Chautari

Chautari brings Nepali food and hospitality to Aralia Street in Nightcliff, with a dining concept centred on gathering, sharing and connection. The restaurant takes its name from the traditional chautari: a stone resting platform beneath a banyan or peepal tree where travellers would pause, talk and eat together. That idea carries through the venue’s stated approach, which is to create a welcoming place for friends and families to share meals and moments in a setting that feels familiar and comfortable.

The food is presented as a link between Nepal’s street and village culture and contemporary tastes. The clearest example is Gilo Chatpate, a lively street-food snack described as a mix of puffed rice, crunchy noodles, fresh herbs and tangy spices, finished with lemon and chilli. Its flavour profile brings together sour, spicy and richly spiced notes, while the dish is mixed just before serving so it stays fresh. Chautari connects it with the everyday food culture of Kathmandu and Pokhara, as well as the experience of sharing a snack and conversation beneath the shade of a chautari.

The restaurant’s story is rooted in Nepali heritage rather than a formal dining style. Its website describes food as something to celebrate, savour and share, with the warmth of Nepali hospitality at the centre of the experience. That makes Chautari a natural fit for diners who enjoy trying regional food traditions, as well as Nepali guests looking for familiar flavours and a connection to home. The emphasis on shared meals also suits families and groups, while the online ordering option provides another way to access the food.

Chautari is open every day from 5pm to 9.30pm at 58 Aralia Street, Nightcliff. Bookings can be made by phone or email, and orders are also available online. For a first taste of the menu, Gilo Chatpate is the standout dish specifically highlighted by the restaurant: fresh, crunchy and sharply seasoned, with a story that reflects the communal spirit behind the Chautari name.