Looking for meat-free dining in Kathmandu? From bohemian Thamel lounges to wellness cafés and monastery-run gardens, here are hand‑picked vegetarian and vegan spots worth putting on your list—plus what to order and why.
OR2K (Thamel)
Best for: Middle Eastern plates, big vegetarian menu, floor‑seating vibes.
What it’s like: A Kathmandu classic with laid‑back, cushion seating and colorful art. The all‑veg menu leans Mediterranean and Middle Eastern with lots of vegan options.
Order this: Mezze/falafel platters, hummus varieties, tabbouleh, fresh salads, stuffed pitas; look for daily specials.
Good to know: Gets busy at peak hours; go a little early for prime spots. Centrally located in Thamel.
Utpala Café (Boudha)
Best for: Pocket‑friendly veggie buffet, calm monastery garden setting.
What it’s like: A serene, open‑air café owned by Ka‑Nying Shedrub Ling Monastery. Peaceful atmosphere a short walk from Boudhanath Stupa.
Order this: The vegetarian buffet (rotates through ~10–12 items), bakery items, hearty breakfasts, herbal teas, smoothie bowls; many dishes can be made vegan on request.
Good to know: Known for affordable prices and a relaxed courtyard, nice for groups or a slow weekend brunch.
Zorba the Buddha (Nagarjun / near Osho Tapoban)
Best for: Pure‑veg comfort food with a view‑side escape from the city.
What it’s like: A hidden‑away vegetarian restaurant up Nagarjun hills, popular for garden vibes and scenic calm.
Order this: Seitan specialties, veg sizzlers, soups and salads; expect a mixed multi‑cuisine menu with vegan options.
Good to know: It’s a short drive from Balaju; check maps for the winding approach and daytime visits for the views.
Omkara Veg Restaurant & Bar (Durbar Marg)
Best for: Pure‑veg multi‑cuisine with Jain and vegan options.
What it’s like: Bright, family‑friendly restaurant off Durbar Marg with an expansive vegetarian menu.
Order this: North Indian curries and breads, Indo‑Chinese, pastas, Nepali thalis; ask for Jain‑prep or vegan adjustments if needed.
Good to know: Open late by KTM standards; handy central location for meetups.
Nourish by Avata (Baluwatar)
Best for: Wellness‑minded vegetarian/vegan meals made with organic produce.
What it’s like: Part of Avata Wellness—clean, minimalist dining that focuses on wholesome, plant‑forward plates.
Order this: Grain bowls (quinoa, roasted veggies, beans), soups, salads, smoothies.
Good to know: A comfortable choice if you’re eating cleaner or balancing macros without meat.
Tulsi Veg Restro (Thamel)
Best for: Pure‑veg Indian/Nepali plates in the heart of Thamel.
What it’s like: A dedicated vegetarian kitchen with classic sub‑continental comfort foods.
Order this: Paneer mains, dal tadka, butter naan/rotis, Nepali sets, Indo‑Chinese stir‑fries.
Good to know: Easy to reach from Amrit Marg; solid option for groups with varied tastes.
Organic Smoothie Bowl & Café (Lazimpat & more)
Best for: Plant‑based smoothie bowls, cold‑pressed juices, light lunches.
What it’s like: A modern, health‑forward spot focused on vegan‑friendly bowls and fresh sips.
Order this: Acai/fruit smoothie bowls, cold‑pressed juices, salads, wraps.
Good to know: Great for a quick breakfast, post‑workout refuel, or a mid‑day pick‑me‑up.
How we picked
We looked for places that are either fully vegetarian or exceptionally veg‑friendly, then prioritized menus with clear vegan/Jain options, reliable consistency, and strong word‑of‑mouth.
Make it a mini food trail
- Thamel loop: OR2K → Tulsi Veg → dessert/tea nearby.
- Wellness day: Smoothie Bowl (breakfast) → Nourish (lunch) → evening walk at Boudha and buffet at Utpala.
- City escape: Afternoon drive to Zorba the Buddha for an early dinner in the hills.
Tip: Menus and hours change—confirm current timings and vegan prep when you book or arrive.
