As a tourist in such an exotic location as Pokhara, your taste for traditional meals is set on high and your appetite is tuned to meals you never expected and spicy soups. Pokhara culinary scene features famous Nepalese cuisines with unmatched variety of both local delights to western styled burgers.
The restaurants here are a gastronomic paradise for those who want something different from dal bhat. From central lakeside to the bohemian north lakeside every eatery spot includes dishes from diverse cultures and the fairly new Chinatown packs quite a punch. You are really spoilt for choice here from authentic Korean hotels to French and Italian themed restaurants.
Their exotic locations are a welcome breath of modernity with a loft-like splendor. Their intimate scale and distinctly personal feel are a welcome respite to weary backpackers. The alchemy of inspired designs and bold facades blend harmoniously with the elegant surroundings of ancient architecture. Their fairly modest size and minimalist décor more than compensates by making adroit use of space, texture and pattern recalling traditional designs and contemporary art.
Where to have breakfast in Pokhara
The Juicery Café
An open-air restaurant sitting on a posh garden overlooking phewa lake at the northern end of the lakeside. This town hipster café boasts a healthy assortment of breakfast essentials like shakshuka smoothies, sandwiches and salads plus tasty French toast and fresh-off the oven sourdough bread. They have a ton of vegetarian and vegan options including cold-pressed juices and smoothies from housemate soy, coconut and hemp milks. Their life-sized brunch menu includes veggie and fruit packed sandwiches, salads, porridges and egg dishes. You can grab a seat or order to go and after you’re done munching, their yoga classes are a welcome gesture.
Perky beans
If your idea of the perfect dinner involves outdoor views, Perky beans has a great rooftop terrace among the best restaurants in Pokhara. For breakfast, you can choose from tasty sandwiches and coffee or proper French fries. They have an incredibly sweet assortment of oatmeal, croissants with Nutella and a savory juul. And they serve brown bread with their breakfast sets. In case you’re feeling homesick, their apple pancakes and Cinnamon buns are a solid breakfast affair.
French creperie
The tourists go-to place for crunchy baguettes and French croissants among other pastries. You can smell the sandwiches baking from your seat, an irresistible and delightful waft. They also have a little bit of other dishes and even include a jewelry shop in-house.
Best restaurants in Pokhara to have lunch
You and I
A little lunchroom tucked away in northern lakeside. Simple to look at but the food is out of this world. From their handmade menus to rustic designs that top off their already five-star menu.
Mo2’s delights
A culinary match made in heaven combining cheap and surprisingly good food. They have a diverse selection of momos and different preparation styles like bun-like Tibetan Momo, jhol Momo. They have everything traditional to international delights from spicy to not so spicy momos and vegetarian dishes (awesome veg pakora). And for dessert you can have the cholate momos- they come highly recommended and among the best restaurants in Pokhara.
OR2K Pokhara
Located behind Himalayan Java coffee-the Starbucks of Nepal, OR2K serves Israeli delicacies and their falafel and hummus is to die for. Romantics will love the meals at OR2K and the view of all other places in Pokhara from the window is spellbinding and gorgeous. From the seats outside, you can catch a glimpse of the Nepal sunset in all its natural splendor.
OR2K is the home of trendy middle eastern delights plus beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Their middle eastern menu also includes plenty of vegetarian and vegan friendly options. They have an exhaustive lineup of local delicacies whether you’re into Nepali or Thai food and even some western food. And while you’re munching away, the view of phewa lake is a soothing and satisfying backdrop.
If you’re lucky, they might be hosting a live music or movie screening when you visit.
Where to have dinner in Pokhara
Caffe Concerto
A cozy Italian pizzeria with rustic vibe and smooth jazz completing its bistro atmosphere. While there are excellent spots to get a good pizza around Pokhara, café concerto has the best pizza. Located south of the main road, the breakfasts are big and tasty and their pizzas are like a little Italy in Nepal-over 24 varieties of thin-crust pizzas and you can also come up with your own!
The whole place is decorated tastefully and their menu is an even better amalgam of various Italian foods like pasta, bruschetta, salads and homemade gelato-this you have to try. Since all of their lettuces and vegetables are grown in their garden, freshness is guaranteed. The fireplace right in the middle of the cafe gives off a cozy, homely vibe and relaxes you from your day’s tire. They have an in-house bakery-Dolce Bakery, which specializes in pastries, cakes and Italian gelato for those with a sweet tooth.
Moondance Restaurant
Located in central lakeside baraka chowk, this family-owned franchise is famous for its freshness and maintains they don’t use preservatives or additives-all their food is grown form their garden. Tandoori, burgers, pasta, pizzas and salads are just part of the delicacies that form part of Moondance’s famous culinary mastery. The highlight is their ‘superfood specialties’ like the stinging nettle.
They also have an overwhelmingly detailed selection of western food choices and even beer. Famous for exceptional customer service, great food and tasteful decorations. They also have excellent Indian and Thai curries and for dessert. Their lemon meringue is legendary.
Fresh Elements
Located below the Middle path Spa, their menu is literally a one size fit all with lots of international options including tapas (finger food) and pasta pesto. As you wait for your meal to be served, their cushioned wooden recliners offer comfort from your long trek across town. They have an expertly designed outdoor courtyard that gives visitors a rare kind of natural ambience. Their Wi-Fi just makes it the perfect spot to catch up on the outside world as you sip away on your avocado smoothie or a glass of your favorite Chateau.
