Snowy Mountain Cafe
Authentic Western food and local favorites. Currently managed by a local couple and an American, although the American owner is often not around.
Most of the eating options are clustered within a 100m radius of where Renmin XiJie enters the Monastery. Most of their menus are indistinguishable from the one next door, serving tolerable Chinese dishes and the ubiquitous Tibetan Momo. A wider search will win adventurous taste buds more authentic local dishes such as Tsampa barley flour and Yak butter ball or JueNia Fan rice with a deliciously sweet local root. More circumspect travellers can stick to western food the well-trodden backpacker places.
Gesar Restaurant
One of the original places that's barely changed in years. The extensive English menu has a mix of Chinese and Tibetan dishes, plus a few approximations of western treats. Worth trying is the Tsampa, JueMa Fan and capichino style Yak butter tea. Everything is made from scratch so wait times can be lengthy, but the Tibetan style benches around the stove make a comfortable and warm place to watch the procession of pilgrims spinning prayer wheel over the road.
Late Sparkie
Oddly named Sichuan Hotpot place with individual pots and a selection of goat and vegetables to put in the spicy broth.