If food is the gateway to understanding a place, then Kathmandu is a full-course feast of culture, chaos, and unexpected delights. Kathmandu restaurants are as eclectic as the city itself.
I’ve eaten my way through the city’s winding alleys, from backstreet hole-in-the-walls to rooftop terraces with Himalayan views, and I can tell you — there’s no single way to define Kathmandu’s dining scene. Some places feel like stepping into a Sherpa’s home, where steaming bowls of thukpa soothe the soul. Others serve up the kind of wood-fired pizza that makes you question whether you ever need to visit Italy.
This list isn’t about the most famous or the trendiest spots — it’s about the places I’d go back to, the ones that left a lasting impression long after the last bite. Some meals stay with you — not just for the taste, but for the atmosphere, the people, and the stories they tell.
NOTE: All of these restaurants and cafes can be found using Google Maps.
10 Great Kathmandu Restaurants for Every Craving
Whether you’re in the mood for a sizzling tandoori feast, a simple plate of dal bhat, or a perfectly crisp pizza fresh from a wood-fired oven, there’s a spot that delivers. The challenge isn’t finding a great meal — it’s deciding where to start.
Here are some of the best Kathmandu restaurants that stood out to me — not just for their food, but for the atmosphere, the people, and the kind of dining experience that lingers long after the last bite.
1. Yak Restaurant (Thamel)
A fashionable hashery for Sherpas, this Kathmandu restaurant serves up hearty Tibetan and Nepalese fare at affordable prices.
With cosy booths and a tucked-away feel, Yak Restaurant offers a welcome escape from the chaos of Thamel’s streets — without losing its rustic charm.
The simplicity of the decor mirrors the restaurant’s unpretentious approach to food, where hearty Tibetan and Nepalese dishes take centre stage.
▶ Personal Recommendation
Go for the roast chicken — it arrives sizzling on a hot plate accompanied by fries and vegetables.
The chicken — served sans head and feet — can be heard before it's seen. It gets a 6/10 for taste bud titillation.
2. Roadhouse Café (Boudhi Stupa and Thamel)
One of the most popular Kathmandu restaurants for Italian cuisine, Roadhouse Café brings class, comfort, and a killer pizza menu.
The friendly waitstaff — at both locations — set a warm, welcoming tone, making it easy to settle in and indulge. With a menu that leans into authentic Italian flavours, choosing the right wood-fired pizza can feel like a challenge in the best way.
If you’re dining at Boudhi, order a cocktail — especially if you’re on the terrace — and take in the view as the stupa’s watchful eyes gaze back at you.
▶ Personal Recommendation
The prosciutto with rucola and parmigiano is just as satisfying as any of the other mouthwatering pizzas on the carefully curated menu.
The honey glazed chicken with a side of vegetables isn't bad, either.
3. La Dolce Vita (Thamel)
It may not rival a Roman kitchen, but this city-centre spot serves Italian favourites good enough to make you forget the touts hassling passersby outside.
With traditional red-and-white checkered tablecloths, flickering candlelight, and a rooftop terrace, the ambiance invites you to romanticise worldly escapades — if you can tune out the eclectic tunes blaring from the radio. And perhaps, it sets the stage for a post-dinner rendezvous.
When it comes to the menu, it’s hard to look past the pasta — especially with options like goat’s cheese and walnut ravioli. The pasta options boast “lots of variety, served with fresh and delicious ingredients,” says Tilak, one of several convivial wait staff.
▶ Personal Recommendation
Although classic, I stuck with tradition and went for the Spaghetti alla Bolognese.
I was hard pressed to fault the flavoursome dish, rich in texture; unsurprisingly, the spaghetti was al dente.
4. New Orleans Café (Thamel)
Although it lacks the jazz of its Louisiana namesake, this intimate courtyard restaurant — framed by historic Nepalese architecture — brings its own flair through variety and diversity. Among the more eclectic Kathmandu restaurants, New Orleans Café lets you travel from Nepal to Louisiana in a single meal.
Step from one continent to another as you navigate the menu, moving from Indian curries to Creole jambalaya with ease.
To appreciate local flavours, try Choila. “It’s a bit spicy, and it’s typically Nepalese” highlights Dhan, dressed tastefully in a waistcoat with a matching collar.
▶ Personal Recommendation
Although the Thai green chicken curry was appetising, it lacked the bold punch typically expected from the blend of fragrant Southeast Asian spices.
Instead, go for the chicken Choila — a fiery, flavour-packed dish reminiscent of enjoying jambalaya in the Vieux Carré. The mojitos make for a refreshing accompaniment.
5. Third Eye Restaurant (Thamel)
You don’t need a third eye to appreciate the rich, complex flavor pairings crafted daily in this historic kitchen.
Established in 1989, this Kathmandu institution has earned its reputation for refined Indian cuisine, infused with regal flavours and subtle influences from Nepal and beyond.
With its unique blend of ingredients, the Indian flavours here stand apart from anything else you'll find in the country.
The dimly lit, cushion-lined seating in an oriental style at the back contrasts with the elegant rooftop terrace, where ambient lighting sets the mood in the evenings.
According to waiter Raju, “the tandoori chicken, marinated in twelve spices, served with julienne vegetables and a side salad is famous, reported by one traveller …. to be the best she’d ever had.”
▶ Personal Recommendation
The chicken curry, infused with hints of onion, ginger and garlic and overlaid with tomato and cashew, was gastronomic.
Each ingredient added its own depth of flavour, coming together to create a standout dish.
6. Revolution Café and Restaurant (Thamel)
A well-regarded spot among both locals and travellers, co-owner Raj ensures that the food — both in quality and presentation — lives up to the bohemian-chic décor.
With an outdoor courtyard and cushioned floor seating at the entrance, it’s easy to lose track of time, sipping on freshly squeezed juice while soaking in the soft melodies drifting through the warm Kathmandu air — especially on Friday nights when live music takes centre stage.
In terms of food, “the pork chop is juicy and grilled, and comes with a side of barbeque sauce making it delicious,” boasts Jiten, a fresh-faced member of the wait team. Sometimes, simplicity says it best.
▶ Personal Recommendation
Packed with hearty vegetables and a touch of local spice, the Nepali curry stands out as the most satisfying choice.
Paired with the smooth, creamy richness of a mango lassi, it made for a leisurely afternoon meal. The scrambled eggs on toast, though simple, were just as satisfying.
7. Tummo Bistro (Thamel)
Slightly more upscale than its city-centre counterparts, the Western-inspired menu complements the trendy décor, creating a luxurious and atmospheric dining experience.
With an impressive bar and a cosy outdoor lounge, it’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind.
When asked about fare, football-fanatic Zansu responded wholeheartedly that “sandwiches are the best menu items.”
▶ Personal Recommendation
Prone to indecision when faced with too many choices, I skipped straight to the sweet side of the menu.
The vanilla-infused, frothy hot milk was the perfect companion to a towering cinnamon scroll bursting with flavour.
8. Kaiser Café Restaurant and Bar (Thamel)
Set within neoclassical surroundings, the Garden of Dreams offers one of Kathmandu’s most ethereal dining experiences, especially as the evening sun casts golden light over the statues at dusk.
It elevates tranquility to another level, feeling like a world away from the bustling street just beyond its concrete walls. Access to the restaurant requires a 200-rupee entrance fee to the Garden — a small price for a slice of Nepalese serenity.
From light snacks to indulgent desserts, the menu exudes elegance and refinement. “The grilled rainbow trout is really fresh,” boasts Bikash, “and they’re collected daily from fresh sources.”
▶ Personal Recommendation
I found the drinks menu just as enticing as the food. The Singapore Sling was light and smooth, offering an unexpectedly satisfying pairing with a dish close to my heart — wiener schnitzel.
There isn't a single misstep on the menu.
9. Mustang Thakali Chulo (Thamel)
Unpretentious, it’s clear the focus of this Kathmandu restaurant is the food.
Flip open the menu, and it’s immediately clear — the Thakali takes centre stage, served generously, rich in local flavour, and undeniably hearty. This second-story Thamel restaurant, tucked away in a quiet building near a main street, is well worth the effort to find.
With friendly wait staff and private booth-style dining, it’s the perfect setting for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
▶ Personal Recommendation
I was unable to move my eyes and rumbling tum past the Thakali Sets.
The vegetarian option was flavoursome and satisfying.
10. Café De Fire (Thamel)
To indulge your sweet tooth, there is no going past Café de Fire.
Lacking a sleek interior, this spot earns its reputation on Kathmandu’s foodie trail through its mouth-watering desserts. Displayed in a glass counter at the entrance, these sweet indulgences tempt visitors from the moment they step inside.
“The Nepali Arabica coffee and baked walnut chocolate brownie are quality at its best; they’re delicious,” gleams Sulochana, as she motions towards the well-presented desserts.
▶ Personal Recommendation
Unable to disagree, the chocolate walnut brownie was sublime, oozing flavour and melted chocolate from its core with every fork-dividing crumble.
It was dessert-porn, at its greatest.
Conclusion: Kathmandu Restaurants
Kathmandu is a city that lingers in the memory — its winding streets, the scent of incense, the hum of conversation over a shared meal. These Kathmandu restaurants don’t just serve food; they offer a glimpse into the city’s heart. Whether it’s a plate of steaming momos in a tucked-away eatery, a wood-fired pizza on a rooftop terrace, or a traditional Thakali set shared among friends, every meal tells a story.
These are the places that stood out to me, but there’s always more to discover. If you have a favourite Kathmandu restaurant that deserves a mention, drop a comment — I’m always hungry for recommendations.
And if you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it with a fellow traveller planning their trip!