Best restaurants in Pokhara
Introduction
Many visitors know Pokhara for its natural beauty and trekking routes, but it also holds the title of "The Tourism Capital of Nepal" and is the second largest city after Kathmandu. This charming city is a hub of activity, offering bars, pubs, local shops, spas, hotels, resorts, coffee shops, restaurants, and vegan-friendly cafes. Exploring the diverse and delicious food scene in Pokhara is an adventure in itself. With options to suit any dining budget or cuisine preference, the city boasts countless eateries catering to all tastes. Pokhara is a culinary paradise for those eager to try both local and international dishes. This article highlights 15 popular dining spots favored by locals and tourists alike. Prepare to be captivated by the delightful cuisine these places offer and indulge in an unforgettable dining experience.
Breakfast Options
Located on Street No. 7 in Lakeside, AM/PM Organic Cafe was established in 2000 and is renowned for its classic Western breakfast and lunch offerings. Their specialties include baguettes, pitas, and croissants. If you visit, be sure to try a smoothie bowl or yogurt with fruit and muesli. You can enjoy a satisfying meal here for just $12!
Website: https://www.ampmorganiccafe.com/
Located near Centre Point in Lakeside, Perky Beans is a favorite coffee shop for visitors seeking pancakes, oatmeal, coffee, and croissants with Nutella. Known for its American-style pancakes, this cafe is a great alternative to a smoothie bowl for a filling meal. With the most expensive dish priced at $6.60, you can indulge in a hearty meal without breaking the bank!
Website: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/239265754/perky-beans-pokhara/?hl=en
Founded in 2016, The Juicery Cafe is renowned for its cold-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, vegan smoothie bowls, and top-quality salads. Located on Foottrack, it offers a relaxed, laid-back ambiance with a scenic lake view, creating a perfect setting for enjoying nutritious and delicious food. The cafe features open mic jamming sessions every night and regular yoga classes. Their cold-pressed juices and smoothies, made with house-made soy, coconut, and hemp milks, are available for around $2 each. The menu also includes açaí and matcha smoothie bowls, along with a delectable brunch selection of veggie- and fruit-filled sandwiches, salads, porridges, and egg dishes.
Website: https://www.thejuicerycafe.com/
Vegan Way offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of late 60s or early 70s America. The menu features healthy, generously portioned dishes, and the ordering process is self-service at the counter. Most of the tasty dishes cost under $4, and the cafe boasts a wonderful view. In the afternoons, it's a popular spot for backpackers lounging in hammocks and yogis attending yoga classes. The menu is rich with flavorful vegan options, including smoothie bowls and seasonal salads.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/vegan_way_pokhara/?hl=en
Another great vegan option in Pokhara is Little Windows, situated in Hallan Chowk. This healthy restaurant offers reasonably priced breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all of which are both nutritious and delicious. With a diverse menu, Little Windows caters to vegetarians, vegans, and celiacs. Be sure to try their cacao smoothie bowl and avocado toast!
Website: https://www.instagram.com/littlewindowspokhara/?hl=en
Lunch and Dinner options
Located on Street No. 16 in Lakeside, Fresh Elements Restaurant offers healthy organic meals and is known for its Italian and European cuisine. It also features Nepal’s longest bar, where you can enjoy chilled beer and cocktails. The inviting atmosphere, good music, and delicious food make it a beloved spot. With both indoor and outdoor seating and good Wi-Fi, the restaurant emphasizes quality, cleanliness, and top-notch service, making it a must-visit place in Pokhara.
Website: https://www.freshelementsrestaurant.com.np/
Away from the busy Lakeside area, Krazy Gecko Bar is located in North Lakeside, offering a cool and secluded hangout spot near the banks of Phewa Lake. It serves food and drinks from breakfast to dinner and features live music every day. The evenings are especially romantic with candlelight dinners, live music, and even a rope swing for plunging into the lake!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/KrazyGeckoPKR/?_rdr
Roadhouse Cafe, located in Hallan Chowk, Lakeside, offers a great environment with chill music, delicious food, and drinks. Their specialty is the Roadhouse Pizza, renowned as the best in town. The cafe provides a variety of food and drink options at reasonable prices.
Website: https://roadhousenepal.com/restaurants-2/roadhouse-cafe-pokhara/
This top-rated restaurant in Lakeside is renowned for its mo:mo, specializing in homemade Darjeeling mo:mo and Aalu Dum, a potato dish. The prices are very reasonable, and there are various mo:mo options available. Additionally, the restaurant serves a wide range of Nepali and Indian dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. A highlight of their menu is their dessert: Chocolate Mo:Mo!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/momscafeandbar/
Located in the heart of Lakeside, this cafe stands as one of Pokhara's oldest, offering a delightful blend of Nepali, Indian, and other renowned cuisines. Known for its consistently reasonable prices and truly exceptional flavors, it has become a beloved dining spot over the years. Whether you're craving traditional Nepali dishes or exploring the diverse flavors of Indian cuisine, this cafe promises a memorable culinary experience that captures the essence of Pokhara's vibrant food scene.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/992457694/almonds-cafe-restaurant-pokhara/
Bonus Restaurants
Located in Lakeside, this Japanese restaurant is celebrated for its Tofu dishes served with miso soup and side pickles. They offer vegetarian options alongside their menu. The prices are affordable, and the portions are generous, making it a perfect choice for anyone craving Japanese cuisine. Don't miss out on visiting this restaurant if you're in the mood for authentic Japanese flavors!
Website: https://momotaroupokhara.com/
This cafe exudes a laid-back hippie atmosphere, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. It is renowned for its crepes and traditional French cuisine, with vegan options also available. Guests can enjoy live music while savoring their day with delightful coffee and food, all against the backdrop of the stunning Phewa Lake view. It's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a relaxing ambiance coupled with great music and delicious meals.
Website: https://www.instagram.com/frenchcreperiepok/?hl=en
Located in Foottrack, this unique Spanish-Nepali restaurant is the sole establishment in Pokhara offering authentic Spanish cuisine and drinks imported directly from Spain. Situated in a picturesque two-story building, it boasts a charming ambiance with breathtaking views of the lake.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/elbocaitoespanol/?locale=es_LA
Run by a Korean couple since 2008, this popular Korean restaurant in Pokhara offers authentic Korean dishes and drinks. Located on the upper two floors of a building, the top floor features open-air dining. The decor is simple yet contemporary, with wide wooden tables and benches on brushed concrete floors, accented by vibrant flowering plants.
Website: https://natssul.modoo.at/
As the first Chinese restaurant established in Pokhara, this large and well-decorated establishment is hard to miss. It offers generous portions at very reasonable prices. The menu features a wide range of delicious and freshly prepared Chinese dishes and drinks. If you're craving Chinese cuisine in Pokhara, this is the perfect spot to visit!
Website: https://www.facebook.com/oldlanhuachineserestaurant/
Conclusion
Pokhara is renowned as a culinary hotspot in Nepal, offering a diverse array of international cuisines alongside traditional dishes from various Nepali cultures. The city celebrates multicultural festivals with delectable foods that are sure to satisfy any palate. While many local eateries and notable restaurants are not mentioned here, they are certainly worth exploring. Be sure to immerse yourself in the food scene, soak in the vibrant culture, and make new friends when you visit Pokhara!
