
Kathmandu boasts a vibrant food scene with a variety of incredible dining options, from cozy cafes to fine dining restaurants. Whether you’re looking for traditional Nepali dishes, international cuisine, or vegetarian and vegan-friendly spots, you’ll quickly find your favorite places to eat in the city. To help you get started, here’s a curated list of the top 25 restaurants and cafes in Kathmandu.
(Price Guide: $ = inexpensive (under $10), $$ = mid-range (under $20), $$$ = premium)
1. Café Mitra – Thamel
Price: $ to $$
Hidden in the busy streets of Thamel, Café Mitra offers fresh, handmade dishes in a cozy setting. They cater to vegetarians and provide a serene dining experience amidst the city’s bustle. Pre-booking is recommended.
2. Dechenling Garden Restaurant – Thamel
Price: $
Tucked away near Java Café, this hidden gem specializes in Bhutanese cuisine. Its garden setting is perfect for a peaceful meal, with unique flavors like their famous cream cheese and hot red chili dishes.
3. Places Restaurant – Thamel
Price: $
Kathmandu’s go-to spot for vegetarian and vegan cuisine, Places Restaurant offers delightful food and drinks, including soy lattes. With live music and rooftop art events, it’s a cultural hub worth visiting.
4. OR2K – Thamel
Price: $
A funky vegetarian restaurant serving Middle Eastern cuisine. Located on Mandala Street, OR2K is popular for its relaxed ambiance, perfect for lunch or dinner. The mood lighting makes it a great choice for evening dining.
5. Fire and Ice Pizzeria – Thamel
Price: $ to $$
Famed for the best pizza in town, Fire and Ice has been a local favorite for nearly 20 years. Their menu includes pizzas, pasta, salads, and Italian-style breakfasts.
6. Mezze by Roadhouse – Durbar Marg
Price: $ to $$
Located on a rooftop, Mezze offers Middle Eastern platters, steaks, and pizzas with great views of the old palace. It’s perfect for a summer evening and ideal for groups looking to enjoy outdoor seating.
7. The Chimney – Yak and Yeti Hotel, Durbar Marg
Price: $$ to $$$
An iconic restaurant founded by Boris Lissanevitch, serving classic dishes like borscht and chicken a la Kyiv. The warm ambiance, especially during the winter months with fondue and the famous copper fireplace, makes this a must-visit.
8. Grill Me – Jamsikhel
Price: $$
A great spot for meat lovers, Grill Me specializes in steaks, pork chops, and more. The outdoor seating adds to the relaxed vibe, making it perfect for both casual and special occasions.
9. Singma – Patan
Price: $
Singma brings authentic Singaporean and Malaysian street food to Kathmandu at affordable prices. The setting is simple, but the food is packed with flavors, and it’s a great spot for something different.
10. El Mediterraneo – Patan
Price: $
A quaint Spanish restaurant offering an array of tapas and Spanish-inspired dishes. The cozy atmosphere and personal touch from the owner make it a favorite for both locals and expats.
11. Summit Hotel Restaurant – Kupondole
Price: $$
Known for its warm atmosphere and long-standing expat following, the Summit Hotel’s restaurant is a wonderful spot for casual dining. Don’t miss their weekend BBQs or the Christmas Fare in December.
12. Mike’s Breakfast – Baluwatar
Price: $
A beloved breakfast spot serving American and Mexican favorites, Mike’s Breakfast offers a tranquil garden setting perfect for morning meals or leisurely afternoons.
13. Che Caroline – Babar Mahal Revisited
Price: $$ to $$$
A French-inspired bistro serving delightful dishes in a courtyard setting. The charming atmosphere and quality food, including a side salad and fresh bread with each meal, make this a great place for a special occasion.
14. Dwarika’s Hotel – Battisputali
Price: $$ to $$$
Dwarika’s offers a range of dining options, but Krishnarpan is a standout with its Newari multi-course meals served in traditional ethnic attire. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cultural experience.
15. Rox Restaurant – Hyatt Hotel, Boudha
Price: $$$
This upscale restaurant in the Hyatt Hotel serves Southern European cuisine in a luxurious setting. Spread across three levels, it’s perfect for those looking for a premium dining experience.
16. Garden Kitchen – Boudha
Price: $
A hidden treasure near the Bouddhanath Stupa, Garden Kitchen serves traditional Tibetan dishes in a peaceful atmosphere. The upstairs seating offers a great view of local crafts and the surrounding area.
17. Alice Restaurant – Gairi Dhara
Price: $
A family-friendly restaurant offering a variety of cuisines, including Nepali, Indian, and Japanese. With a playground for kids and private areas for meetings, it’s a favorite for locals.
18. Rato Mato – Lazimpat
Price: $
This cozy spot is hard to find but worth the effort. It offers a diverse menu ranging from Asian-inspired dishes to international favorites. Live music on Fridays adds to the laid-back vibe.
Best Cafes in Kathmandu

19. Himalaya Java – Thamel
Known as Kathmandu’s first café to serve real coffee, Himalaya Java is a local institution. Conveniently located, it’s perfect for casual meetups or a quick coffee break.
20. Curio Café – Lazimpat
Located near the British Embassy, Curio Café offers a mix of delicious café-style food with options like Eggs Benedict and chicken satay. Check out their evening events for live music and performances.
21. Tings Tea Lounge – Lazimpat

If you love tea, this is the place to be. Tings Tea Lounge offers a variety of teas, along with beer, wine, and a selection of Middle Eastern and European-inspired dishes. Closed on Mondays.
22. Café Soma – Jamsikhel
This cozy café serves freshly baked cakes and has a great brunch menu. Café Soma is popular with expats and locals alike, offering a relaxed setting for meals or coffee breaks.
23. Higher Ground Café – Jamsikhel
Another expat favorite, Higher Ground offers excellent coffee and a selection of baked goods and light meals. The community-driven atmosphere makes it a great spot for a quiet afternoon.
24. Karma Coffee – Lalitpur
Karma Coffee combines great coffee with a social initiative. Pay what you feel the coffee is worth, and enjoy the serene surroundings near the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory.
25. Bakery Café – Multiple Locations
A well-known chain in Kathmandu, Bakery Café has been around for decades. It’s known for its social impact, employing hearing-impaired staff, and offering a variety of affordable Nepali dishes.
Whether you’re a visitor or a long-term resident, these top 25 restaurants and cafes in Kathmandu offer something for every taste and budget. Explore the diverse culinary scene and find your favorites!