Lhasa is the capital of Tibet and it is the economic, cultural, and religious center of Tibet. Lhasa receives many visitors every year. Many great restaurants serving Tibetan and International food greet tourists in Lhasa. In this article, you will find the list of the best restaurants in Lhasa based on reviews from our clients.
Since most tourists won’t have time to visit all of them, always ask your guide for a recommendation. Your guide can suggest a nice place to eat based on your preferences, which places you are visiting this day, and the location of your hotel.
Most of the restaurants in Lhasa offer Tibetan dishes and some selection of Himalayan cuisine (Nepalese and Indian). In addition, some places also offer Western dishes, such as pizza and burgers.
TOP RESTAURANTS IN LHASA
TIBETAN FAMILY KITCHEN
Probably one of the most famous restaurants in Lhasa, and for a good reason. Previously, the restaurant was located in one of the apartments in Old Town and was hard to find. In 2019 they moved to a new large building opposing the Jokhang Temple. There is a roof top seating. Restaurant’s menu offers Tibetan, Nepalese, Indian, and Western meals for reasonable prices.
In addition, restaurant owners offer Tibetan cooking classes. If you have free time in Lhasa, it is a great opportunity to learn about Tibetan cuisine and practice making some staple dishes.
There is an English menu.
To find the restaurant walk away from Jokhang temple through the Barkhor square keeping to the left side of the square.
LHASA KITCHEN
Lhasa Kitchen is another popular among tourists Tibetan restaurant. It recently moved to a new location (the building where it was before with an easily recognizable red staircase is now closed for reconstruction).
The restaurant has an extensive menu with Tibetan, Nepalese and Western meals. The quality of the food is good and prices are reasonable.
The new location of the restaurant is on the second floor on the East side of the Tengyeling road.
HOUSE OF SHAMBHALA
The very cozy restaurant decorated in traditional Tibetan style in the hotel with the same name. The House of Shambhala restaurant is small offering an intimate atmosphere that is best to enjoy with a company. There is also a rooftop where you can spend time if weather permits.
Restaurant’s menu offers a wide variety of delicious Tibetan dishes.
Hotel and the restaurant are located in Old Town to the North-East from the Jokhang temple. The easiest way to find it is to enter from Beijing road and follow street signs towards the hotel.
MEIDOE KARPHU
The restaurant offers traditional Tibetan dishes on the menu. It is more like an upgraded tea house with all local favorites with a modern twist. The seating is similar to regular restaurants. You will find an English menu. The food is prepared to order and delicious. Medoe Karphu restaurant is located not far from the Jokhang temple off the Tengyeling road. It is a great option to experience the traditional culture with comfort. Prices here are higher than in regular tea houses. However, if you are experiencing Lhasa on your own, it can be difficult to order food in traditional tea houses many of which don’t offer the menu.
DUNYA
Originally Dutch family opened this restaurant in Lhasa. It was always attracting many tourists looking for comfort food, good selection in a bar, and a great company.
It is famous for its cozy atmosphere, Tibetan and Western cuisine and a wide selection of international beers. Nowadays, Tibetans own the restaurant. The quality of food is great. If you are visiting during the warm months, you can sit at the terrace on the second floor overlooking the busy street. The menu offers all Tibetan staples, some Nepalese dishes, and Western favorites.
The restaurant is in the same building as the Yak hotel on the Beijing road.
OM PIZZA
A new restaurant that opened steps away from the Jokhang Temple. It is located to the South from the temple. As the name suggests, you will find many pizza options on the menu and several other Western dishes. The space is large, with several rooms, and you can visit it with a large company.
PO BA TSANG
The restaurant is serving traditional Tibetan food. However, it is famous not for its food, but for its evening shows. You can see Tibetan dance and singing there every evening. The restaurant is a few minutes away from the Jokhang Temple. You can also enjoy hotpot in Po Ba Tsang restaurant.
Scroll down to the description of the Lhasa Bakery Restaurant located in the same building for directions.
AMDO NORZEN
Amdo is the Eastern province of Tibet, and food their offer as a little twist compared to the Central Tibet dishes. Amdo menu features many yak meat and lamb dishes, blood sausages, noodles, and more. What makes it very popular among tourists and locals alike is the delicious Tibetan hotpot. The restaurant is decorated in traditional Tibetan style with large benches covered by carpets. It is a small and cozy place with a great atmosphere.
SUMMIT CAFE
A cozy coffee place with Western deserts and a few Western dishes. If you like to start your day with a cup of fresh coffee, you will enjoy the familiar atmosphere of a coffee house in the center of Lhasa. In addition to coffee varieties, you will find breakfast, salads, wraps, and sandwiches on the menu.
The cafe is located on Tengyeling road.
TASHI I
Tashi I is a small centrally located Tibetan restaurant with a family feel to it. Its menu offers a comprehensive list of various Tibetan dishes.
To find Tashi 1 restaurant walk to the crossroad of Tengyeling road and Beijing Road and you will see it on the South-West corner of the crossing.
NAMASTE RESTAURANT
The Restaurant is located not far from Barkhor Square. Walk away from the Jokhang Temple on the tree-lined street, and at a crossroad you will find a building with different shops and restaurant on a second floor. Namaste restaurant’s menu includes Tibetan, Nepalese, Indian and some Western dishes.
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL BUFFET
If you are looking for a more sophisticated dining experience, consider having dinner in Intercontinental hotel. The buffet offers a wide variety of dishes: soups, salad bar, yak meat dishes, Tibetan hotpot, seafood, fruit bar, snacks, and desserts. The buffet is pricey and the hotel is located far from the Old Town. However, if you are planning a large celebration, it can be a good option.
LHASA BAKERY
Great restaurant with stylish Tibetan decoration, terrace overlooking the busy street of Old Town, freshly baked pastries and a variety of coffees.
Directions: To find the restaurant, walk from Barkhor square towards the Beijing road following the Tengyeling road. On the left side you will see the building on the photo with the bakery and Pa Bo Tsang restaurant. You need to enter the shop under the yellow label and walk all the way to the back where you will find an elevator. Take it to the third floor.
RESTAURANTS IN SHOPPING CENTER ON TENGYELING STREET
On the first floor of the building you will see a shopping center with many merchants. On the second and third floors of the same building, you will find several restaurants. There is a nice coffee shop with relaxing atmosphere and a variety of iced and hot drinks. There is also a Tibetan restaurant with good food and stylish decoration.
The building is located on the East side of the Tengyeling road.
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