The best bars and cafés Kathmandu

This is Thamel's finest cocktail bar, inspired by the sophisticated mixology counters of New York. Only regular Nepalese hipsters pass this discreet entrance, upstairs on a busy street. The counter is all lit up, the glasses beautifully set, the blends subtle and not too sweet, the barmaids tattooed and stylish, the musical backdrop well chosen, the decor enhanced by a cabinet of curiosities with a stuffed fox in the codes of the cocktail bar, the decor dark, chic and intimate. The Blackbird signature cocktail is divine.

Exposed beams, cob walls, imposing wooden tables, rolling pins in the background and a charming little courtyard jealously hidden from view: this restaurant with its quirky yet meticulous decor almost makes you forget you're in the heart of Thamel. The setting is elegant and the menu very Western: pasta, lasagne, sandwiches, all set to jazzy rhythms. Yes, this restaurant is aimed at a more touristy clientele, but it's not all bad! The proof: we advise you to make a reservation, as it's quite crowded.

This bar is located in a small pedestrian cul-de-sac in the heart of Thamel, away from the hustle and bustle of the narrow streets. Inside and out, the setting is refined and resembles an Italian brasserie, with its terrace of water-green benches on the cobblestones, very elegant with a beautiful counter and green plants. Vino è Vita lives up to its name: it's the place to go for a glass of imported wine. The cocktail menu is interesting and serves good quality pasta dishes and fusion snacks. Pleasant background music.

If you can't wait to get back to Europe for an aperitif of charcuterie and cheese, washed down with good wine, this is the place for you. In this wine bar, where the Nepalese learn a few words of French to make you feel at home, it's also a good place to meet French people living in Nepal and ask them all your questions. On the menu, rillettes and a board of charcuterie or cheese...

A Starbucks-style chain of Nepalese coffee shops where the golden youth love to come and chill out over a cup of coffee and an American-style cheesecake. The chain has now spread to all the towns in the valley (Patan, Bodnath...). The one in Thamel offers a lovely view of Durbar Square. Wide choice of locally roasted organic coffees (latte, mocha, espresso...). We recommend this address for its light breakfasts and lunches, good wifi and sofas for relaxing after a good walk in the city.

This is Kathmandu's new speak easy bar, one of those deceptively clandestine bars that play on the codes of American bars during alcohol prohibition in the 1920s. The entrance is inevitably concealed (here at the top of a random building in the middle of nowhere between Kathmandu and Patan), the banquettes upholstered, the Art Deco style, the electro swing music and the lights dimmed. On the menu, signature cocktails including the excellent Basil Instinct (beware, some are very sweet), and a menu of gourmet fusion tapas to share. Terrace.

An institution in Kathmandu. Open since 1997, Sam's Bar offers an environment where the history of tourism is written - literally, as all the walls are covered with the words of passing visitors. The outdoor terrace upstairs is not a viewpoint (the bamboo judiciously separates the tables from the surrounding street) but a welcome moment of calm. A relaxed atmosphere in small rattan armchairs, with international music playing in the background. A good place to have a drink with friends, with a menu of beers and classic cocktails.

Here's a lounge bar nestled in the heart of Thamel, but in a small alleyway that keeps it far from the hustle and bustle. People come here mainly to chill out after work in the early evening and to drink good craft draught beers. It's an address frequented more by tourists and Kathmandu's wealthy class, as the prices seem a little prohibitive. However, we really appreciate the shady courtyard and rooftop terrace. The atmosphere is definitely relaxed. Regular live concerts, mostly on Thursdays. A good place for a drink.

This chic bakery and café lounge, which exists in several districts of Kathmandu and Patan, displays pretty pastries in its illuminated window and offers a trendy menu of black burgers with activated charcoal bread (gluten-free and easily digestible), thalis and mouth-watering Nepalese revisited dishes served on slates, as well as delicious homemade lemonades and real espresso coffee. The setting is truly designer, with wood and leather elements and superb decor.

As its name suggests, this charming little bar with a pretty cosy balcony serves 100% organic and Nepalese coffees from coffee trees native to the Himalayas and delivered in healthy working conditions. The coffee menu is really tempting. They also praise the merits and virtues of coffee (detoxifying, fat burner, energizing...). Nice choice of lattes and mochas as well, which are said to be the best of all Thamel!

Despite the subtitle "40,000 1/2 feet bar", it's certainly not the highest bar in Thamel, or even in Kathmandu... but it may be one of the most touristy for passing travellers. The terrace doesn't offer a view of Thamel, but it's pleasant and well planted with trees. In a cosy room with attractive flooring and bay windows, the ceiling is covered with paper prints (of Yeti?) hung and scribbled by travellers on their return from the trek. A nice place to build your trekker's imagination while drinking a good rum.

This café, which has been open for twenty years, attracts Nepalese and tourists alike. The setting is utterly charming: in the small, dimly-lit courtyard or in the lounge dining room, all you have to do is make your choice and take a seat. In addition to the usual beverages (a nice choice of beers, cocktails and hot drinks), Jatra serves good Indian and Nepalese dishes, such as vegetarian momos and sukuti pizza. Live acoustic music every Friday.