Food & cafes · Kathmandu
The Best Restaurants in Kathmandu
Momos, wood-fired pizza, Nepali thali and more — the best places to eat in Kathmandu, from Thamel cheap eats to a heritage dinner.
Kathmandu eats well at every budget. The city's signature dish is the momo — steamed or fried dumplings served with fiery achar — but you'll also find hearty dal bhat, Newari specialities, Tibetan thukpa, and a Thamel international scene that runs from wood-fired pizza to Middle Eastern mezze.
The short answer
For cheap, excellent local food, go to Yangling for momos and Tibetan dishes. For a relaxed sit-down meal, Fire and Ice does the city's best pizza and OR2K is the go-to for vegetarians. For a memorable traditional Nepali dinner, book Bhojan Griha in a restored Rana-era mansion.
Tap any restaurant below for the dishes to order, location and what to expect. Planning the rest of your trip? See where to stay in Kathmandu and the best things to do around the city.
Good to know
- Tipping: A service charge is often added in restaurants; rounding up or 10% is appreciated where it isn't.
- Veg-friendly: Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for — Nepali, Newari and Middle Eastern menus all have plenty of options.
- Book ahead: Heritage restaurants like Bhojan Griha fill up in peak season (Oct–Nov), so reserve a table.
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Frequently asked questions
What food is Kathmandu famous for?+
Momos (Nepali-Tibetan dumplings) are the city's signature dish, alongside dal bhat (lentils, rice and curries), Newari specialities like bara and choila, and Tibetan thukpa. Thamel also has a deserved reputation for international food, from wood-fired pizza to Middle Eastern mezze.
Where is the best place to eat in Thamel?+
Thamel packs the most variety: Fire and Ice for pizza, OR2K for vegetarian and Middle Eastern, and Yangling for cheap, excellent momos and Tibetan food. For a special Nepali dinner, head out of Thamel to Bhojan Griha in Dillibazar.
Is street food safe to eat in Kathmandu?+
Stick to busy stalls with high turnover and freshly cooked, hot food, and you'll usually be fine. Drink bottled or filtered water, and ease into spicier local dishes. Established restaurants like those below are the safest bet for first-timers.
How much does a meal cost in Kathmandu?+
A plate of momos or a local thali can cost as little as NPR 150–400 (about US$1–3). Mid-range restaurant mains run NPR 400–900 (US$3–7), while a heritage dinner with a cultural show costs more, around NPR 1,500–2,500 (US$11–19).
