The Secret Garden by Phat Kath — Restaurant in Kathmandu Metropolitan City

AMAZING staff, Sabinay is incredibly sweet and helpful. Dogs on the grounds are great, but don't wake them if they're napping -- they get a little grouchy ;). Good location for walking around Thamel, but a bit removed from the chaos so it's nice and quiet at night. Food is great, had some of the best chai I could find in Nepal and music was exceptional by hostel standards. Great common areas, bathrooms were always very clean, but the place loses a star for conditions of the cushions in the seating area -- not the cleanest, they should invest in removable/washable cushions. Still, this is easy to fix. Also in the dorms the beds are not soft, common for Asia but just a warning for those of you that get upset by that sort of thing. Would go back for sure!

Also, if you're going in and out of Kathmandu a lot as I was while traveling Nepal, they'll store your bag for you if you don't want to lug everything around. Was nice to leave a bag behind while I went on...

The staff at this hostel are very nice. I stayed several times when I visited Kathmandu and had many adventures. It has a very communal vibe. There is an upstairs chill space, and a small courtyard to hang out and eat. Food is decent. I stayed both in dorms, which are just that, dorms, so not much privacy, but cheap, the affordable single rooms are decent. As far as hostels go this a good option for the young intrepid traveller, but not luxurious, and filled with travellers, musicians and bohemians and students, playing music and other things sometimes until very late. Location wise it's a walk to downtown Thamel. There are some Nepali restaurants and fast food carts around very close to the hostel and the general area is a nice Nepali vibe. I remember the gate being closed late at night but somehow we always got inside. Good place for the young buck...

Stumbled upon this place while staying in Kathmandu. Went in because of the pool table. Literally went here everyday I was in Kathmandu (unless I was too hungover). The staff are super friendly and welcoming. The regular local crew that play pool here every afternoon are the same (very friendly) - they are a great bunch of guys. Disappointed I didn't eat more food here (bought a snack from here on my last day and it was delicious). Thanks for providing such a cool place to hang out every afternoon! If I'm ever back in Kathmandu, I'll be back! Cheers...