Dhokaima Cafe — Restaurant in Lalitpur Metropolitan City

(2025 Update: The prices have continued their journey upwards, and, unfortunately, it is quite the opposite for their service and food. Their bakery is now serving stale items. I have had their chocolate pastry twice in 3 months, and both of those times I have been heavily disappointed with its taste and freshness. The only thing currently good about this place is that it is so expensive, you would not plan on going there anyways. And finally, the person packing my bakery items was quite rude and she was so harsh with her words. I literally paid her institution Rs. 2750 to get shouted at. Such a shame.)

(2022 Update: The service has gone down quite drastically. The food they serve has reduced portions but the price is moving in an upward trajectory. Their bakery, however, is excellent and their pastry is very delicious. Other than that, the employees are very cold, mean and not at all professional. Likewise, access to a heater on a cold day is directly related to the amount of money you spend on the food.)

(Previous review (2018)) It is a really nice place to take someone and have a nice conversation. A slice of their exceptionally delicious Chocolate Pastery would definitely be an add on. Overall, great experience, great setting, the prices are a bit high but other than that it is a really...

I had heard good things about the cake here, so I ended up trying the Red Velvet pastry. It was really good, maybe slightly too wet for me, but not enough to be a problem. The cream had a subtle tang to it, that was unique and quite flavourful. The coffee was nice too, nothing to write home about, but not bad as well!

I was there around 6 pm and I sat for about an hour. The open space outside, at that dusk time, was really beautiful. The ambiance is nearly perfect. For a moment, I could forget I was in the middle of the city and just relax into my cake and coffee.

There’s a small gallery attached to the cafe with a sign marked Van Gogh Room. It was very small and I didn’t find the exhibit by Bhattari, a nepali Photographer, very interesting.

There’s also Patan Book Store attached to this cafe. It’s a lovely little bookstore and I discovered two really nice books there. Although, most of their collection is a bit old, they have a small collection of books about Nepal that were really interesting. Worth visiting if you’re in...

This is a favorite spot for a quiet meal, or coffee & pastry with friends, as many other reviews will note.

The setting is historic & beautifully restored. The staff is well trained and attentive but not overbearing. Overall it is a perfect refuge from the bustle of the street outside. Their mo: mos have a well-deserved high reputation.

But I want especially to point out what a great venue it is for events. I've attended quite a few here--from book release parties to public lectures. Have even given a lecture here, actually. And today we had a panel discussion & lively conversation with a group of students & their faculty. Everything went very smoothy, from the welcome tea, to the well-appointed conference hall, to the buffet lunch, with tea, coffee, & chocolate cake.

In short, whether for a leisurely coffee with a couple of friends, or a day-long program with 20-50 people, or an evening garden party, I can recommend the Dhokaima Cafe & Yalamaya Kendra very...