When the first drops of rain hit Delhi’s parched roads and the scent of petrichor fills the air, transforming the city, the otherwise hurried pace slows down. The trees look greener, the skies darker, and people start seeking cosy corners, comfort food, and hot cups of chai or coffee. Monsoon in Delhi isn’t just about the weather—it’s a mood, a reason to step out in your Crocs and curl up by a window with something warm in your hand.
In a city where chaos never sleeps, there are a few restaurants that feel like rain-soaked sanctuaries—places where the outside noise fades into the background and all you can hear is the soft rhythm of raindrops on rooftops. Whether you’re planning a romantic lakeside meal, looking for a quiet solo escape, or just want a chat over pakoras, these five cafés and restaurants in Delhi (some known, some off the radar) offer the perfect blend of monsoon ambience and soul-satisfying food.
Mia Bella, Hauz Khas Village
No list of monsoon-friendly spots in Delhi is complete without mentioning Mia Bella. Perched above the beautiful Hauz Khas lake, this restaurant brings you one of the most romantic, rain-washed views in the city. The European-inspired interiors, fairy lights, and rustic wooden seating add charm to the already stunning outdoor setting. From rich pastas to warm apple crumble, every dish here tastes better with the drizzle in the background.
Bonus: The terrace seating is a monsoon dream, with mist floating over the lake.
Where: 50 E, second floor, Hauz Khas Village
Cost for two: Rs 1,800
Lake Café, Hauz Khas Village
Tucked just a few buildings away from the bustling crowd of HKV, Lake Café is one of the area’s best-kept secrets. Less commercial than the others but with an equally mesmerising view of the lake and the ruins, this place is all about calm. Their food is light and comforting—sandwiches, shakshouka, and thick-cut fries done just right. Order their house-blend coffee or masala tea and let the sound of rain and birds create your background music.
Where: T-40, third floor, Hauz Khas Village
Cost for two: Rs 1,400
Olive Room, Saidulajab
Olive Room offers a peaceful rooftop escape with minimal decor, garden greens, and soft indie music that instantly calms the senses. On rainy days, the rooftop transforms into a retreat filled with earthy scents, mist, and city views peeking through. Their pasta bowls, Thai curry platters, and mocktails make it an ideal place for those seeking a slow, mindful break from city life. It’s the kind of place you stumble into once and keep returning to.
Also Read: From Pakoras to Ghewar: Delhi’s 5 must-have monsoon snacks
Where: Near Saket Metro Station, Saidulajab
Cost for two: Rs 1,300
Jugmug Thela, Champa Gali
Tucked in the artistic lane of Champa Gali, Jugmug Thela is a space where every corner feels like a handmade postcard. Rainwater trickles down tin roofs as conversations brew over chai. The scent of wet mud mixes with the aroma of jaggery cake, cookies, and hot chocolate. Low seating, fairy lights, and the occasional poetry reading make this café a cultural cocoon. It’s budget-friendly, intimate, and perfect for introspective rainy days.
Where: Lane number 3, Westend Marg, Saidulajab
Cost for two: Rs 800
The Potbelly Rooftop Café, Shahpur Jat
Potbelly is where you go when you’re craving something more regional and homely during the rains. Their Bihari fusion menu—littichokha, sattu parathas, sabudana tikkis—warms you from the inside out. Add a glass of masala chaach or sweet lassi, and you’re set. The rooftop is quiet, with a view of tiled rooftops and overgrown trees, and the vibe is one of familiarity and ease. It feels less like a restaurant and more like visiting a friend’s home on a rainy afternoon.
Where: 116-C, 4th Floor, Shahpur Jat
Cost for two: Rs 1,200
Let it rain, let it pour
Delhi’s monsoon magic isn’t just in the downpour—it’s in how the city adapts, embraces it, and slows down just enough for us to enjoy the small joys: a bowl of pasta with thunder rumbling in the distance or chai shared with a friend under a leaky awning. These restaurants and cafés are not just places to eat—they’re places to feel the season. Bookmark them for your next rainy-day escape.
