Restaurants in Kathmandu
The cuisine of Nepal is quietly famous and evident in the increasing number of eating places in every nook and cranny of Kathmandu Valley. The restaurants in Kathmandu serve every type of food imaginable to gratify the tastes of all types of people.
You will find various types of cuisine here from Continental, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Japanese to Korean, alongside fast food joints, pubs and local restaurants which serve genuine and sumptuous Nepali food, also known as "Newari" or "Thakali".
In Kathmandu there are numerous places to eat at that can serve up anything under the sun for a few dollars.
After a day of shopping in Kathmandu, our Kathmandu restaurants guide below will tell you all you need to know to find a great meal in the city. Relax and enjoy the tasty Kathmandu specialities. For more general information about the food and cuisine throughout Nepal, take a look at our Nepal restaurants guide.
Food & Cuisine in Kathmandu
You can taste the local food from any one of the small restaurants called "dhabas". The staple diet of the Nepalese people is "dal bhat" which consists of rice, "dal", potatoes, yoghurt and a spicy sauce that is very delicious and nutritious at the same time.
The hot and spicy barbequed meat and fresh steaming "momos" are also a must have. You can try traditional Nepalese food at Thamel House Restaurant - it is also a good place to try Newari and Tibetan dishes.
"Momos", or the traditional Tibetan dumplings, have been adapted for tourists and resemble "tapas". These can be served either fried or steamed and are filled with buffalo meat, chicken or vegetables.
They are delicious when had with Tuborg or San Miguel Beer. For one standard plate of momos (10 pieces) at a local restaurant, the price will be about NPR 35 to NPR 50 (or 50 to 70 cents), while the price at a tourist eatery will be approximately NPR 60 to NPR 120 (90 cents to US$1.25). cents to US$1.
Apart from the momos mentioned above, Tibetan cuisine also includes a number of other dishes like "Thukpa" or noodle soup. A typical Nepali meal will usually include rice, dhal, a vegetable or meat curry, a vegetable dish, chutney and curd.
The price for such a meal will be around NPR 120-280 at a tourist place and much less at local restaurants. "Chiya", similar to the Indian "chai", is a milky spiced tea that is omnipresent and is good to calm one's nerves with.
Coffee
Although the people of Nepal are prominently tea drinkers, Nepal also produces coffee. Often, coffee is served as a cup of coloured instant which tastes like dishwater; however, good coffee is also available. The important thing to keep in mind is that people who are not coffee drinkers do not identify with it.
To minimise the dishwater taste, order "strong coffee" instead of "plain coffee". Also remember that coffee shops in Nepal do not follow the thumb rule of equal espresso, milk and froth. The cappuccino that you order can vary from very little froth in a large cup, to coffee topped with whipped cream. Another point to be noted is that there is very little difference between a latte and a cappuccino.
Bars
Almost every restaurant and bar serves beer and cocktails. Try the local "raksi", Nepali wine, or "chhyang", Nepali beer, for a quick and cheap cultural know-how. Try these at local bars but remember that neither tastes like wine or beer!
Khukuri XXX Rum is the most successful alcoholic product made in Nepal and it is also available in transparent Khukuri shaped bottles - definitely worth adding to your own assortment. The main branded beers sold in Kathmandu are San Miguel, Everest and Tuborg while Hinwa is the popular name for Nepal made red and white wines.
Typical Menu Items
The following lists typical Nepalese food you'll find on a menu:
"Dal-Bhat-Tarkari" - This is the staple food of the Nepalese people.
Appetizers/Snacks
Chatamari - Pizza made of rice flour, which is eaten either plain or with a topping of meat or egg. It is a fair compensation after a tough day of sight seeing.
Chhoyla - This all-round snack is made of diced meat which is spiced and then roasted. Gulp it down with crushed rice and homemade liquor.
Gundruk-ko Jhol - It is a soup made of dried and fermented green vegetables. Its taste is a bit sour and a bit tangy and lip-smackingly good!
Kwati - This soup, made up of different types of sprouted beans, is a good way of starting your dinner and is a speciality during festivals.
Momo-cha - These dumplings stuffed with minced meat are served either fried or steamed. This is a hugely popular appetizer which can also be eaten as an afternoon snack or evening meal.
Main Dishes
Aloo Tama - This is a curry made of potatoes and bamboo shoots and enriched with a lot of herbs and spices.
Beans - This curry made of big beans and small beans goes well with rice in the main course.
Dal or Daal - This is a lentil soup eaten with plain rice and part of the dhal-bhat-tarkari staple diet. The most common lentils are black, green and yellow.
Green Vegetables - These are either spinach or plain and broad-leaved mustard greens. These are a common accompaniment with rice during lunch or dinner.
Meat Curries - These curries served with rice are made from meat and have a lot of gravy and spices. The meat can either be beef, mutton, chicken or fish.
Bhat or Plain Rice - This good old boiled rice is a standard Nepalese food and the main ingredient of their staple diet.
Tarkari - This is a vegetable curry made in a thick broth which is quite spicy. It is another important ingredient of the Nepalese staple food.
Takhaa - It is the Newari version of cold meat, usually prepared by solidifying strongly boiled cut pieces of buffalo meat (preferably neck and head part) in earthenware. It is a common delicacy during winter as it can be used for about a week or more, without using any synthetic preservatives. However, it can be enjoyed throughout the year, provided refrigeration is available. It is served best with Chiura (beaten rice or rice flakes), Bhat (boiled rice) or any other main course meal.
Relishes
Achar - This means pickle, which is eaten to awaken your taste buds. There are numerous types of pickle available, such as those made from ground tomatoes, sliced radish, ground coriander and boiled and diced potatoes.
Gundruk - These dried and fermented green vegetables are a classic accompaniment with meals in the hilly areas of Nepal.
Sanya Khuna - (when translated into Newari, it means cooked/boiled fish). Often used like a pickle, this is a jellified pickle made of fish soup. Small dried fish is roasted and ground, and mixed with meat soup (which is typically extracted from Takhaa in the making), and the mixture is boiled and finally cooled in earthenware, whereby it ultimately jellifies. It is spicy, hot and tangy and a perfect complement to Chiura and Dal Bhat. Like Takhaa, it is also cooled in earthenware and once prepared, can be used for a week.
Desserts
Juju Dhau - "Juju Dhau" literally means "king yoghurt" and is delicious yoghurt from Bhaktapur which has a creamy texture. It is a must at all feasts.
Sikarni - It is a dish made of yoghurt, which is filled with dry fruits. This leaves a sweet taste in the mouth and is a good way to end your dinner.
Home made Drinks
Rakshi/Ayla - It is distilled from rice, is colourless and tastes like fire-water. It tastes best when had neat.
Thon - Is a milky white juice made from fermented rice and is the main core of many festivals in Kathmandu. The Tibetan version of this drink is called "Chhyang".
Tongba - It is made by pouring hot water into a pot of fermented millet and is sipped with a bamboo straw. It is a popular stimulant in the hilly areas and is available in Kathmandu at selected Tibetan restaurants exclusively during winter.
Restaurants List
The Ring of Fire Restaurant
Family Friendly
Shankha Park, Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu
+977 1 4378771
fire.restaurant@gmail.com
10:00 to to 21:00
Dechenling Beer Garden and Restaurant
One of the finest and exclusive restaurants, Dechenling serves traditional Nepales, Tibetan and Bhutanese cuisines. It can also be a suitable venue for parties, weddings and other special events.
Restaurant and Bar
Thamel, Kathmandu
+977 412185
09:00 to to 20:00
Momotarou Japanese Restaurant
Momotarou Japanese Restaurant specialises in typical Japanese cuisines well known for their taste and nutritional values.
Momotarou serves a comprehensive menu which includes different flavours of Sushi, soups, noodles and other Japanese dishes and beverages. Every order includes a complimentary cup of herbal tea and at least one special pickle.
Japanese Cuisines
Bhagwati Bahal, Thamel, Kathmandu
977 1 4417670
09:00 to to 22:00
Himalayan Java
Himalayan Java is a cafe established in 1999 and over the years has become a favourite rendezvous for both foreigners and locals to meet and relax.
Attractions:
- Over 60 varieties of Nepali and international specialty coffee served
- Special wood fired pizza and other dishes prepared by renounced chefs
- Wireless broadband internet connection on site
- Over 50 professional staff at your service
Cafe
Tridevi Marg (Opp. Himalayan Bank), Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.
(977) 1 4422519
info@himalayanjava.com
11:00 to to 21:00
Amazone Restaurant & Bar
Restaurant and Bar
Tindhara Pathshala, Durbar Marg
+977 984189105
rameshkc63@yahoo.com
09:00 to to 22:00
Fire and Ice Pizzeria
Fire and Ice Pizzeria is a great place to appease your hunger and meet friends and travellers like you from around the world. Soon after its opening in 1995, Fire and Ice became popular for its delicious food and drinks. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the pizzeria serves pizzas, pastas, organic salads, desserts, chilled and hot drinks and also a Grappa after dinner.
Restaurant
219 Sanchaya Kosh Bhawan, Tridevi Marg, Kathmandu
(977) 1 4250210
(977) 1 4220143
fireandice@mail.com.np
http://www.fireandicepizzeria.com/in/kathmandu.html
09:00 to to 22:00
JaZoo Cafe de Restaurant
JaZoo Cafe de Restaurant is located in front of Jawalakhel Zoo and its name was derived by abbreviating that of the zoo itself.
JaZoo has a pleasant atmosphere suitable for dining with family and friends. It specialises in Continental, Chinese, Italian, Nepali and Indian dishes as well as several refreshing beverages. Do not forget to check out the ‘Daily Specials'
Restaurant
Behind Nepal Telecom Building, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur
+977-1-5538321
info@jazoo-nepal.com
10:00 to to 21:00
Nepali Chulo
Nepali Chulo, when translated in Nepali, means "Nepali Oven". It is situated at Durbar Marg, right opposite the main gate of Narayanhiti Palace Museum (fr. Royal Palace) and beside the American Centre.
If you wish to taste authentic Nepali and Newari food, having lunch or dinner - or both - at Nepali Chulo would be a wise decision. Discover why so many tales are told of those spicy Nepalese dishes. Enjoy the food with live music every evening, from 7 pm onwards!
Restaurant
South of Narayanhiti Palace Museum, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu.
(977) 1 4220475, (977) 1 4220232
(977) 1 4220232
nepalichulo@mos.com.np
11:00 to to 22:00
The Green Organic Cafe' and Salad Bar
Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, the Green Organic Cafe' specialises in a strictly organic menu.
"We serve organic food and beverage, which is more nutritious, rich with vitamins and minerals than conventionally grown food. We assure our organic products have no pesticides and chemicals".
Organic Meals
Thamel Chowk (Opp. Roadhouse Cafe), Thamel, Kathmandu.
4215726
love@loveorganic.com.np
07:00 to to 23:00
Kaiser Cafe
Kaiser Cafe Restaurant and Bar is operated by The Dwarika's Group in the beautiful premises of Garden of Dreams at Kaiser Mahal, Thamel, Kathmandu.
Open for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner, Kaiser Cafe serves international beverages and cuisines in 4 different locations of the Garden:
1. Main Restaurant
2. Tea Salon at Basanta Pavilion
3. Pergola at Crescent Pond
4. Bar at Barkha Pavilion
Separate air-conditioned rooms are available for groups and private functions.
Restaurant & Bar
Kaiser Mahal (Opp. SAARC Building), Thamel, Kathmandu
(977) 1 4425341
kaisercafe@thedwarikasgroup.com
09:00 to to 21:00
1905 Restaurant
Restaurant & Bar
Kantipath Kathmandu
+977-1-4225272, +977-1-4215068
+977-1-4239901
restaurant_1905@yahoo.com
Kilroy's of Kathmandu
Kilroy's of Kathmandu is located centrally in Thamel and offers an extensive menu. At Kilroy's the philosophy is food. They have an impressive menu "lined with quotes" and an equally impressive list of desserts.
The salad is treated in iodine prior to use, and for the peace of mind, ice cubes are prepared out of bottled mineral water. A good part is that, Kilroy's collects leftovers (clothing, equipment, etc.) from trekkers and distributes them to the less fortunate citizens.
K-Too Beer & Steak House is a popular place to enjoy with friends and dine away the evening.
Restaurant & Bar
Kilroy's of Kathmandu GPO. 10542 Jyatha Street, Thamel Kathmandu
+977-1-4250441
+977-1-4250440
adm@kilroy.wlink.com.np
07:30 to to 23:00
Kathmandu Revolving Restaurant & Bar
Restaurant & Bar
Kathmandu Revolving Restaurant & Bar GPO Box: 8975 EPC 5022 Dharmapath, New Road Kathmandu
+977-1-4224978
krevolving@wlink.com.np
The Rum Doodle
Bar & Restaurant
The Rum Doodle PO Box. 989 Thamel, Kathmandu
+977-1-4700209
+977-1-4227068
hjtrek@mos.com.np
10:00 to to 22:00
Wunjala Moskva
Restaurant
Wunjala Moskva Naxal, Kathmandu
+977-1-4415236, +977-1-4241811
+977-1-4223370
kamaz@gayatree.mos.com.np
11:00 to to 22:30
Ying Yang Restaurant
Restaurant
GPO Box: 20478 Thamel, Kathmandu
+977-1-4701510
+977-1-4260478
yingyang@mos.com.np
10:00 to to 22:00
Sungava Restaurant
Restaurant
Near Dhulikhel Mountain Resort, Arniko HIghway, Dhulikhel, Nepal
+977-11-490656
ramchandra_shrestha2005@yahoo.com
09:00 to to 20:00
Krua Thai
Thai
GPO Box 4401, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
+977 1 471291, +977 1 4424751
+977 1 4412679
kruathai@wlink.com.np
09:00 to to 21:00
Utse Restaurant
A renovated restaurant at Thamel, Utse provides an interior of rich decor reflecting Tibetan artefacts.
Utse offers Tibetan and Chinese delicacies - both food and drink. Plus a twist for the taste buds - Utse serves regular menu consisting Continental and Nepali food. The cooks are devoted and the waiters skilled.
Restaurant and Bar
Utse Restaurant Thamel, Kathmandu
+977-1-4257614, +977-1-4228952
+977-1-4257615
utse@wlink.com.np
06:00
Thamel House Restaurant
Originally built over a hundred years ago for an affluent Newar family, Thamel House Restaurant not only reflects the typical Nepalese architecture and decor, but also serves mouth-watering Nepalese and Newari cuisines.
Nepalese Cuisines
Thamel Tole, Kathmandu, Nepal
(977) 1 4410388
(977) 1 4417568
thamelhouse@hotmail.com
10:00 to to 20:00
Cafe De Patan
Cafe De Patan in Mangalbazar, Patan offers all sorts of food and beverages in a complete family environment. In addition to international cuisines, it is famous for its authentic Nepalese menu as well as its floor-seating, which again is in typical Nepalese style. Everything you require to have the dining pleasure the Nepalese way!
Restaurant
South of Durbar Square, Mangalbazar, Patan
(977) 1 5537599
(977) 1 5530208
pcafe@ntc.net.np
11:00 to to 21:00
Cafe De Temple Town
Cafe
Durbar Square, Bhaktapur.
977 1 6612432
09:00 to to 20:00
Nepalica De' Roof Top Cafe
Looking for some local Newari taste in Bhaktapur? Try Nepalica De' Roof Top Cafe located on the backstreet connecting Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Taumadi. They also serve authentic Nepali dishes.
Newari
Taumadi 11, Bhaktapur
+977 1 6614173
nepalicadecafe@gmail.com
09:00 to to 19:00
Bhumi, The Resto-Lounge
Newari
Lazimpat, Kathmandu
+977 1 4412193
09:00 to to 21:00
Cafereena
Multi Cuisine
F1, Sherpa Mall, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu
09:00 to to 21:00
Eden Restaurant & Bar
Eden Restaurant & Bar invites you to have a unique eating experience in its terrace with a beautiful view of Kathmandu city. Open for lunch and dinner, Eden offers great food and superb drinks.
You can also make reservations for your private functions and parties.
Restaurant & Bar
6th Floor, The Kathmandu Mall, Sundhara, Kathmandu
(977) 1 4150062, (977) 1 4150063
(977) 1 4150008
11:00 to to 21:00
Meet Rajendra Prasad Sapkota and Outdoor Himalayan Treks, your local connection in Kathmandu. Starting as a young porter, Rajendra has all the local knowledge that will make your trip to Kathmandu life changing. With us, visitors experience remote villages, meet local people, and gain insight into our culture. We support local villages, and have even built a local orphanage to house and educate displaced, and often outcast, children. We hope to bring you a journey that will be enriching, but will also help those in need in Kathmandu.
