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For its humble size, Kathmandu offers some surprisingly vast eat out options. From hole-in-the-wall eateries to luxury dining spots, the capital has them all. We list out 10 of the best Kathmandu restaurants for you (in no particular order). 

 

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1. Aila Restaurant and Lounge

When you have spent an entire day walking through the web-like alleys of Patan, admiring the architecture marvel that it is, you need to lie back, and enjoy the sight that unfolds during the evenings. Located on the sixth floor of a complex building, Aila Restaurant and Lounge is the best spot to do just that. The terrace opens to a near 360-degree view of the valley; charming under the sun, a glittering jewel at night. Pair the awe-inspiring view with good company, a refreshing glass of Mojito or a cold beer, and unwind.

  • Go for: Dinner
  • Recommendation: Spicy Chicken Tender with Honey Mustard sauce has just the right amount of heat!
  • Location: Trimurti Bhawan, Kumaripati, Patan

2. Piano B

If you are looking for a slice of Italy in Kathmandu, Piano B is the place to be. Tucked away in an unassuming lane in Ekantakuna, Piano B is slowly gaining the attention for all the right reasons. Their herbs and ingredients are locally procured and else they are imported from Italy. With their menu changing every other week, one never knows what to expect, but bet your last penny that everything dished out from the kitchen will be delizioso! Owned by an Italian couple, they know what they are doing with their food. It doesn’t get more authentic than that.

  • Go for: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.  
  • Recommendation: Tenderloin steak with tastefully selected Italian wine.  
  • Location: Bhanimandal, Lalitpur
Piano B is a famous Nepalese restaurant
Pair one of their selected wines with your meal 
Piano B is a popular Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu
Their cold cuts make for a delicious appetizer
Piano B is a popular Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu
For a light meal, try one of their salads
Piano B is a famous Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu
Their pizzas will melt in your mouth

3. Shangri - La Restaurant

Away from the busy streets of Boudha, Shangri-La is true to its name. The décor of the eatery boasts Tibetan culture, and if you didn’t already guess, so does its menu. You can choose from a varied assortment of Tibetan and Chinese dishes, or book a table for a four-course meal. It is worth waiting to see what the kitchen staff will put up on the plate, knowing that everything will be delicious.

  • Go for: Dinner   
  • Recommendation: The Tibetan Hot Pot called Gyakok
  • Location: Hotel Tibet International, Boudha.

4. The Ghangri Sui Mai

You haven’t really seen much of Kathmandu, if you haven’t had a taste of the famous open momos at The Ghangri Sui Mai. Located in Teku, it is one of the oldest restaurants in town, and thus has mastered the skill of producing juicy, yet structurally intact momos, which is a go-to snack/food for most Nepalis. Take a chance to savor their momo, and we bet you won’t be able to stop yourself at just one plate. The dish is paired with three types of dips; all equally genius and complimenting.

  • Go for: A quick bite for lunch
  • Recommendation: Stick with the momos.
  • Location: Teku, Kathmandu and Pulchowk, Patan
Open Momo is a creative Nepalese food found in the Nepalese restaurants in Nepal
Unlike the regular closed momos, their open momos are known for their unique presentation

5. Café Nina

If you want to take a break from the Nepali food then head down to Café Nina for the finest burger in Kathmandu. There is no two ways about it. Although located in the part of town that people don’t frequent for food, there is a reason why Café Nina is thronging with people all day. Maybe the reason is their Big Daddy Burger, our tongues are salivating already!

  • Go for: Lunch
  • Recommendation: Big Daddy Burger and chocolate cake.
  • Location: Maharajgunj (a few meters in the entrance to Chundevi), Kathmandu

6. Bhojan Griha

Dining at Bhojan Griha (literally meaning 'food house') will make you feel like you are dining in a palace. The amazing hospitality, ambience and the experience is nothing less than royal. The authentic Nepali four- course set meal kicks off with a peg of aila – a traditional home-brewed alcohol. A cultural performance of live singing and dancing await at the end of each meal, which means you have ample time to enjoy your dinner and the company you are with. BhojanGriha plates up not just Nepali food but also a wholesome Nepali experience.

  • Go for: Dinner 
  • Recommendation: The whole dal bhat experience
  • Location: Dillibazaar, Kathmandu
Dal bhat is a staple Nepalese food found in most Nepalese restaurants
Dal bhat served on a plate with rice, lentil soup, fresh vegetables and meat curry

7. Friends Café and Bar

Friends Café and Bar has the potential to take you on a journey to middle-east and Spain solely through its delicious food offering. Everything on their menu, from the Tapas to the Sloppy Joe is perfection on plate. Don’t voyeur in alone because the food here is designed to be enjoyed in packs. No wonder the bohemian décor screams of lazy Saturday brunch with friends (pun intended).  

  • Go for: Brunch
  • Recommendation: Try their Magic Hot Pot.
  • Location: Mandala Street, Thamel

8. Café Soma

If you long for a relaxing and quiet breakfast, Café Soma in Jhamsikhel is a well-deserved break for anyone who has been in the city for too long. Pick up a book from their shelf while you enjoy your order of eggs benedict and a cup of coffee, or go for a quick sandwich in the afternoon.

  • Go for: Breakfast
  • Recommendation: Try the luscious brownies and their local apple juice isn’t bad either.
  • Location: Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur; and another branch in Baluwatar (opposite the Russian Embassy), Kathmandu
Eggs benedict can be found in a Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu
Enjoy a plate of eggs benedict with a cup of coffee while you relax
Cafe Soma is a popular Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu
Try their 'melt in your mouth' brownies. Ask for an extra dollop of ice-cream to make things better!

9. Café Swotha

Unlike the ubiquitous rooftop restaurants in the Patan Durbar Square vicinity, Café Swotha is tucked away in an unassuming alley at the Swotha Square, not 2 minutes away from the main attraction. The location and the ambience here is a breath of fresh air. Choose to sit in the outdoorsy backyard setting, or opt for a seating next to the glass walls for a distinct street view. But the ambience isn’t the only thing that helps this café be in this list; their food is nothing short of brilliant too.

  • Go for: Coffee and cakes
  • Recommendation: Their cheesecakes are praiseworthy!
  • Location: Swotha Square, Patan
Cafe Swotha is a relaxed Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu
Coffee and cakes are their specialties, and their cheesecake will leave you wanting for more

10. The Village Café

Head to this restaurant if you are looking for a Nepali experience sans the usual dal bhat. Representing Newar ethnic culture, the kitchen prepares gorgeous culture food such chatamari, yomari, bara, and samay baji (all available in vegetarian options as well). You will leave with the taste, sight and smell of new Nepali dishes. If you are in the Kathmandu Valley for the first time then this should not be missed.

  • Go for: Dinner
  • Recommendation: Enquire if they will be organizing a voye (Newari feast) anytime soon. If the answer is an affirmative, you have to be a part of it.
  • Location: Pulchowk, Patan

Besides the grand monument and decadent history, also discover the side of Kathmandu that is vibrant, young, adventurous and keen to map the world. Discover the diversity of the capital with every bite you take at these 10 best restaurants in Kathmandu that we have listed!

Yomari is a Nepalese food served in a Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu
Adding a little zest to the traditional yomari, try their chocolate yomari
Chatamari is a traditional Nepalese food found in Nepalese restaurants
Chatamari is a rice flour pancake topped with fried egg, usually consumed during festivities
Chhoila is a Nepali food served in Nepalese restaurant in Kathmandu
Chhoila is smoked buff meat marinated in spices creating an explosion in your taste buds with each bite
Sel roti is offered in a Nepalese restaurant
Sel roti are ring shaped dough-ey sugary goodness best paired with savory potatoes for balance
Published by Rasmus Juul Olsen, updated on September 7, 2022

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    Dolma ToursNov 14 2022REPLY
    Thank you for the information