After days or weeks of tea house dal bhat and instant noodles above 4,000 meters, returning to Thamel's restaurant scene feels like stepping into a culinary wonderland. Or before your trek, when pre-departure nerves mix with excitement, a great meal in Thamel sets the right tone for the adventure ahead. Either way, knowing where to eat in Kathmandu's trekking district transforms a necessary task into one of the trip's highlights.
Thamel's restaurant scene has evolved dramatically in recent years. What was once a strip of indistinguishable tourist restaurants serving mediocre versions of everything now includes genuinely excellent Nepali cuisine, wood-fired pizza that rivals European standards, specialty coffee roasters, artisan bakeries, and international restaurants run by chefs who trained abroad and returned. The challenge is no longer finding good food in Thamel but choosing among excellent options.
This guide ranks the 20 best restaurants in and around Thamel specifically for trekkers, organized by category and covering Nepali traditional, international, cafes and bakeries, and rooftop dining. Each listing includes price ranges, must-order dishes, vegetarian and vegan options, and whether it is better suited for pre-trek fuel or post-trek celebration.
Hundreds in Thamel area
NPR 500-1,500 ($4-12 USD)
Nepali, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Mexican
NPR 2,000-4,000 ($15-30) per person
NPR 200-400 ($1.50-3) at local spots
12-1:30 PM and 7-9 PM
10% appreciated, not required
Not usually needed except high-end
How to Use This Guide
Trekkers have two distinct dining needs: pre-trek meals focused on carb-loading, familiar comfort food, and a calm atmosphere for planning, and post-trek meals driven by cravings built up during weeks of limited menus, celebration energy, and the desire to eat everything you missed on the trail.
Each restaurant below is tagged:
- Pre-trek: Good atmosphere for planning, reliable food that will not upset your stomach
- Post-trek: Satisfies specific cravings, celebration-worthy, great for groups
- Both: Works equally well before and after
Category 1: Nepali and Traditional Cuisine
1. Bhojan Griha
The finest traditional Nepali dining experience in Kathmandu.
A restored 150-year-old Newari home transformed into a cultural dining experience. The six-course Nepali feast includes multiple dishes, live traditional music, and cultural performances. This is not everyday eating; it is an event. The food is authentically prepared using traditional recipes and presented on brass plates.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 2,500-3,500 per person (set menu) | | Cuisine | Traditional Newari/Nepali feast | | Best For | Post-trek celebration dinner | | Vegetarian | Full vegetarian set available | | Location | Dillibazar (10 min taxi from Thamel) | | Reservations | Required (book through hotel) |
Must order: The full cultural dinner set. It is the only option and it is worth every rupee.
When to go: Post-trek. This is the ideal celebration dinner after returning from the mountains. The multi-course feast format is perfectly suited to a group of trekkers toasting their achievement.
2. Thamel House Restaurant
The best Nepali food within walking distance of Thamel hotels.
Housed in a traditional Newari building with exposed brick walls and low wooden beams, Thamel House serves refined Nepali cuisine in an atmospheric setting. The menu covers both Newari specialties and mainstream Nepali dishes, all prepared with care that elevates them above standard tourist fare.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 800-1,800 per person | | Cuisine | Nepali and Newari | | Best For | Both pre-trek and post-trek | | Vegetarian | Excellent vegetarian options | | Location | Central Thamel | | Reservations | Recommended for dinner |
Must order: The Newari set meal, choila (spiced grilled meat), and the house special dal. The chatamari (Nepali rice crepe) is excellent.
Pro Tip
3. Newa Lahana (Kirtipur)
Worth the 30-minute taxi ride for the most authentic Newari food in the valley.
Located in the hilltop town of Kirtipur, Newa Lahana serves Newari cuisine in its most traditional form. The restaurant occupies a classic Newari house, and the menu features dishes rarely found in tourist-area restaurants: yomari, bara, achar varieties, and seasonal specialties. This is where Kathmandu food critics eat when they want real Newari food.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 400-1,000 per person | | Cuisine | Authentic Newari | | Best For | Pre-trek cultural immersion | | Vegetarian | Limited but available | | Location | Kirtipur (30 min from Thamel) | | Reservations | Not needed |
Must order: Samay baji (traditional feast plate), choila, bara with egg, and local aila (rice spirit) if you drink alcohol.
For a deeper exploration of Nepali cuisine and food culture, see our Nepal food and cuisine guide.
4. Yangling Tibetan Restaurant
The best momos in Thamel, served since 1972.
Yangling is a Thamel institution. This no-frills Tibetan restaurant has been serving momos, thukpa, and thenthuk since before most trekkers were born. The quality is consistent, the portions are generous, and the prices remain remarkably fair for central Thamel. The momo achar is legendary.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 200-600 per person | | Cuisine | Tibetan | | Best For | Both (quick, satisfying, affordable) | | Vegetarian | Vegetable momos and thukpa | | Location | Central Thamel, Chaksibari Marg | | Reservations | Not needed (expect short wait at peak times) |
Must order: Buff (water buffalo) steam momos, thentuk (hand-pulled noodle soup), and Tibetan butter tea if you want an authentic preview of what you will drink at altitude.
5. Krishnarpan at Dwarika's Hotel
Nepal's most refined dining experience for a special occasion.
If budget allows, Krishnarpan at Dwarika's Hotel offers a 6 to 22-course Nepali tasting menu in a museum-quality setting of traditional Newari architecture. Each course represents a different region or tradition of Nepal, and the presentation is impeccable. This is fine dining that celebrates Nepali cuisine at its highest level.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 4,000-8,000 per person | | Cuisine | Fine dining Nepali | | Best For | Post-trek ultimate celebration | | Vegetarian | Full vegetarian tasting menu | | Location | Battisputali (15 min from Thamel) | | Reservations | Essential (book 2-3 days ahead) |
Dress Code
Category 2: International Cuisine
6. Fire and Ice Pizzeria
The post-trek pizza pilgrimage destination.
Fire and Ice has been the first stop for pizza-craving trekkers since it opened in the 1990s. The wood-fired oven produces genuinely excellent pizza with real Italian ingredients, and the restaurant has maintained quality for decades. This is where you go when you have been fantasizing about pizza at 5,000 meters.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 600-1,200 per person | | Cuisine | Italian (pizza, pasta, gelato) | | Best For | Post-trek pizza craving | | Vegetarian | Excellent pizza and pasta options | | Location | Thamel, near Pilgrims Book House | | Reservations | Recommended for dinner in peak season |
Must order: Margherita pizza (the benchmark for all Kathmandu pizza), calzone, and the homemade gelato.
7. Rosemary Kitchen
Consistently rated among the best restaurants in Kathmandu by travelers.
Rosemary Kitchen delivers reliably excellent Western and fusion food at moderate prices. The menu spans pasta, steaks, salads, and Asian dishes, all prepared with fresh ingredients and genuine skill. The quality is remarkably consistent, which is rare in Kathmandu's restaurant scene.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 600-1,500 per person | | Cuisine | International fusion | | Best For | Both (reliable, broad menu) | | Vegetarian | Extensive vegetarian menu | | Location | Thamel Marg | | Reservations | Recommended for dinner |
Must order: The steak (real cuts, properly cooked), pasta dishes, and the breakfast menu is excellent for pre-trek fueling.
8. OR2K
The vegetarian and vegan destination in Thamel.
This Israeli-founded restaurant has become Thamel's go-to spot for vegetarian, vegan, and health-conscious travelers. The menu draws from Middle Eastern, Indian, and Mediterranean cuisines, and the rooftop terrace provides a relaxed setting. The food quality is consistently high, and the portions are generous.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 500-1,000 per person | | Cuisine | Vegetarian/Vegan, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean | | Best For | Both (especially vegetarian trekkers) | | Vegetarian | 100% vegetarian/vegan | | Location | Thamel, JP Road area | | Reservations | Not needed |
Must order: Falafel plate, hummus with pita, shakshuka, and the fresh juice menu.
Pro Tip
9. Roadhouse Cafe
Another contender for best pizza in Kathmandu, with a broader menu.
Roadhouse Cafe operates a proper brick oven and takes its pizza seriously. The menu extends beyond pizza to include excellent pasta, salads, and desserts. The atmosphere is more modern and polished than Fire and Ice, and the rooftop seating provides views of the Thamel streetscape.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 600-1,400 per person | | Cuisine | Italian, International | | Best For | Post-trek (pizza, comfort food) | | Vegetarian | Good vegetarian pizza and pasta | | Location | Multiple Thamel locations | | Reservations | Not essential but helpful |
Must order: Wood-fired pizza (the fungi pizza is exceptional), the burrata salad, and tiramisu.
10. Thakali Kitchen
The best value authentic Nepali meal in Thamel.
Thakali restaurants serve the cuisine of the Thakali people from the Annapurna region, known for their exceptional dal bhat. The complete thali (set meal) includes dal, rice, multiple vegetable curries, pickle, papad, and sometimes meat, all unlimited refills, for a fraction of what tourist-oriented restaurants charge.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 300-600 per person | | Cuisine | Thakali (Nepali regional) | | Best For | Both (authentic, affordable, filling) | | Vegetarian | Vegetarian thali available | | Location | Several in Thamel area | | Reservations | Not needed |
Must order: The Thakali thali set. Just order the set meal and eat everything that comes. This is the closest you will get to authentic mountain food without being on the mountain.
Category 3: Cafes, Bakeries, and Breakfast Spots
11. Himalayan Java Coffee
Kathmandu's best coffee chain, with multiple Thamel locations.
Himalayan Java was among the first to bring quality espresso to Nepal, and it remains the most consistent coffee experience in Kathmandu. The beans are locally roasted, the baristas are trained, and the atmosphere is clean and calm. For trekkers who need reliable WiFi and good coffee for pre-trek planning, this is the default workspace.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 200-500 per person | | Specialty | Coffee, light meals, pastries | | Best For | Pre-trek (planning, WiFi, coffee) | | Vegetarian | Many options | | Location | Multiple Thamel locations |
12. Pumpernickel Bakery
Fresh bread, pastries, and European-style bakery items since the 1980s.
Pumpernickel is another Thamel institution, producing real bread, croissants, cinnamon rolls, and strudels that have sustained trekkers for decades. The bakery items are baked fresh daily, and the breakfast menu is excellent. Post-trek, the pastries here taste like heaven after weeks of Tibetan bread and biscuits.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 200-600 per person | | Specialty | Bakery, breakfast, European breads | | Best For | Post-trek (bakery cravings) | | Vegetarian | Many options | | Location | Central Thamel |
Must order: Cinnamon rolls (warm, fresh in the morning), apple strudel, and the full breakfast with real bread.
Peak Hour Crowding
13. Weizen Bakery
German-style bakery with possibly the best croissants in Nepal.
A newer addition to Thamel's bakery scene, Weizen has quickly earned a reputation for exceptional croissants, sourdough bread, and European-style pastries. The quality of laminated doughs here would impress in Paris, which is remarkable for a Kathmandu bakery.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 200-500 per person | | Specialty | Croissants, sourdough, pastries | | Best For | Both (morning pastry stop) | | Location | Thamel area |
14. Cafe de Temple
The best people-watching breakfast spot in Thamel.
Positioned at a key Thamel intersection with outdoor seating, Cafe de Temple provides excellent coffee, solid breakfast food, and prime people-watching over the chaotic morning rush of trekkers, shopkeepers, and taxi drivers. The menu is not remarkable, but the atmosphere and convenience make it a Thamel staple.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 300-700 per person | | Specialty | Breakfast, coffee, all-day dining | | Best For | Pre-trek (morning planning) | | Location | Central Thamel intersection |
Category 4: Rooftop Dining and Atmosphere
15. Utse Restaurant (Hotel Utse)
Traditional Tibetan and Nepali cuisine with an atmospheric rooftop.
Hotel Utse's rooftop restaurant has been serving quality Tibetan and Nepali food for decades. The peaceful terrace, decorated with prayer flags and offering views across Thamel's rooftops, provides a welcome escape from street-level chaos. The food is authentic and the service is warm.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 400-900 per person | | Cuisine | Tibetan, Nepali | | Best For | Both (atmospheric, reliable) | | Vegetarian | Good options | | Location | Central Thamel |
Must order: Thukpa, Tibetan bread with honey, and the house special momos.
16. New Orleans Cafe
Jazz-themed atmosphere with a diverse international menu.
New Orleans Cafe stands out in Thamel for its atmospheric interior, jazz soundtrack, and menu that genuinely spans Mexican, Thai, Italian, and Nepali cuisine without being terrible at any of them. The cocktail bar is among the best in Thamel, making this a natural post-trek celebration venue.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 600-1,200 per person | | Cuisine | International, cocktails | | Best For | Post-trek (celebration, drinks) | | Vegetarian | Available | | Location | JP Road area |
17. Third Eye Restaurant
Indian cuisine meets rooftop ambiance.
Third Eye has built a loyal following for its North Indian cuisine, served on a multi-level rooftop with views and a live music program several nights per week. The tandoori dishes are excellent, the naan bread is freshly baked, and the butter chicken rivals anything you would find in Delhi.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 500-1,200 per person | | Cuisine | North Indian | | Best For | Post-trek (rich, comforting food) | | Vegetarian | Extensive vegetarian Indian menu | | Location | Thamel, JP Road |
Must order: Butter chicken, garlic naan, tandoori platter, and mango lassi.
Category 5: Quick Bites and Budget Eats
18. Gilingche Restaurant
Hole-in-the-wall Tibetan spot loved by locals and budget trekkers.
Gilingche is the kind of place you walk past three times before noticing. Tiny, basic, and packed with locals, it serves exceptional momos, thukpa, and Tibetan comfort food at prices that remind you this is not actually an expensive city. The buff momos here compete with any in Kathmandu.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 150-400 per person | | Cuisine | Tibetan | | Best For | Both (budget, quick, delicious) | | Vegetarian | Vegetable momos and noodles | | Location | Near Thamel Chowk |
19. Momo Star
Dedicated momo restaurant with every variety imaginable.
Momo Star focuses exclusively on momos, offering steamed, fried, jhol (soup), C-style (chutney-coated), tandoori, and creative variations. If your post-trek craving is specifically for momos, this is where to go for the widest selection and consistently good execution.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 200-500 per person | | Cuisine | Momos (all styles) | | Best For | Both (momo obsession) | | Vegetarian | Vegetable and paneer momos | | Location | Thamel area |
20. Local Thali Houses (Thamel Side Streets)
The cheapest and most authentic meals in the area.
Unnamed local thali restaurants on Thamel's side streets (particularly along JP Road and Paknajol) serve complete dal bhat thali meals for NPR 150-300. These are where Thamel's shopkeepers, taxi drivers, and hotel staff eat. The food is simple, authentic, and incredibly cheap. No English menus, no ambiance, just real Nepali food at real Nepali prices.
| Detail | Information | |--------|------------| | Price Range | NPR 150-300 per person | | Cuisine | Nepali thali | | Best For | Pre-trek (authentic, budget) | | Vegetarian | Always available | | Location | Side streets off main Thamel roads |
Pro Tip
Eating Strategy for Trekkers
Pre-Trek Eating Plan (1-2 Days Before)
Goal: Fuel up, eat safely, and avoid anything that might upset your stomach right before heading into the mountains.
- Breakfast: Himalayan Java for coffee and light breakfast, or Pumpernickel for fresh bakery items
- Lunch: Rosemary Kitchen or Thakali Kitchen for a substantial, reliable meal
- Dinner: Thamel House for Nepali cuisine introduction, or Fire and Ice for familiar comfort food
- Avoid: Street food, raw salads, excessively spicy food, heavy alcohol
Post-Trek Eating Plan (First 1-2 Days Back)
Goal: Satisfy specific cravings, celebrate your achievement, and enjoy the culinary variety you missed.
Day 1 back:
- Breakfast: Pumpernickel or Weizen for fresh pastries and real coffee
- Lunch: Fire and Ice or Roadhouse for the pizza you have been dreaming about
- Dinner: Bhojan Griha or Thamel House for a celebratory Nepali feast
Day 2 back:
- Breakfast: Full breakfast at Rosemary Kitchen
- Lunch: Momos at Yangling or Momo Star
- Dinner: Third Eye for Indian food or New Orleans for cocktails and international
Post-Trek Stomach Sensitivity
Price Comparison by Category
| Category | Average Per Person | Best Budget Option | Best Splurge | |----------|-------------------|-------------------|--------------| | Nepali Traditional | NPR 400-1,500 | Thakali Kitchen (NPR 300-600) | Krishnarpan (NPR 4,000-8,000) | | International | NPR 600-1,400 | OR2K (NPR 500-1,000) | Rosemary Kitchen (NPR 600-1,500) | | Pizza | NPR 600-1,200 | Roadhouse (NPR 600-1,400) | Fire and Ice (NPR 600-1,200) | | Cafe/Bakery | NPR 200-600 | Local thali houses (NPR 150-300) | Weizen (NPR 200-500) | | Fine Dining | NPR 2,500-8,000 | Bhojan Griha (NPR 2,500-3,500) | Krishnarpan (NPR 4,000-8,000) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the single best restaurant in Thamel?
It depends on what you want. For the best overall dining experience combining food quality, atmosphere, and authenticity, Thamel House Restaurant is the most well-rounded choice. For the single best meal in greater Kathmandu, Krishnarpan at Dwarika's is unmatched. For the best casual meal, Rosemary Kitchen's consistency is hard to beat.
Is food in Thamel safe to eat?
Restaurant food in Thamel is generally safe. Established restaurants with tourist clientele maintain reasonable hygiene standards because negative reviews would destroy their business. The risk increases with street food, very cheap eateries with low turnover, and raw salads. Stick to cooked food, established restaurants, and busy venues for the safest experience.
How much should I budget for food per day in Kathmandu?
Budget trekkers can eat well for NPR 1,000-1,500 per day ($8-12 USD) by choosing local thali houses and moderate restaurants. Mid-range dining runs NPR 2,000-3,000 per day ($15-23 USD). If you include one fine dining experience, add NPR 3,000-8,000 for that meal.
Are there good vegan restaurants in Thamel?
OR2K is the standout vegan-friendly restaurant. Rosemary Kitchen and most Indian restaurants offer vegan dishes. Thakali thali can be made vegan on request (no ghee, no curd). Dedicated vegan restaurants are limited, but the vegetarian tradition in Nepali cuisine means vegan options exist at most restaurants with clear communication.
Which restaurant has the best momos?
Yangling Tibetan Restaurant is the consistent favorite among long-term Kathmandu residents and returning trekkers. Momo Star offers the widest variety. Gilingche offers the best value. For upscale momos, Thamel House serves refined versions with creative presentations.
Do I need reservations in Thamel?
Reservations are only necessary at Bhojan Griha (always), Krishnarpan (always), and popular restaurants like Fire and Ice and Rosemary Kitchen during peak dinner hours (7-8:30 PM) in October-November. At all other times and restaurants, walk-ins are fine.
Can I get food delivered to my hotel?
Foodmandu and other delivery apps operate in Kathmandu and deliver from many Thamel restaurants. However, the delivery infrastructure is basic and food quality degrades during transport. For post-trek trekkers too exhausted to leave the hotel, delivery is convenient. For everyone else, eating in the restaurant is the better experience.
What time do restaurants in Thamel close?
Most Thamel restaurants serve until 9:30-10:00 PM, with last orders around 9:00 PM. Late-night options are limited. A few bars and restaurants near JP Road stay open until 11 PM or midnight. Bakeries and cafes open early (7:00-8:00 AM) and close by 8:00 PM.
Is tipping expected?
Tipping is not part of traditional Nepali dining culture, but it is increasingly appreciated in tourist-area restaurants. A 10% tip for good service is generous and welcomed. Some restaurants add a 10-13% service charge to the bill, in which case additional tipping is not expected. At local thali houses and budget eateries, tipping is not expected.
Where should I eat if I only have one night in Kathmandu?
If it is pre-trek: Thamel House Restaurant for an atmospheric introduction to Nepali food with a menu broad enough to satisfy everyone in your group. If it is post-trek: Fire and Ice for pizza (if craving comfort food) or Bhojan Griha for a celebratory Nepali feast (book ahead).
Thamel's restaurant scene is one of the unexpected pleasures of a Nepal trekking trip. Whether you are nervously eating your last real meal before heading to Everest Base Camp or gleefully devouring pizza after two weeks of mountain food, the restaurants in this guide will serve you well. Eat widely, eat boldly, and save room for momos.
For a broader exploration of Nepali food culture beyond restaurants, see our Nepal food and cuisine guide. For everything else you need to know about navigating Thamel, see our Thamel District guide.