Picture the finest food city you’ve ever experienced. Now envision that on a grander scale, and you might begin to grasp the astounding food scene in Lahore. This vibrant Punjabi city is a paradise for food lovers, with countless contenders vying for the best restaurant in Lahore.
Before my trip (which extended over a month), I had heard that Lahore was a culinary hotspot. However, what I encountered was beyond anything I could have imagined.
The most succulent meats, the finest naan I’ve ever tasted, and dishes bursting with spices and flavors made my time in Lahore unforgettable. There was always a new restaurant to explore and another dish to sample.
Since food is essential to life, I set out to discover Lahore’s premier eateries during my stay in what has now become my favorite city worldwide.
From karahi and haleem to halwa puri and Oreo cheesecake, here’s the ultimate guide to the finest restaurants in Lahore – a city that truly caters to every type of foodie.
The best attractions in Lahore often revolve around its restaurants. Here are some of the absolute must-try dining spots in the city!
Although the name might suggest that this venue serves only mutton, you can rest assured they offer a variety of meats. This tikka shop in Gulberg was among the most delightful places I dined in Lahore, so much so that we returned at least five times.
While they’re famous for their mutton, the real star at M Ashraf is undoubtedly their chicken. For 150 PKR, you can select either a breast or leg piece, served with raita and naan.
Even now, I’ve never tasted chicken quite like theirs. Pakistanis truly excel at BBQ, and Mr. Ashraf’s establishment is beyond doubt one of the best restaurants in Lahore, and somewhat of a hidden gem!
The shop is located in a roundabout in Gulberg 2 and provides both indoor and outdoor seating. Expect to spend between 300-1000 PKR for larger portions.
Situated near the Badshahi Mosque, Phajja Siri Paye is a small eatery that serves some of the finest food in Lahore. This venue specializes in paya and mutton brain curry, both of which are dishes that locals cherish.
What’s a trip to Pakistan without sampling some adventurous cuisine, right?
If you’re a first-time visitor, don’t let the names intimidate you! Paya (goat hoof) is DELICIOUS here and is seasoned beautifully. I also found the mutton brain curry, which may sound peculiar, thoroughly enjoyable.
Prices here are very reasonable, and although it lacks the view that the nearby food street restaurants offer, the quality more than compensates for it.
Be aware that there are several places called ‘Phajja Siri Paye’ on Google Maps, but the one you want is “Asil Phajja Siri Paye.”
Its location in the Walled City makes it an ideal stop either before or after checking out iconic landmarks such as the Lahore Fort or Minar-e-Pakistan.
A full meal will typically cost between 200-500 PKR per person.
Tip: If you haven’t tried these dishes before, I highly suggest you order both the paya AND the brain curry (also known as Bheja fry).
Numerous establishments might claim to offer the best breakfast in Lahore, but I firmly believe that Riaz Halwa Puri does. The puri here is simply exquisite, and unlike many other breakfast places, you can relish it at any time of day!
Riaz Halwa Puri is a small roadside shop in Anarkali Bazaar, where they prepare both halwa puri and chole bathure. Similar to many other locations on this list, I found myself returning here repeatedly.
Each type of puri has its own unique charm, and while I proudly admit to being a dessert enthusiast, I consider the chole bathure to be my personal favorite. Additionally, you can find chicken kachori here as well.
The outstanding aspect of this humble eatery is its fantastic prices. For just 25 PKR, you can enjoy the delectable offerings prepared here for 70 years!
One of the most renowned dining establishments in Lahore, Butt Karahi is essentially a landmark. This well-loved eatery has been delighting patrons since 1947, and you simply must experience their karahi when visiting the city.
While it’s obvious that Butt Karahi is celebrated for its karahi (a version of chicken or mutton curry prepared with spices and numerous tomatoes), they also offer a comprehensive menu of beloved Pakistani dishes.
I wouldn’t leave without sampling their signature dish, but if karahi isn’t your preference, you can find dal, tandoor, tawa, masala, makhani, qeema, and more available at Butt’s.
Although it was quite (okay, VERY) spicy for my foreign palate, my karahi experience was truly unforgettable. The chicken was tender to the point of melting in my mouth, and the flavors complemented naan and cold beverages perfectly.
Butt Karahi can be a bit more expensive than some other top spots in Lahore, but the splurge is justified, especially for first-time visitors to the city.
A complete plate of karahi costs 1150 PKR for chicken and 2350 PKR for mutton. Most other dishes range from 500-1000 PKR.
**Tip:** The strangest aspect of Butt Karahi is the abundance of imitation restaurants, many of which are located right next to the original! The authentic Butt Karahi you’re looking for is situated in LAXMI CHOWK.
During winter, Lahore is famous for its fish, and Haji Sardar is among the finest places to enjoy it. As a seafood lover, visiting this spot was a real delight.
There is a wide variety of fish to select from, and the taste? Incredibly delicious!
Unfortunately, like many other places globally, seafood here isn’t budget-friendly. Anticipate spending between 1000-1600 PKR for a full fish plate, depending on the variety you choose.
On the plus side, the portions are generous—you’ll certainly leave feeling satisfied!
I particularly enjoyed the fish tikka and baam fry fish. For those seeking non-seafood options, various affordable meat dishes are also available, along with essentials like naan and chutneys.
Another top restaurant in Lahore is Muhammadi Nahari House, a well-liked spot that has been serving its signature nahari for many years.
If you’re unfamiliar with nahari, this is the place to get acquainted. Also known as nihari, this rich stew is typically made with either beef or mutton, slow-cooked with a blend of spices and bone marrow.
I sampled the beef nahari and was definitely satisfied. The tender beef chunks melted in my mouth. While it’s one of Lahore’s best, don’t expect anything especially fancy in decor.
Nonetheless, people travel from all parts of Lahore and beyond to enjoy their renowned nahari, which is also offered in chicken for those who prefer different meat.
In addition to its namesake dish, the Nahari House has various other options on the menu, including maghaz fry, nali, and paya nahari too!
A complete plate of nahari will set you back about 500-1800 PKR based on the meat type and whether you opt for fried.
The “Special” nahari is quite well-known and priced at a higher 1800 PKR.
While it may not be the cheapest option in Lahore, the quality of their meals makes it an ideal spot for tourists seeking a special dining experience.
**Tip:** There are several Muhammadi Nahari Houses in Lahore, but I highly recommend the one in Mozang. I also visited the branch on Abu Bakar road, though the portions and taste are best at Mozang.
I had never heard of haleem before I traveled in Pakistan, but I ended up enjoying it multiple times in Lahore. The top place to experience haleem in the city is Kozi Haleem, a venerable establishment famous for its signature stew dish.
It’s easy to mix up nahari and haleem if you aren’t acquainted with both, but haleem is somewhat thicker and has a mustard yellow hue, while nahari is typically darker and has a thinner texture.
Kozi Haleem is considered one of the go-to budget-friendly restaurants in Lahore and is also among the oldest. The flavor here is spot on, especially when dipping freshly baked naan into my bowl!
One observation I made about the best restaurants in Lahore is the numerous imitators. If you search for Kozi Haleem, you’ll find many locations, but the one you want to visit is “Kozi Haleem Secretariat” on National Highway 5.
Both beef and chicken haleem are available, and each one only costs 80 PKR for a bowl… so why not try both?
All dishes come with small trays of toppings that include green chilis, lemons, fried onions, and cilantro (which, unfortunately, tastes like soap to me… sigh).
Excuse the dimly lit phone picture… a reminder to myself: never forget to carry my camera!
I was taken aback when I found out that one of Lahore’s finest dining spots was situated in Model Town, but trust me—this is not an overstatement.
I’ve been fortunate to dine here twice so far, and each visit has left me astounded.
Tender pieces of mutton, beef, and chicken, along with traditional kebabs, grace the menu, but what truly earns this place a spot on my list is their paratha.
I’m a huge fan of Paratha, and I didn’t find another place in Pakistan that makes it better than Siddique’s.
With its doughy, flaky texture, it perfectly complements your main dish; I nearly had to be rolled out after finishing my meal.
Additionally, Siddique Kebab Shop is nestled in a peaceful neighborhood with plenty of outdoor seating. The prices might not be the cheapest, but they aren’t the priciest either, particularly if you’re sharing.
For instance, the cost of beef tikka is 900 PKR, chicken boti is 770 PKR, and beef seekh kebab is a much more affordable 360 PKR.
The specialty paratha is slightly expensive at 70 PKR per order, but believe me: your palate and stomach will express their gratitude!
Situated near Gawalmandi, Feeqa Lassi Walla is as iconic as it gets for Lahore desserts. This small yet renowned establishment has served some of the best street food in Lahore for decades.
Their extra-large lassis come topped with a generous amount of buttermilk fat and brown sugar, making it the ideal refreshment against the Lahori warmth. This was the very first place we visited in the city, and what a perfect introduction to the local cuisine it was!
This shop has been a staple in Lahore for years, and once you take a sip, you’ll understand why. Though you can get the lassi without the toppings, I strongly recommend that you don’t.
The creamy thickness of the buttermilk is what distinguishes this lassi from others, and despite sampling dozens of lassis throughout Pakistan AND India, none have come close to this!
The shop operates from early morning until mid-afternoon, making it an excellent spot for nashta. An extra creamy lassi costs around 160 PKR.
Possibly the premier rooftop restaurant in Lahore, Haveli Restaurant is a well-known (even though pricey) dining location that offers views of the famous Badshahi Mosque.
Located on “Food Street,” the restaurant’s scenery meets expectations.
If you’re heading here for a meal, you HAVE to sit on the rooftop. While the food isn’t anything extraordinary and will certainly hurt your wallet, you can always come for a cup of Kashmiri chai to avoid splurging on a meal.
That’s what we did, and it was worth it, even though the chai was still quite costly at 145 PKR.
Nonetheless, Haveli ranks among the top restaurants in Lahore for special occasions, thanks to its stunning views. If you plan to dine here, be prepared to spend anywhere from 700 to 2000 PKR based on your order.
**Tip:** The perfect time to visit is just before sunset to see the Badshahi Mosque and the surrounding area illuminated in warm orange/pink hues of golden hour light!
One of the finest dessert spots in Lahore is undoubtedly Yousaf Falooda, a long-established favorite in Anarkali.
While many shops share the same name across the city, the one located in Anarkali Bazaar might just be the best of them all.
What truly differentiates Yousaf Falooda is their delectable kulfi Falooda, which merges two popular desserts into a creamy, sweet bowl that you won’t be able to resist.
For those unfamiliar, this ice cream-like dessert is filled with translucent noodles and creamy kulfi sticks.
As an ice cream lover myself, I quickly developed a fondness for kulfi, and here, the quality of the frozen custard was unparalleled. This dessert is especially satisfying in the summer but is enjoyable all year round.
A small bowl costs 120 PKR, while a large bowl is 170 PKR.
Situated right across from Phaja Siri Paye, Shah offers the finest chicken tawa in Lahore, complemented by tasty roti. The flavors, spices, and tenderness were so impressive that I returned to this spot at least three times during my month-long stay in Lahore. The standout dish here is the authentic tawa chicken, which features chicken expertly marinated, cut into small pieces, and roasted on a tawa (a traditional desi frying pan). While I highly recommend that option, you can also savor the fantastic flavors with chicken pieces from either the breast or the leg. A heads up for visitors: tawa chicken packs some heat, so make sure to pair it with naan, raita, and cold drinks. This popular Lahori restaurant is reasonably priced as well, especially in comparison to nearby Food Street venues. Anticipate spending between 300-700 PKR based on your order.
Chatkhara may not be as recognized as other top restaurants in Lahore, but it definitely deserves more attention! This cozy eatery in DHA focuses on a unique dish that is hard to find in other well-known dining spots: daal mash. Before I visited Lahore, I had only sampled daal in India, which was always the brown type. However, daal mash is quite distinct. It’s more yellow than brown and remarkably tastier. I am not overstating it when I claim that Chatkhara serves the finest daal I had throughout Pakistan. Rich and creamy in flavor, it pairs wonderfully with their naan, which includes a staggering array of options. Besides their signature dish, Chatkhara offers a wide variety of food choices, ranging from malai boti to mutton karahi. Expect to pay 240 PKR for the daal, with prices for their diverse dishes varying from 120 PKR up to 1350 PKR.
As someone who is passionate about oreo cheesecakes and other indulgent desserts, I was pleasantly surprised during my first visit to Hotspot Cafe. This iconic dessert establishment has been operational since 1995 and now boasts multiple branches across Pakistan, including four in Lahore. They serve delicious homemade ice cream, cheesecake, brownies, cakes, and more, all made to perfection. The charming ambiance makes it one of the top places in Lahore for couples, and the quality of its offerings will surely make you want to return. I was particularly smitten with their Oreo Cheesecake, an unexpected delight in the city; however, if cheesecake isn’t your preference, you can’t go wrong with any of their selections. To be honest, Hotspot is slightly pricey, and it’s not the best spot for traditional Lahori cuisine. That said, it’s a sweet lover’s dream, which is why I felt it essential to include it in this guide. Expect to spend between 180-650 PKR, depending on what you choose.
**Tip:** Although there are several locations in Lahore, the most appealing one is near Qadaffi Stadium.
Having shared a rundown of the top restaurants in Lahore, here are three street food dishes you must try while visiting the city. It’s no surprise that Lahore excels in street food, and I will keep updating this list as I find more delightful options!
…Corn? Yes, corn. The best corn I have ever tasted (like many other dishes, I’ve learned) was in Lahore. Vendors roast various types of corn and even peanuts, seasoning them with soot, spices, and salt, and serving them in bags for only about 10-20 PKR. While locals may not perceive the hype, as a foreigner, I cannot rave enough about these delightful little stands. They are not common throughout the country and are missing in places such as Hunza Valley or other regions in GB, so take the time to enjoy them during the fall and winter months. Oh, how I long for one right outside my home!
This Punjabi classic, a rich stew of spinach, paneer, and spices, is particularly enjoyed during the winter months, although I found it at Anarkali Bazaar in August as well. A generous amount of butter is typically added on top, and the dish is best paired with corn roti, which was a unique find during my time in Pakistan!
I sampled this in mid-November from a random street stall in Lahore, and it was so flavorful that I made it multiple times after returning home. It features shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, an additional egg, spices, and a liberal dash of black pepper, giving it a distinctive taste that stands out among similar soups.
For those who haven’t yet experienced the delight of jalebi, let me summarize: It’s a popular sweet treat available all over Lahore. The vibrant orange dessert is crafted by frying a sweet syrup and flour mixture into pretzel-shaped forms. However, not all jalebi is the same, so be sure to sample from different vendors!
And with that, my exploration of the top restaurants in Lahore comes to an end. Lahore is undeniably one of the world’s most underappreciated foodie destinations, and you should feel fortunate to experience it! While these spots are among the most famous in the city, I’m confident that in true Lahori style, many other hidden treasures deserve recognition in this guide and my palate. Please share any restaurants I may have overlooked, as I’m always eager for a new gastronomic adventure!
