The heart and soul of Nepal, Kathmandu City stands as the cultural gateway that takes you through an unforgettable journey in Nepal. It serves as the nexus from which you start for your adventures and memories. Whether you are planning to trek through the Himalayas or trying to experience Nepal’s cultural hub, your adventure will likely take you through the bustling city of Kathmandu. Home to a diverse culinary experience Kathmandu is a delight to both locals and tourists alike.
Our city’s food culture embraces traditional Nepali dishes with international influences and even a growing trend of fusion foods. Some of the best restaurants have a space and ambiance for everyone that comes through their doors. Beyond local cuisine, Kathmandu has warmly embraced the idea of global food culture. From Tibetan, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Middle-eastern, the food culture has an option for everyone. Many restaurants combining the stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains offer a warm and laid-back eating experience.
Top 10 Restaurants in Kathmandu
- Mezze By RoadHouse, Durbar Marg
- Penthouse Rooftop Bar and Lounge, Durbar Marg
- The Chimney Restaurant, Durbar Marg
- Third Eye Restaurant, Thamel
- OR2K, Thamel
- Evoke, Jhamshikhel
- Raviyol Restro, Jhamshikhel
- RoadHouse Cafe (Multiple Branches)
- Lavie Garde, Boudha
- Himalayan Java (Multiple Branches)
1. Mezze By RoadHouse, Durbar Marg
Along Durbar Marg, Mezze by RoadHouse offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu, serving everything from wood-fired pizzas to gourmet salads in its rooftop setting. The rooftop terrace showcases stunning views of Kathmandu, attracting trekkers who want to enjoy the city’s skyline before embarking on their Himalayan adventure.
Mezze creates a vibrant urban atmosphere, providing tourists with an ideal introduction to Kathmandu’s cosmopolitan dining scene. Warm lights, comfortable seating, and prompt service make it the perfect spot for casual dining or special occasions. Whether you’re beginning your trek to Everest Base Camp or returning from a challenging trek to Manaslu, Mezze by RoadHouse offers the ideal culinary experience to help you unwind and savor the flavors of Kathmandu.
2. The Penthouse Rooftop Bar and Lounge, Durbar Marg
One of the best restaurants in the Durbar Marg area in Kathmandu, Penthouse Rooftop Bar and Lounge is a modern and stylish place. Penthouse is a top Kathmandu restaurant for foreign visitors and locals alike to have a relaxing time. The rooftop setting offers a great view of the city of Kathmandu. With trendy décor, live music, and an array of cocktails, this bar and lounge is a hot destination for locals and tourists alike to experience Kathmandu’s nightlife in style.
Penthouse is an excellent place to relax, even if floating through the city or coming before or after trekking. Specializing in local and international cuisines, the laid-back ambiance of its bar is ideal for socializing with other travelers from all over the world.
3. The Chimney Restaurant, Durbar Marg
The Chimney Restaurant is amongst the most famous restaurants in Kathmandu and is situated in one of the most posh areas of Kathmandu-Durbar Marg. It has a historical touch and a luxurious environment, providing local as well as international cuisine-a blend of Nepali and international dishes-which makes it a very good restaurant for tourists.
For those people that need a touch of history and fine dining, The Chimney Restaurant is an ideal hangout before or after their trekking adventure. Its reputation for excellent service and attention to detail ensures guests leave satisfied.
4. Third Eye Restaurant, Thamel
Centrally located in Thamel, the Third Eye Restaurant caters to Indian and Nepali food and, hence, is included as one of the best Kathmandu restaurants. Third Eye opened in 1989; the restaurant is famous for its authentic taste, which may be ordered according to your preference: mild, moderate, or spicy. Exquisite Nepalese oil paintings grace this dining atmosphere, making it a cozy nook to sit and enjoy.
The Third Eye comes highly recommended for a genuine Nepalese meal in a traditional setting. This rooftop restaurant has great views and will be an excellent spot to unwind with its spectacular views over the neighborhood with breathtaking sunsets. Writing about the upcoming trek or reminiscing about the trek makes it tranquil.
5. OR2K, Thamel
OR2K in Thamel is a hit among local people and vegetarian tourist looking forward to a lively yet tranquil dining experience. Inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine, the menu comprises hummus, falafels, and tahini, while the interior of the restaurant is cozy, with people seated on cushions on the floor, adding to its cultural feel. The cozy atmosphere, relaxed setting, and full-of-flavor dishes make it a tourist favorite to indulge in delicious meals.
A hearty dining experience, OR2K is a holistic destination for dining. With its relaxed atmosphere, colorful decor, and good service, it’s an ideal place to wind down, recharge, and enjoy international-influenced Nepali hospitality reflected in the food.
6. Evoke, Jhamshikhel
Evoke in Jhamshikhel is more than a coffee shop; it’s a dynamic space where people can come in and relax, enjoying different artisan coffees, snacks, and meals within a lively and friendly atmosphere. With its modern but laid-back ambiance, mixed with the high concentration of local and international flavors, the café is definitely a great place to kick-start an adventure in Nepal or to reflect upon those trekking experiences.
Equipped with outdoor seating and live music, Evoke is a place to sit back and relax after a day of touring Kathmandu or trekking some wonderful destinations in Nepal. The sense of artistry, positivity, and great coffee at this café echoes in the hearts of trekkers who focus on comfort and creativity while traveling.
7. Raviyol Restro, Jhamshikhel
Raviyol Restro in Jhamshikhel serves authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, intimate setting. Raviyol is famous for its delicious pizzas and ravioli, it attracts food lovers of all ages. People visit Raviyol to enjoy homemade Italian food after an adventurous trek in the mountains.
From its relaxed vibe to excellent service, Raviyol Restro stands out from others for those looking for comfort food with a touch of class. Raviyol includes a warm and cozy environment accommodating not only the trekkers but also other tourists for relaxed sitting either after a tiring trek or with a hearty meal before they go into the mountains.
8. RoadHouse Café (Multiple Branches)
Aside from wood-fired pizzas and Mediterranean dishes, RoadHouse Café provides comfort and familiarity in a menu that is often a welcome spot from the local cuisines to travelers.
The Thamel branch, with its signature and cozy garden patio, is a favorite among tourists especially trekkers for having a laid-back meal after spending the whole day either in the city or coming back from the trails. With great friendly service and excellent food every time, a visit to RoadHouse Café ensures a memorable part of any journey.
9. Lavie Garden, Boudha
Located in Boudha, Lavie Garden is a haven for tourists and trekkers alike. A stone’s throw from the UNESCO-listed Boudhanath Stupa, this restaurant offers its guests the opportunity to dine in a quiet environment amidst greenery with seating outdoors. The kitchens here offer Nepali, Indian, and European cuisine to satisfy travelers who need a quiet meal in relaxed surroundings.
Lavie Garden serves as a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. It has live music on weekends and a very friendly atmosphere; highly recommended for contemplation of your journey, enjoying delicious food, and having a rest for further acquisition of the rich culture and landscapes of Nepal.
10. Himalayan Java (Multiple Branches)
With several outlets in Kathmandu, Himalayan Java has long been a tourist pit stop. It serves the specialty coffee of Nepal, offering a cozy environment to enjoy rich, aromatic brews and light snacks. Promotion of Nepali coffee is one of the main focuses of this café, making it a must-visit for coffee lovers before heading out into your world. The inviting ambiance and friendly baristas make Himalayan Java an ideal wind down after a long day.
Be one planning their next adventure or reminiscing about their life, the relaxed vibe of the café-cum-coffee shop, along with great coffee and good service, makes it comforting for any customer in Kathmandu.
Conclusions
Kathmandu’s diverse and dynamic culinary experience has something for every person who walks through the door of the best restaurants in Kathmandu. These Kathmandu restaurants are cultural and social hubs for people to connect over delicious foods. From cozy and warm dining to sophisticated rooftop settings, Kathmandu’s restaurants have something to offer for everyone. Furthermore, with different travel agents offering food tours and city walks your cafe hoping will also be memorable.
The food culture of Kathmandu offers a perfect blend of flavors and memories that you must experience when in Nepal. With Mountain Routes, you can savor the delicious cuisine and immerse yourself in the local culture. Our expert tour guides will help you discover the richness of Kathmandu and experience everything it has to offer. Along with enjoying feast in different restaurant you can also plan entire walking tour in Kathmandu making your overall journey memorable.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the famous food in Kathmandu?
Among the most famous foods of Kathmandu are Momo, a local favorite that is everyone’s go-to comfort food; Thukpa which is a heart noodle soup that marks the highlight for your day and Sel roti which is a very famous street food that is considered a must-have that everyone walks the streets of Kathmandu.
What is the famous street food in Kathmandu?
Momo is the most favorite and famous street food in Kathmandu. Momos have an omnipresent presence in Nepal, you may not always find the perfect Instagram backdrop but you’ll always find Momo.
How much does it cost to eat in restaurants in Kathmandu?
Eating in Kathmandu can be a fun and diverse experience, you can go to find meals starting from 3 dollars to even 30 dollars. It depends on the place that you go to for your meals. Kathmandu’s restaurants have a price range that works for everyone, from affordable to lavish meals you can enjoy the food culture of Kathmandu based on your preference.
Are there party places in Kathmandu?
Yes, Kathmandu has an exciting and vibrant nightlife. Thamel is the best place to experience the nightlife that Kathmandu has to offer; the city’s best bars and nightclubs. The streets of Thamel are lined with places where you a experience a night life that is full of life and excitement.
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