Bagmati Province is Nepal's cultural and political heartland, home to the ancient Kathmandu Valley and seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The province encompasses the cities of Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan), and Bhaktapur, each with their own majestic Durbar Squares, along with sacred Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, and trekking routes into the high Himalayas.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Krishnarpan
Considered Nepal's finest restaurant, Krishnarpan at Dwarika's Hotel offers an extraordinary multi-course tasting menu of traditional Nepali cuisine served on traditional copper and bronze tableware. The 6, 12, or 25-course meals take diners on a culinary journey through the regional flavours of all of Nepal's ecological zones. Servers dressed in traditional attire serve dishes once reserved for Nepali royalty.
Bhojan Griha
An extraordinary cultural dining experience set in a beautifully restored 150-year-old Rana-era mansion in the Dilli Bazaar area. Guests are seated in rooms furnished with traditional Newari artefacts and entertained by classical Nepali dance and music performances during dinner. The set menu features authentic Nepali and Newari dishes cooked with traditional spices and techniques.
Chimney Restaurant
The iconic restaurant at Hotel Yak & Yeti, famous for its wood-burning fireplace (the original 'chimney'), hunting-lodge decor, and classic Continental menu. Founded by Boris Lisanevich, the legendary Russian impresario who introduced tourism to Nepal, the restaurant maintains its reputation for excellent steaks, roast meats, and European-style cuisine. A Kathmandu institution since 1961.
Thamel House Restaurant
An award-winning cultural restaurant in a restored 19th-century Newari merchant's house in Thamel, offering traditional Nepali set dinners accompanied by classical folk dance and music performances by costumed performers. The multi-course set meal showcases dishes from Nepal's diverse ethnic cuisines. Advance booking is essential as it fills up nightly.
OR2K
One of Thamel's most beloved restaurants, OR2K (pronounced 'Oasis') offers a relaxed rooftop setting with cushioned seating, spectacular valley views, and an extensive menu of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and vegetarian dishes. Popular for their hummus, falafel wraps, fresh salads, and meze platters. An ideal spot to refuel after temple visits, especially for vegetarians and vegans.
Fire and Ice Pizzeria
Kathmandu's most popular pizza restaurant, serving authentic Neapolitan-style wood-fired pizzas since 1994. The bright, cheerful restaurant is a Thamel institution and the queues out the door are testament to the quality. Also serves excellent pasta, salads, and homemade gelato. A reliable comfort-food stop before or after a trek.
Roadhouse Cafe
A popular two-storey restaurant and bar in Thamel serving a wide range of international comfort food including burgers, sandwiches, pasta, Asian dishes, and Nepali meals. The bar section is lively in the evenings with sports TV and a good selection of drinks. A reliable all-rounder popular with trekkers for the pre and post-trek meal.
New Orleans Cafe
A legendary jazz bar and restaurant that has been the heart of Kathmandu's live music scene for decades. New Orleans Cafe hosts live jazz, blues, and folk bands most evenings in a warm, atmospheric setting. The menu covers American-style bar food, Cajun dishes, pastas, and excellent cocktails. The lively and eclectic crowd of travellers and expats makes for great atmosphere.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Nepali
Thamel House Restaurant
Nanglo Cake Shop & Restaurant
Cafe de Temple
Kaalo Phatako
Sherpa Kitchen
Shree Cafe and Restaurant
Rooftop Cafe at Patan Museum
Cafe du Temple Bhaktapur
Cafe Himalaya Bhaktapur
Peacock Restaurant Bhaktapur
Sunny Restaurant Nagarkot
Dhokaima Cafe
Cafe Mitra Patan
Club Himalaya Restaurant Nagarkot
Le Sherpa
International
Roadhouse Cafe
New Orleans Cafe
Rum Doodle Restaurant & Bar
Kilroy's of Kathmandu
Babar Mahal Revisited Restaurants
Tibetan
Yangling Tibetan Restaurant
Lama's Kitchen
Utse Restaurant
Dolma Kitchen
Indian
Third Eye Restaurant
Bawarchi Restaurant
Eka Chakra Restaurant
Cafe
Himalayan Java Coffee
Cafe Soma
French
Chez Caroline
Brioche Cafe
Italian
Fire and Ice Pizzeria
La Dolce Vita
Traditional Nepali
Krishnarpan
Bhojan Griha
Vegetarian
Snowland Restaurant
Natural Flavours Restaurant
Continental
Chimney Restaurant
Mediterranean
OR2K
Middle Eastern
Ali Baba Restaurant
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |