Eat
Karachi has several fantastic upscale restaurants, which serve a huge variety of cuisines. Most of the upper-end restaurants are either located within one of the major
hotels in the city (the Sheraton, the Pearl Continental and Avari Towers), or in the trendy shopping district of Zamzama in Defence. For example, the Peal Continental is known for its
Thai (The Blue Elephant), Japanese (Sakura), and Chinese (Tai Pan) restaurants; the Avari is known for its
Japanese (Fujiyama) and Chinese (Dynasty), and the Sheraton for its
Pakistani (the Pakistani). Zamzama, however, is where much of Karachi's trendier restaurants, such as
Okra , Cafe Aylanto, Gunsmoke, Pompeii, Baan Thai, Chatterbox and Aqua Lounge are located. More commercial (and less trendy) eateries include the
Copper Kettle restaurant. Coffee-shops are aplenty, with the most trendy being
Espresso (it has another/larger branch in Defence) at Espresso they also serve a good breakfast and yummy desserts.
Ciao and
Costa are also popular for coffee, and new coffee places include
The Avenue and
Cafe Coffee Day. There are also several dozen different locations for international fast-food chains such as
KFC, Pizza Hut and
McDonalds in almost every Karachi locality. For people looking for a more central location would be well advised to try The Korean (near
Schoen Circle, in Clifton),
Cafe Flo (located in the Alliance Francaise, near the Three Swords),
Thai Sea food (located at Old Sunset Boulevard),
Kay Bees (located near Lal Qila Restaurant).
Four popular restaurants that give diners a chance to sample a variety of mostly Pakistani foods, buffet-style, are
Lal Qila ,
Floating Kitchen,
Revolving Restaurant and
The Village. Built in the style of a
17th-century Moghul fort, Lal Qila offers barbecue, biryani, and a local beef-based delicacy, haleem, in its open brick courtyard. Beware long lines during the peak evening dining hours. The Village & Floating Kitchen is by the beach at Sea View (Clifton) and is very popular.
People with concerns about the spiciness and hygiene factor of the foods available, particularly those visiting from abroad, tend to find themselves at
BBQ Tonight, which may well be one of Karachi's most popular restaurants. Spread over four stories of seating, the restaurant is almost always completely packed, but the turnover is high, so reservations aren't required. It is only open in the evenings. The rooftop at BBQ Tonite is recommended.
If anyone is looking for "chaat" (a local-fare of chickpeas mixed with other things) Chatkharay in Khadda Market (Defence) is good. There are lots of ice-cream and dessert parlours, these include Hot Spot, Gelato Affair, Movenpick etc.
For those on a more restricted budget (while Pakistani restaurants do not sell alcohol, most upscale ones will serve bottles if customers bring them; nonetheless, a full meal for two can be as expensive as US$50-100 at the top eateries, but not if you choose carefully), tourists and visitors are advised to try Karachi's
Boat Basin, a central neighbourhood consisting of a mile-long strip of open-air street food/restaurants. Favourites tend to include
Karachi Broast, Mr...
