25 Best Restaurants in Pakistan You Should Visit

Food is one of the most fundamental prerequisites for human survival. Like any other nation, Pakistan has unique food delicacies that are worth exploring. Pakistani cuisine, especially its richly flavored dishes, has earned a reputation for excellence throughout the globe.

A similar distinction may be seen between Pakistani restaurants and those found elsewhere in the globe. It is possible to find fine dining venues with a pleasant environment and superb cuisine. The eateries detailed in this blog provide authentic Pakistani food and are never without a customer insight.

Restaurants in Pakistan are quite different from those found in other parts of the globe, including the United States. Yes, there are nice eating establishments with an aesthetically pleasing ambiance and delectable cuisine.

On the other hand, the authentic flavor of Pakistani food may be found at modest Dhaba-style restaurants that have been around for a long time. They provide real Pakistani cuisine, and you will never find a vacant table at one of these restaurants. Consider some of the best restaurants in Pakistan that are worth visiting!

This list contains some of the best restaurants in Pakistan, each of which provides a unique environment for dining, socializing, and mingling for a variety of occasions.

NISAR CHARSI TIKKA

(Image credit: NISAR CHARSI TIKKA )

It is a well-known Peshawar cafe that serves superb grilled meats and karahi (meat cooked in a tomato and spice sauce in a wok), which you may serve with bread cakes and fresh veggies to compliment your meal. Charsi Tikka is located on the main street of Peshawar. Guests may choose to dine at tables or in "boxes" on the ground level. Caution is advised for those with sensitive souls: the meat carcasses are hanged in front of the Restaurant! Men account for virtually all of the Restaurant's customers.

The cost is around 400 Rs per person. Open into the wee hours of the morning. You'll discover a pleasant atmosphere, a vibrant staff, and wonderful cuisine waiting to be enjoyed at The Only Place. This is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Peshawar.

CAFE DE HUNZA

(Image credit: cafedehunza.com)

Visitors who are traveling by are invited to stop in for breakfast (omelets, muesli, pancakes, etc.), a snack (cheese toast, sandwich), a refreshing fruit juice, or a cup of freshly brewed espresso! With the walnut cake. In front of a bay window with an unobstructed view of the town and mountains, a few tables have been put up in front of a few chairs on the first and second floors of the building.

There is also a small stand with locally produced goods such as dried fruit, apricot oil, soap, and other stuff. You may buy books and other locally sourced things such as pottery on the ground level.

BUTT KARAHI

(Image credit: buttkarahi.com.pk)

Butt Karahi, a well-known restaurant in Lahore, has been one of the city's most popular destinations for many years. One of their most popular dishes is organic chicken karahi, which is prepared in Desi ghee and served immediately.

It is located in Lahore's well-known Lakshmi Chowk, which is also home to a slew of other notable dining establishments.

MONAL RESTAURANT

(Image credit: MONAL RESTAURANT )

The Restaurant Le Monal, which is perched on the ridges of the Margallas, is a must-visit in the city. As families arrive to experience the scrumptious Pakistani dishes and snap "selfies" in front of the breathtaking panoramic view, the chefs prepare the meat on planchas on the vast descending terrace (which has been divided into seven pieces) overlooking Islamabad.

The Restaurant serves a variety of cuisines, including Italian, Thai, and Moroccan. After a morning hike through the Margallas (trail 5) on a Sunday morning, nothing beats a brunch with an all-you-can-eat buffet! Open from 9 a.m. until 1 a.m., seven days a week. Per person, the cost is around 1,600 Rs.

PHAJJA SIRI PAYE

(Image credit: Phajja Siri Paye )

The meal paye, which is a broth-like soup cooked from the hoof of a cow or goat and eaten with bread, is another traditional food in Pakistan. In Lahore, the most flavourful paye may be found in Fazal e Haq Restaurant, popularly known as Phajja Siri Paye, which is situated in Shahi Mohallah Walled City and serves a variety of dishes.

LAL QILA RESTAURANTS

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The magnificent red brick structure of Lal Qila will take you back in time to the Mughal Empire and its culture. You will be transported to the 17th century by the subtle use of historical objects around the space! Mughlai, Tandoori, BBQ, and traditional Pakistani cuisine are among the fine dining alternatives available. The Restaurant may be found in Karachi, Hyderabad, and Lahore, among other cities. The majority of restaurants in Pakistan have their own unique story to tell, which may be found on their websites. Interestingly, the tiniest ones are the oldest, and they have always maintained an unique place in the hearts of Pakistanis because they are so little. Visiting one of these Pakistani restaurants is a full-fledged adventure.

When it comes to their cuisine, Pakistanis put a lot of love and care into it, which shows the emotional importance they have on it. When it comes to Pakistani food, where people's passion for it has been handed down through generations, restaurants are a representation of tradition and history.

WARIS NIHARI

(Image credit: Waris Nihari)

Even after learning about the best spots for karahi, hareesa, and paye, the list does not come to an end there. Nihari, a popular meal in Pakistan, has long been on the top of the list of people's favorite dishes in the country.

If you haven't already, you should pay a visit to Lahore's famed Waris Nihari for a taste. Its nihari is a superb combination of spices, with garam masala sprinkled on top just before serving to finish it off. The majority of these establishments are situated in or around Gawalmandi, which is known as Lahore's "ancient food strip."

SAVOUR FOODS

(Image credit: savourfoods.com.pk)

Pakistanis are well aware that when it comes to pulao, only Savour Foods can fulfill their desires for flavor. Savour Foods is a well-known restaurant in Islamabad's Blue Area that serves a variety of dishes. Other branches may be located in Lahore and Rawalpindi, among other cities in Pakistan. Because it is served with Shami kebab, the pulao is quite popular among the locals. This is the place to go if you're in Islamabad and want to sample something traditional and reasonably priced while you're there.

Following a prosperous chain of cafes around the nation, this establishment has become a familiar brand among those who appreciate Savour. Rich, fragrant, spicy, and tempting are just a few of the adjectives used to describe the famous Savour dish.

YAK RESTAURANT

(Image credit: YAK RESTAURANT)

YAK RESTAURANT is a fascinating restaurant in Gilgit, with modern artworks and canvases gracing the walls and a pleasant atmosphere (the owner runs an art school). Pakistani, Chinese, and Italian cuisines and steak, soups, and salads are all served at the Restaurant. Despite the fact that the Restaurant is lovely, the deck overlooks a busy road.

CAPRI RESTAURANT

(Image credit: Capri Restaurant )

An excellent halwa puri can cure any Sunday morning woes you may be experiencing. That is also true if you visit Capri, which is a must-see. It is located in the Liberty Market Gulberg III neighborhood of Lahore. It has been a popular spot for a leisurely breakfast for many years.

They provide a nashta plate that includes chana masala, halwa, and two puris with achaar (pickle), which is plenty for one person. And it's all for a buck! Although they offer a comfortable seating area, many people choose to sit in their vehicles and enjoy their meal in quiet.

KOLACHI RESTAURANT

(Image credit: KOLACHI RESTAURANT)

Located on Karachi's beachfront, Kolachi is a seaside restaurant that serves traditional Pakistani and foreign cuisine. Due to the fact that the fish is fished fresh from the sea, this Restaurant also provides superb seafood platters.

The view is even more magnificent at night when the lights along the shoreline shine brightly, providing a tranquil scene for visitors to enjoy. Outside of cuisine, the atmosphere of the place is as important since it offers visitors a break from their stressful lives.

On the menu, there are many delights, like lobster sliders, green pea guava guacamole, and the city's loveliest bet and mascarpone risotto, to name a few. The Table is renowned for utilizing only the freshest, locally sourced vegetables, meat, and seafood to produce a vibrant menu of dishes that are influenced by cuisines from all around the world.

ANDAAZ RESTAURANT

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Lahore's well-known food strip, which is home to a variety of iconic restaurants, is a must-visit for foodies in the city. Andaaz Restaurant is a must-visit for anybody who is in Lahore for business or pleasure. The breathtaking view of the Badshahi Masjid, which showcases the culture of Lahore, adds to the overall excellence of the eating experience.

This historic tower is rich with Lahore's history and mythology, which may be seen from the rooftop of the Andaaz. Another Andaaz Restaurant may be found in Islamabad as well. In Saidpur Village, you may enjoy the beauty of the Margalla Hills while immersing yourself in a festive environment.

SALT-N-PEPPER VILLAGE

(Image credit: saltnpepper.com.pk)

Salt'n Pepper Village, which has locations in Lahore and Karachi, is a childhood favorite among Pakistanis, offering a range of Desi cuisine and delectable dessert options. It has a bazaar-like atmosphere, and the cuisine is prepared right in front of you. The restaurant company claims to bring back traditional food and historical recipes.

CAFÉ CRUNCH

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Founded by Sadia Bilour, a mother of two who decided to open a café in Peshawar's University Town a few years ago, Café Crunch is a gastronomic masterpiece. At one point, Café Crunch was a branch of Masoom's Café, which was itself a franchise of restaurants. With her work and expertise, Bilour converted the area into a welcome and popular gastronomy destination among Peshawarites, allowing her to carve out her own niche in the city.

People who like sweets should visit Café Crunch, where delectable cakes, pastries, cookies, and other sweets are prepared fresh every day in their own kitchen. This café, which is famous among regulars in Peshawar, embodies the charm of a small-town cafe. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating to ensure that its customers have a pleasant experience. Only a few new decent restaurants in Peshawar have established a loyal customer base, and this is one of such establishments.

GINSOY EXTREME CHINESE

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Fried rice aromas and the sound of a sizzling hot plate heaped high with scrumptious Manchurian, crispy fried fish, and possibly some crackers fill the air. Authentic Chinese cuisine is presented with exquisite sweetness at Ginsoy Extreme Chinese. It has gained a well-deserved reputation as one of the country's premier fast-food restaurants due to its high-quality food. DHA, Karachi's Main Khayaban-e-Shahbaz, is where you'll find it.

Despite the passage of time, this location has maintained its attractiveness for visitors. It is known as one of the few decent restaurants in Karachi that have kept to its original formula for success and flourished despite strong competition from cuisines that emerged with the tide of modernization that has swept through the city.

BUUDU KHAN

(Image credit: bundukhan.pk)

Bundu Khan is a large chain of restaurants in Pakistan that serves a variety of cuisines ranging from Chinese to Desi to Indian. Grilled chicken, handi, and karahi with paratha are some of the most popular meals on the menu.

Bundu Khan, a popular halwa puri nashta in Lahore, has a wonderful outside dining area where customers may enjoy their meals. An excursion with friends or family is a great way to spend time together.

TAIPAN AND MARCO POLO

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The Pearl Continental Hotel often referred to as "the PC" by locals, is one of the most prominent institutions in Peshawar. The hotel features two excellent restaurants that are significantly superior to the caliber of eating venues seen in Peshawar on a regular basis. The Tai Pan restaurant, which is located in a beautiful setting inspired by traditional Chinese style, serves some of the best Chinese cuisines in the area. Try one of their delectable soups or pan-fried noodles for a satisfying meal.

On the other hand, if you're seeking outstanding continental food, the Marco Polo restaurant is a terrific choice for you. Local dishes, on the other hand, are also accessible. In addition to a selection of courses, both restaurants offer daily specials that are prepared using the freshest ingredients available on the market.

SAIGON CAFE AND RESTAURANT

(Image credit: SAIGON CAFE AND RESTAURANT)

The Saigon Cafe and Restaurant, which has become well-known in Quetta, serves Vietnamese cuisine. Customers appreciate the high level of quality and variety offered by the meals.

Buffets, different steaks, sandwiches, burgers, pasta dishes, seafood dishes, and Chinese appetizers and desserts are among the culinary choices available at this Restaurant. The Saigon café and Restaurant is located in the Shahbaz Town neighborhood of Quetta. In Quetta, they have developed a reputable dining place. Their service is very excellent, and they provide a broad selection of dishes, most of which are western in origin.

HOWDY

(Image credit: howdy.pk)

Burgers and steaks will never go out of style, and Howdy in Johar Town, Lahore, is the place to go to quench your needs. There are a variety of burgers and steaks available at the Restaurant, which has a relaxed atmosphere.

You will be served by waiters who are dressed up as cowboys in enormous hats and boots, and the ambiance is Western-themed, as you would expect.

USMANIA RESTAURANT

(Image credit: usmaniarestaurant.com)

Usmania is one of Quetta's best restaurants when both quality and affordability are taken into consideration at the same time. The seating arrangement and the choice of meals are also quite exceptional. One of Tasmania's most notable characteristics is its Platter.

The Restaurant is undoubtedly the best in town, and the mutton ribs, which are to die for, are a particular highlight. Fresh cuisine is available on a varied menu at the Restaurant, providing exemplary service and flavor. They have a variety of rooms that are appropriate for business meetings, social gatherings with friends, and romantic couples.

RICE BOWL

(Image credit: ricebowl.pk)

Even though Pakistani restaurants are well-known for serving traditional Desi fare, Rice Bowl Lahore is a must-visit if you're in the mood for Chinese cuisine. They have a variety of meal bowls available in various combinations to suit your needs and preferences. The kung pao chicken and cashew nut chicken are two of the most popular dishes on their menu.

SHABAZ TIKA

You'll discover a diverse selection of specialties here, including grilled meats, batter, tikka, chiray/sparrow, rice dishes, curries, and, of course, sweets. This Restaurant, where we dined with the directors of Pakistan's trade development agencies, offers a mix of continental and indigenous meals as well as desserts on its menu.

Major entrees on the desi cuisine include curries, kebabs, barbecue meals, and naans chicken dishes, to name a few. The good aspect of the scenario is how the waiters addressed it once the complaint reached their tired ears: eager to remedy the matter, the waiter provided us with a light shade that looked similar to a napkin to use as a temporary solution.

This eatery may be found in the city of Gujranwala.

TUSCANY COURTYARD

Pakistan is a haven for those who like Desi cuisine, having a plethora of traditional eateries to select from nearby. Tuscany Courtyard in Islamabad, on the other hand, should be on your list if you are seeking for Italian food.

The Restaurant has also lately expanded to include a location in Lahore. A classy atmosphere, as well as an open courtyard setting, make it an excellent choice for a night in the town with friends.

Al FAJAR RESTAURANT

Al Fajar is a new restaurant located on the airport road in Quetta. The facility will be well-mannered and clean, as would be appreciated by customers.

If you're looking for cuisine, they have a wide variety of alternatives to choose from. There's soup and bacon and Kabuli meals, American dishes, and Chinese dishes and platters. There's also Sajji and Karahi and Rolls and Shawarma and fast food. Because the sitting space is large, you will be able to accommodate your complete family comfortably.

HARISA AMRITSARI

Ground wheat is blended with meat and strongly seasoned in Amritsari Hareesa, a traditional dish from the city. The best Amritsari Hareesa can be found in Lahore in a restaurant named Amratsari Harisa on Nisbat Road, where the whole city gathers to savor it.

It is not quite as opulent, but that has never deterred Lahoris from doing their thing. That is one of the most appealing aspects of Pakistani restaurants. They are cheap and tiny. Even if you prefer takeaway or dining in your vehicle, it is the cuisine that distinguishes the encounter as something special.

Final Thoughts:

Pakistan's diverse culinary culture is a visual representation of the country's turbulent past. A melting pot of rich traditional cuisines and robust tastes, the nation has changed through time, enabling tourists to trace the geographical origins of each item. Visitors and residents alike may enjoy the food of Pakistan's most excellent restaurants, which are testaments to the country's transformation into a rich and diverse culinary destination.