Best Restaurants In Pokhara: Cafes, Cheap Eats & Local Food

Find out the best restaurants and cafes in Pokhara. Whether you’re needing a decent coffee after hiking, a big breakfast, delicious momos, or even somewhere for a date night, this guide on where to eat in Pokhara covers it all!

There are so many places to eat in Pokhara that will have your mouth watering. From coffee joints, pizzerias, lake view restaurants, local bites, or fancy eateries.

With all these endless options, it can get a little overwhelming, especially if you are like me and want to try them all.

I spent nearly a full two weeks exploring Pokhara. Though this was before and after hiking, so I basically spent my days relaxing and eating my way around town.

Now I never really imagined Pokhara to be a food lover’s paradise, but I was proven wrong. This city is full of amazing spots, and I’m on a mission to discover them all. From Nepali and Indian to Italian and European cuisines.

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Best Cafes and Breakfast Spots

You’ll find some awesome cafes in Pokhara with great coffee and delicious breakfast options. I didn’t have breakfast included in my guesthouse which meant I had to go out each morning and test out a new spot.

White Rabbit Coffee

⭐️ Rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | 📍 Location: Lakeside Road, Pokhara | Price Range: 💲💲| Best For: Cold Drinks & Coffee

White Rabbit Coffee is a specialty coffee spot serving up unique drinks with a creative flair. As the photos tell, I was a massive fan of their freak shakes. It’s a hipster-style cafe, and you’ll see a lot of digital nomads during the day working from their laptops.

Honestly, I’d come here solely for their delicious drinks. In my opinion, I think their meals weren’t the best value for money, though feel free to try them out and prove me wrong!

Once the monsoon heat starts to get to you in Pokhara, there’s no better place to relax with a cold drink than at White Rabbit Coffee.

Must Try: The Milkshakes

Cafe Camellia

⭐️ Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Stars | 📍 Location: Middle Path Street, Pokhara | Price Range: 💲💲| Best For: Quick breakfast, pastries

Cafe Camellia was my favorite go-to breakfast spot when I was staying in Pokhara. Though heads up, I’m not the only one who thinks this! It can get super busy during breakfast, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.

I highly recommend the croissants here, they are made fresh to order and are the perfect flaky, buttery combination. They do a special Camellia breakfast with bacon/sausage, roasted vege, eggs, and their delicious croissant for 590 NPR / $4.00.

Though I must say their croissants speak for themselves, and I would always just get one with one of their delicious fruity cream cheese spreads. This became a regular during my days here.

Must Try: The Croissants!

French Creperie

⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Stars | 📍 Location: Baidam Road, Pokhara | Price Range: 💲| Best For: Crepes

Crepes in Pokhara! How could you say no? The chef and owner Hari, brought these treats to his home after traveling in France. And I can say they are a must-try while you’re in Pokhara.

You can get crepes, galettes, and even the famous raclette (melted cheese on potatoes) without having to go all the way to Europe.

I absolutely fell in love with the apple, caramel, and cinnamon crepe costing 390 NPR / $2.64. And if you need something to take it to the next level, definitely do the extra ice cream.

Must Try: For Sweet Crepes, For Savoury Galettes

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Nepal: 12Go Asia

Best Cheap Eats in Pokhara

I love cheap eats, especially when every dollar in my budget counts, and I am happy to say you’ll absolutely love Pokhara.

Nepal is one of the cheapest countries to backpack so you’ll find so many affordable eateries here, which will keep your daily food costs low while still eating well.

The Kabab King

⭐️ Rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | 📍 Location: Guari Ghat Peaceful Marg, Pokhara | Price Range: 💲| Best For: Freshly Cooked Indian Curries

At first sight, The Kabab King restaurant does not look like anything special, but trust me, their delicious Indian food is to die for! Located in what literally looks like somebody’s kitchen, the only real giveaway that this is a restaurant is a sign out front.

The shabby tables are draped in tablecloths, and don’t expect fast service. The food here is made on the spot, and it always takes me close to 30 minutes to receive my meals.

The paneer makhani is an absolute favorite of mine, and I have yet to find a better restaurant that makes it than Kebab King. The massive portions of naan are made right in front of you with their tandoori oven right out front.

This is no doubt one of the cheapest places to eat in Pokhara. The entire meal for two people, pictured below, costs us $5.00, including drinks!

Must Try: Naan

Asian Tea House

⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | 📍 Location: Baidam Road, Pokhara | Price Range: 💲| Best For: Cheap Local Eats

If you are looking for a hidden gem of where to eat in Pokhara, the Asian Tea House is a must. Tucked away off the main road, you wouldn’t even know this existed if it weren’t for the signboard pointing people down an alleyway.

I loved coming here in the afternoon for a hot chai alongside some of the locals. They serve up delicious local meals at extremely affordable prices. You can get a plate of momos for just 200 NPR / $1.35!

No doubt you will find yourself here numerous times throughout your visit.

Must Try: Dal Bhat

Best Restaurants for Lunch and Dinner

There are also some excellent restaurants in Pokhara worth visiting. You’ll find a wide range of cuisines here, so no matter what you’re craving, you should have no issue finding it.

I know, I like to do a mix of local food and some homely favorites, so I had such a good time doing research for this article.

Caffe Concerto

⭐️ Rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | 📍 Location: Lakeside Road, Pokhara | Price Range: 💲💲| Best For: Italian Meal

Caffe Concerto is a great lunch or dinner spot in Pokhara. Opened in 1987, this Italian-Nepali restaurant uses its own organic produce, ensuring they are cooking with only the freshest ingredients.

With gorgeous table settings, friendly staff members, and some of the best cakes, it’s a perfect spot to treat yourself. I came here the day after getting back from the Annapurna Circuit and spoiled myself with a bowl of cheesy pasta and cake.

On-site, they even have a bakery called Dolce Bakery. Specializing in cakes, pastries, and Gelato, this is a sweet tooth lover’s dream. There’s no better way to spend your afternoon than relaxing here with a coffee and a little treat.

Must Try: Pizza & Pasta

Godfathers Pizzeria

⭐️ Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars | 📍 Location: Lakeside Road, Pokhara | Price Range: 💲💲| Best For: Wood-Fired Pizza

Godfather’s Pizzeria is one of my favorite pizza spots in Pokhara, and I definitely visited here more than once during my stay. They have a variety of options for toppings on their extremely delicious wood-fired bases.

Now, to set expectations, this won’t be exactly like the incredible pizzas you’ll get in Italy. Though for a small city in Nepal, they do a pretty good job.

You can either dine or get your takeaway, and in such a massive building, it’s the perfect place to visit if you’re traveling in a group. They also have a gorgeous view out to the lakeside if you’re looking for a meal with a good view.

Must Try: Pizza With Yak Cheese

Utopia Garden & Snacks Bar

⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | 📍 Location: Down The Alley Next To Elements Spa | Price Range: 💲💲| Best For: Indian Food

For a delicious Indian meal, definitely check out Utopia Garden & Snack Bar. I absolutely loved coming here and getting a good fix of my favorite Paneer Masala with some fresh naan. If you need a big and hearty meal, this is the spot, perfect for a post-trekking treat.

It’s set in a super cute garden, though you can head to the second floor for those beautiful lake views that Pokhara is known for.

They even have free-flow popcorn when you sit down. Honestly, it’s a great place to relax with a good hearty meal and a delicious lassi.

Must Try: Their Indian Dishes

Where to Try Local Nepali Food

We are in Nepal, so of course it’s well worth trying some of the best local dishes in Pokhara. From the famous Dal Bhat to every tourist’s favorite food here, momos.

MoM’s cafe & Bar

⭐️ Rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | 📍 Location: Baidam Road, Pokhara | Price Range: 💲| Best For: Momos

I cannot write a list of where to eat in Pokhara and not include one of the best momo restaurants, MoM’s Cafe & Bar (previously Mo2’s Delights). These delicious bites are like a Nepali dumpling, and once you eat one, you’ll instantly become addicted.

I’m a vegetarian, so I wasn’t able to try it, but this place is known for its Chilli Chicken Momos. I went with a couple of friends I met here, and they confirmed the hype was worth it. Just note that the wait to get your meal can be on the longer side, but that’s because it’s all cooked fresh!

Must Try: Chilli Chicken Momos

Spice Nepal Pure Vegetarian

⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Stars | 📍 Location: Street No 15, Pokhara | Price Range: 💲| Best For: Vegetarian Nepali Dishes

Yes, I’m a vegetarian, so of course I had to feature one pure veg restaurant on this list of where to eat in Pokhara. Though don’t stress if you’re a meat lover, the flavors and spices in the curries here work so well together, you won’t notice the lack of meat.

I highly recommend trying the Paneer Butter Masala. It’s amazing and not too oily. The prices here are also super affordable, and portions are quite large. You can get a Roti Tarkari with 3 pieces of roti and a chickpea curry for 120 NPR / $0.80.

Also, don’t let the name put you off! The dishes here aren’t super spicy, and they’ll ask what level of heat you’d like.

Must Try: Paneer Butter Masala

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The Best Spot For A Fancy Night Out

If you’re looking for a super fancy spot to treat yourself, or perhaps go on a romantic date, you have a couple of options here in Pokhara.

Rosemary Kitchen

⭐️ Rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | 📍 Location: 17 Baidam Road, Pokhara | Price Range: 💲💲💲| Best For: Fancy Dinner Out

Rosemary Kitchen is well-known in Nepal, with locations in both Kathmandu and Pokhara. If you’re on your first visit, you’ll quickly learn exactly why this is. Rated as one of the best restaurants in Pokhara, if you’re planning to splash out on a delicious meal, make sure it’s here.

The menu blends the flavors from Europe and Asia, and I can vouch that it is absolutely incredible.

Also, I received better service here than anywhere else in my entire journey in Nepal. The waitstaff were amazing and happy to cater to everyone’s needs (we even visited in a group of 10+ people with everybody we met on the Annapurna Circuit).

It’s pricier than other places around, though it is still Nepal prices, making it a relatively affordable meal out!

Must Try: The Cheesecake

Tips for Eating Out in Pokhara

Carry Cash: Cash is king here in Nepal, and is generally much preferred over cards. A lot of smaller, locally owned eateries only take cash. Even nicer restaurants take card, you’re best to take cash, you never know when a power cut or internet outage will happen.

Don’t Expect Quick Service: Pokhara is known as being a chilled-out, relaxed place, and I must say service here matches this with the slower pace. This is because a lot of things are made fresh right when you order them. If you are short on time in the morning, I recommend visiting a bakery and picking up a few nibbles.

Things To Do In Pokhara

Apart from eating your way around town as I did, you can still find plenty of awesome things to do in Pokhara.

Bungee Jumping: For a bit of adrenaline-seeking activity, why not go for a bungee jump here? You can jump from 80 meters up, right over the beautiful Hemja Valley.

Boating on Phewa Lake: This Lake is one of the main sights in Pokhara, so going for a boat ride around it is a must. You’ll pay around 800 NPR / $5.60 per hour for self-rowing and 1400 NPR / $9.50 per hour with a boatman

World Peace Pagoda: Sitting above the town with views of Phewa Lake and the surrounding mountains, this is one viewpoint worth visiting.

Poonhill Trek: This is a popular, shorter 3 to 5 day trek in the Annapurna region, which will take you up over 3000 meters. You’ll get amazing views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Where To Stay in Pokhara

I recommend staying in the main city center in Pokhara. This will keep you close to all the action with some of the best restaurants, cafes, and things to do nearby.

If you’re looking for a hostel, definitely consider Pokhara Backpackers Hostel, which is where I stayed. There’s a great social vibe if you’re looking to meet other travelers, good common areas, and the dorms are modern and clean.

Zostel Pokhara You can’t go wrong staying in a Zostel and in this idyllic location it is well worth $7.00 per night. BOOK NOW	Pokhara Backpacker Hostel Lakeside living gets no cheaper than here, from $5.00 per night including breakfast. BOOK NOW
Hotel Iceland Four-star luxury for less and relax poolside from just $36.00 per night including breakfast. BOOK NOW	Temple Tree Resort & Spa This beautiful resort is the most popular in Pokhara, from $110.00 per night with breakfast. BOOK NOW

Wrap Up: The Best Spots To Eat In Pokhara

Without a doubt, there are some incredible restaurants and cafes here in Pokhara. Being such a tourist spot you’ll find a great mix of cuisines, from local Nepali eats, to Italian, French and Indian.

I had a pretty good time trying out all the places on this list as you could imagine. Though if you only have time to try a couple of them I recommend Kabab King for cheap eats and the French Creperie for some sweet treats.

Want more Nepal inspiration? Check out….

• Annapurna Circuit Itinerary & Guide
• Backpacking Kathmandu Travel Guide
• Where To Eat In Pokhara