Where to Eat in Thamel, Kathmandu | Don’t Miss These Restaurants
Thamel the tourist hub of Kathmandhu and is one of those places you have to experience to understand. You’ll find everything here, from the lively street vendors to hidden cafes and surprisingly high end restaurants that quickly feel like favorites.
If you’re wondering where to eat, let me save you some trial and error. I spent the best part of a week in Kathmandhu before and after trekking to Everest Base Camp. And discovered some absolute gems, each with something special to offer.
Here’s my take on the best places to eat in this vibrant part of Kathmandu. Trust me, these spots are worth a visit.
🍛Recommendation: I always love to do walking tours when arriving in a new city and it’s even better when they include food. We did the Secret Food Tour In Kathmandu and it was one of the best i’ve done (You can book it through Viator here) and they’ll take you to a few of the spots mentioned below.
Table of Contents
1. 4Stories
For coffee, cocktails and everything in between!
4Stories is Bali vibes in the heart of Kathmadhu’s biggest city.
Right as you enter you feel invited by the cozy ambiance. A little bit of artsy and stylish decor with a combination of wood and modern accents. The setup is, quite literally, layered. Each floor provides a different experience,
- The lower levels are a coffee shop and great remote work spot
- The upper levels are a resturant and cocktail bar with live music in the evenings
So, if you’re feeling like watching the world from above, the rooftop terrace is perfect. And for those more relaxed, introspective vibes, the quieter floors below are ideal.
Foodwise, there’s a selection Nepalese classics with a twist. One of the highlights is the pulled pork with hints of traditional spices and contemporary flavors. Pair it with a strawberry matcha latte, and it’s a meal that wraps you up in the flavors of Nepal.
2. Organic Smoothie Bowl and Cafe
For A Healthy Start To The Day
Organic Smoothie Bowl and Cafe has your name on it if you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and bursting with flavor.
Honestly – the amound of fresh veggie for the price is a STEEEEEAL
This eatery is tucked in a corner of Thamel and is as much a cafe as it is a sanctuary for health enthusiasts and smoothie lovers. As the name suggests, the focus is on organic ingredients and the cafe’s atmosphere feels light, airy, and relaxed.
When we got back from base camp we were craaaving something fresh and this didn’t disapoint..
.. so much so we went back here TWICE!
The mushroom sandwhich is a banger and the burgers I had slapped! Even the coffe is good too (which is something I couldn’t say for most cafes in Nepal i tried).
This is a great spot to start your day or for a wholesome recharge.
3. The Best Kathmandu Kitchen
For Momos and Traditional Nepalese Food
If you’re looking to dive deep into Nepalese culinary traditions, The Best Kathmandu Kitchen is about as authentic as it gets. There’s something wonderfully old-world about the place — dark wood tables, ambient lighting, and the subtle hints of traditional decor make it feel like stepping into a cozy dining room.
The staff is friendly and welcoming and guides you through an impressive menu that celebrates the country’s culinary heritage. Start with their signature Dal Bhat Set, a traditional meal that’s anything but basic here. The dal (lentil soup) is slowly simmered with a blend of spices that bring out its richness, while the curried vegetables are full of flavor. There’s a sense of care in how each component is prepared. And the flavors are bold but balanced.
I also sampled their sweet and spicy momo, which is a feast in itself. Each dumpling adds a subtle punch with a slightly different note of spice and flavor. It’s easy to see why locals and travelers speak so highly of this place.
4. Smashing Burger
For that Dirty Burger We All Need
After days of local cuisine, sometimes you crave a taste of home, and Smashing Burger is where you’ll find it. This spot is cozy with minimal decor. It’s a favorite among locals and travelers, and for good reason. Their burgers are exactly what you hope for in a ‘smash’ burger — perfectly juicy, with a delicious sear on the outside that locks in all the flavors.
I went for the Onions Be Crazy, a simple choice with buffalo meat. The patty was thick and tender, topped with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, and tomato, all sandwiched between a soft, toasted bun. With each bite, you get that perfect balance of savory meat, creamy cheese, and a bit of crunch from the veggies. This isn’t just any burger. It’s comfort food done right.
Smashing Burger is the perfect stop for a relaxed evening with friends or a low-key night after exploring the area’s vibrant streets.
5. Jasper Restaurant
For When You Need Pizza Pasta
Jasper Restaurant is one of those hidden gems where a little vibrancy meets that warm, Nepalese hospitality. The eatery is tucked slightly away from the main hustle of the hub and has a laid-back vibe that feels like a calm breath amidst the chaos. The neon lighting isn’t overwhelming, but rather, it creates a cozy and welcoming ambiance.
Their menu is a diverse mix of local and international dishes, so you’ll find everything from Nepalese classics to Italian-inspired creations. I ordered the pizza, which arrived with a thin, crispy crust and topped with fresh, local vegetables.
It’s the kind of dish that surprises you in the best way possible. A taste of Italy, but with a local twist that makes you feel right at home. Pair it with a glass of their house wine, and you’ve got an experience that’s both comforting and refined.
6. Yog Rooftop Garden Restaurant & Bar
For The Kathmandu Roof Top Resturant Experience
If you want to get above the crowd, away from the rush, and watch Kathmandu’s skyline as you dine, Yog Rooftop Garden Restaurant & Bar is just the place. This rooftop retreat offers a sweeping view of the city’s urban sprawl amidst a lush and green garden setup.
The eatery’s veg biryani is a fantastic choice. It’s hearty yet packed with layered flavors. The rice is fragrant, spiced just right, and mixed with a generous assortment of fresh vegetables. Each bite brings out warm, earthy spices that are deeply satisfying without being overwhelming.
Nepal Trekking Cheatsheet
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for Nepal?
100% YES! — Nepal has now introduceed “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Tourists need travel insurance in case anything happens on your visit. Also be aware many policies won’t cover high altitude hiking as it’s a high risk activity!
(that’s right, check the t&c’s on your complimentary credit card insurance)
I highly recommend World Nomads as you can get specific add-ons for high altitude hiking UP TO 6000m (Which most travel insurance companies don’t offer!)
🎫 Do I need a visa for Nepal?
Probably not — Nepal now provide a visa on arrival (VoA) for most western countires which allows you stay for up to 90 days. However, some other countries do need a pre-approved eVisa (check here!). A single entry 15 day Nepal tourist visa costs USD$30, a 30 day visa costs $50 and a 90 day visa costs $125.
When paying for your visa at the airport, you’ll need either USD or NPR cash.. or a debit card capable of this transaction. For some reason they don’t accept credit cards.
💉Do I need any vaccinations for Nepal?
YES! Make sure you are up-to-date with all your vaccines. Common travel vaccines include Hep A/B + Typhoid, and Diphtheria + Tetanus.
Rabies is an issue in Nepal but the vaccine is expensive and ineffective as a preventative measure (it only lasts a few years and you’ll need to get them again if you require treatment). If bitten by a stray dog seek immediate medical attention! There is however, a rebies vaccination program in the Khumbu region (Everst) so chances of infection are low.
As always, talk to your GP or specialised travel doctor a few weeks BEFORE you leave.
🏩 What’s the best Nepal Trekking companies?
I personally had an amazing excperience with Nepal Hiking Team.
You can read all the operators i reccommend in this article
💸How do you pay for things in Nepal?
Cash is king in Nepal, so you’ll want to get some folding tender out from an ATM when you land. Larger businesses and hotels will take Debit / Credit Card but most resturants, and street vendors want cash.
When trekking, ATMs are few and far between so dont get stuck without cash
I personally use a Wise debit card for all my international money needs as they only convert the funds when you make payment, plus they offer a much better spread (margin on the true exhange rate) than the banks do. They work in all the Nepalese ATMs I tried.
🚌 What’s the public transport like in Nepal?
There is a good basic network of local and inter-city busses in Nepal and travel this way is very cheap. Domestic flight are also very affordable and a far more comfortable option. Checkout Bussewa for booking bus tickets online.
📲 How do I get internet/data/wifi in Nepal and while trekking?
This one needs a whole nother article, but the short version is prepaid SIM cards are cheap and availible to tourists and locals alike (You don’t need a pricey tourst SIM!)
I got an Ncell SIM card from a vendor in Thamel, Kathmandu for around $10 and this lasted me my whole trip.
NB: Make sure to bring your passport!
Another option is an Airalo eSIM. This is a little more expensive but works from the moment you land is is SOOOOO much easier than the in person verification process required for a local sim.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Nepal?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. Once you find the flight you’re looking for, I’d then suggest booking directly with the carrier (even if it costs a few $$ more than with one of the agreggators/agencies).
💧Can you drink the water in Nepal?
Safest not to — tap water in Nepal may be OK (the locals drink it) but is generally untreated and not reccommended for tourists. Purchase bottled water for drinking and teeth brushing, or get water purification tablets.
🏔️💧Can you drink the water while trekking in Nepal?
Yes — but make sure to purify it first. I always use these Aquatabs
There are lots of taps and water sources along the trek. (your guide will show you). And buying bottled water in the mountains is extremely expensive. If you want to drink water from the rivers and streams you generally can but ALWAYS follow best practice and drink from fast flowing water as far up stream as possible. I’d also recommend a Brita Water Bottle for rehydrating on the trail safely.
