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Lets dig into Top Restaurants in DHA Lahore, paradise for food lovers, offering everything from upscale fine dining to relaxed cafes and hearty family eateries. As locals, we know the best spots across all cuisines – from Pakistani BBQ and biryani to Italian pasta and Asian stir-fries. After Gulberg and Johar Town, we’ve put together this comprehensive list of Top Restaurants in DHA Lahore, complete with locations, ambiance details, signature dishes, price ranges, and why each spot is worth a visit.
Fine Dining Gems at Top Restaurants in DHA Lahore
- Café Aylanto (Z-Block, Phase 3) – Aylanto is a legendary Mediterranean-inspired restaurant run by a husband-and-wife team since 1996. Its elegant, relaxed atmosphere and warm service make it perfect for special occasions. The menu is diverse (on the pricier side), but fans say the quality is worth itzameen.com. Signature dishes include a rich Beef Lasagna (baked under béchamel) and the Kalamata Chicken; finish your meal with their creamy Crème Brûlée. Expect to spend around PKR 2,000–2,500 per person
- Veranda Bistro (DHA Phase 5) – Veranda is known for its rustic Italian flair and cozy ambiance (indoor and patio seating). It’s a popular spot for juicy steaks and grilled fish – think tender rib-eye or butter-flavored fish – as well as perfectly al dente pasta. Everything is made with “finest and freshest” ingredients – from Mussels Saganaki to Dolmades and Italian Antipasto Salad– reflecting the skill of its internationally-trained chefs. (No official site; Veranda earns praise on social media and review sites.)
- Bovinoes (Sector FF, Phase 4) – This rustic steakhouse is a meat lover’s delightzameen.com. Its succulent dry-aged T-bone steaks and grilled meats earn rave reviewszameen.com. The menu also features gourmet burgers and classic pasta dishes, all served in a cozy, old-world setting. It’s a bit on the expensive side (steak dinners run around PKR 3,000–3,500 per head), but fans swear the deep flavor is worth every bitezameen.com.
- Sumo Live (23 Z-Block, Phase 3) – Sumo brings upscale Japanese dining to DHAzameen.com. The sleek, modern decor includes live sushi and teppanyaki stationssumo.pk. Standout dishes are Hibachi Chicken & Prawns, Norwegian Salmon sashimi, and beef tenderloin, plus an array of premium sushi (the sushi is a must-try)zameen.com. It’s one of Lahore’s most talked-about Japanese spots; expect to spend about PKR 2,500+ per person for this high-end experiencesumo.pk.
Trendy Casual Eateries & Comfort Food
- Outpost BYOB (Main Boulevard, Phase 8) – Short for “Build Your Own Burger,” Outpost lets you customize every detail of your burgerzameen.com. Choose your bun, patty, cheese, sauces and toppings, and they’ll grill a fresh, juicy burger to your specszameen.com. Locals love the fun, laid-back vibe – and don’t miss the side of hot mozzarella sticks with marinara saucezameen.com. A fully-loaded custom burger costs around PKR 1,000–1,300 with fries.
- YUM Chinese & Thai (72 Z-Block, Phase 3) – This pan-Asian gem is a DHA favoritezameen.com. Its jam-packed menu means you can satisfy Chinese and Thai cravings under one roof. YUM is especially known for duck specialties – try the BBQ Duck or Hot Garlic Duck – and even a “heavenly Mongolian Duck” with veggieszameen.com. They also serve favorites like Singapore Noodles and Thai Green Curryzameen.com. Prices are moderate (around PKR 1,500–1,800 per person) and the atmosphere is lively (it’s almost always crowded when we go).
- Rina’s Kitchenette (Y-Block Commercial, Phase 3) – Rina’s is a bright, modern café and eatery that started as a dessert shop but has become a brunch-and-lunch hotspotzameen.comrinas.pk. The menu is comfort-food heaven: Gourmet Cheese Burgers, Butter Chicken Pot Pie, hearty sandwiches, and even Italian-style pizzas and fresh saladszameen.com. Don’t skip the dessert counter – slices of cake, pastries, and their famous tiramisu satisfy any sweet tooth. A typical meal here runs about PKR 800–1,200 per person.
- Nando’s (Sector Z, Phase 4) – The famous Portuguese-style peri-peri chicken chain has a bustling DHA branchzameen.com. It’s very family-friendly with a casual, upbeat vibe. Order flame-grilled peri-peri chicken (choose your spice level) or wraps and salads, and pair them with peri-peri fries and garlic breadzameen.com. Portions are generous – a full meal (including sides) comes to about PKR 1,000–1,200 per person. Don’t forget to top it off with their creamy cheesecake or ice cream.
Cozy Cafés & Sweet Spots
- Rina’s Kitchenette (Desserts) – Rina’s is also famous for its cakes and pastries. Locals come here to indulge: think velvety tiramisu, chocolate mousse cake, and fresh fruit tarts – all enjoyed with strong coffee or bubble tea. The atmosphere is casual and lively, perfect for an afternoon sweet treat.
- Seven Square Cafe – A charming bakery-café (several Lahore branches, including DHA). They serve European-style breakfasts and lunches – quiches, gourmet sandwiches, and crisp salads. The pastry case is a highlight (imagine cheesecake, brownies, and opera cake). It’s a cozy spot for brunch or coffee. (No official website; search “Seven Square Cafe Lahore” on social media for menu updates.)
- Colony Cottage Cafe – As the name suggests, this café has a rustic cottage vibe with indoor and garden seating. The menu blends Italian and continental comfort food: try their Chicken Alfredo pasta, thin-crust pizza, or a stack of fluffy pancakes at brunch. Desserts like tiramisu and chocolate fondue round out the meal. It’s a family-friendly spot; expect about PKR 700–1,000 per person. (No official site.)
- Butlers’ Chocolate Cafe (nearby Gulberg) – A Belgian-Lebanese dessert haven that DHA foodies love. If you’re craving sweets, order their rich Belgian hot chocolate (thick and indulgent) or Chocolate Fondue platter. The upscale cafe also offers sandwiches and gelato. It’s great for a dessert date or family outing. (Cost: ~PKR 600–900 per person.)
Family-Friendly & Group Dining
- BBQ Tonight (DHA branch) – A casual Pakistani BBQ house (part of a local chain with several branches). It’s known for all-you-can-eat BBQ buffets and mixed grills. Skewers of chicken tikka, seekh kebabs, and bowls of nihari are on the menu, plus curries and biryani. The outdoor seating area is relaxed and the prices are reasonable (buffet ~PKR 1,000 pp), making it ideal for families with kids.
- Hotel Brunches & Buffets – Many hotels around DHA (Marco Polo, Avari, Dream Lounge at Season) offer lavish Sunday brunches or dinner buffets. These feature international and Desi spreads, live-grill counters, and dessert stations. Though pricier (roughly PKR 2,500–4,000 per person), they’re great for big groups – everyone from meat-lovers to picky eaters will find something tasty.
- Themed Eateries – For a fun outing, check out theme restaurants like Gun Smoke (Western saloon with BBQ dishes) or House of Floyd (rock music café with snacks and salads). These places often have colorful decor, music or games, and menus that include both Eastern and Western comfort foods. They’re casual, bustling, and family-friendly.
Tip: Most Lahore restaurants update their menus and hours on Facebook or Instagram – it’s smart to check online or call ahead for reservations, especially on weekends.
Restaurant Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Avg. Price (per pax) | Signature Dish／Specialty【ref】 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Café Aylanto | Mediterranean | PKR 2,000+ | Beef Lasagna (béchamel) |
| Veranda Bistro | Italian / Steak | PKR 2,000+ | Rib-eye Steak; Mussels Saganaki |
| Bovinoes | Steakhouse | PKR 3,000+ | Dry-Aged T-Bone Steak |
| Sumo Live | Japanese | PKR 2,500+ | Sushi & Robata Grill Platter |
| Outpost BYOB | Gourmet Burgers | PKR 1,100 | Custom-Built Burger |
| YUM Chinese/Thai | Pan-Asian | PKR 1,800 | BBQ Duck, Mongolian Duck |
| Rina’s Kitchenette | Cafe / Brunch | PKR 900 | Butter Chicken Pot Pie |
| Nando’s | Portuguese Chicken | PKR 1,100 | Flame-Grilled Peri-Peri Chicken |
| Colony Cottage Cafe | Cafe (Continental) | PKR 800 | Chicken Alfredo Pasta, Tiramisu |
| Seven Square Cafe | Cafe/Bakery | PKR 700 | Quiches, Cheesecakes |
| BBQ Tonight (DHA) | Pakistani BBQ | PKR 1,000 (buffet) | Chicken Tikka, Nihari |
Each of these places has garnered rave reviews from locals (most have Google/Foodpanda ratings around 4+ stars). Whether you’re in the mood for a fancy night out or a casual meal with friends, DHA’s vibrant restaurant scene has something to delight every palate.
Disclaimer: Lahore.cc is not in any way or manner associated or affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned above, this information is only for educational purposes and frees lahore.cc of any reliability or liability associated with any of the above mentioned entities.
