Glenary's— Bakery, Resturant & Pub — Restaurant in West Bengal

Glenary's: A Darjeeling Institution, Revisited (Thrice, or More!)

Glenary's, a Darjeeling institution, holds a certain nostalgic charm. Over several visits – let's be honest, it was probably more than three – I had the chance to sample a range of their offerings, from hearty breakfasts to sweet treats. While the experience was generally pleasant, it's fair to say it was more "okay" than "outstanding."

The Atmosphere: One of Glenary's strongest points is its inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is consistently neat and clean, creating a comfortable dining environment. You have the choice of two distinct seating arrangements. You can opt to sit inside, where it's cozy and warm, perfect for a chilly Darjeeling day. Alternatively, you can choose the outside seating area, which offers pleasant views of the surrounding area. This flexibility allows you to tailor your dining experience to your preference. Availability can be an issue, especially during peak tourist seasons and mealtimes, so be prepared for potential waits.

The Glenary's Big Breakfast: This behemoth of a meal certainly lives up to its name. A plate overflowing with sunny-side-up eggs, sausages, baked beans, hash browns, buttered toast, mushrooms, tomatoes, salami, and a host of other breakfast staples. It’s a solid choice for those looking for a substantial start to the day. While I enjoyed the variety, the overall execution was… well, okay. Nothing particularly stood out as exceptional, but it was a satisfying and filling breakfast.

The Sweet Side: No visit to Glenary's is complete without indulging in their pastries and cakes. I sampled the blueberry cheesecake, banana cake, and a croissant. All were decent, but again, nothing that truly wowed me. The blueberry cheesecake was pleasantly tart, the banana cake moist, and the croissant flaky, but they lacked that certain "je ne sais quoi" that elevates a good dessert to a great one. They were perfectly adequate, but not particularly memorable.

Fried Eggs + Sausages with Extra Toast: A simpler affair, this dish was exactly what it advertised. Perfectly fried eggs, sausages, and extra toast. It was a reliable, no-fuss option, but again, delivered on the expected without any surprises. It was fine, and I got what I expected.

Overall:

Glenary's is a Darjeeling landmark that offers a comfortable and familiar dining experience. It's a place where you can find reliable, if not spectacular, food. The atmosphere is charming, and the service is generally friendly. The choice between the cozy interior and the view-oriented exterior is...

I had done alot of research on restaurants in Darjeeling and Glenary’s popped up as a great place to eat on several commercial websites and personal blogs. I have to say that I was really disappointed and think the place is hyped up more than it should be.

We had two major issues - food seasoning and cleanliness. Having traveled to Goa and Kolkata prior to Darjeeling, we had already been exposed to some really delicious places to eat, so we were looking forward to coming here and getting another tasty meal.

We ordered chicken chow men, sautéed vegetables, crispy pork and some baked cheesy macaroni. We were informed that the macaroni would take a while, since it had to bake, but it came out fairly quickly. They brought all the food while we waited for the pasta and the portions are enough to share. The chow main was good, but nothing impressive or memorable about it. Something you can find on each street corner. Same with the vegetables - seasoning and a minimal amount of butter. Reminded me of something I’d throw together for my kids on a week night when I was in a hurry.

The baked macaroni had elbow noodles that were cooked well and mixed in a creamy yellow colored béchamel sauce. The whole thing was topped with a layer of melted mozzarella cheese that had gotten crusty at the edges. That was probably the best part since the dish lacked seasoning and flavor. The sauce was good, but with a lack of salt, garlic or onion powder, it was pretty bland for a country known for its use of spice. Skip the breadstick that it comes with. It is not as good as it looks.

As far as cleanliness goes, this place was towards the bottom of the list. It started with a completely dirty table (not a big deal), then a shot glass, which looked like it had dried soda in the bottom. The snack bowl had black smears inside it and the ice bucket, and ketchup and hot sauce dispensers had mold all along the top of each. Although I didn’t visit the restroom, I was told not to by my partner who said it contained urinals and no stall and was dirtier than the public train bathroom.

One final comment… In a town that is famous for the tea, I was told that the Darjeeling tea pot was unavailable, as this was a seasonal item. Ok, but I wasn’t offered any other tea?! I ordered the hot ginger, lemon, honey and it was good and lemony with a hint of ginger and just the right amount of honey. The little slice of lime was a nice touch for eye appeal as well.

I guess we will try the cookies we...

Glenary’s in Darjeeling is undoubtedly a well-known name, often considered a must-visit when in the 'Queen of Hills.' While some may argue that the place is overhyped, our experiences for both breakfast and dinner proved that Glenary’s truly knows how to excel in its craft. Each visit offered a completely different vibe, both surpassing expectations in their own unique way.

For breakfast, we explored their delightful selection of freshly baked goods and savory snacks. We tried the chicken roll, chicken patties, chicken sausage roll, and cheesecake—all incredibly fresh and satisfying. The process of selecting your breakfast is interactive and fun; you grab a bucket and pick your desired items from their extensive range. With so many options to choose from, it’s an absolute treat for anyone who loves variety and freshness in their morning meal.

Dinner at Glenary’s offered a contrasting but equally impressive experience. We started with Long Island iced teas, which, although a bit on the pricier side, were well-made. The peri-peri fries that followed were an explosion of flavor—perfectly spiced and utterly delicious. For the main course, we indulged in chili pork paired with prawn rice. Both dishes were flavorful, well-portioned, and left us thoroughly satisfied.

The ambiance of Glenary’s is another aspect worth mentioning. Whether you’re savoring a warm breakfast or enjoying a cozy dinner, the scenic views of Kanchenjunga from this charming spot add an unforgettable touch to the overall experience. It’s a place where you can truly relax and soak in the beauty of Darjeeling with family and friends.

As an added bonus, Glenary’s also boasts a pub downstairs, making it a versatile spot for anyone looking to enjoy great food, drinks, and good company. It’s an amazing place to spend time, and I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Glenary’s for both breakfast and dinner—you won’t be...