Where to Eat in Thamel: Our Favourite Spots After the Mountain

Thamel is chaos in the best possible way. Narrow lanes packed with trekking shops, prayer flags overhead, and more good food than you'll ever have time to eat. Whether you've just landed in Kathmandu and want to ease in gently, or you've come off Everest Base Camp and are dreaming of anything that isn't dal bhat, here's our go to list.

Roadhouse Cafe The Thamel classic. Proper stone oven pizza with a generous hand on the cheese. Simple, reliable and always busy for a reason.

Forest & Plate Tucked away on Mandala Street above Himalayan Java, this leafy rooftop spot is our pick for fresh, organic food after weeks of trekking meals. The salads are loaded and the juices are excellent. Their veggie pesto pasta, made in house, is a firm favourite.

4Stories A multilevel cafe and bar with a boho, relaxed feel across several floors and a rooftop terrace with proper views over the city. Great for breakfast (the acai bowls and eggs benedict are popular) and equally good for an evening drink upstairs. Ask for Bikram, he'll steer you right.

Thamel Momo Hut For an authentic introduction to Nepal's national obsession. Over twenty types of momo across four styles, from traditional buff to garlic cheese, plus dessert momos if you're feeling adventurous. Small, upstairs, and always worth the climb.

Himalayan Java Nepal's answer to the big coffee chains, and genuinely good coffee at that, sourced from Nepali hillsides. Reliable wifi, comfortable seating and a great spot to plan the next leg of your trip over a honey latte.

Rosemary Kitchen A calm garden courtyard right in the middle of Thamel's noise. Good for a proper sit down meal, particularly the homemade pizzas and pasta, with a decent wine and beer list if your stomach needs a break from spice.

Bella Luna Small, unassuming and turning out some of the best Neapolitan pizza in Kathmandu. The pizza fritta is the standout if you want something a bit different. Cosy, relaxed and consistently praised by Italian visitors, which says a lot.

Organic Smoothie Bowl & Cafe Bright, healthy and easy on the wallet. Smoothie bowls made with real fruit, cold pressed juices and plant based meals for anyone craving something clean and fresh after days on the trail.

Samaya Rooftop Garden Perched above Hotel Excelsior, this is the spot for a peaceful evening away from the street level bustle. Lush greenery, mountain views and a menu spanning local and international dishes. Lovely for a relaxed dinner or a celebratory final night meal.

Between the momos, the pizza and the rooftop views, Thamel has quietly become one of our favourite food cities. Have a favourite we've missed? Let us know.