Dining

Royal Hana Garden
This place is a bit of a find - there are two outdoor hot-spring baths where you can luxuriate for as long as you like before heading inside for a very reasonably priced Japanese meal. It's perfect for small groups and it's worth ringing ahead to book a soak. The restaurant is in Lazimpat, just north of the Hotel Ambassador.
Lazimpat
tel: 4416200

Koto Restaurant
Some say Koto prepares the best Japanese food in town. If not the best, then it's close, with a wide range of dishes from cold soba noodles to sukiyaki and even fresh mackerel, plus several set menus. It's up a dingy little stairwell but the décor is cosy and intimate. There's a less expensive branch in Thamel.
Durbar Marg
tel: 4226025

Seoul Arirang
This excellent Korean place has a pleasant rooftop area and serves dishes barbecued at your table, as well as Korean classics such asbulgogi(beef and ginger) andbibimbap(rice with beef, vegetables and hot sauce). The owner is Korean but the chefs are Nepali. The picture menu guarantees no nasty surprises.
Lal Durbar
tel: 4232105

1905
You can dine with ambassadors and government ministers in Thomas Kilroy's latest venture, set in a lovely old house. The tables on a bridge over a wonderful lily pond adds a definite colonial Burmese feel, so it's fitting that there are several southeast Asian dishes on offer. You'll need some time to wade through the seven different menus, including one just for teas!
Thamel
Kantipath
tel: 4225272

Krishnarpan Restaurant
One of the best places for Nepali food is the Krishnarpan Restaurant at Dwarika's Hotel, east of the centre near the Ring Rd. The atmosphere is superb and the food gets consistent praise from diners. Bookings are advisable. If you are coming on Friday, arrive in time for the 18:00 dance show in the hotel courtyard.
Pashupatinath
E of the centre near the Ring Rd
tel: 4470770