Gandaki Province is Nepal's adventure heartland, home to Pokhara—the gateway to the Annapurna Himalayas—and encompassing some of the world's most dramatic landscapes from subtropical valleys to high-altitude deserts. The province stretches from the Terai plains to the peaks of the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, including the mystical kingdom of Mustang.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Caffe Concerto
Pokhara's most distinguished restaurant, open since 1987 and still one of the best in the city. Caffe Concerto uses certified organic produce to create wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and house-made gelato. The terrace overlooks Phewa Lake, making it the ideal setting for a special evening meal. Consistently ranked among the top dining experiences in all of Nepal.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Old Star Restaurant
A beloved Lakeside institution with outstanding lake views from its terrace. Old Star serves excellent dal bhat thali, momos, lassi, and a broad international menu. Popular with both international visitors and Nepali locals, the restaurant has built a loyal following for its consistent quality and unbeatable setting overlooking Phewa Lake.
Lakeside Road, Pokhara, Kaski District
Moondance Restaurant
A perennial favourite on the Lakeside restaurant strip, Moondance is renowned for its Pad Thai, Nepali curries, and relaxed evening atmosphere. The cozy multi-level space fills up most evenings with travelers fresh from treks. The menu balances Asian flavours with Western comfort food, and the cocktail list is well-regarded for Pokhara.
Lakeside Road, Pokhara, Kaski District
Godfather's Pizzeria
The most popular pizza destination in Pokhara, Godfather's turns out consistently excellent wood-fired pizzas with a wide range of toppings including local yak cheese. The relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices attract a broad mix of trekkers, families, and long-term travelers. The garlic bread and tiramisu are standouts.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Natssul Korean Restaurant
Pokhara's best Korean restaurant, run by a Korean expat and delivering authentic Korean barbecue, bibimbap, ramen, kimchi, and banchan side dishes. The tabletop grills are a fun group experience and the kimchi is made in-house. A welcome change of pace from the Nepali-international menu that dominates most Lakeside restaurants.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Fresh Elements
A stylish restaurant offering one of Pokhara's broadest menus: Mexican wraps, sandwiches, pasta, steaks, and an excellent wine and cocktail list. Fresh Elements is popular with travelers celebrating a trek completion or looking for a more cosmopolitan dining experience. The Mexican burrito and the fresh-squeezed juice bar are highlights.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Potala Tibetan Restaurant
A family-run Tibetan restaurant in Lakeside offering some of the most authentic Tibetan food in Pokhara. Potala specializes in handmade momos (steamed and fried), sha phaley (meat-filled fried bread), thenthuk (hand-pulled noodle soup), and butter tea. The prices are among the most affordable in Lakeside, making it a favorite for budget travelers.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Cafe Camellia
Pokhara's best-loved breakfast cafe, located in the Hotel Blossom building on 16th Street. Cafe Camellia is known for its excellent waffles, buttery croissants, cinnamon rolls, and strong coffee. The light, airy space and friendly service make it the ideal morning stop before a day of sightseeing or a full day trek. Fresh-baked pastries arrive by 8am daily.
16th Street, Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Nepali
Thakali Kitchen
The authentic taste of the Thakali people of the Kali Gandaki valley. The Thakali dal bhat thali here is a cut above standard Nepali restaurants, featuring ghee-enriched dal, seasonal vegetables, pickles, pappadum, and unlimited refills of rice and dal. Popular with Nepali locals and considered by many the best traditional Nepali meal in Pokhara.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Cafe at Manang (Trekkers Stop)
The best-known tea house restaurant in Manang village, the main acclimatization stop on the Annapurna Circuit at 3,540m. Serves hearty trekking food including dal bhat, garlic soup, apple pie, and hot chocolate. The wood-burning stove-warmed dining room is a welcome refuge after cold days on the trail. A true classic of the Annapurna trekking experience.
Manang Village, Manang District, Gandaki Province
New Everest Kitchen
A popular trekkers' favorite in Lakeside specializing in hearty Himalayan cooking: thick lentil soups, mixed vegetable curries, Sherpa stew, and a wide range of filling set meals. New Everest Kitchen is reliably good value with generous portions and a warm, welcoming dining room. Particularly popular with trekkers comparing notes after their Annapurna adventures.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Yak Restaurant
A casual Lakeside restaurant with a focus on yak meat dishes, a specialty of the high-altitude regions of Gandaki Province. Yak Restaurant serves yak steak, yak burger, yak momos, and yak cheese pizza alongside standard Nepali and continental options. A fun and distinctive dining experience for visitors wanting to try this leaner, flavorful Himalayan meat.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Hungry Eye Restaurant
A long-running Lakeside eatery with a rooftop terrace and one of the widest menus in Pokhara, encompassing Nepali, Indian, continental, Chinese, and Tibetan dishes. Hungry Eye is a reliable all-rounder and a good choice when travelling with a mixed group with different tastes. The lakeside rooftop position makes for pleasant evening dining.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Maya Pub & Restaurant
A lively Lakeside pub and restaurant offering Nepali bar snacks, grilled meats, and a well-stocked bar with local and imported beers, spirits, and cocktails. Maya Pub is a popular evening hangout with a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere and occasional live music. A good choice for post-trek celebrations and casual evening drinks with food.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Dal Bhat Ghar (Old Bazaar)
A no-frills local dal bhat restaurant in the Old Pokhara Bazaar frequented almost entirely by Nepali locals - one of the most authentic eating experiences in the city. The simple two-item menu (non-vegetarian or vegetarian thali) is prepared fresh twice daily with locally sourced vegetables, homestyle lentil dal, and unlimited rice. Prices are a fraction of Lakeside restaurants.
Old Pokhara Bazaar, Pokhara, Kaski District
Mustang Coffee House (Jomsom)
The best cafe in Jomsom, the gateway to Mustang, serving excellent local Mustang apple products: fresh apple juice, apple brandy, apple pie, and apple preserves. The coffee is surprisingly good. A warm, welcoming stop in Jomsom before or after the flight to Pokhara, and a chance to taste the famous apple produce for which Mustang Valley is known.
Jomsom Bazaar, Mustang District, Gandaki Province
Gorkha Bazaar Kitchen
A traditional local kitchen in Gorkha town serving authentic Nepali home cooking to locals and the few travelers who make the trip to see Gorkha Durbar. The unpretentious family-run restaurant offers freshly prepared dal bhat, tarkari (vegetable curry), and local achar (pickle) at genuine local prices. A rewarding taste of authentic Gandaki cooking away from the Pokhara tourist bubble.
Gorkha Bazaar, Gorkha District, Gandaki Province
Bandipur Hill House Restaurant
Situated in the heritage town of Bandipur, Hill House Restaurant serves a simple menu of dal bhat, grilled dishes, and continental snacks in a traditional Newari building with spectacular mountain panoramas from its terrace. One of the finest dining views in all of Gandaki Province: Annapurna, Lamjung, and Manaslu ranges stretched across the northern horizon.
Bandipur Bazaar, Tanahun District, Gandaki Province
Peace Eye Restaurant
A reliable and affordable all-day restaurant in central Lakeside popular with budget travelers and long-stay visitors. Peace Eye serves consistent Nepali set meals, sandwiches, pasta, and fresh juices at honest prices. The rooftop seating area with partial lake views is a pleasant spot for an evening meal. Known for friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Hotel See You Restaurant (Lakeside)
The casual in-house restaurant of the Hotel See You, open to non-guests and popular with budget travelers in northern Lakeside. A broad menu of Nepali dal bhat, continental breakfasts, sandwiches, and fresh juices at very competitive prices. The open-air terrace creates a pleasant setting for a relaxed breakfast or lunch.
Lakeside North, Pokhara, Kaski District
Ama's Kitchen
A small, warmly decorated home-kitchen style restaurant in Lakeside run by a Nepali mother (Ama means 'mother' in Nepali) and daughter team. Ama's Kitchen serves authentic Nepali home cooking rarely found in tourist restaurants: slow-cooked aloo tama (potato and bamboo shoot curry), gundruk soup (fermented leafy greens), sel roti, and freshly made pickles. A genuinely special and honest taste of Nepali household cooking.
Lakeside (side lane), Pokhara, Kaski District
International
Boomerang Restaurant
A long-standing casual dining restaurant in Lakeside offering a broad international menu with reliable standards across Western breakfasts, Nepali lunches, and international dinners. The Boomerang is particularly popular at breakfast time and serves a strong all-day menu. The comfortable seating and reliable Wi-Fi make it a popular laptop-and-lunch spot.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Rosemary Restaurant
A pleasant and reliable all-day restaurant on the Lakeside strip offering a broad international menu executed with consistent quality. Rosemary is particularly known for its good vegetarian options, fresh salads, and well-made pasta dishes. The leafy courtyard seating area is a comfortable retreat from Lakeside's busy main road.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
The Nest Restaurant
A cosy, popular cafe-restaurant in Lakeside with a welcoming atmosphere and a varied menu covering breakfasts, sandwiches, fresh salads, pasta, and Nepali set meals. The Nest is beloved for its reliable service and honest value. Its intimate dining room and pleasant staff make it a repeat-visit restaurant for longer-stay visitors.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Tibetan
Third Eye Restaurant
A warm and atmospheric Tibetan restaurant in Lakeside known for its genuine Tibetan home cooking, butter lamps, thangka paintings, and friendly Tibetan-run service. Third Eye serves exceptional momos, thenthuk (hand-pulled noodle soup), sha phaley, and rich butter tea. A calm retreat from busy Lakeside with a distinctly Himalayan character.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Lhasa Tibetan Restaurant
Named after the Tibetan capital, Lhasa Restaurant is a cosy, family-operated Tibetan eatery offering generous portions of classic Tibetan dishes at very affordable prices. The warm and unpretentious interior, Tibetan music, and genuine hospitality make it a firm favorite with budget travelers and those looking for an authentic taste of Tibetan culture in Pokhara.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Little Tibetan Tea Garden
A charming small tea garden restaurant with outdoor seating under shade trees, offering a quiet alternative to the busier lakefront restaurants. Specializing in Tibetan teas (butter tea, sweet tea, yak milk tea), fresh momos, and light Tibetan snacks, Little Tibetan Tea Garden is a tranquil spot for an afternoon rest. The garden atmosphere and relaxed pace are its main appeal.
Lakeside area, Pokhara, Kaski District
Indian
Lemon Tree Restaurant
A popular restaurant in central Lakeside offering an extensive menu of Indian curries alongside continental and Nepali favorites. The butter chicken, palak paneer, and garlic naan are particularly well-executed. Lemon Tree also serves a good selection of Himalayan herbal teas and fresh lime soda. Reliable, affordable, and centrally located.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Fewa Tandoori
A lakeside Indian restaurant specializing in tandoor-fired dishes: clay-pot kebabs, naans, marinated chicken tikka, and fish tikka from the traditional charcoal tandoor oven. The lakeside terrace position and the aromatic smell of tandoor smoke wafting over the water make it a memorable dining spot. Popular with Indian tourists and anyone craving authentic subcontinent flavors.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Bakery
Moondance Bakery
A beloved morning institution in Lakeside, Moondance Bakery opens early to serve fresh-baked breads, pastries, muesli bowls, and excellent espresso. The warm, cosy interior draws a loyal crowd of pre-dawn trekkers fueling up before departing for Sarangkot sunrise, as well as late risers looking for a hearty Western breakfast. The cinnamon rolls and banana bread are the standout bakery items.
Lakeside Road, Pokhara, Kaski District
Cafe
Busy Bee Cafe
A lively and sociable all-day cafe popular with both travelers and Pokhara locals for its reliable quality, reasonable prices, and central Lakeside location. Busy Bee serves excellent smoothies, fresh juices, Nepali set meals, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas. The rooftop terrace is a great people-watching spot on the main Lakeside strip.
Lakeside Main Road, Pokhara, Kaski District
European
German Bakery Pokhara
A Pokhara institution serving freshly baked European-style breads, rye loaves, wholegrain rolls, and traditional German baked goods alongside strong filter coffee and health-focused breakfasts. German Bakery attracts health-conscious travelers, long-stay visitors, and anyone craving genuine sourdough or multigrain bread after days on the trail.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
French
Bistro Caroline
A charming French-influenced bistro tucked into Lakeside offering genuine French cuisine in a refined setting: quiche, crepes, French onion soup, croque-monsieur, and an excellent wine list. One of the more unusual dining experiences in Pokhara, Bistro Caroline attracts travelers looking for a special dinner or a break from Asian cuisine.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
International Buffet
Beam Beam Restaurant
One of Pokhara's most popular dinner buffet restaurants, Beam Beam serves an extensive international buffet spread covering Nepali, Indian, Chinese, continental, and Tibetan dishes. The wide variety at a fixed price makes it outstanding value and a popular choice for groups and families. The lakeside location and evening buffet setup create a festive atmosphere.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Italian
La Bella Napoli
An Italian-owned pizzeria and pasta restaurant in Pokhara Lakeside offering wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas, fresh pasta, bruschetta, and classic Italian desserts including tiramisu and panna cotta. La Bella Napoli fills the gap for travelers seeking genuine Italian cooking beyond the standard 'pizza and pasta' that most Nepal restaurants approximate. The imported Italian cheese and cured meats make a real difference.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Japanese
Momotarou Japanese Restaurant
The best Japanese restaurant in the Gandaki region, Momotarou serves authentic udon, ramen, sushi rolls, tempura, and teriyaki. Run by a Japanese expat with local Nepali partners, the food quality rivals what you would find in Kathmandu. The clean, minimalist interior is a tranquil alternative to Lakeside's livelier restaurants.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Mediterranean
Olive Restaurant
A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant in Lakeside offering a focused menu of bruschetta, pasta, risotto, grilled meats, and fresh salads. Olive Restaurant fills a niche for travelers wanting lighter, Mediterranean-style cooking in Pokhara. The sunny courtyard seating and quality olive oil and herb flavors make it popular with European visitors.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Middle Eastern
OR2K
Part of a renowned international vegetarian chain, OR2K Pokhara delivers outstanding Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food in a relaxed rooftop setting overlooking Phewa Lake. The hummus, falafel wraps, shakshuka, and fresh mezze platters are exceptional. A haven for vegetarians and vegans, OR2K also offers an extensive herbal tea menu and healthy smoothies.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Mustangi
Mustang Kitchen
A restaurant celebrating the cuisine of Mustang, the high-altitude desert kingdom of Gandaki Province. Mustang Kitchen serves dishes using Mustang apples, buckwheat, dried yak, and local highland spices. A rare opportunity in Pokhara to sample the food of Upper Mustang without making the long journey north. The Mustang apple dishes - cider, pie, and fresh apple products - are exceptional.
Lakeside, Pokhara, Kaski District
Thakali
Thakali Bhanchha Ghar
An authentic Thakali restaurant offering the full traditional meal experience of the Thakali community from Mustang's Kali Gandaki valley. The set thali features ghee-fried lentils, seasonal greens, timur (Szechuan pepper) pickle, homemade curd, and unlimited rice. One of the most representative examples of high-altitude Nepali cuisine available in Pokhara.
Pokhara Bazaar area, Pokhara, Kaski District
Food tours & tastings in Gandaki
Eat your way through Gandaki with a guide.
Browse food experiences in GandakiWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |