The best restaurants in Ulaanbaatar rated by locals

After gathering votes from Ulaanbaatar locals and combining them with firsthand experience, this guide to the best restaurants in Ulaanbaatar showcases locally loved dining spots across Mongolia’s capital. This list is ideal for business travellers, tourists, expats, and road-trippers looking for trusted local recommendations on where to eat.

To create this roundup, I surveyed fellow residents on their preferred dining experiences in Ulaanbaatar, making these recommendations both locally trusted and experience-backed.

Whether you’re craving modern Mongolian dishes, international cuisine, cosy cafés, or vegan options, this guide covers standout dining experiences for every taste and occasion, including a few personal favourites.

Be sure to explore the map and navigation tools below to easily plan your culinary adventure.

A few pieces of advice from a foreigner’s perspective

Ulaanbaatar is a city in constant change, and that extends to the restaurant scene. Many businesses come, go or change chefs and waiting staff, which results in unpredictable changes in the quality of food or service.

I have a couple of acquaintances who own restaurants and have told me about their struggle to keep staff for long periods of time. Consequently, more often than desired, restaurants find themselves in an ongoing process of staff training.

Therefore, take the following into account:

1. Service can be below expectations at times, especially during hectic periods like Naadam Festival.
2. Always check the latest restaurant reviews online to give you a better perspective; what’s great now might not be so in a few months.
3. Check the restaurant’s latest news, such as special menus or opening times, on social media.

Far from discouraging you, I want you to be better prepared for the experience, so please, give these restaurants a try. Exploring the unique experiences in Mongolia often starts with a great meal, and I am sure these choices won’t disappoint!

Best restaurants in UB 2026

Veranda: Mediterranean Fine Dining

Veranda is one of those restaurants I kept coming back to over the years, whether for dinner with friends or a date night. I actually celebrated my first birthday in Mongolia here after my friend Soko recommended it to me, and we ended the night downstairs at Fat Cat for a jazz show.

Veranda at a glance:

Cuisine:

 Italian and Mediterranean

Open for:

lunch, dinner

Price range:

38,000  55,500 tugrik for main courses

Best for:

date nights, dinner with friends, wine lovers

Come here for:

thin crust pizzas, pasta dishes, the summer terrace

Little cool things:

If you go to Fat Cat downstairs, you can order food directly from Veranda during the show.

Photo credits: Veranda Restaurant

Veranda was the first Mediterranean restaurant to open in Mongolia back in 2006, and it is still one of the city’s most popular dinner spots. Their pasta dishes are what everybody talks about, but personally, I always go for the pizzas. They are genuinely some of the best thin-crust pizzas in Ulaanbaatar.

The atmosphere works equally well for a quieter dinner or a larger group celebration, which is probably why I ended up celebrating so many occasions here over the years.

If you want to come for dinner, especially on weekends, make a reservation a few days ahead. The place fills up quickly.

Namaste: Authentic Indian Flavours

Namaste is probably the Indian restaurant I have ordered from the most in Ulaanbaatar. I have actually never eaten inside any of their branches, but after years of ordering takeaway, the food has been consistently good every single time.

Namaste at a glance:

Cuisine:

Indian

Open for:

lunch, dinner

Price range:

 21,000  37,500 tugrik for main courses

Best for:

spice lovers, a flavour boost

Come here for:

curries, saag paneer, comforting Indian food

Little cool things:

Namaste currently has several branches in the city, but the original location inside the Flower Hotel is still the one many long-term expats swear by. My friend Guenia, who has lived in Mongolia for over 10 years, loves it, and one of my former coworkers from India also approved, which honestly says a lot.

I personally love their saag paneer since it is one of my favourite Indian dishes in general, but any of the curries are a safe choice.

One thing to keep in mind is that the spice level is usually toned down compared to what you might expect elsewhere, probably to suit local tastes a bit more.

La Rosa Tapas and Tequila Bar: A fun cocktail night

I knew I was going to love La Rosa before it even opened. The owner, Cliff, told me he was working on a Spanish and Mexican fusion restaurant, and after spending years going to his previous restaurant, Rosewood, I was immediately excited.

Photo credits: Rosewood Hospitality Group

La Rosa quickly became one of my go-to places for celebrations. Birthdays, farewells, after-work gatherings, somehow every dinner here ended up feeling like an event because the atmosphere is always energetic and social.

The taco platters are great for sharing, the margaritas are genuinely good, and I never skip the churros.

On a more personal note, the restaurant also reminds me a lot of my dog Drogo, who recently passed away. Cliff’s previous restaurant was one of the few dog-friendly places in the city, so I spent a lot of time there over the years.

One important thing to know before going: they generally do not take reservations unless you book the private room, so arrive early if you do not want to wait for a table.

While most people come for breakfast or lunch, I actually think their creole dinner menu deserves more attention. The dishes are flavorful without trying too hard, and it is a nice break from heavier local food if you have been travelling around Mongolia for a while.

My Latina friends absolutely swear by the tres leches cake, so if they still have some left by the evening, grab a slice before it sells out.

One thing to know before visiting is that the entrance can be easy to miss because the café is tucked inside a building.

Choijin Temple Restaurant for fine dining

The first time I came to Choijin Temple Restaurant, I remember thinking it felt incredibly fancy by Ulaanbaatar standards. I was also wearing full winter layers because it was October, and within ten minutes, I thought I was going to melt because the heating inside was turned all the way up. It was one of my first lessons about Mongolia: always dress in layers because buildings get very warm in winter.

Choijin Temple at a glance:

Cuisine:

Mediterranean, Western

Open for:

lunch, dinner

Price range:

 23,000 – 34,000 tugrik for risottos

Best for:

fine dining, healthier meals, dinner after visiting the museum

Come here for:

 large salads, marrow dishes, signature pizzas

Little cool things:

They host events and catering in the Choijin Lama Museum gardens.

Photo credits: Choijin Temple Restaurant

Located right behind the Choijin Lama Temple Museum, this restaurant is a good option if you want a more upscale dining experience in the city centre. The interior is elegant, and I especially remember noticing the decorative Buddhist masks on the walls the first time I visited.

They are also known for their marrow risotto and bone marrow soup, which are among their signature dishes.

One thing to keep in mind is that not all servers speak fluent English, so it helps to be patient and very specific when ordering. Some people also mention that meat can come out more cooked than requested.

MACU: A Mongolian Cheese Experience

Macu has gone through rough patches, but I am glad it made it to the list this year, too, which means locals still support this business. MACU stands for Mongolian Artisan Cheese Union, and in my opinion, it is one of the most interesting food projects in Mongolia.

Their mission? Producing a variety of local cheeses using Mongolian milk.

MACU at a glance:

Cuisine:

European, Russian, Mongolian fusion

Open for:

breakfast, lunch, dinner

Price range:

20,000 – 38,000 tugrik for main courses

Best for:

cheese lovers, long lunches, supporting local food projects

Come here for:

Mongolian cheeses, cheese platters, wine pairings

Little cool things:

 They regularly experiment with different cheeses and products made locally.

Photo credits: Macu Fromagerie

I spent countless hours here over the years with my dog, eating meals, buying cheese, attending BBQs, or simply hanging out. Because of that, I probably have a soft spot for the place beyond just the food itself.

To be completely honest, the quality can vary depending on who is currently working in the kitchen. Sometimes meals are excellent, sometimes less so. But I really admire the project itself and the effort behind building a local cheese industry in Mongolia, which is why I still recommend visiting.

The owner, Mike, is also a very interesting person and clearly passionate about what he is building.

If you go, I would honestly recommend asking the chef what they are particularly proud of that week rather than sticking too rigidly to one specific dish recommendation. The menu and kitchen have changed quite a bit over time.

Their cheese platters with wine are still one of the nicest ways to experience local Mongolian cheeses in the city.

Mongolians: a museum-like experience

Mongolians did not rank particularly high in the local polls I conducted for this article, but I still think it deserves a place on this list because the venue itself is impressive. The first time I came here was actually before one of my countryside trips, and it was where I tried Mongolian milk tea for the first time.

Mongolians at a glance:

Cuisine:

Mongolian and international

Open for:

lunch, dinner

Price range:

20,000 – 38,000 tugrik for main courses

Best for:

Mongolian fine dining, visitors wanting to try local dishes in a polished setting

Come here for:

Mongolian specialties, terrace dining, the decor

Little cool things:

 During winter, they set up traditional gers on the terrace for a more atmospheric dining experience.

Located on the top floor of Shangri-La Mall, Mongolians has one of the most striking interiors in the city. The decoration almost feels museum-like, and during summer, the outdoor terrace is a really nice place to sit.

The menu has a bit of everything, but this is mostly the place I would recommend if you want to try Mongolian dishes in a more upscale environment. They even serve dishes like goat head for those looking for a more adventurous experience.

One thing worth knowing before visiting is that some menu items are apparently unavailable fairly often, so if there is a specific dish you really want to try, ask beforehand. 

The Green Zone: the Backpackers’ Rendezvous

The Green Zone has been popular with backpackers, expats, and younger travellers in Ulaanbaatar for years, and once you spend an evening there, it is easy to understand why. I went there with a friend one night and ended up having one of those evenings where you casually start talking to people and suddenly hours have passed.

The Green Zone at a glance:

Cuisine:

Mediterranean and Western

Open for:

lunch, dinner

Price range:

20,000 – 38,000 tugrik for main courses

Best for:

backpackers, casual dinners, meeting people

Come here for:

hummus, falafel, pizzas, sandwiches

Little cool things:

 They also opened a second venue called The Reef with the same menu but a more polished atmosphere.

Owned by French chef Jessie, Green Zone focuses on Mediterranean comfort food and lighter dishes that can honestly feel very refreshing after a lot of meat-heavy Mongolian meals.

The atmosphere is probably the biggest reason people keep coming back. It is relaxed, social, and tends to attract a mix of tourists, expats, and locals.

I would especially recommend it if you are travelling solo or looking for a place with a more international crowd.

One thing to know is that service can apparently be a bit inconsistent depending on the day, although that seems to be part of the charm for some regulars. They also have several vegetarian options available.

Sakura: a Piece of Japan in UB

The first time I went to Sakura was after a friend insisted I had to try it. The place was absolutely packed despite being tiny, and within a few minutes, I understood why people are willing to queue for it.

Sakura at a glance:

Cuisine:

Japanese

Open for:

lunch, dinner

Price range:

20,000 – 38,000 tugrik for main courses

Best for:

quick, affordable meals, casual lunches, Japanese comfort food

Come here for:

katsu dishes, udon noodles, Japanese cheesecake

Little cool things:

Their fluffy Japanese cheesecake has developed something close to cult status among regulars.

Located near the State Department Store, Sakura is especially popular during lunch hours, when lines often form outside the restaurant.

Personally, I really enjoyed the udon noodles, but most people rave about their cheap and satisfying katsu meals. The portions are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the food comes out quickly, which explains why the turnover is so fast.

This is definitely not the place for a long, relaxed meal. Once you finish eating, people waiting outside will very politely — or not so politely — start hoping you leave your table soon.

If you want dessert, I would actually recommend taking the cheesecake to go and eating it at the nearby park instead.

Some of the restaurants below were recommended by locals and long-term residents in my poll, but did not quite make the top, while others are simply personal favourites that I think deserve a mention. If you are still looking for more places to eat in Ulaanbaatar, here are a few more restaurants worth checking out. 

Caucasia

Cuisine: Georgian
Best for: khachapuri, cosy dinners, trying something different

Caucasia is one of the few Georgian restaurants in Ulaanbaatar and is definitely worth trying if you have never had Georgian food before. The restaurant is tucked away near the Circus and has elaborate decor filled with regional artefacts. Their khachapuri is the dish to order.

Dony Pork

Cuisine: Korean BBQ
Best for: pork BBQ, casual group dinners

Dony Pork is one of the better-known Korean BBQ spots in the city and focuses heavily on pork dishes, which are becoming increasingly popular in Mongolia. It is slightly outside the main tourist areas, but still relatively close to the Chinggis Khan Museum.

Miko Sushi

Cuisine: Japanese
Best for: sushi, ramen, bento boxes

Many expats still consider Miko Sushi one of the best sushi restaurants in Ulaanbaatar. Their newer location on Beatles Street is much easier to access than the original one, and besides sushi they also serve ramen, soups, and bento boxes.

Organ

Cuisine: Mongolian
Best for: authentic Mongolian food on a budget

A very small and local restaurant recommended to me several times for traditional Mongolian dishes. Not fancy, but apparently one of the better places for authentic everyday food.

Bayangol Hotel Restaurant

Cuisine: Mongolian
Best for: khuitsaa soup

Mostly recommended for their khuitsaa soup, which a few locals specifically mentioned when I asked for restaurant suggestions around the city.

Ketomo

Cuisine: Korean and Mongolian
Best for: khuushuur and seafood soup

A casual local favourite known for crispy khuushuur and seafood soup.

Sushi Hero

Cuisine: Japanese
Best for: sushi rolls

A solid sushi option that gets mentioned regularly by locals and foreign residents alike.

Better

Cuisine: Burgers and casual Western food
Best for: burgers

Known mostly for burgers and casual comfort food rather than a full dining experience.

Amar

Cuisine: Mongolian
Best for: tsuivan

A local recommendation for tsuivan, one of Mongolia’s classic noodle dishes.

More vegan restaurants in Ulaanbaatar

Over the past few years, restaurants in Ulaanbaatar have become noticeably more vegan and vegetarian-friendly. While Mongolia is still very much a meat-and-dairy country, it is now much easier to find creative vegan dishes, plant-based proteins, and cafés that go beyond the classic cucumber-and-tomato salad that vegetarians used to rely on.

For those who are committed to reducing their meat intake as part of their personal sustainability travel choices, Ulaanbaatar has your back.

Cafe Lohas

Cafe Lohas belongs to the same owners as Loving Hut but focuses more on bowls and healthy lunch sets. Located inside Shangri-La Mall, it is a convenient stop if you want something lighter or need vegan snacks for the road.

The Oneness Fountain Heart Restaurant

I was only here once, but I had a very good lunch set and left pleasantly surprised. The restaurant is small and simple, but the atmosphere was cosy, and the hostess spoke excellent English.

Agnista

Agnista is one of the well-established vegan-friendly names that keeps coming up in conversations around Ulaanbaatar. I have not been myself yet, but the restaurant has developed a very good reputation among locals and expats looking for healthier vegetarian options.

They sell some vegan products in the supermarket. I used to buy their Dr Bake seeberry vegan cookies, which are a great, thoughtful gift or souvenir to bring back home.

Bosco Verde

I went to Bosco Verde many years ago, long before vegetarian restaurants became more common in Ulaanbaatar. The restaurant is still around and continues to maintain very strong reviews, which probably says a lot considering how quickly restaurants come and go in the city.

Vegan House Cafe

Vegan House Cafe is one of the newer vegan restaurants in Ulaanbaatar and the reviews have been excellent so far. I have not tried it yet, but the food looks genuinely delicious in photos and it already seems to be building a loyal following among the local vegan community.

Exploring Ulaanbaatar Beyond Food

Food ended up becoming one of my favourite ways to experience Ulaanbaatar. From tiny local cafés to lively bars and upscale restaurants, the city has far more variety than most people expect before arriving in Mongolia.

To help you plan the rest of your time in the capital, check out my guide to the best things to do in Ulaanbaatar, including museums, temples, markets, day trips, and some of my favourite places around the city.

Enjoy your meals — and enjoy Ulaanbaatar.