Best Places To Eat In Kathmandu

Budget Dining Experiences

To truly immerse yourself in the local culinary scene on a budget, the historic streets of old Patan, especially around the vibrant Durbar Square, offer an unparalleled adventure into authentic Newari cuisine. The Newars, considered the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, possess a distinct and fascinating culture, richly reflected in their food. Forget the fancy restaurants; the best experiences often lie hidden in unassuming eateries—holes-in-the-wall or tucked away between buildings, inviting you to explore. Don’t hesitate to venture into these local favorites. A good rule of thumb: if a place is bustling with Nepali locals and constantly preparing fresh food, it’s a safe and delicious bet. You’re likely to discover some culinary treasures.

A popular and quick Newari snack is the delightful bara, a thick pancake usually topped with either flavorful minced buffalo meat or a perfectly fried egg. It’s a satisfying and affordable treat you won’t want to miss. Another local favorite is aloo sadheko, a highly spiced potato salad served refreshingly cold, perfect for a warm day. Don’t be surprised if menus are absent in these charming establishments, or if they exist, they’re typically handwritten on a board in Nepali script. Embrace the spontaneity! Simply point at whatever delicious dish is being prepared and trust your instincts—the experience will be both authentic and incredibly affordable. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by the flavors and the prices!

For an exceptional budget-friendly dining experience in the bustling tourist hub of Thamel, look no further than Himali Kitchen. This gem serves incredibly tasty dal bhat, a staple dish consisting of lentil curry and rice accompanied by a variety of other flavorful meat and/or vegetable curries. For less than the price of a simple coffee in many other establishments, you’ll be treated to unlimited refills of rice, fragrant soup, flavorful curry, zesty pickle, and crisp salad, all beautifully presented on a traditional brass thali. While other Nepali and Western dishes are available, the dal bhat undoubtedly provides the best value for your money. Himali Kitchen’s popularity among Nepalis is a guarantee of its authenticity. It’s nestled down a somewhat hidden narrow alleyway off one of the main thoroughfares of Thamel, almost directly opposite the renowned Purple Haze music club, so keep an eye out for the welcoming sign that marks its entrance.

If you’re seeking a refreshing and quick beverage while exploring Indra Chowk, located south of Thamel and in close proximity to the iconic Kathmandu Durbar Square, make sure to visit a true Kathmandu institution—the legendary Lassi Shop. This small and unassuming establishment dedicates itself solely to one specialty, and it excels at it: lassis. These delightful yoghurt-based drinks are generously loaded with cashews, pistachios, and dried fruit, creating a rich and satisfying treat. The Lassi Shop is immensely popular with locals, so if you happen to have trouble locating it amidst the bustling streets, don’t hesitate to ask around. Someone will surely point you in the right direction to this local favorite.

Mid-Range Culinary Delights

The Village Café, situated on Pulchowk Road in Patan, is definitely worth a detour. It’s celebrated for its exquisite Newari cuisine, skillfully prepared by talented local women. As a bonus, downstairs you’ll find a charming handicraft shop to browse. Be aware that the service is consistently slow, so don’t plan on a rushed lunch. However, the spacious terrace and the exceptionally delicious food combine to make a visit to The Village Café a truly memorable and rewarding experience. Rumor has it that this is the only place in Kathmandu where you can savor yomari—sweet and delectable fish-shaped dumplings—outside of the annual Yomari Punhi festival, which takes place in December. Another highlight is the Newari Thali, a lavish platter featuring dry beaten rice, an array of flavorful curries, a savory bara, and a zesty pickle. A word of caution for sensitive palates: Newari food is known for its spiciness, and even many non-Newari Nepalis find it to be quite a culinary challenge!

Thamel House Restaurant stands apart from most other restaurants within the bustling Thamel area because it’s housed within a beautifully preserved traditional old Newari red-brick building. This architectural gem provides a unique and inviting atmosphere. Inside, you’ll discover a multitude of interesting corners and cozy alcoves perfect for relaxing and soaking in the ambiance. The menu leans heavily towards Newari dishes, but it also offers a wide selection of more ‘standard’ Nepali fare. Thamel House Restaurant is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a peaceful and well-presented meal when you need a break from the often overwhelming tourist clamor of Thamel. It’s a serene oasis where you can unwind and enjoy a delicious meal.

High-End Dining Experiences

For those seeking a truly exceptional and high-end culinary journey, a visit to Krishnarpan for dinner is an absolute must. Located within the luxurious Dwarika’s Hotel, near the revered Pashupatinath Temple, Krishnarpan is arguably the finest all-around dining experience available in Kathmandu. The attentive staff are dressed in traditional clothing representing Nepal’s diverse ethnic groups, adding to the cultural immersion. The food is equally diverse, showcasing the breadth and depth of Nepali cuisine. Pay close attention to the beautiful traditional bowls and implements used to serve your food – they are works of art in themselves. Upon arrival, you will be presented with a personalized menu outlining the multi-course meal that awaits you. Dining at Krishnarpan transcends a simple meal; it is a complete and unforgettable cultural experience.

Exploring International Flavors

Vietnamese Cuisine

A well-regarded small chain of restaurants scattered throughout Kathmandu offers consistently excellent and fresh Vietnamese food, providing a welcome respite from the often heavier South Asian dishes. The branches located in Jhamsikhel and Boudhanath are known as Pho 99, while the original branch, situated in Lazimpat, is named Viet Ngon Saigon Pho. Among the many delectable offerings, the fresh summer rolls are an absolute must-try; a Vietnamese meal simply isn’t complete without them. The light, refreshing flavors are a perfect complement to the other dishes.

Pizza Perfection

Fire & Ice Pizzeria not only boasts the best pizza in Kathmandu, but quite possibly in the entire region of South Asia! (A branch has recently opened in Kolkata, India, expanding its reach.) The extensive list of pizzas is impressive, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The pizzas are prepared and served quickly, even when the restaurant is at its busiest, which is most of the time! Fire & Ice is a popular hangout spot for tourists, thanks to its convenient location on Narayanhiti Path, the main road leading into Thamel. However, it’s also a beloved spot for Nepalis, a testament to its quality and popularity.

As a good alternative pizzeria, consider Roadhouse Cafe, which has multiple branches in convenient locations: Thamel, Jhamsikhel, Boudha, Bhatbhateni, and even the Labim Mall in Patan. Each location offers a consistently delicious pizza experience.

Middle Eastern Delights

For incredibly delicious Israeli-style all-day breakfasts, generous platters of baba ganoush and freshly baked bread, flavorful hummus and labne, refreshing juices, and an array of fresh breads, OR2K is a firm favorite among both travelers and Kathmandu expats. This popular two-floor restaurant is conveniently located at the entrance of Mandala Street, Thamel’s charming small pedestrian-only shopping street. OR2K is an especially great place to relax and unwind after a late night, as you can lounge comfortably on the floor cushions while enjoying the low lighting. It’s a haven for those seeking a relaxed atmosphere and flavorful food.

On the other side of Kathmandu, Taza is a smaller, more intimate Middle Eastern restaurant situated on Pulchowk Road in Patan. It’s run by a charming Syrian-Nepali couple who pour their heart and soul into the food. Their falafel wraps are an absolute must-try, perfect for a satisfying and convenient lunch to-go.

French Elegance

You know a French restaurant must be exceptional when it consistently attracts French expatriates! Chez Caroline, located within the elegant Baber Mahal Revisited complex, is one of the most expensive restaurants in Kathmandu, but it’s also undeniably one of the best. The Nepali servers are fluent in French, enhancing the authentic experience. The extensive menu (presented in both French and English) is brimming with French specialties that are difficult to find anywhere else in Nepal, such as Assiette de saucisson sec, Tartiflette, and Lapin a la moutarde. Moreover, there’s absolutely no chance you’ll forget that you’re actually in Nepal – the restaurant is beautifully situated within a renovated Rana era mansion, showcasing exquisite red brick work and adorned with magnificent bronze Nepali lions and griffins. The multi-course weekend brunch is particularly good value and a wonderful way to experience the restaurant’s culinary excellence.