found at Jheel’s Ginger Coffee Bar & Bakery, a serene lakeside spot where the aroma of freshly baked croissants drifts over the calm waters of Lake Pichola. This café is a favourite among travellers who love to sip their morning brew while watching boats glide past the ghats below.
The interiors are cosy and sunlit, with wooden accents and large glass windows framing the lake like an ever-changing painting. It’s equally charming for breakfast dates or peaceful evenings with coffee and conversation.
Location: Chandpole, Near Gangaur Ghat
Best For: Morning coffee by the lake or peaceful evening reflections.
Must-Try: Cappuccino, Chocolate Croissant, and Veg Sandwich
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹1000
Best Time to Visit: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM for a sunlit breakfast or 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM for lakeside golden-hour coffee.
Fateh Sagar’s cool breeze and youthful energy come alive at The Hungry Psychopath Café a fun, artsy rooftop with vibrant murals and upbeat music. It’s a great spot for a relaxed evening with friends or a quiet solo coffee overlooking the lake.
Location: Near Fateh Sagar Lake
Best For: Quirky interiors and lakeside hangouts
Must-Try: Cheese Nachos, Pizza Fries, and Cold Coffee
Approx. Cost for Two: ₹900
Best Time to Visit: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM, to enjoy daylight fading over the blue waters of Fateh Sagar Lake.
Also read: Jaipur to Udaipur: Distance and Best way to Travel!
Udaipur’s charm changes with the light, but the best hours to visit its rooftop cafés are during sunset (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) when the skies blush pink and orange over the lakes.
Evenings are ideal for romantic dinners, with gentle breezes and glittering reflections on the water.
Season-wise Tips:
Winter (October to February): Perfect for clear skies and cosy evenings.
Monsoon (July to September): Offers dramatic cloudscapes and lush surroundings, though some cafés may close during heavy rain.
Summer (March to June): Best visited after 6 PM to avoid the heat.
Each of these rooftop cafes in Udaipur with lake views offers a unique story, some steeped in heritage, others brimming with bohemian spirit.
Also read: Guide to Exploring Stunning Forts of Rajasthan
Whether you’re watching the palaces glow at dusk, hearing the ghats come alive with music, or simply gazing at the lake in silence, these cafés promise memories as rich as their flavours.
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