16 Cafes in Lucknow

Over recent years, Lucknow has witnessed a trend of cool cafes mushrooming in the city. With the growing popularity of the different cafes here, the city of Nawabs is officially on the café map of India. These cafes offer everything that you would dream of for hanging out with friends or going on a lovely date with your special someone. Mouth-watering delicacies, perfect ambience, impressive décor, comfortable seating area, and so much more is all that these full-of-charm neighbourhood cafes offer.

Here is a list of the coolest cafes in town where you can grab a cosy corner, and read your favourite book with a steaming cup of joy or linger as long as you want to:

1. Cappuccino Blast

Started with a mere five tables and limited delicacies, Cappucino Blast was among the first few cafes in the city that started when the city was yet to familiarise with the idea of hanging out in cafes. While you snack on their Masala Fries, Sandwiches and a wide array of Indian and Mediterranean snacks, you can also enjoy the best hookahs in Lucknow. With the colourful décor, gazebos, pop art adorning the walls and bamboo plants serving as a stunning backdrop, this café taps the true essence of youth.

Cost for two: INR 700 approximately
Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Where: Multiple Outlets in Lucknow

2. Turquoise Cottage (Cafe TC)

Among the new entrants in the Café culture, Turquoise Cottage has become a popular choice among Lucknowites. The rustic charm of this place with exposed brick walls, wooden furniture, embedded mirrors on the wall and to top all of that, hookahs here offer the perfect ambience to those who want to unwind after a hectic day or week. Chicken Sui Mai, Non-Veg Mezze Platter, Chargrilled Cheesy Broccoli, Drunken Indian Prawns and Spicy Vodka Tomato Creamy Sauce Pasta are sure to cast a magical spell on your taste buds. 

Cost for two: INR 1200 approximately
Timings: 12:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Where: First Floor, Levana Cyber Heights, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow

3. Castle Black

It is impossible to miss out on the theme of this café which sought its inspiration from the popular television series, Game of Thrones. Or even the walls which have a stunning display of artwork aligned with the GoT theme. This hookah lounge cum café is located far away from the hustle and bustle of the city where the relaxing environment is the winner over the other coffee shops in the city. The staff take orders promptly and weave between the tables to serve everyone quickly as if tending to you at a magical speed.

Cost for two: INR 500 approximately
Timings: 09:30 AM to 09:30 PM
Where: Oyo Flagship 199 Gomti Nagar B 1/40, Vikalp Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

4. Cafe Unplugged

Located in the prime residential area of Gomti Nagar, Café Unplugged is an elegant space that serves the best treats for all your moods. The Café proactively organises a plethora of musical and artistic events and activities for the love of art. Hence, it is a haven for art enthusiasts. Open-mic sessions, Karaoke nights, poetry and micro-tale sessions, this Café has a certain magical vibe attached to it. Plan a day to Café unplugged and chill out with your gang in one of the bunkers that are a part of their fancy seating arrangement. A perfect respite for the visitors, the quirky Café would make you want to come back, time and again.

Cost for two: INR 500 approximately
Timings: 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Where: 5/12 Vinay Khand, Near Gomti Nagar Station, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow

5. Goli Vada Pav

What started out as a small eatery to grab some spicy Indian snacks has ventured into the Café business with this new initiative. Goli Café is located in Gomti Nagar and turns out high-quality snacks such as Vada Pav, Sabudana Vada, Samosa and Pav Bhaji. They also let you enjoy Vada Pavs with a twist - extra cheese that takes you on a heavenly ride as that warm cheese blends in with the authentic Mumbai Vadas. The earthy appearance with red-brick walls and delightful range of Mumbai snacks is what attracts visitors to Goli Cafe.

Cost for two: INR 350 approximately
Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Where: Multiple outlets in Lucknow

6. Asante

With Asante, Indira Nagar peeps finally get a cool place to chill out. The artistic touch and the cheerful atmosphere around this place is a treat for those who are in pursuit of some peace with good delectable dishes. Started by two friends who identified the need for starting a place to hang out in this location, Asante is a gem of a café that provides the perfect balance between delicious food and a lovely ambience. This cafe is temporarily closed. Will reopen soon.

Cost for two: INR 600 approximately
Timings: 12:00 PM to 09:30 PM
Where: D 2003 first floor Indira Nagar

7. Vintage Machine

With its old-world charm, graphic vintage wall décor and comfortable seating area, Vintage Machine is the stylish neighbourhood coffee shop where you can enjoy freshly brewed pour-overs. Vintage Machine is an excellent spot to start the day on a charming note and have a hearty breakfast with a friend or Pasta Alfredo and Pancakes for a late lunch. Peri Peri Red burger, Kafe Roasted Hazelnut and Classic Style Shakshouka are must-try here. Vintage Machine is known for the Arabica beans which are sourced and then roasted in-house to serve the best of hot and cold beverages. Saturdays are special when you can enjoy the musical evenings with soothing guitars adding on to the lovely ambience at Vintage Machine. 

Cost for two: INR 1000 approximately
Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Where: 3/11 Patrakar Puram, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow

8. Homey's Café

If you want a break from the cliched café decor, then head out to Homey's Café in Lucknow where the graffiti on walls will amaze you as you soak in the vibrant colours all around you. Ideal for coffee fanatics and pasta lovers, this cosy coffee café encourages the conversational vibe around here to the limit that those who want to read or write can indulge in their respective passions here. Their Nutella Shake and Baked Nachos are simply out of the world.

Cost for two: INR 450 approximately
Timings: 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Where: 2/163, Vivek Khand-2, Gomti Nagar Station Road, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow

9. Buttercup Bungalow

When you first peep in, the place looks like a scene from the Disney world where you get to see the lovely décor as if someone with a magical wand waved all different hues under one roof. The soft and fluffy cakes are a pure delight that will melt in your mouth. The sheer elegance and the massive line up of desserts at this place will make you forget about any conscious efforts that you had in your mind to cut down sweet treats. Do not forget to treat yourself to a rainbow cake while you are here.

Cost for two: INR 1000 approximately
Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Where: 12, Mall Avenue, Near Sadar Bazaar, Sadar Bazaar, Lucknow

10. Sheroes Hangout

The true spirit to live after you have gone through a life-altering event is something that we all must have and learn. In Lucknow, Sheroes Hangout, run by acid attack survivors, is a beautiful chapter about courage and the essence of life. Not only you will have a great time here, but you will also feel highly inspired as you meet their super-friendly staffers. You can also be a part of various events organised here such as debates, social awareness conferences, musical performances and book launches.

Cost for two: INR 400 approximately
Timings: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Where: Near Ambedkar Circle, Beside Lucknow Metro Head Office, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow

11. The Chocolate Heaven

For the love of chocolate, The Chocolate Heaven is a paradise for all chocoholics. As the crowd here is lively and cheerful so are the aproned staffers who swiftly weave across tables to ensure that customers enjoy to the fullest. Chocolate Krispies Waffle, Nutella Hot Chocolate, Baked Hot Chocolate, Nutty Overload Pizza, Chocolate Sandwich, Chocolate Fondue and Nutella Freakshake ? all things chocolate that you could ever ask for, on this planet are all available at The Chocolate Heaven.

Cost for two: INR 500 approximately
Timings: 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Where: 3/553, Vivek Khand, Opposite Aryans, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow

12. Sahib Cafe

 

Located inside the premises of The Taj in Gomti Nagar in Lucknow, Sahib Cafe is considered one of the more quaint and elegant cafes in town. Boasting of a variety of dishes, finger food and beverages, the cafe is also known for its over the top and amazing hospitality. Earlier known as ‘Latitude’, the place was recently renovated and renamed to ‘Sahib Cafe’

Cost for Two: INR 2,500 approximately 
Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Where: Taj Mahal, Vipin Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow

13. The Cherry Tree Cafe

Located in a cosy lane in Hazratganj in Lucknow, The Cherry Tree Cafe is lately turning out to be a popular hangout spot with gorgeous decor and a warm ambience. The place smells of freshly brewed coffee and sugary cakes. Lately established in 2010 by a young couple- Niyati and Vishal, the cafes excels in tasty desserts and sumptuous finger food. Among the best food that you can try at Cherry Tree include cheesecakes, mud pie, brownies, truffles, pasta, pizza and pretty much everything else.

Cost for Two: INR 2,500 approximately
Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Where: 2 outlets - Nirala Nagar, Hazratganj

14. Planters Tea Bar and Book Cafe

 

Continuing the age-old tradition that brings together the culture of book cafes, Planters Tea Bar and Book Cafe provides the perfect spot and the ambience to have a cup of coffee in the company of some amazing people or even better, some fantastic books. Aside from the delectable snacks, finger foods and beverages, you can also enjoy hookah at the Hookah Bar tucked in a corner. The main speciality of the cafe is its variety of tea and coffee, but aside from that, you can also try their mouth-watering pizza and pasta and one of their many flavoured paans.

Cost for Two: INR 750 approximately
Timings: 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM
Where: C 2/16, Vikas Khand, Near Cpt.Manoj Panday Chauraha, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow

15. Coffee Culture-The Ristorante Lounge

 

Coffee Culture- The Ristorante Lounge is the emerging coffee chain that was started in 2004 and has grown exponentially ever since. Currently, it operates in 12 cities and boasts of over 18 outlets pan India, one of which is in Mahanagar, Lucknow. Boasting of excellent coffee and brilliant desserts, the cafe is turning out to be a trendy hang-out spot in town. Aside from the gorgeous warm decor, the place also offers delicious sandwiches, brownies, shakes, hand-beaten coffee and a diverse variety of Maggi and pasta.

Cost for Two: INR 800 approximately
Timings: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Where: 1st Floor, B 939/A, Mandir Marg, Gole Market, Mahanagar, Lucknow

16. Royal Cafe

When you are in the city of Nawabs, you just cannot miss having chat from Royal Cafe! Royal Cafe is a multi-cuisine restaurant and a favourite among families. Go for that authentic Lakhnavi taste!

Cost for Two: INR 700 approximately
Timings: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Where: Multiple outlets in Lucknow, Hazratganj being the most famous
Must-Try: Basket Chat, Butter Chicken, Panipuri, Aloo Tikki, Dahi Vada

Now if you thought that you knew the Nawabi side of the city, well, then you are in for a surprise as you add these cool cafes to your To-Visit list. The lively nature, dishes cooked to perfection, an excellent choice of music, friendly service, comfortable seating at these Cafes make are a temptation for those who love to find a right spot to relax with friends or simply by themselves over a Stephen King's novel. So, start ticking off one café at a time from this list as you go around exploring these fun zones in the City.