The Best Places to Eat in Kathmandu, Nepal

Built as a residence for a royal priest more than 150 years ago, the impressive four-storey building of Bhojan Griha can nowadays host more than 250 people in one sitting. Located in Dilli Bazar, the restaurant serves traditional Nepali food in charming surroundings. While sat on colourful cushions, savouring Nepali delicacies served in traditional brassware, guests can enjoy regular cultural shows – from Nepali folk music to regional dance. Bhojan Griha also has a Kama Sutra bar, appropriately decorated with traditional erotic wood carvings.

Yangling serves the best momos in Kathmandu. Along with momos – traditional Nepalese dumplings, stuffed with meat, cheese or vegetables and served steamed or fried – this small and unpretentious family-run restaurant also features some other traditional dishes. Some of these include hefty thukpa –a traditional Nepali hot noodle soup with meat and vegetables – and a tasty and rich Tibetan butter tea.

Rosemary Kitchen features an exciting mix of European and Asian cuisine, using only organic produce from local farms. Dishes are as broad-ranging as Mexican breakfast, Italian bruschetta, spicy Thai curry and traditional Nepali thali. The restaurant has a lovely open courtyard seating area – perfect for a coffee break or a glass of wine from the impressive wine collection.

Kaiser Cafe offers one of the most peaceful dining experiences in Kathmandu – and a much-needed getaway from the busy shopping streets of the Thamel district. Located in the premises of the lush Garden of Dreams, this restaurant features a tasty mix of international dishes, including Austrian Wienerschnitzel and Viennese coffee. The serene atmosphere is influenced by the surrounding neo-classical garden and European-inspired architecture. While quieter during the week, the Garden of Dreams becomes a favourite haunt of young Nepalese across the weekends.

A lively and artsy restaurant, OR2K can be found in the heart of the touristy Thamel district. The restaurant serves only vegetarian and vegan dishes, with a particular focus on Middle Eastern cuisine. Intimate lighting, walls covered in large, colourful paintings and cosy floor-cushion seating creates an easy-going atmosphere. The restaurant has a small rooftop terrace – a perfect spot for sipping cocktails or trying some of the highlights of the menu, including hummus or the OR2K specialty platter.

Named after the eastern Nepalese ethnic group, Le Sherpa offers one of the best fine-dining experiences in Kathmandu. Situated near the Japanese embassy, the restaurant features contemporary European cuisine in a luxurious yet simple setting. The dining area extends into a lovely open-air courtyard, which is surrounded by beautiful greenery and is available year-round. Among the specialty dishes are the delicious Sherpa soup – made from beans, radish, potato and beef – and braised rabbit tortellini with wilted rocket.

Situated within the charming grounds of Dwarika’s heritage hotel, the Krishnarpan features traditional upmarket Nepali cuisine in a warm Newari atmosphere. Using only fresh and organic produce from its own local farm, the restaurant heartily promotes the concept of slow dining – with traditional meals ranging from six to 22 courses. The Newari-inspired architecture and interior decor – for which the hotel recently won the Pacific Asia Travel Association Heritage Award – creates an exceptional atmosphere. This is further enhanced by traditional earthenware and the local dress worn by the waiters.

On one of the main streets in the busy Thamel district, the legendary Utse Restaurant – established in 1979 – is popular for its mouth-watering and affordable Tibetan and Nepali dishes. Utse is one of the rare places to try a hefty gacok, a traditional Tibetan stew for two made from a mix of meat, vegetables, mushrooms and noodles, steamed for several hours in a charcoal-heated pot. The restaurant certainly gets busy – especially during tourist season – so booking in advance is recommended.

Situated on a luxury shopping street, the Fire and Ice Pizzeria offers the best of traditional Italian cuisine. Opened in 1995, the pizzeria has become a local dining staple, priding itself on offering a mix of authentic, imported ingredients and the best of local produce. The menu features a variety of traditional Italian dishes – including pasta and risotto – but leave room for the creamy and delicious gelato.