The Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by the towering peaks of the hills and the Himalayas, is rich with cultural treasures and a foodie’s paradise. Many hidden gems in Kathmandu serve various types of food options and are a hub for food lovers. These places in Kathmandu offer many options – from authentic Nepali dishes to European cuisine. Here is a list of the best eateries in Kathmandu:
Top Restaurants in Kathmandu:
1. Kathmandu Grill Restaurant and Wine Bar
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
The restaurant is a hub for food enthusiasts with a range of breakfast menus and dining options such as Asian, Italian, American, and German. Additionally, there are various options for grilled dishes for Grilled dish lovers.
2. The Old House Restaurant
Location: Durbarmarg, Kathmandu
The Old House Restaurant in Kathmandu combines historical and culinary excellence, giving you a unique experience with its blend of tradition and innovation.
3. Kaiser Cafe:
Location: Kaiser Mahal, Kathmandu
In the Garden of Dreams, Kaiser Cafe offers European and continental cuisine in a beautiful garden setting.
4. Krishnarpan Restaurant (Dwarika’s Hotel)
Location: Pashupatinath, Kathmandu
Located in Dwarika’s Hotel, Krishnarpan Restaurant provides an authentic Nepali dining experience in a heritage setting.
5. Fire and Ice Pizzeria
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
Fire and Ice Pizzeria is popular for its wood-fired pizza and diverse Italian dishes.
Best Local Eateries in Kathmandu:
1. Newa Ghasa
Location: Sorakhutte, Thamel, Kathmandu
Newa Ghasa is an authentic Newari cuisine restaurant that provides a delicious culinary experience based on Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. The restaurant greets guests with warm hospitality and a pleasant setting that embodies the traditional Newari architectural style.
2. Newa Momo
Location: Kwabahal, Thamel Marg, Kathmandu
Visit Newa Momo to enjoy the varieties of momos made using traditional Newari methods. The items of newa momo are freshly prepared and authentic.
3. Mustang Thakali Kitchen
Location: Chibahal Thamel Chowk, Kathmandu
Specializing in Thakali cuisine, Mustang Thakali Kitchen incorporates local spices and tastes traditionally associated with the region. The food includes buckwheat-based dishes, local vegetables, and flavors unique to the Thakali community.
4. Yangling Tibetan Restaurant
Location: Kaldhara Marg, Kathmandu
Enjoy the warmth of tibetan flavors, where aromatic thukpa and delectable momos create a delightful culinary in a cozy setting.
Traditional Nepali Cuisine:
1. Nepali Chulo
Location: Lazimpat, Kathmandu
Nepali Chulo is known for its authentic Nepali cuisine and traditional decor. The restaurant often provides a cultural experience, showcasing Nepali live music, live dance performances, and a menu featuring different local dishes.
2. Bhojan Griha
Location: Dilli Bazaar, Kathmandu
Bhojan Griha is another top restaurant in Kathmandu that offers traditional Nepali cuisine. The restaurant is popular for its elegant setting and menu that includes local specialties.
3. Aaswo Bhojan Griha
Location: Dilli Bazaar, Kathmandu
The restaurant provides authentic Nepali cuisine and live cultural dances in a restored ethnic ambiance.
4. Bhanchha Ghar
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
Bhanchha Ghar is a popular restaurant for its lively and cozy ambiance, providing a taste of homemade Nepali food.
5. Thakali Kitchen
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
Thakali Kitchen is a traditional restaurant that serves various Nepali local foods.
The popular cafe in Kathmandu:
1. Himalayan Java Coffee
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
Himalayan Java Coffee is a well-known coffeehouse chain in Nepal. It is popular for its coffee options and cozy ambiance. You can relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while experiencing a variety of flavors.
2. Karma Coffee House
Location: Thamel Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu
Karma Coffee House is a hub for coffee lovers while providing a variety of coffee and a range of food items.
Fine Dining in Kathmandu:
1. Kathmandu Grill Restaurant and Wine Bar
The restaurant is a hub for food enthusiasts with a range of breakfast menus and dining options such as Asian, Italian, American, and German. Additionally, there are various options for grilled dishes for Grilled dish lovers.
2. Mul Chowk (Dwarika’s Hotel)
Location: Tanka Prasad Ghumti Sadak, Kathmandu
Mul Chowk is located in Dwarka Hotel and is known for its beautiful setting and authentic Newari cuisine
3. 1905 Restaurant (Kantipur Temple House)
Location: Chussa Galli, Jyatha Chowk, Thamel
Situated in Kantipur Temple House, the 1905 Restaurant is recognized for its historical ambiance. Moreover, It serves a blend of international and Nepali dishes, offering guests a unique dining experience.
4. The Chimney Restaurant
Location: Lal Durbar Durbar Marg, Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu
The Chimney is known for its cozy and warm atmosphere, with a fireplace creating a welcoming environment. It is famous for its diverse menu featuring continental and international cuisines.
5.Krishnarpan (Hyatt Regency)
Location: Pashupatinath, Kathmandu
Krishnarpan, located in Hyatt Regency, is renowned for its authentic Nepali dining experience. The restaurant offers a multi-course meal with a variety of traditional dishes
6. Chez Caroline
Location: Tanka Prasad Ghumti Road, Babarmahal, Kathmandu
Chez Caroline is a French restaurant that has gained popularity for its delicious French cuisine.
Vegetarian Restaurants in Kathmandu:
1. OR2K
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
OR2K is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Thamel, famous for its cozy atmosphere and diverse menu, including Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes.
2. Upstairs Cafe
Location: Paknajol Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu
It is a popular restaurant that offers a variety of cuisines including Italian, European, and Nepali with vegetarian-friendly along with gluten-free and vegan options.
3. The Art Cafe
Location: Chaksibari Marg, Thamel, Kathmandu
The Art Cafe restaurant is popular for its Nepali cuisine along with gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly options.
Rooftop Restaurants in Kathmandu:
1. The Lost Horizon Cafe
Location: Lazimpat Rd Shangri-La Hotel Ground Floor, Opposite Laxmi Heights, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal.
Lost Horizon Cafe is a new great place to chill out that serves Italian, Asian, and Nepali cuisine and has a vegetarian-friendly menu with gluten-free and vegan options.
2. Roadhouse Cafe (Thamel)
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
Roadhouse Cafe is a popular chain known for its wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and a diverse menu of continental dishes.
3. Ageno: The Hestia Patan
Location: Patan, Lalitpur
Ageno – the Hestia is a restaurant that serves authentic Nepali cuisine in Lalitpur, Nepal. Some of the dishes that are popular among the customers are Nepali Thakali, momo, pizza, and burger
4. Vesper House
Location: Jhamsikhel Restaurant Road, Kathmandu
The restaurant offers premium to high-class wines, cheese plates, cold meals, gift cards, and gift items. It specializes in Italian and French wines. :
Best Desserts in Kathmandu:
1. The Bakery Cafe
Location: All around Kathmandu City
Established in 1991, The Bakery Cafe is a well-known chain of cafes in Kathmandu. They serve a wide range of foods as well as dessert items.
2. Himalayan Java Coffee
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
Himalayan Java Coffee is a well-known coffeehouse and dessert chain in Nepal. It is popular for its dessert options and cozy ambiance.
3. Newa Ghasa
Location: Sorakhutte, Kathmandu
Newa Ghasa is a restaurant that serves authentic Newari cuisine, and desserts. It aims to provide its patrons with a typical Newari cultural experience, with a distinctively Newari style and local ingredients
Best Places to eat Momo
1. Momo Mania
Location: Lazimpath, Kathmandu
Momo Mania is a popular place for dishes such as Tibetan momos, seafood, and cold drinks.
2. Momo Hut
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
Momo Hut is a quite popular place for dishes such as Tibetan momos, seafood, and cold drinks.
Best Places to Eat Pizza:
1. Fire and Ice Pizzeria
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
Fire and Ice Pizzeria has gained renown for its wood-fired pizzas, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The menu typically includes various pizza options with fresh and quality ingredients.
2. Roadhouse Cafe
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
Roadhouse Cafe is a chain of restaurants, and especially, if you’re a fan of wood-fired pizzas, burgers, and continental dishes, this could be a great choice.
3. Kathmandu Grill and Wine Bar
Location: Thamel, Kathmandu
Kathmandu Grill is one of the well-recognized restaurants that serves the best pizza with many options.
4. Sal’s Pizza
Location: Nursery Road, Lazimpat, Kathmandu
Sal’s Pizza has been the favorite hub for pizza lovers as it serves tasty pizzas along with various dessert items.
Must Try Food While You Are in Nepal
1. Nepali Food(Dal, Bhat and Tarkari)
Dal and bhat is a staple food in every Nepalese household. Dal bhat consists of lentil soup (dal) served with rice (Bhat) and various side dishes, such as vegetables, pickles, and sometimes meat or fish.
2. Thakali Cuisine
Thakali cuisine is the traditional food of the Thakali people, an ethnic group in Nepal. It is known for its rich flavors, variety, and the use of local ingredients. It includes the Khana set(Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari), Buckwheet products, Pickles, and Meat Items.
3. Newari Cuisine
Choila and Samay Baji are traditional Newari dishes from the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, and they are often enjoyed during special occasions, festivals, and celebrations. Choila is a grilled, spiced meat usually made of buffalo or chicken. Similarly, Samay Baji is a platter with various items like beaten rice, fried fish, marinated boiled eggs, black beans, and more.
4. Bara
Bara is a fried lentil patty, often prepared during festivals, family gatherings, or special occasions.
5. Yomari
Yomari is a steamed or boiled dumpling made from rice flour dough. It is filled with a mixture of jaggery and sesame seeds or grated coconut, creating a sweet and flavorful interior.
6. Juju Dhau
Juju Dhau also known as “King Curd” is a special type of yogurt often served in clay pots. Additionally, It is a traditional yogurt from Bhaktapur city. Similarly, it has a rich and creamy texture.
7. Momo
Momos are delicious dumplings filled with either meat (usually buffalo and chicken) or vegetables. They are often served with a side of dipping sauce and are a popular snack or meal.
8. Thukpa
Thukpa is a noodle soup usually made with meat and vegetables. It is a Tibetan-style noodle served especially during colder weather.
9. Sel Roti
SelRoti is a traditional rice-based doughnut often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. It is deep-fried and has a crispy outer layer with a soft inside. Additionally, it is commonly enjoyed with a cup of milk tea or coffee.