Cliffy's Cafe — Restaurant in Himachal Pradesh

Went there after lots of good reviews here. The guys running it are good guys. They deserve success as they are doing lots of hard work. They are form south India but catering totally to a different North Indian guests mostly. I list here what they are good in and what they need to improve: (A) The Goods:

1. Foods. Most of their foods are really well prepared and delicious. Since they are south Indian and from kerala, you would get all bakery stuffs, cookies, cakes, brownies, shakes coffees all great without any doubt. But in food what I did not like is their Chicken dosa. It was bland where pieces of sausages were just stuffed and wrapped around the paper dosa. The chicken should have been spicy and should have blended like a masala. But their other dosa are great. Must try their Pizza Dosa and Chicken Popcorn. They are the best.

2. Ambience: Is good. Western/American or European hut cafe like. Mostly wooden work, but the cieling was tin based which does not look good. Change it or put khappar/slates on top and wooden plates from inside to create a better interior.

3. Location: Is good as it is away from the crowd of Palampur and an apt serene place.

4. Staffs: Though I think hardly 3-4 guys are running this place, they were overloaded with orders, but are thorough gentlemen and efficient people, trying to meet the manpower scarcity. Though it took almost an hour to get few of our ordered items.

5. Brainy indoor games to contain kids.

Now what I did not like about and where they need to work urgently:

1. It is a damn congested place. It is good only when there are 2-3 different families come. It becomes crowded, congested and suffocating once more than 10 people arrive there. I had a suffocating time.

2. Space not utilized properly and expansion needed a must: They utterly need to expand their hut and utilize the surrounding space. It appears they lack good imagination for the place. They can expand an open and shed area with better landscaping and seating arrangements and swings in gardens, plant some flowers..create small hut sittings for 3-4 people all across the area. A stream flows nearby. They can divert a stream flow through their campus where people could sit putting leg into and enjoy their meals..or children play with it.

3. I understand they are new. But they will certainly need manpower as I have seen how they were struggling with orders when number went above 10 people.

4. Chairs were not comfortable with poor back support. Must put two three wooden plates on the lower side of the chairs . They will become comfortable.

You guys have got popularity, but maintaining it would be a big challenge if the above raised actions are not taken. Despite of having good food, just due to the crowding and congested condition, delay in orders etc I did not find it memorable place where I would like to go again and again. Work on your dream to make it really original...

I had been to the old location of Cliffy's a couple of times and wished it had a bigger and more interesting menu. Now relocated, Cliffy's does just that. First of all, the space is large with outdoor and indoor seating with a variety of options. The interior decor is modern and tasteful. The menu is a treat! Imagine getting authentic appams and idli in Palampur!! Unfortunately, the day we visited, appams were unavilable. The chicken ishtew was outstanding. Kerala style parottas were impressive; they seemed to be made of maida and switching to atta would be a big plus. Idli podi was as authentic as it gets. And the sambar was immensely satisfying. Sambar often gets overlooked as a side dish but done right, it can be a meal by itself. Sundal and the mezze platter (missing tabouleh the day we visited) were both excellent. The nachos were a very generous portion, although guacamole was hardly present. The warm drinks are creative and the toddy and mulled cider were both good, except, a bit overpowered with cinnamon. The weak spots were the coffee and dessert. Some coconut and coconut milk based desserts would be fantastic. Servers need to be better informed about the various dishes and what goes in each of them - a couple were able to answer my questions but the first 2-3 I spoke to were not very knowledgeable. Service was also a bit scattered and I had to get someone's attention to place our order. Overall, I cannot recommend this place highly enough. I was surprised to not find the place full on a Sunday. Cliffy's has elevated the dining standards of Palampur way beyond what we used to have, and I know I will be a regular here. I cannot...

Cliffy isn’t just a café — it’s a feeling. It’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you’ve left, and one you’ll keep coming back to, especially if you’re craving authentic South Indian food in the heart of Palampur. What truly sets Cliffy apart is the way it constantly evolves. The menu is always fresh, exciting, and full of surprises, with new additions from both the kitchen and the in-house bakery that reflect a deep love for food and flavour. Whether you're visiting for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, there’s always something new and delightful to try. The magic of the place, though, lies in its people. Cliffton and Preethi, the owners, are among the kindest and most passionate individuals you’ll meet in Palampur. Their dedication to quality, consistency, and innovation is reflected in every dish that comes out of the kitchen. They’re not just running a café — they’re creating a space that brings people together over good food and great vibes. Some absolute must-tries include the Chettinad chicken paired with soft set dosa or flaky Malabar paratha, the perfectly spiced chicken roast served with mashed potatoes and sautéed veggies, and their wood-fired pizzas that are packed with flavour. Don’t miss their cold coffee, a comforting cup of filter coffee, and honestly, just go ahead and try everything on the menu — you won’t be disappointed. Cliffy is easily one of the best culinary experiences in Palampur. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure it’s on your list. It’s more than just food — it’s comfort, community, and creativity, all rolled into one...