Kathmandu: What defines an ideal restaurant? For some, it’s food that lingers in memory. For others, it’s the warmth of the ambience, the courtesy of the staff, or even the comfort of easy parking after a long day. At Walnut Bistro, nestled in Kathmandu’s Panipokhari, these elements converge beautifully under one philosophy “Your Happiness, Our Celebration”.
Founded in 2019 by Aakash Poudel and Bishnu Bhandari, Walnut Bistro has evolved from a passion project into one of Kathmandu’s most admired dining destinations. Aakash, also a celebrated filmmaker behind Kathaa 72 and Aina Jhyal ko Putali, brings a storyteller’s instinct to the restaurant world.
“A restaurant is like a film,” he says. “Every element — the food, the ambience, the cleanliness — contributes to a story that we tell our guests.”
It’s a poetic comparison that feels true the moment you step in. The warm lighting, thoughtfully curated decor, and the calm rhythm of service give Walnut Bistro a cinematic grace — one that plays out like a well-directed experience rather than a mere meal.
Poudel’s belief in selfless hospitality shapes everything here. “Hospitality isn’t rocket science,” he says with smiles. “It’s about doing everything from the heart — selflessly. My team is my family, and they embody that spirit completely.”
This philosophy shows in small, often overlooked details — from the spotless glasses to the welcoming smiles that greet you at the door. Even the restrooms are a matter of pride. “Once, a guest told us our washroom was the cleanest they’d seen,” Aakash recalls. “That comment stayed with us. Cleanliness isn’t cosmetic — it’s emotional. It defines how people remember your space.”
He shares a simple analogy: “If you eat seven momos, then visit a dirty washroom, you’ll lose your appetite for the last three. The best food comes from the cleanest kitchen.” At Walnut Bistro, this is not just policy — it’s principle.
If Walnut Bistro runs like a well-directed film, its cast is extraordinary.
At the operational helm is General Manager Rakesh Dangol, a hospitality veteran with over 15 years of experience from the Radisson Hotel, Little Lamb Restaurant, and Sofitel Palm Dubai. “If an American groom has a best man,” Aakash laughs, “I have Rakesh.”
Rakesh’s leadership ensures seamless service and consistency — freeing Aakash to focus on branding, strategy, and innovation. “He’s the backbone,” Aakash says simply.
In the kitchen, Executive Chef Krishna Dangol commands respect with his 25 years of international experience, including stints in South Korea. His mastery lies in balancing authenticity and creativity — crafting dishes that feel both rooted and refined. From Nepali comfort food to international fusion, his culinary artistry transforms each plate into a thoughtful expression of taste, texture, and technique.
Together, Rakesh and Krishna anchor Walnut Bistro’s rhythm — one of harmony between art and business, heart and precision.
The real charm of Walnut Bistro lies not in its luxury, but in its culture of care. The team operates like a family, guided by Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that define professionalism, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that encourage growth without losing compassion.
“I see my job as protecting my team,” Aakash says. “Their job is to ensure our customers’ happiness. When customers are happy, everyone wins.”
That simple, almost parental logic runs through the restaurant’s DNA.
Walnut Bistro’s creativity extends beyond the menu — it reimagines the very experience of dining.
1. The “satisfaction-guaranteed” thaali
From 11 AM to 2 PM, diners can savour authentic Nepali Dal Bhat Tarkari with a 25 percent discount — and a rare promise: pay only if you’re fully satisfied. If the meal doesn’t delight, it’s on the house. It’s confidence served with humility.
2. “Phone custody” for real conversations
Between 3 pm and 5 pm, guests are invited to surrender their phones for safekeeping. In return, the table enjoys a 15 percent discount. The idea? To bring back the lost art of conversation, eye contact, and laughter — unfiltered by screens.
3. “Breathe easy” non-smoking reward
Groups of five or more who book the non-smoking area and abstain from smoking on the premises receive a 15 percent discount. It’s a reward for choosing freshness over fumes — a small gesture toward wellness and awareness.
These imaginative initiatives demonstrate that Walnut Bistro isn’t just feeding appetites; it’s nourishing values.
In just a few years, Walnut Bistro has grown from a restaurant to a movement. It represents a shift in Kathmandu’s dining landscape — from transactional service to transformational experience.
It’s in the trust of a pay-if-happy meal, the joy of a phone-free lunch, and the calm assurance of impeccable hygiene. It’s in the soft exchange of gratitude between guest and host, where both walk away feeling enriched.
Walnut Bistro doesn’t chase trends — it creates them. It doesn’t just serve food — it serves emotion. And that, perhaps, is why it has transcended the boundaries of a business to become a symbol of mindful dining and authentic connection.
As Kathmandu’s culinary culture evolves, Walnut Bistro stands as a reminder that the essence of great hospitality is not luxury, but love — love expressed through care, cleanliness, and consistency.
Walnut Bistro is not just a place to eat; it is a culture, and it will be a culture forever.
📍 Location: Panipokhari, Kathmandu
🌐 Website: www.walnutbistronepal.com
📘 Facebook: Walnut Bistro Nepal
📸 Instagram: @walnutbistronepal
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