For lovers of Italian food, there’s no better place than this old favourite.

Choosing a restaurant in Kathmandu for a weekend dinner can easily lead to a state of indecision. Do you go to an old favourite, or try somewhere new? Do you want to hedge your bets on a place that doesn’t take reservations? Will the restaurant be ever-so-slightly disappointing, causing you to leave wishing you’d spent your money elsewhere? When the stakes for dinner are even higher, it’s easy to feel even more uncertain. But if that’s an experience you’re looking to have for a special occasion, let us make this easy for you with what we’re calling the ‘fine dining decider’.If you like pasta, dramatic staircases, and the idea of experiencing something out of the ordinary, go to the Rox Restaurant and Bar at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu.

Rox is set over three floors with a dramatic and fairly steep staircase. The vibe is slightly upscale but relaxed. The wine list is varied, and though the price ranges from reasonable to the jaw dropping, it’s one of the best you’ll find in this city. The cuisine is Italian, and it’s the kind of Italian cooking that’s not afraid to go heavy on big flavours like garlic, lemon, olives, chili pepper, and fat to win your favour. These are some of the most well thought out and beautiful plates we’ve had the pleasure of eating at a decent pace.

The restaurant which offers both indoor and outdoor dining options also has a bar seating along with an open kitchen and two wood-burning ovens. This restaurant can accommodate has 55 indoors and 30 outdoors and is open daily for dinner only from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Rox is managed by six kitchen associates and six service associates under Executive Chef Santosh Kumar Koradi. Koradi has been in this business for more than 12 years and finds pleasure in mixing and making new food fusions. “I don’t specialise in a single type of cuisine, I prepare every cuisine with equal effort and dedication,” says Koradi, adding, “In fact preparing food is like creating art for me.”

There aren’t many places that serve a special occasion or a drop-in at the bar equally well. Even though there are many excellent things on the menu, our suggestion for the best way to enjoy a meal at Rox is to go heavy on the pasta.

From appetisers to the main course, eating the food served here is an amazing gastronomical experience. Artichoke Carpaccio with Prosciutto served with Mozzarella cheese is a must try. Also, Baby spinach Tagliatelle with smoked Salmon can be a tantalizing treat to your palate if you are into sea food. Pastas such as Spaghetti Carbonara and Fresh Tagliatelle (served in Bolognaise sauce with mushroom) are an absolute delight here. 

The varieties of pizza available here are endless, but not a single one is likely to disappoint you. From Margherita (prepared with fresh buffalo Mozzarella cheese, basil and tomato sauce) to Hawaiian (chicken, pineapple and Mozzarella), the pizzas are authentic and flavorsome. The main course dishes such as Oven-baked Tuscan Styled Himalayan Rainbow Trout and Crispy Norwegian Salmon absolutely should not be missed once you are here.

The service is fantastic, from the hosts to the bartenders and to the staff at the cheese counter. And the wine list here is unparalleled. But the best part about Rox Restaurant and Bar is that it’s magnificently simple. No gimmicks, no scene, just authentic Italian dishes that make you want to come over again and again.