Located in Thamel, the Third Eye Restaurant is probably one of the best places to dine out in Kathmandu. It was established back in 1989 and has been serving delicious Indian and continental cuisine ever since. Upon entering this subtly lit restaurant, the hospitable staff warmly welcome you. The ambiance of the restaurant is highly inspired by Newari and Nepali culture and has plenty of antique pieces and decor. Third Eye has created quite a hype among local and expat food, as Lonely Planet has named it the top Indian restaurant in Kathmandu, and in the top five on their list of the city’s best restaurants overall.

When you’re given the menu, you cannot help but stare at the art in the front which showcases the elements of Lord Shiva. The menu boasts north Indian cuisine with halal meat and various continental dishes. All the hype about the place was justified the minute the food arrived at our tables. The Jhingi Chatpate, a tangy shrimp curry served with rice, was love at first bite. The curries are the main attraction here, and have been made in the same way for years and years by the same chef.

“Consistency is the key in the hospitality industry. We have been working with the same cooks and food suppliers for the last 28 years to provide this consistency in taste and quality,” says Ritez N. Shrestha, the owner of Third Eye.

Even though Third Eye has a seating capacity of 300 people, this place can get pretty crowded during the lunch and dinner time. You can enjoy a meal in the courtyard garden, in the cozy floor seating area, tables by the big windows (with street view) or open balcony area. Whether you want to dine with your friends or family, Third Eye is the perfect place to be.