Top restaurants and cafes in Kathmandu

Introduction

Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, is renowned for its temples, history, art, and culture, but it also boasts a vibrant food scene that delights both locals and visitors. The city offers traditional dishes like Dal, Bhat, and Tarkari, alongside Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and Thai cuisine. Nepalese cuisine is a fusion of local and international flavors, making dining an exciting experience. Street food, including samosas, chaats, and fried noodles, is a highlight. The dining atmosphere is equally appealing, with many restaurants offering relaxed settings and stunning Himalayan views. Whether in the bustling Thamel or the serene garden restaurants of Patan, Kathmandu's dining scene is inviting. Here are some recommended cafes and restaurants to visit.

Grab a cup of coffee!

1. Kar.ma Coffee at The Hub

This café, located in Lalitpur and Bouddha, features chic, innovative decor and an open kitchen, allowing coffee enthusiasts to watch their coffee being brewed. They use locally sourced Nepali coffee beans, ground in an eco-friendly brewing system. On one Friday each month, the café hosts a gala day with sparkling wine, homemade cakes, snacks, and live music. It's well-known for its hot chocolate, carrot cake, and chocolate lava cupcakes.

Website: https://karmacoffee.com.np/

2. Ananda Tree House

Ananda Tree House, meaning "blissful tree house," serves dishes made from local, organic vegetables and farm products, offering both vegetarian and vegan options. They are renowned for their fresh organic hand-drip coffees and a variety of healthy teas, including organic green tea, herbal teas from the Himalayas, and special teas from Taiwan, Japan, and India.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/anandatreehouse/?hl=en

3. Himalayan Java Coffee

Himalayan Java roasts its own coffee and offers a cozy setting with ample workspace, small coffee tables, and comfy sofas. It's ideal for breakfast, remote work, or enjoying top-notch coffees like Cappuccinos, Lattes, and Americanos. Known as the first café in Kathmandu to serve "proper" coffee, it has a great reputation for both coffee and food. With multiple outlets, including three in Kathmandu, their menu features a variety of hot and cold beverages, and food inspired by American, Italian, and Asian cuisines. Vegans can customize their meals, and their freshly baked homemade cakes are a must-try.

Website: https://himalayanjava.com/

4. La Palpasa Coffee

Located in Sinamangal, Kathmandu, this café offers a cozy, homely atmosphere with charming interiors featuring antique decor. It serves delicious food and highly rated customer service. Coffee lovers will appreciate the excellent coffee made from Nepali organic beans, and the café is also known for its unique array of mo:mo platters.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/381110654/momo-la-palpasa-coffee/

What about lunch and dinner?

1. Fire and Ice Pizzeria

Located in the heart of Thamel, Kathmandu, Fire and Ice Pizzeria has been a favorite among locals and travelers since 1995. Known for its authentic Italian cuisine, the restaurant specializes in pizzas like Insalata Mista, Ettore, Rompipalle, Calzones, and the signature Fire and Ice pizza. The lovely decor is complemented by opera and Italian music. The restaurant uses homemade mozzarella cheese and imported ingredients, making their risotto, creamy gelato, pizza, and pasta dishes must-tries.

Website: https://www.fireandicepizzeria.com/

2. Nepali Chulo

Nepali Chulo Authentic Restaurant, situated in Lazimpat, provides a genuine taste of traditional Nepali cuisine, served in brass plates. Guests can enjoy Nepali and Newari delicacies in a setting that combines rural charm with luxurious touches. Alongside the delicious meals, visitors are treated to cultural dances and shows.

Website: https://nepalichulo.com.np/

3. RoadHouse Cafe

Roadhouse Café is renowned for its mouth-watering wood-fired pizza, tasty pasta, great salads, and robust specialty coffee. Guests can watch their pizza being cooked in the wood-fired oven or enjoy soothing jazz music while waiting. With twelve locations in Nepal and one in Goa, India, the café features Mediterranean-inspired decor with earthy tones, wooden furnishings, and captivating mosaics. Known for its friendly service and a wide selection of local and imported beverages, Roadhouse Café is a popular spot for a casual and enjoyable meal.

Website: https://roadhousenepal.com/

4. Utse Restaurant and Bar

Located in Thamel, Utse Restaurant is renowned for offering the best Tibetan cuisine. It serves a wide range of Tibetan dishes, ensuring a delightful gastronomic experience that stimulates all the senses. If you're craving Tibetan cuisine, this is the place to visit!

Website: https://www.utsehotel.com/dinning.html

5. Food Truck Park

Located in Nagpokhari, Kathmandu, Food Truck Park features a collection of different restaurants inside stationary buses, sharing the same space. This unique concept is popular among both locals and visitors. The vibrant atmosphere makes it an enjoyable spot, appealing to foodies who appreciate a non-traditional dining experience. Offering a variety of cuisines, from Western fast food like burgers and onion rings to Japanese sushi and Mexican tacos, the park is known for its affordable food and relaxing environment where people can eat, read, or work undisturbed.

Want some dessert?

1. Tip Top Sweets

TipTop is a well-known restaurant chain in Nepal that specializes in vegetarian Nepali and Indian cuisine. It is renowned for its delicious snacks and sweets, all freshly prepared. The restaurant offers a diverse selection of drinks, food, and sweet treats.

2. Angan

Angan Sweets is another popular restaurant chain offering North and South Indian food, snacks, sweets, drinks plus Indo Chinese and continental dishes.

Website: https://angansweets.com/

3. Taza Treats

Taza Treats, the first Syrian restaurant in the Kathmandu Valley, specializes in Middle Eastern sweets and savory snacks like baklava, fatayers, zaatar, sukseh, and warbats. Although they have a location at Labim Mall, their original Pulchowk venue offers a full sit-down dining experience.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/tazatreats/?hl=en

4. Silk Artisanal Creamery

Silk Ice Cream, established in Nepal, is crafted from 100% natural ingredients without artificial colors, extracts, or processed materials. Each batch is freshly made, focusing on high-quality, seasonal flavors with local fruits and premium imported ingredients. The brand takes pride in creating custom flavors to suit customer preferences while ensuring a luxurious and branded experience.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/silkartisanalcreamery/

Missing Home?

1. OR2K

Situated in the heart of Kathmandu and Pokhara, OR2K specializes in Israeli, Mediterranean, vegetarian, and vegan cuisines. The restaurant offers a homely atmosphere with excellent food and service. Its intimate lighting, walls adorned with large colorful paintings, and cozy floor-cushion seating contribute to a unique and vibrant ambiance, making it a cheerful and enjoyable dining spot.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/or2k.restaurant/?hl=en

2. La Mari

Aiming to be the top premium French boulangerie and patisserie in Lazimpat, Kathmandu, this chic establishment offers comfortable seating for both grab-and-go and coffee dates with French pastries. All products are freshly baked on-site, ensuring top-notch quality.

Website: https://www.lamariktm.com/

3. La Casita

Situated near Boudhanath Stupa, La Casita offers a delightful blend of authentic Spanish and Nepali cuisine. Whether you're craving tacos or beloved mo:mo, this is the ideal spot. Enjoy delicious food and exceptional Nepalese hospitality while taking in the stunning view of Boudhanath from the rooftop. This place is definitely worth a visit!

Website: http://www.lacasitaboudhanath.com/

4. Bagaicha

Located in Baluwatar, Bagaicha is a multi-cuisine restaurant offering a diverse range of options, including Nepali, Indian, Japanese, Thai, Italian, vegan, and vegetarian dishes. It features a unique concept, combining various international cuisines in one place. The restaurant boasts modern and stylish indoor and outdoor seating, complemented by lovely background music. With its beautiful ambiance, delicious food, and warm hospitality, Bagaicha stands out from typical dining establishments.

Website: https://thebagaicha.com/

5. Alev Kebab Sultanate

Kathmandu’s first Turkish restaurant offers a range of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes. With a white and turquoise theme, adorned with Moroccan tiles and lamps, it evokes the feel of Turkey. The menu features a variety of delicious and irresistible food options.

Website: https://www.alevkebab.com.np/

6. Pho 99

Pho 99 is a charming Vietnamese restaurant in Thamel, known for its delightful ambiance and authentic cuisine. It offers a wide range of Vietnamese dishes, with both indoor and outdoor seating options that provide a peaceful setting, complete with a cozy garden.

Website: https://www.pho99nepal.com/

Conclusion

Nepal’s culinary scene is as varied and captivating as its landscapes. From the vibrant street food and rooftop restaurants in Kathmandu to the serene lakeside eateries in Pokhara, the country offers a wealth of dining experiences. Each bite invites you to explore Nepal's rich culinary heritage, enhanced by stunning views and welcoming hospitality. Enjoy your meals and let Nepal’s culinary charm delight your taste buds!