Quick answer
For the ultimate dining experience combining exquisite food with the most iconic Lake Pichola views, Ambrai Restaurant at Amet Haveli stands out as the top choice.
- Best overall
- Ambrai Restaurant
- Best budget
- Sun N Moon Restaurant
- Best experience
- Upre by 1559 AD
- Last verified
- 2026-03
How we picked these
Our selection of the best rooftop restaurants around Lake Pichola is based on extensive research, local recommendations, critical reviews, and firsthand experiences. We considered factors such as panoramic views, food quality, ambiance, service, and value for money to ensure a diverse and authentic guide.
Ambrai Restaurant
Consistently ranked as one of Udaipur's finest, Ambrai offers an enchanting dining experience right on the banks of Lake Pichola. Its unparalleled views of the City Palace and Jag Mandir, especially at sunset, create a truly magical atmosphere perfect for romantic evenings. The food is equally impressive, with a focus on traditional Indian and Continental dishes.
🍽️ What to order
Laal Maas (traditional Rajasthani mutton curry) or Chicken Tikka Butter Masala
💡 Insider tip
Make reservations several days in advance, especially if you want a lakeside table for sunset. Arrive slightly before sunset for the best photo opportunities.
"Ambrai Restaurant is worth every penny for the views alone, it's just breathtaking. The food was surprisingly good too, much better than typical tourist traps."— r/udaipur user
Upre by 1559 AD
Perched atop Hotel Lake Pichola, Upre offers sophisticated dining with stunning 360-degree views of the lake, City Palace, and old city. The ambiance is elegant and serene, making it ideal for a special occasion. Their menu blends traditional Indian flavors with contemporary flair, served in a chic open-air setting.
🍽️ What to order
Junglee Maas (Mewari mutton preparation) and their curated cocktail selection
💡 Insider tip
Dress smart-casual as it's a more upscale venue. They often have live music, which adds to the romantic evening atmosphere.
"Upre completely blew me away. The ambiance, the view of the lit-up City Palace, and the food, especially the Junglee Maas, were all just perfect. A must-do!"— r/travelindia user
Jagat Niwas Palace Hotel Rooftop
Set within a beautifully restored 17th-century haveli, the rooftop restaurant at Jagat Niwas offers a charming, authentic experience. Diners can enjoy classic Indian and Continental dishes while soaking in direct, picturesque views of Lake Pichola and the surrounding palaces. It's a slightly less formal but equally captivating option.
🍽️ What to order
Thali (traditional Indian platter) for a taste of everything
💡 Insider tip
Arrive a bit early to explore the beautiful haveli itself before dinner. The view of Gangaur Ghat at night is particularly lovely.
"I loved the vibe at Jagat Niwas. Felt very authentic and the food was homely but delicious. Great place to just relax and watch the lake."— r/udaipur user
Udai Kothi Rooftop Restaurant (Fresco)
Fresco, located at Udai Kothi, offers an elegant rooftop experience with views of Lake Pichola, the Aravalli hills, and a unique swimming pool. The menu is diverse, featuring Indian, Chinese, and Continental options, ensuring there's something for every palate. The setting is refined yet relaxed, perfect for a pleasant evening.
🍽️ What to order
Paneer Lababdar or any of their tandoor specialities
💡 Insider tip
Consider visiting for lunch to enjoy the pool views in daylight, or come for dinner to see the city lights sparkle.
"Udai Kothi's rooftop was really nice, good food and great views. The pool in the middle was a cool touch too."— r/travel user
Hari Garh Restaurant
Situated right on Gangaur Ghat, Hari Garh offers fantastic close-up views of Lake Pichola and the bustling ghat activity. It's a lively spot known for its consistent quality Indian and Rajasthani fare. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, making it popular with both tourists and locals looking for good food with a view.
🍽️ What to order
Rajasthani Thali or Dal Bati Churma
💡 Insider tip
Grab a table on the edge for the best views of the lake and the nearby Bagore Ki Haveli. It can get busy, so aim for slightly off-peak times if you want a quiet experience.
"Hari Garh was my go-to for dinner. The Dal Bati Churma was authentic and delicious, and the view of the lake was just superb without breaking the bank."— r/foodindia user
Sun N Moon Restaurant
A popular budget-friendly option, Sun N Moon offers relaxed dining with decent views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace. Known for its wide menu covering Indian, Italian, and café fare, it's a great spot for backpackers and families. The vibe is laid-back, perfect for a casual meal or snack.
🍽️ What to order
Pizza or a classic Indian curry
💡 Insider tip
They have a small balcony area with great views – try to snag a seat there. It's also a good spot for breakfast with a view.
"Sun N Moon was surprisingly good for the price. Had a tasty pizza with an amazing view of the lake, way better than I expected."— r/backpacking user
Pichola Cafe
Located within Hotel Lake Pichola (below Upre), Pichola Cafe provides a slightly more casual yet equally scenic dining option. Its open-air terrace offers beautiful views of the lake, making it ideal for a relaxed meal throughout the day. The menu is diverse, catering to various tastes with well-prepared dishes.
🍽️ What to order
Their Special Thali or a fresh fruit smoothie
💡 Insider tip
Great for lunch or an afternoon snack when you want a view without the full dinner price tag of Upre. It’s also quieter during the day.
"We had lunch at Pichola Cafe and it was lovely. Good service, decent food, and a fantastic view of the lake without needing a reservation."— r/travel user
Jaiwana Haveli Rooftop Restaurant
Perched on top of the charming Jaiwana Haveli, this restaurant offers intimate lake views and a cozy, traditional atmosphere. It's particularly renowned for its authentic Rajasthani vegetarian cuisine, made with fresh, local ingredients. A great option for those seeking a more homely and less commercialized experience.
🍽️ What to order
Gatta Curry or Ker Sangri with freshly baked bread
💡 Insider tip
The restaurant is smaller, so it feels very personal. It's an excellent choice if you're staying nearby and want a quiet, authentic dinner with a view.
"Jaiwana Haveli's rooftop was a gem! The Gatta Curry was divine, and sitting there watching the boats on the lake was so peaceful."— r/udaipur user
Ranaji Restaurant
Ranaji Restaurant offers a multi-cuisine menu with satisfying portions and pleasant views of Lake Pichola. It's known for its friendly service and consistent food quality, making it a reliable choice for a casual meal. The rooftop provides a relaxed setting to enjoy the sights and sounds of Udaipur.
🍽️ What to order
Butter Chicken or Vegetable Kofta
💡 Insider tip
Ask for a table near the edge to get the best unobstructed views. They are usually quite accommodating.
"Ranaji was a good find near our hotel. Nothing fancy but the Butter Chicken was solid and the view of the lake was a nice bonus for the price."— r/travelindia user
Natural View Restaurant
As its name suggests, Natural View Restaurant prides itself on offering beautiful, unobstructed views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace from its rooftop. It's a no-frills, straightforward eatery popular for its delicious, affordable Indian food and casual atmosphere, especially favored for sunset viewing.
🍽️ What to order
Pakoras with chai for a snack, or any vegetarian curry
💡 Insider tip
Go just before sunset to grab a good spot and watch the sky change colors over the lake. It's more of a casual hangout spot than fine dining.
"Natural View was perfect for a cheap and cheerful dinner. The sunset view was awesome, and the veg curry hit the spot after a long day."— r/backpackingindia user
Millets of Mewar
For health-conscious travelers, Millets of Mewar offers a unique dining experience with a focus on organic, wholesome, and often vegan dishes, many featuring millets. While not directly on the lake, its rooftop provides lovely partial views of Lake Pichola and the bustling old city. It's a refreshing change from traditional heavy Indian food.
🍽️ What to order
Millet Pizza or a Buddha Bowl, along with their fresh juices
💡 Insider tip
If you're looking for a break from rich Indian curries, this is your spot. They also offer cooking classes, which can be a fun activity.
"Millets of Mewar was a lifesaver for healthy food in Udaipur! Their millet pizza was surprisingly good, and the rooftop has a nice chill vibe with some lake views."— r/veganindia user
Sajjan Niwas Restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Lal Ghat, Sajjan Niwas offers a charming rooftop experience with views of Lake Pichola and the City Palace. It's a smaller, family-run establishment known for its welcoming atmosphere and freshly prepared, flavorful Indian and Continental dishes. Ideal for a relaxed, authentic meal without the crowds.
🍽️ What to order
Any Paneer dish or Vegetable Biryani
💡 Insider tip
A great alternative if the more famous spots are fully booked. The owners are often present and happy to chat, enhancing the personal touch.
"Stumbled upon Sajjan Niwas and it was a delightful surprise. Great views for the price and the food tasted really homemade and good."— r/traveladvice user
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Lake Pichola rooftop restaurants?
The best time is generally during sunset (around 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM depending on the season) to witness the breathtaking transformation of the sky and the illuminated palaces. Evening hours offer a cooler climate and a romantic ambiance, while lunch can be pleasant during the winter months for daytime views.
Do I need reservations for Lake Pichola rooftop restaurants?
For popular high-end restaurants like Ambrai or Upre, especially for dinner or a sunset table, reservations are highly recommended and often essential, sometimes days in advance. For more casual spots, reservations are usually not required but can be helpful during peak tourist season.
Are Lake Pichola rooftop restaurants expensive?
Udaipur offers a range of rooftop dining options. While some premium venues like Ambrai or Upre can be moderately expensive (INR 1500-2500 per person), many excellent restaurants provide delicious food with stunning views at very reasonable prices (INR 600-1200 per person), catering to all budgets.
What kind of cuisine can I expect at these restaurants?
Most rooftop restaurants at Lake Pichola offer a multi-cuisine menu, predominantly focusing on North Indian and Rajasthani specialties. You'll also find Continental dishes, Italian options (especially pizzas and pastas), and some Chinese selections to cater to diverse palates. Vegetarian options are widely available and often excellent.
Are there vegetarian-friendly rooftop restaurants near Lake Pichola?
Yes, almost all rooftop restaurants in Udaipur are incredibly vegetarian-friendly, offering an extensive array of meat-free dishes. Many establishments, like Jaiwana Haveli Rooftop Restaurant and Millets of Mewar, even specialize in or have a strong focus on delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine.
How do I get to these rooftop restaurants?
Most of these restaurants are located in the old city area around Lake Pichola, which is best explored on foot. You can reach the vicinity by auto-rickshaw or taxi, and then walk the narrow lanes. Some hotels offer boat transfers directly to their lakeside restaurants like Ambrai if you're staying across the lake.
Plan your Udaipur trip
Get a free custom itinerary for Udaipur — built from real traveler insights.
Get a Free Itinerary →