Kathmandu can be overwhelming for visitors to navigate, but this post will help you find the best places to eat in Nepal’s capital city and what you’ll find on the menu.

Nepali cuisine is a symphony of sensational spices, simple ingredients, and ancient tradition. Foodies can rest easy knowing that a visit to Kathmandu is guaranteed to be chalked full of incredible dining options. Kathmandu’s vibrancy is reflected in its lively restaurant scene, culminating in a wealth of dining experiences waiting to be had. I’ve rounded up the 14 of best eateries that offer a variety of local dishes, as well as spots for western food, so that you can get down to the fun part— eating!

foods you must try in nepal ↴

dal bhat | a plate consisting of a heaping pile of white rice surrounded by smaller portions of curry, lentil stew (dal), fresh vegetables, something pickled, and a papadum.
momos | a Tibetan dish, similar to dumplings that are filled with various seasonal vegetables and occasionally meat. These are traditionally served steamed but often found fried.
gundruk | often regarded as the national dish of Nepal, it’s an assortment of pickled, leafy greens not too dissimilar from kimchi.
thukpa | a winter delicacy that combines meat stock with vegetables and noodles to create a warm stew-like dish that will warm your bones, sometimes referred to as “Tibetan noodle soup”
wo | pancakes made with ground green or black lentils, usually made during the Newari festival of ‘Sti Nakha.’ Wo is typically vegetarian, but versions exist that add ground chicken and egg to the batter.
gurung bread/ Tibetan bread | variatons of deep-fried bread, typical as a breakfast food at teahouses
sel roti | a treat that lies somewhere between a doughnut and a bagel that is made during the Tihar and Dashain religious festivals. Rice flour is deep fried in a ring shape so that it becomes crispy on the outside and soft and doughy on the inside.

the 14 best places to eat in kathmandu ↴

Himalayan Java Coffee

If you’re looking for a co-working space in Kathmandu, I highly suggest Himalayan Java Coffee. This cozy little place, which is one location in a chain of 27 other locations, is situated on Mandala Street Coffee. Himalayan Java Coffee grows its coffee in Nepal mountain communities and uses a sustainable business method to support local farmers and businesses. The bakery items here are as superb as the coffee; a reflection of the training staff undergo upon being hired.

Maulik Kitchen

Maulik is a little outside of the Thamel district, but it’s worth walking to for their dal bhat. The courtyard atmosphere at Maulik feels like a quiet sanctuary from the noise of the city, with bright orange walls and leafy trees strung with twinkly lights. Maulik often have live music!

Yangling Restaurant

Without a question, Yangling Restaurant was our favourite place to eat in Kathmandu, conveniently located right around the corner from our hotel. The exterior is completely unassuming, but as you find a table on one of the many levels of this narrow building, you’ll be presented with a menu filled with Tibetan classics, including the always popular momos. Their extensive drinks list and food menu had us worried thinking that no place could do that many variations of anything well, but we were absolutely mistaken. Prices are low, quality is exceptionally high, and the deliciousness knows no bounds. Yangling is simply a must-do while in Kathmandu!

Forest + Plate

“Boring” and “health food” are not synonymous thanks to the jungle-esque café, Forest and Plate. Hidden away in the labyrinth of Kathmandu streets and alleyways, Forest and Plate serves up scrumptious salads and other vegan-friendly goodies. It feels like an oasis, thanks in part to the space being decorated with potted plants, hanging vines, and rustic shelving. Organic produce and locally-sourced ingredients make up the entire menu. Even the pasta is homemade!

Fire + Ice Pizzeria

It seems sacrilegious, but if you’re absolutely craving something western, then Fire and Ice Pizzeria and their traditional Italian menu will make your mouth water. The pizza place opened in 1995 and has since gained a reputation for offering authentic Italian cuisine using local Nepali produce. Make sure you leave room for gelato— it might be the best I’ve had outside of Italy!

Fusion Himalaya Café

Fusion Himalaya Café is located in the heart of Kathmandu’s Thamel district with a storefront covered with neon lights— you cannot miss it. The menu at Himalaya Café features Nepali and Tibetan staples from nine bean soup to momos. Everything is made incredibly fresh, so service can be a bit slow, but the result is well worth the wait.

Dwarika’s

For a luxury Nepali dining experience, Dwarikas’ offers slow-dining culinary mastery. The vibrant menu is carefully designed to reflect Nepal’s unique culture and its traditional food. You won’t go hungry here— you can choose from set menus that range from six to twenty-two courses! Make sure you book ahead if you aren’t a guest of the attached hotel or you’ll miss out.

Utse Restaurant

Established in 1979, Utse is known for its Tibetan and Nepali cuisine that’s both affordable and delicious. it’s a great place to try Gacok, a Tibetan dish made of vegetables and meat that’s hearty and cooked in a pot over charcoal. All the Nepali staples here are A dinner visit to Utse may require a booking, as it gets rather busy during peak tourist season.

Roadhouse Café

This chain has locations in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. It’s a favourite amongst foreign tourists for a reason— it offers plenty of western food in Kathmandu.

La Dolce Vita Italian

La Dolce is on the pricier side, but it offers patrons some of the very best Italian food in Kathmandu. I highly recommend this spot for a cheeky date night or if you’re feeling celebratory. It’s worth a visit, but shouldn’t be on the top of your list if you’re only in Kathmandu for a short visit.

OR2K

OR2K markets itself as a “vegan, vegetarian, and Mediterranean restaurant", and that’s exactly what you’ll find. Low tables with cushion seating and a “no shoe” policy combined with menu items like falafel and hummus make for a relaxed, casual dining atmosphere that backpackers and locals both enjoy. The food at OR2K is well-priced, even despite the trendy setting.

Café Mitra

As a restaurant that sits down a narrow alleyway dotted with trees and lit with twinkling strands makes Café Mitra my date night pick! Mitra serves a wide variety of both western and Nepali food. The naan and hummus is a wonderful light meal and the wine list here is relatively extensive. Overall, Café Mitra feels like a luxury dining spot with an affordable price tag and warm, friendly staff.

Upstairs Cafê

Funky murals cover the walls at Upstairs Café, an eatery serving local cuisine at budget-friendly prices. Everything is made in an open kitchen so that patrons can watch their food being prepared. It’s a nice space and the food is decent. I would recommend Upstairs for casual diners searching for an affordable lunch.

Places Restaurant + Bar

Expats and foreign tourists can be found sitting on brightly coloured floor cushions around low tables in the dim lighting of Places. The great evening atmosphere makes this organic restaurant a favourite for young backpackers. The menu is fully vegetarian and includes plates of pan fried gnocchi, smoothie bowls, and spinach pie made with fresh ingredients from local farms. Sometimes, there’s live music here, adding to the overall ambience.

nepal cooking school in kathmandu ↴

Once you’ve experienced delicious Nepali food, you’ll likely want to recreate some of the magic at home. A cooking class is a great way to learn more about how local dishes are made and the connections between food and culture. I cannot recommend Nepal Cooking School enough! Luke booked the PM cooking course for my birthday and it was the perfect way to spend an evening. You select which four-course menu option you’d like to make and head to the local market for spices and vegetables. Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you spend the next few hours learning about Nepali food and preparing your own starter, mains, and dessert.

BOOK | Nepal Cooking School