Lahore is the capital of Punjab and Pakistan's second-largest city, a Mughal-era cultural capital of fortresses, mosques, gardens and a famously rich food culture, set on the Ravi River near the Indian border.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Haveli Restaurant
The restaurant occupies a converted traditional haveli with courtyard and rooftop dining right behind Badshahi Mosque, serving classic Punjabi and Mughlai dishes.
Known for: Restored haveli with rooftop seating facing Badshahi Mosque
Fort Road Food Street, Walled City, Lahore
Cooco's Den
A multi-storey restaurant in a restored building with an art gallery and rooftop terrace overlooking Badshahi Mosque and the fort.
Known for: Rooftop dining across from Badshahi Mosque in the former home of painter Iqbal Hussain
Fort Road Food Street, Walled City, Lahore
Andaaz Restaurant
A popular food-street restaurant with indoor halls and terrace dining facing the fort and mosque.
Known for: Rooftop and indoor dining beside Badshahi Mosque
Fort Road Food Street, Walled City, Lahore
Butt Karahi
A Lakshmi Chowk institution with a high-volume kitchen turning out karahi in a tomato and ginger base, eaten with fresh tandoori roti.
Known for: Wok-cooked karahi served bubbling in iron pans
Lakshmi Chowk, McLeod Road, Lahore
Waris Nihari
A classic Lahori breakfast spot for slow-cooked beef nihari garnished with ginger, green chili and lemon.
Known for: Slow-cooked nihari and paaye for breakfast
Lakshmi Chowk, Lahore
Bundu Khan Gulberg
A Gulberg outpost of the long-running Bundu Khan brand, known for grilled kebabs and tikka.
Known for: Charcoal-grilled meats
Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Lahore
Cafe Aylanto
A well-known Gulberg dining spot with a garden terrace and Continental menu.
Known for: Contemporary European menu in a garden setting
Gulberg III, Lahore
Chaman Ice Cream
A long-standing Lahore ice cream parlour near Liberty Market known for kulfi falooda.
Known for: Traditional ice cream and falooda
Liberty Market, Gulberg, Lahore
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Lahori Street Food
Gawalmandi Food Street
A pedestrian lane of stalls serving siri paye, fried fish and sweets.
Known for: Lahore's best-known street-food lane
Gawalmandi, Nisbat Road, Lahore
Pakistani
Salt'n Pepper Village
A village-themed restaurant with open-air tables and a Punjabi menu popular with families.
Known for: Village-themed Punjabi menu
Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Lahore
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |