The Old House — Restaurant in Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Was really looking forward to our visit but it was an overall disappointing experience that fell way below expectations. These 3 stars go to a lovely restaurant/bar setting and decor, pretty plating and a handful of dishes that saved the evening (a couple of starters - the crispy corn kernels and buff flautas were enjoyable, but nothing 'wow'). Everything else just fell flat - the grilled pork main course was dry and overcooked, the chicken vol au vent pastry shells were hard and super dense (instead of being light and flaky). Cocktails were meh - nothing to write home about. The servers/staff are junior - they have a really positive attitude, but mostly lack the training and experience to deliver a good guest experience. One example: as we were walking up the stairs to the restaurant, one of the servers saw us and instead of welcoming us, he ran away 😅 and when we reached the top, he was there with another staff but both of them did not say anything at all (not even a 'welcome' or 'hello') - just silently looked at us until I said we made a reservation for dinner (which really also was unnecessary because the whole restaurant was empty). Not at all a good first impression - we get a much warmer welcome from any other local restaurant in Thamel where we would also pay 5-6 times less for a meal. There is massive room for improvement in terms of meal service, food and drink quality and guest experience at this price point in Nepal - even down to details such as the very odd music choice. Other incidents that can be attributed to inexperienced service/management: the main courses were served very suddenly when we had barely begun on the second starter. We made a reservation for 2 people and in an entirely empty restaurant, they put us at a tiny table that was quite possibly the worst seat in the house, where we also struggled to make all the plates, wine bottle, glasses and cutlery fit comfortably tabletop. It would have been better NOT to make a reservation because other duos who walked in got seated at bigger tables by default. I believe this restaurant/bar concept as a whole has potential but cannot in good conscience recommend dining at The Old House until...

I found this restaurant classic and well decorated. I tried Ostrich food and It was delicious. Well hospitality and table management. Just one of my Fav restaurant in Durbar Marg.

For You… Some quick Info from their website.

The Old House Elegantly retro and comfortably modern, our culinary wit and warm personable hospitality balances the soulfulness of French and Asian fusion cooking style to unrivaled effect. With vertical garden alongside the bar and lush greenery of age old trees, foliage and plants tucked at the other end, The Old House Garden subtly conjoins modern with the retro chic elegance. Away from the bustling city, you can spend a moment of peace and tranquility without a care. With exquisite food and divine drinks to go along with, your garden reverie is fulfilled!!! Experience the beauty of fine dining with quirky touch! We bring your taste buds and senses to pleasurable explosion! Where food is an art, drinks creative, service pleasantly warm and ambience nostalgic.

An ideal place for you to unwind Sip in your favorite drink and merge with the tranquility around. We serve only the finest and the most innovative! Now make your evenings special with our Happy Hour Offers every evening 6:30 to 8 PM. Enjoy your drinks along with the phenomenal experience of the roosting crows!

Perfect Venue for all your Events!!! Private or corporate, for you we create events to match your specific needs. Rejoice the moments in invigorating atmosphere with delectable menus and...

Slightly conflicted eating at a French wannabe fine dining at the foot of Mt Everest, but here I am nonetheless

Courtyard Seating is amazing and definitely where you want to sit. Very green and tastefully lit in the evening. Staff are super friendly but so are the majority of the Nepalese

The Nepalese spicy chicken was bang on and good eating. The lime meringue for desert also pleasant end to the meal.

That's all the good. Now the not so good...

There 3 dishes that have a Nepalese twist and one of those is a sandwich. The place sells itself as fusion but the entirety of its remaining menu is French with Italian. The Euro dishes font intrigue me and I thought I would see more fusion offerings which is I why I rocked up

Their signature dish is the momo set which comes with variety filings. But after ordering it was told no more left (I was first diner of the night) and overheard table next to me later complain that it's never available. Obviously she'd been there before and still missing it.

The Ostrich is nice enough but the dish overall is bland and I only ordered it as there was no momo and the rest looked pedestrian.

So points for trying to bring better dining experience to Katmandu but would be SO MUCH BETTER if you actually had momos to serve and more extensive fusion offerings.

Good first outing but waiting for restaurant...