An Evening at Upre by 1559 AD – Udaipur’s Most Romantic Rooftop Restaurant

by Sharukh Bamboat
4 comments

Overlooking the shimmering expanse of Lake Pichola, Upre by 1559 AD is where Udaipur’s romance meets its skyline. As the sun sets behind the Aravalli hills, its golden light washes over the City Palace, turning its white façade into molten gold. The reflection shimmers across the lake, and for a moment, the whole city seems to glow.

Whether you’re celebrating love, chasing sunsets, or simply craving a lakeside dinner with a view, Upre by 1559 AD delivers a dining experience that feels both luxurious and intimate.

Located atop the Lake Pichola Hotel, this elegant rooftop restaurant blends heritage, comfort, and calm, where conversation flows easily, time slows down, and every seat has a postcard-worthy view.

We hadn’t even planned to be here that evening. A spontaneous detour, thanks to Pushpendra Singh Shaktawat, led us straight to the terrace just as the lights came on. And that’s when Upre revealed what it’s best at — slowing time down.

A picture of the entrance of Upre by 1559 AD rooftop lakeside restaurant.

Getting to Upre

Reaching Upre by 1559 AD is part of the charm. Hidden along a quiet lane near Ambrai Ghat, the journey takes you through Udaipur’s old-world heart, a narrow street where scooters hum past painted doorways and various small handicraft shops.

We would not recommend visiting this restaurant in your fancy vehicle, instead take the Chandpole walking bridge and take the Ambrai Road and at one point you will find Hotel Lake Pichola and Upre.

Then, you step onto the terrace, and the view opens up the panoramic views of Lake Pichola. The City Palace standing tall across the water, the hum of evening chatter fades and Gangaur Ghat comes alive with street lights all around it. 

Dining with a View of City Palace

There are rooftop restaurants, and then there’s Upre by 1559 AD, a space that feels designed for slow evenings and unhurried conversations. From its terrace perch above Lake Pichola, Upre opens to a postcard view of City Palace glowing in the sunset’s reflection, its ivory façade turning gold as the sun slips behind the Aravallis.

A picture of City Palace Udaipur with the evening golden lights on across Lake Pichola.
A shot of the City Palace Udaipur from the deck table at Upre by 1559 AD.

As twilight settles, the lights flicker across the lake, the faint sound of temple bells drifts in, and the air hums with quiet conversations and clinking glasses. The restaurant’s soft lighting, stone flooring, and breezy layout give it a timeless charm, luxurious yet intimate.

A small fountain trickles near the seating area, while a turquoise pool beside the open-air bar mirrors the last streaks of daylight. 

For couples, three private cabanas offer a more secluded setup, spacious, curtained, and impossibly romantic. 

Families and small groups usually prefer the deck tables that stretch along the lake’s edge, where the City Palace, Gangaur Ghat, and Jagdish Temple frame a dreamy dinner backdrop.

A picture of cabana at Upre by 1559 AD overlooking the Jagdish Temple spire.
A close-up shot of deck table at Upre by 1559 AD rooftop lakeside restaurant.

If you’re visiting for the view, arrive just before sunset. If you’re visiting for the mood, stay past it. 

That’s when Udaipur transforms as the lake becomes a mirror of a thousand lights, and Upre feels less like a restaurant, more like a front-row seat to the city’s nightly theatre.

Food & Menu Experience

Like its sister restaurant 1559 AD (Bistro Lounge), Upre blends Rajasthani classics with continental favourites, offering a menu that’s both familiar and indulgent. You’ll find everything from Laal Maas and Mutton Dhungar to delicate soups, pastas, and grilled options, all served with the understated grace the brand is known for.

Since we’d already relished Laal Maas during our dinner experience at Tribute a few nights earlier, we opted for something different this time.

We decided to go for sweet corn chicken soup, followed by Mutton Dhungar with naan and rotis. Dhungar Maas is a variation of Laal Maas prepared with a smoky technique. The meat arrived tender, lightly smoked, and rich with earthy flavours, balanced perfectly with fresh bread. 

A picture of sweet corn chicken soup at Upre by 1559 AD.
A picture of Dhungar Maas with Naan, one of the chef's special items at Upre by 1559 AD.
A shot of vanilla ice cream with brownie dessert at Upre by 1559 AD, a good way to end the meal.

Dessert was a chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream — simple, nostalgic, and a perfect way to close the evening.

While we personally found the flavours at 1559 AD slightly more refined, Upre’s strength lies in the full package — a good meal paired with a great view and genuinely warm service. 

The staff moves quietly between tables, often pausing to check on guests without ever intruding. So, we had no issues with the service.

Vegetarians will find plenty to choose from here, and those seeking a fine-dine experience without the stiffness of luxury hotels will appreciate Upre’s relaxed yet polished approach.

Insider Tips & Dining Info

The best time to visit Upre by 1559 AD is just before sunset. As the golden light washes over City Palace and the reflections ripple across Lake Pichola, the view turns cinematic — it’s that perfect “pause and stare” moment Udaipur is famous for.

A shot of deck tables at Upre by 1559 AD overlooking Lake Pichola and the City Palace just before the golden hour.
A shot of Gangaur Ghat from Upre by 1559 AD during the evening hours as lights shimmer in Lake Pichola.

That said, book your table in advance, especially if you’re visiting between October and February. Sunset slots fill up quickly, and walk-ins often end up waiting or missing the best lake-facing seats.

If you’re arriving by car or Uber, note that the approach road near Chand Pole Bridge can be confusing and narrow. Most drivers will drop you close to Ambrai Ghat, from where a short walk leads to Lake Pichola Hotel, home to Upre’s rooftop terrace.

💡 Pro Tip: Ask for a table on the upper deck — it has only a handful of tables but offers the most spectacular views of the lake and palace.

💰 Average Cost:₹1,500–₹2,000 for two (without alcohol)
📍 Location:Lake Pichola Hotel, Near Chand Pole, Udaipur
Best Time:5:30 PM – 7:30 PM for sunset dining
Open From7:30 to 10:30 / 12:30 to 15:00 / 19:00 to 23:00

Our Honest Take

Having dined at both Tribute Restaurant and 1559 AD Bistro Lounge, Upre naturally had high expectations to meet. In terms of ambience and view, it wins hands down, very few other restaurants in Udaipur offers this postcard-perfect panorama of Lake Pichola and the City Palace glowing in the sunset.

But when it comes to flavour and finesse, 1559 AD and Tribute both deliver highly on flavour and impeccable service. Upre, on the other hand, feels more about the experience than the plate — ideal for those seeking romance and atmosphere, less so for purist food enthusiasts.

A woman enjoying the view on VIP deck of Upre by 1559 AD in Udaipur overlooking Lake Pichola and City Palace.

Final Thoughts

In the end, Upre is where you go to watch Udaipur turn gold at sunset, not necessarily to chase the city’s finest flavours. It’s a restaurant built for romance and reflection, less about what’s on the plate and more about what you see when you look up.

If you’d like to stay right where Upre is located, we’ve also featured Lake Pichola Hotel in our curated list of Best Hotels Near City Palace, Udaipur, a beautiful heritage stay that shares the same lakeside magic as this restaurant.

FAQs about Upre by 1559 AD, Udaipur

Where is Upre by 1559 AD located?

Upre by 1559 AD is located near Lake Pichola, within Hotel Lake Pichola, close to Gangaur Ghat in Udaipur.

Do I need a reservation at Upre?

Yes, advance reservations are highly recommended, especially around sunset hours, weekends, and during the tourist season.

What’s special about Upre’s view?

Upre overlooks Lake Pichola with direct views of City Palace, Jag Mandir, and the sparkling lights of Udaipur’s old city—making it one of the most scenic rooftop dining spots in town.

Is Upre suitable for families?

Absolutely. While it’s famous for romantic dinners, the ambience is relaxed enough for families and small groups as well.

What type of food does Upre serve?

The restaurant offers a mix of Rajasthani, North Indian, and Continental dishes with a focus on presentation and ambience.

How expensive is Upre by 1559 AD?

Expect to spend around ₹1,800–₹2,500 for two people, depending on what you order and whether you include drinks or desserts.

What’s the best time to visit Upre?

Arrive before sunset at around 5:30 to 6:00 pm to catch the golden reflection of the sun on City Palace and enjoy the city lights after dusk.

Does Upre serve alcohol?

Yes, Upre has a bar menu featuring cocktails, wine, and spirits.

Is parking available?

Limited parking is available near Hotel Lake Pichola, but it’s best to arrive by cab or auto-rickshaw as the area has narrow lanes.

What are Upre’s opening hours?

Upre usually opens for dinner from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm, though hours may vary during off-season or festive periods.

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4 comments

Dan antion January 11, 2019 - 15:36

The view is stunning! A lot of times, in the US, you tend to trade a quality view for a quality meal. It’s a nice treat to find good food and a wonderful view.

Reply
Sharukh Bamboat January 11, 2019 - 16:32

To be honest, Dan, we had never expected this. We had plans for dinner at Upre by 1559 A.D. but we had no clue we would get a deck table. We thank Pushpendra for making this blog post possible. In fact, we weren’t prepared for it. We are in our casual clothes. Yes, sometimes we have to trade food for the view. However, at Upre the food and the view is equally good. It is just that we felt that their other outlet offered better taste. The menu is again is almost the same, but the view clearly is stunning. So, 1559 AD wins in terms of food while Upre wins in terms of the view. I hope you liked the post?

Reply
Sam patel November 21, 2019 - 08:09

Nice article Shahrukh! You are a great author. Thanks for sharing this informative article.

Reply
Sharukh Bamboat November 21, 2019 - 16:45

You’re welcome. I am glad you liked the article and took time to comment on it.

Reply

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