Karachi is, before anything else, a hotspot for all foodies. From the busy street food stalls to the more high-end cuisine of E-street, there is a place and a plate for anyone interested. The high-end, fine dining landscape in Karachi offers a plethora of experiential highlights and unique cuisine.
This list encompasses the top ten must-visit restaurants and eateries that are perfect for a formal night out or a casual get-together with the family. Without further ado, let’s dive into some of the best fine dining locations in the city.
Xander’s Cafe
A classic dinner spot that guarantees quality and comfort above all else: Xander’s has established itself as the go-to venue for any occasion. Whether it be an anniversary or birthday, breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Xander’s is perhaps the most reliable spot for all age groups. With an all-encompassing menu offering a variety of cuisines, one really cannot go wrong with this. Just a few aspects of the experience that make it so memorable include the exceptional service and the constant standards that are upheld. They have numerous branches across the city, including restaurants, on Tipu Sultan as well as in DHA, all of which remain busy and bustling throughout the day. So, if you’re planning on having dinner at Xander’s on a weekend, be prepared to wait!
Sakura
Talk of Sakura brings to mind the iconic location atop the PC Hotel and with good reason. Sakura’s quiet ambience and classy atmosphere leave little to be desired. The beauty of dining at Sakura lies in the entire experience, from the ornate hotel entrance to the linens that adorn the table, each and every detail is well thought out and meticulously prepared. The restaurant environment is reminiscent of that of a traditional Japanese interior, adding an aura of authenticity to the cuisine. The food itself is delectable, and the variety is commendable. Dining at Sakura allows one to view the cityscape alongside a well-prepared, authentic Japanese meal.
Cafe Aylanto
The perfect fusion of an indoor and outdoor space, intimacy and liminal setting, Cafe Aylanto offers a unique experience that few can compare to. The gentle ambience and dim, warm lighting allow for an experience that truly embodies the word classy. Cafe Aylanto must also be commended for the variety and quality of its menu, boasting a number of unique dishes as well as ingredients. The staff at the cafe has shown itself to be truly remarkable, with a keen eye for ensuring customer satisfaction. The restaurant’s layout allows for both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as the amenity of a private room for larger parties that require space away from the happening environment. At the centre of the layout grows the rather iconic tree, draped with fairy lights, that has found its way to the backgrounds of many a photograph. Cafe Aylanto is often full, and for good reason: an experience that will truly fuel the foodie and the artist in you.
Test Kitchen by Okra
If you’ve ever waited in the morning sun at Zamzama for more than half an hour, there’s a good chance you’ve been to Test Kitchen. This eatery is one that truly embodies the phrase “worth the wait”. The rustic, artisanal aesthetic of test kitchen is best described through their live kitchen, the open bakery style set up, and their adornment of modern art curated from the thesis show of the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture. The test kitchen breakfast is truly the best way to start one’s day. My personal favourite is the lemon chicken sandwich, accompanied by a Spanish latte. However, their scones often tend to steal the show. Test Kitchen has made its name through authenticity and quality, accolades that make themselves known to you at every step of your dining experience.
Colette by Xander’s
Any list of top restaurants would be incomplete without E-Street’s newest addition, Colette. Established by Xander’s, Colette quickly became a well-known name in the high-end cuisine landscape. Colette’s iconic indoor tree and dim ambience have become a staple for foodies and with good reason. Their staff is precise and well informed, committed to upholding their standards. With a vast menu offering a variety of niche ingredients and quality food, one really cannot go wrong when it comes to dining at Colette. The restaurant’s true beauty is seen at night time, when the ambient lighting and hum of conversation turn the environment into a truly high-end experience.
Cafe Praha
Praha, characterised by its bright-coloured and elemental interior, has become a popular spot among many. Like others, its menu offers a wide variety of food, along with unique dishes such as funnel cakes and doughnut burgers, among more delicate dishes. However, the truly unforgettable aspect of this cafe is its aesthetic. Perfect for pictures and posts, Praha keeps a standard design throughout the interior, and menu design, and has even maintained its look throughout its two different branches- one of which lies on the famous E-Street. However, a trip to Praha would be wasted without ordering their famous lotus French toast, a dessert that will melt in the mouth of anyone who tries it.
Cocochan
Cocochan finds itself on this list due to its high standard of quality and remarkable tasting food. Their cuisine is always fresh, perfectly seasoned, and exquisitely cooked. The staff ensures a quality experience from the moment that you are seated at your table to the moment that they see you out the door. Every aspect of the experience has been manoeuvred to ensure that you have the highest quality meal possible. From the lighting, decoration, and design of the menu, to the layout of the restaurant and the type of soy sauce dispensers served with sushi, every detail is perfect and keenly delivered.
Kolachi
Kolachi is a name that is bound to bring a smile to any face, young or old. Located at the very edge of Karachi’s seaside, its setting and ambience truly make it unique and memorable. Here, you can enjoy a meal with family or friends in a communal eating style while listening to the soothing sounds of waves hitting the shore. Kolachi is the epitome of desi cuisine perfected, seating hundreds at a time and serving fresh from the tandoor and tawa to all of them. Their staff is efficient, practical, and more than familiar with the most effective ways to serve the large number of people they accommodate at a time, all while ensuring the quality experience their customers pay for.
BBQ Tonight
What began as a small one-story restaurant in Clifton now spans an entire building, with multiple rooftop levels for seating as well, Barbeque Tonight is a restaurant that is loved and adored by many. Often subject to nostalgia, it’s safe to say that since their opening, BBQ Tonight has not sacrificed taste, quality, or comfort. Visiting the restaurant for a meal ensures that you’ll leave with a full stomach, content, and most importantly, knowing you’ve gotten your money’s worth. With their skilled chefs preparing various cuts of meat and types of naan live, you know the quality and taste of the food cannot be found anywhere else, a true testament to the dedication and passion of the founders.
Chop Steak House
Perhaps the newest restaurant in this list, Chop promises consumers an authentic yet high-end steakhouse experience that is rare in Pakistan. The prime cuts of beef, vast and comprehensive menu, and never-ending sides all seem too good to be true. The staff is welcoming and respectful, ensuring that their customers are incredibly well taken care of during every step of their experience. The restaurant’s ambience is classy, with dim, warm lighting and a well-furnished interior. Chop is the perfect place for an intimate gathering or even a larger group. One thing to remember: if you’re going to Chop, don’t forget your appetite!
