Eating out in Kathmandu is a real joy because of the tremendous variety of restaurants to be found here. Whether you are looking for traditional Nepalese festival dishes or sea food imported from Thailand, whether you crave Italian specialties or Russian delicacies, there’s a place for all palates and wallets to eat, drink and be merry. Here is a selection of tourist standard restaurants listed in alphabetical order. Bon appetit!
PRICE GUIDE: $ Budget, $$ Moderate and $$$ Deluxe.
american
MIKE’S BREAKFAST
Naxal (across Police Headquarters); Tel: 424303
Dine in the quiet garden of a lovely old house. Enjoy Mid-Western, Californian or Mexican cuisine while listening to classical music. The service is informal, the prices reasonable and the food great. $$
CHINESE
Arniko Room
Hotel De L’Annapurna, Durbar Marg; Tel: 221711
Authentic Chinese dishes as well as creative adaptations. $$$
CHINA GARDEN
Soaltee Crowne Plaza Kathmandu, Tahachal; Tel: 273999, 272555
The menu, designed by celebrated restaurateur Nelson Wong of the original China Garden in Mumbai, India, is Oriental, and the decor soothing and fatigue free. $$$
CHINA MOUNTAIN
Royal Singi Hotel, Lal Durbar; Tel: 424190, 424191
Imperial Pavilion
The Malla Hotel, Lekhnath Marg; Tel: 410620
Spicy Szechuan and savory Cantonese dishes prepared by chefs from China’s Szechuan province. $$$
MANDARIN
The Everest Hotel, New Baneswar;
Tel: 488100
Delectable Chinese, Tibetan and Sherpa cuisine served in this prize-winning restaurant on the roof-top. Open 12 noon to 2:45 pm and 7 to 11 pm. $$$
TIEN SHAN
Hotel Shangri-La, Lazimpat; Tel: 412999
An exotic culinary journey into the heart of the Chinese mainland. An experience that comes only once in a while. $$$
The China Town
Lazimpat; Tel: 410298
Run by a Chinese expat, this is a happy hangout for those who crave authentic Chinese cuisine. Airconditioned. Car parking available. $$
Gompa
The Bluestar Hotel, Tripureswor; Tel: 228833
Charming decor and a comprehensive menu. $$
RICE & BOWL
Saket Complex, 2nd floor, Tripureswor; Tel: 260677, 251678
Authentic Szechuan and Cantonese cuisine prepared by Chinese chef. Dine amidst resplendent decor that accentuates the enchanting art of the Orient. Open 12 noon-10 pm. $$
UTSE RESTAURANT & BAR
Jyatha, Thamel; Tel: 213417, 257614
The restaurant serves Tibetan-Chinese and Continental cuisines. Enjoy breakfast, drinks or snacks on the sun-drenched roof-top garden in plain view of the eternal Himalaya and the golden spires of the city. $$
CONTINENTAL
THE FUN CAFE
Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, Lazimpat; Tel: 419358
The cafe serves a selection of international cuisine. $$$
HIMALAYAN TAVERN
The Everest Hotel, New Baneswar; Tel: 488100
Continental cuisine expertly prepared so it looks as good as it tastes. Open 11 am to 2:45 pm and 7 to 10:45 pm. $$$
SUNRISE CAFE
Hotel Yak & Yeti, Durbar Marg; Tel: 248999, 240520
From light meals to a delicious array of International and Nepalese buffets. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Anytime. Anyday. Also features daily specials and a la carte menu. $$$
Coffee Shop
Hotel De L’Annapurna, Durbar Marg; Tel: 221711
Offers a varied range of breakfast choices, snacks, and informal meals with a comprehensive selection of Continental and Indian cuisines. $$
Garden
Summit Hotel, Kupondole, Patan; Tel: 521894
A serene garden setting serving fresh foods and daily specials. $$
Lumbini Coffee Shop
The Bluestar Hotel, Tripureswor; Tel: 228833
Ideal for either a quick snack or a more elaborate meal in an exceptionally friendly atmosphere. $$
MANDALA
Royal Singi Hotel, Lal Durbar; Tel: 424190, 424191
Rum Doodle
Thamel; Tel: 414336
Thamel’s classic mountaineer’s pub. Hearty food and great atmosphere. $$
TRISHNA COFFEE SHOP
Hotel Vaishali, Thamel; Tel: 426847, 426848
Perfect for a quick bite, rest and relaxation amidst pleasant surroundings. $$
YIN YANG
Thamel; Tel: 425510
Situated in the heart of Thamel, we serve exquisite Continental dishes in our elegant restaurant and spacious garden. Our own bakery offers a wide range of delicious desserts, cakes, pies, and pastries. Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm. Car parking available. All major credit cards accepted. $$
FRENCH
ROPES BARBECUE
The Everest Hotel, New Baneswar; Tel: 488100
Luscious barbecues amid rejuvenating atmosphere. Open 7 to 11 pm. $$$
Everest Steak House
Chhetrapati, Thamel; Tel: 260471
Imported meat and eclectic sauces. A carnivore’s dream. $$
Le café des trekkers
Jyatha, Thamel, Tel/Fax: 225777; E-mail: cafetrek@hotmail.com.
Offers a varied selection of fine wines and cocktails and specializes in French and Tibetan cuisine. Also offers roof top creperie. $$
Rendezvous
The Malla Hotel, Lekhnath Marg; Tel: 410620
French influenced cuisine prepared by European chef. Newly renovated. $$
SIMPLY SHUTTERS BISTROT
Kathmandu; Tel: 9810-23934
E-mail: birlama@hotmail.com
Simply Shutters bistrot, popular since 1995 for its honest, innovative European and Asian dishes, and its own, unique brand of ‘Inter-Continental’ cuisine. $$
INDIAN
Bukhara
Soaltee Crowne Plaza Kathmandu, Tahachal; Tel: 272999, 272555
The tandoor oven ascends to awe-inspiring heights. Tandoori cooking as it is done nowhere else. $$$
FAR PAVILION
The Everest Hotel, New Baneswar; Tel: 488100
Roof-top restaurant with delectable Tandoori and Mughlai cuisine. Features Anand Karki, Nepal’s most popular ghazal singer. Open 7 to 11:45 pm. $$$
Ghar-e-Kabab
Hotel De L’Annapurna, Durbar Marg; Tel: 221711
Regional Indian and Tandoor dining with live traditional music. $$$
The himalchuli
Soaltee Crowne Plaza Kathmandu, Tahachal; Tel: 272999, 272555
Indian and Nepalese specialties served in Himalayan atmosphere. $$$
MAHARAJA
Grand Hotel, Tahachal; Tel: 282481, 282482, 282483
Mughlai and tandoori dishes prepared by our master chef with more than three decades’ experience. Live gazal entertainment. Grand view. $$$
THE NAACHGHAR
Hotel Yak & Yeti, Durbar Marg; Tel: 248999, 240520
The neo-romantic enclaves of this regal palace-theatre restaurant come alive every evening with splendid folk music and dances from across Nepal. Dinner options include a traditional set meal (Thali) or a host of delectable Indian and Nepalese dishes on the a la Carte menu. Drop in and dine. Open 7 to 11:30 pm. $$$
PAANCHALI
Hotel Vaishali, Thamel; Tel: 426847, 426848
Sumptuous Indian, Chinese, Mughlai, Continental and authentic Nepali dishes amidst enchanting decor. $$
RAJ GHARANA
5th Floor, Kathmandu Plaza; Tel: 258560, 258562
For delicious Tandoori and Muglai cuisine complemented by soothing gazal and posh ambience. Lift and parking facility available. $$
RANG MAHAL
Hotel Vaishali, Thamel; Tel: 413968, 423878, 423934, 423935
At Rang Mahal, you get to enjoy typical Indian and Tandoor dining along with live cultural program. $$
Tansen
Durbar Marg; Tel: 224707
Member of the Nanglo chain serving the finest in Indian cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner. $$
THIRD EYE
Thamel; Tel: 260478
Vaishali
The Bluestar Hotel, Tripureswor; Tel: 228833
A full selection of Indian favorites served amid classic decor. $$
International
THE CAFE
The Everest Hotel, New Baneswar; Tel: 488100
Elegant, all-day dining. French, Continental and Oriental cuisine. Nepali cultural show three times a week. Open 6 am to 10:45 pm. $$$
THE CHIMNEY
Hotel Yak & Yeti, Durbar Marg; Tel: 248999, 240520
Serving the finest Continental Cuisine with a distinctly Russian flair and live classical guitar music to keep you company. Cosy setting around the Copper Chimney. Open 6:30 to 11 pm. $$$
SHAMBALA GARDEN CAFE
Hotel Shangri-La, Lazimpat; Tel: 412999
From pizzas and crepes to Indian curries and Chinese delicacies. A veritable gastronomic guide to the world, with a prize-winning garden to complement. $$$
KILROY’S OF KATHMANDU
Thamel Mall, Thamel, Jyatha; Tel: 250440, 250441
Located right at the heart of Thamel, Kilroy’s is one of the finest continental restaurants in the locale with multi-cuisine. Equipped with all the modern amenities, it has world of its own.
Italian
THE ALFRESCO
Soaltee Crowne Plaza Kathmandu, Tahachal; Tel: 272999, 272555
Delicious regional entrees as well as pizza and pasta favorites. $$$
THE OLIVE GARDEN
Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, Lazimpat; Tel: 419358
The restaurant serves delectable Italian dishes. $$$
FIRE & ICE
Thamel, Sanchayakosh Building; Tel: 250210
The only authentic Italian pizzas in Kathmandu as well as delicious homemade Italian soft ice-cream. $$
NANGLO’S DELI
Thamel; Tel: 422616, 421762
Coffee like it should be or tea just done right at Thamel’s best delicatessen. $$
ROMEO RESTAURANT
Romeo Restaurant specializes in Italian food. Also serves Continental, Chinese, Indian and Nepali food. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Crepes Bar stocks imported and local wine. $$
TARA
The Malla Hotel, Lekhnath Marg, Tel: 410620
French Chef Yves Faivre provides fine dining in the Tara Restaurant. A thorough Continental experience based on a French-Italian menu. Traditional French recipes like duck a l’orange and lobster in a Nantua sauce to Italian classical dishes, antipasto Casalinga and Lasagna al Forno. $$
Japanese
Koto
Durbar Marg; Tel: 226025
Thamel; Tel: 256449
Located on the first floor and open for lunch and dinner. Serves finest in Japanese food. $$
Sunset View
Hotel Sunset View, New Baneswar; Tel: 482172
VAN VAN
Babar Mahal Maiti Ghar; Tel: 255490
Sukiyaki, Teppanyaki (BBQ), Ramen (Noodle Soup) and Gyoza (Dumplings) are the favorite Japanese cuisines served here. Try us! The manager is a Japanese ex-mountaineer always ready to serve you. Closed on Wednesday. $$
Korean
Simtha
Jyatha, Thamel; Tel: 251115
Simtha serves authentic Korean cuisine – Kimchi chighe, Sangyup sal, Bulkhoki and many more dishes – cooked by an experienced chef. All ingredients imported from Korea to give authentic flavors. We also serve Continental cuisine. Reasonable price. Rooftop garden. $
Nepali
Bhanchha Ghar
Kamaladi; Tel: 225172
Serves Nepali cuisine at its best. Traditional floor-seating also available. Located behind the clock tower. $$$
BHOJAN GRIHA
Dillibazar; Tel: 416423, 411603
An authentic Nepali restaurant with a typical Nepali atmosphere. Specially designed for Visit Nepal 1998 and beyond to cater quality and authentic Nepalese meals. $$$
KATHMANDU KITCHEN
Durbar Marg; Tel: 243420, 223850
Krishnarpan
Dwarika’s Kathmandu Village Hotel, Batisputali; Tel: 470770
Regional dishes served in a beautifully designed and ornately furnished dining room. $$$
THE NAACHGHAR
Hotel Yak & Yeti, Durbar Marg; Tel: 248 999, 240 520
The neo-romantic enclaves of this regal palace-theatre restaurant come alive every evening with splendid folk music and dances from across Nepal. Dinner options include a traditional set meal (Thali) or a host of delectable Indian and Nepalese dishes on the a la Carte menu. Drop in and dine. Open 7 to 11:30 pm. $$$
The Chalet
Hotel Himalaya, Sahid Sukra Marg, Lalitpur; Tel: 523900
Mountain views in a relaxing environment. $$
Newari
WUNJALA MOSKVA
Naxal; Tel: 415236, 241811
Serves traditional cuisine from the Newari kitchens of Asan and the aristocratic kitchens of Russia. Come eat with the birds, under ancient trees or under the blue skies. $$$
BHOE CHHEN
Near Hotel Yak & Yeti, Durbar Marg; Tel: 221811
Exclusively Newari menu and enchanting traditional decor which bring back the glory of another era. Live traditional Newari music on Friday and Saturday. $$
LAJANA
Near Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat; Tel: 413874
A typical Newari feast consists of more than 20 dishes. Savor these authentic and relishing dishes in addition to various types of unique Newari snacks at the Lajana – the exclusive Newari restaurant. And also enjoy an ambiance you will never forget. $$
Punjabi
THE DHABA
Hanuman Chowk, Anamnagar; Tel: 240051
Nepal’s first and only typical Punjabi dhaba serving authentic Punjabi food. Enjoy a unique roadside experience with hot buttered roties and nanns together with freshly cooked chicken in hot spicy gravy. $
russian
WUNJALA MOSKVA
Naxal; Tel: 415236, 241811
Serves traditional cuisine from the Newari kitchens of Asan and the aristocratic kitchens of Russia. Come eat with the birds, under ancient trees or under the blue skies. $$$
thai
KRUA THAI
Thamel; Tel: 414291
Krua Thai – for enjoyable Thai and Continental dishes, in a perfect Thai atmosphere. Spacious enough for large parties and car parking, Krua Thai is the perfect rendezvous. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$
YIN YANG
Thamel; Tel: 425510
Situated in the heart of Thamel, we specialize in authentic Thai cuisine prepared by our chef from Thailand. Dine in our elegant restaurant or spacious garden. Our bakery offers a wide range of delicious desserts, cakes, pies, and pastries. Open daily from 7 am to 10 pm. Parking available. All major credit cards accepted. $$
Tibetan
DECHENLING
Thamel; Tel: 412158
Located in the heart of Thamel, the Dechenling Beer Garden and Restaurant is a quiet haven amidst the din and bustle of the city. The discerning guest is greeted with a profusion of flowers and greenery in an ambiance of tranquillity. One of the finest and exclusive restaurants, the Dechenling serves authentic Tibetan, Bhutanese and Nepali cuisine. $$$
Sherpaland
The Everest Hotel, New Baneswar; Tel: 220567
Hearty Tibetan meals as well as Manchurian and Szechuan dishes prepared by a Chinese chef. Fantastic urban and Himalayan views. $$$
Bar
BUGLES & TIGERS
The Everest Hotel, New Baneswar; Tel: 488100
A bar with all the inimitable, elegant ambiance of a Gurkha Officers’ Mess. Located on the roof-top. Open 12 noon to 11 pm. $$$
THE JAZZ BAR
Hotel Shangri-La, Lazimpat; Tel: 435741-43
For soaking in the blues with live music every night. As cool as it gets… an atmosphere as smooth as Davis and as sophisticated as Sinatra. Enjoy drinks from a bottomless cellar, gourmet food, coffee, cognac and cigars. $$$
LOBBY LOUNGE
The Everest Hotel, New Baneswar; Tel: 488100
A coffee lounge with substantial snacks, soothing atmosphere and take-away service. Open 11 am to 11 pm; 30% discount on beverages during Happy Hour 6 to 8 pm. $$
CLASSICAL ART CAFE
Basantapur Plaza, 2nd Floor; Tel: 230098
We serve international brands of tea and coffee as well as Nepalese coffee. Also Indian, Chinese, Continental, Nepali and Taiwanese vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. Open 7 am to 10 pm. $
K-TOO! BEER & STEAKHOUSE
Thamel (near Kathmandu Guest House); Tel: 433043
Enjoy great steaks, mad Mexicana, loaded cocktails and winning wines with lively music. Wholesome vegetarian, delectable desserts and enticing set price breakfasts with unlimited tea or coffee. Also relish the substantial reading stuff, board games and televised sports coverage.
CyberCafé
K@MANDU CYBERMATHA
Mercantile Building, Kantipath; Tel: 256071, 256079; E-mail: cyberadm@mos.com.np
The most unique cybercafe in town. Come surf the Internet! Our network of multimedia computers are connected to the Internet via a high speed digital link. $
NANGLO CAFE AND PUB / CYBER CORNER
Durbar Marg; Tel: 222636
Nanglo offers Cyber Corner, Nepal’s first cafe with full Internet service computers. $
FAST FOOD
The Bakery CafE
Durbar Marg; Tel: 242706. Jawalakhel; Tel: 522949. New Road; Tel: 240138. New Baneswar; Tel: 488528. Maharajgunj; Tel: 414855. Teku; Tel: 265987
Burgers and fries, momos and fried chicken, this is Kathmandu’s first fast food chain. $
The Cake Shop
Hotel De L’Annapurna, Durbar Marg; Tel: 221711
For a lip smacking selection of fresh bakery and confectionery products from the Hotel’s own bakery. $
HIMALATTE CAFE
Thamel; Tel: 262526
For specialty coffees and cuisine. Serves latte, Cappucino, espresso, sandwiches, salads, soups, entrees, pasta bar and desserts. $
Nanglo CafE and Pub
Durbar Marg; Tel: 222636
Immensely popular among expats and locals alike, this is a hip hangout serving Kathmandu favorites. $
VEGETARIAN
KHARSAY KHANG
Hotel Gangjong, Lazimpat; Tel: 439888
Dedicated vegetarian Coffee Shop at the newly opened Hotel Gangjong. Nepal’s first, complete vegetarian hotel from Au-Gratin to Alu Bhaji. A truly delicious “VEGGIE HAVEN” in town. $$$
PU TEE YIAN
Maharajgunj, Chakrapath; Tel: 423939
We bring you good vegetarian food from Southeast Asia that is found nowhere else. Dining here will never disappoint you. The most friendly vegetarian restaurant in town. A trial will convince you. Open 11 am to 9 pm. $$
Kura thai Restaurant & Bar
Thai culinary brings satiety
Thamel has long been realized as a main tourist hub of Kathmandu valley. It is a fundamental inclusion in almost every Nepal visitor’s itinerary. Whether for shopping, dining or simply taking in the inherent sights, it is a perfectly fascinating place that impels every visitor to drink life to the lees. The locale itself is sonorous with tourists, rickshaws, hawkers, diners and shops selling almost everything from books and postcards to antiques and adornments that weave the colorful tapestry of Thamel. And right in the midst of all this cacophony is a simple but sublime place – the Krua Thai Restaurant & Bar.
Built with a lush garden that cocoons you in downright privacy, the restaurant for the first sight appears deceptively small. However, coming down to the actual capacity, it can easily accommodate 300 people at a time. Besides, it has its own spacious parking zone, terrace, rooftop seating arrangements, separate bar, and above all a newly built dining hall big enough with superb finishing touches that might double the taste of your dessertspoon by endowing congenial atmosphere. Magnificent Thai decor elegantly accentuates the Southeast Asian flavor, whereas the food served in traditional Thai dishes adds the exotic touch.
The menu, intriguingly woven by Mr. Wichai Kamnerdtan, the restaurant’s Executive Thai chef, is undoubtedly immense. From a whole range of munchy appetizers to soups to Thai curries, noodles, rice and vegetable preparations, the restaurant has umpteen to offer every visitor. Superb if you start with Yam Kai (boiled chicken salad) or Som Tam Thai (a tangy salad made from shredded young papaya & dried shrimps). Then you can get your way to soups like Tom Yam Koong (the world renowned Thai hot & sour prawn soup with lemon grass) or Tom Yam Kai (spicy and sour chicken soup with lemon grass) or even Kang Jued Tao Hoo Moo Sub, Kai Sub (bean curd soup with minced pork or minced chicken and vegetable).
Again, you can fairly enjoy your select from an incredible range of noodle preparations such as Pad Thai Woon Sen (stir fried vermicelli Thai style with dried shrimps and eggs), Pad See Iew Kai Pla Meuk (fried noodle with chicken and squid) and others to rice dishes like Khao Pad Koong (fried rice with prawn and egg) or fried variety of different sorts. The menu runs rife with exotic Thai curries like Kang Khiew Wan Pak (vegetable green curry) and Kang Karee Pak (vegetable Thai style) to name but a few. For those who really crave for fried variety, there are great many options to pick out.
Needless to say, Krua Thai is not just a place for meat connoisseurs, it is equally excellent for vegetarians. There are Yam Woon sen Pak (vermicelli salad with vegetable), the mouth watering Som Tam Thai Pak (shredded young papaya salad) and a host of other delectable goodies for them.
Though essentially a Thai specialty restaurant, Krua Thai also provides a selective continental menu if you prefer not to indulge in the hot and tangy world of it. The continental preparations are just as good, if not better, as those from the Thai kitchen. So, you can have a choice of desserts round off a perfectly perfect Thai meal. You can also order wines and drinks from the bar which stocks both of local and foreign brands. Last but not least, Krua Thai is the perfect rendezvous for get-togethers, family outings or for casual meals. Yet, the only way to hit this wonderful asset of the restaurant is to check it out. Call 414291 or 424751 for reservation