Pokhara

Pokhara’s dramatic lakeside setting and laid-back pace make it a singular place to eat in Nepal right now. While the city lacks the density of high-profile restaurants you’ll find in Kathmandu, what it offers is honest, deeply local cooking—think garden grills, Tibetan family kitchens, and the kind of comfort food that draws both locals and those in the know back again and again. Settle in for a plate of sekuwa or momo, and let the city’s easygoing rhythm take over.

The Top 3: Destination-Worthy Dining

Utopia Garden & Snacks Bar – The best place in Pokhara to settle into a leafy garden, order up platters of grilled sekuwa and choila, and drink quietly with friends. The focus here is on Nepali snacks and grilled meats, with a local crowd and an atmosphere that feels like the city’s true social heart. Reviewers praise the "proper place to go with friends, sit in the garden, order plates of meat to share and drink in peace"—it’s where you’ll taste Pokhara’s spirit at its most relaxed and convivial.[4][5][6]

Moondance Restaurant – A Lakeside mainstay, Moondance is beloved for its consistency and comfort, with a menu that covers everything from sizzler plates and steaks to their famous chocolate mousse. "The kitchen here is more consistent than most," note travelers, and it’s a reliable spot for a relaxed meal after a day on the lake.[1][2][3]

Cheli Thakali - Pokhara – Just outside the main drag, Cheli Thakali is the spot for Thakali thali and Nepali home-style dishes. It’s one of Pokhara’s highest-rated restaurants, with a 4.9 rating and praise for its authentic flavors and generous portions. "Ranked #3 in Pokhara," it’s a must for anyone wanting to dig deeper into Nepali staples.[6][7][2]

More Excellent Eats

Relax Kitchen & Bar – A low-key favorite among Pokhara’s youth, Relax Kitchen serves up reliably tasty plates of chicken chilli, momo, and cold local beer. It’s described as "more full of Nepali youth than foreign tourists," and is the place for an unfussy, satisfying meal in town.[4][8]

Tashi Ling Tibetan Restaurant – Just outside town, this Tibetan-run spot is the place for buff momos, veg momos, and thukpa. Reviewers call it "the best momo and thukpa" and "the most honest plates of food we had in Pokhara," making it worth the short trip for a taste of Tibetan family cooking.[2][3]

Godfather’s Pizzeria – For a change of pace, Godfather’s offers wood-fired pizzas with a crust and cheese quality that outpaces the local standard. Travelers consistently call it the best pizza in Pokhara, especially for the margherita and meat pies.[9][2]