Even though Gulberg has the majority of restaurants that come recommended, I have always wanted something in close proximity to my house which is in DHA. So, using the Hungerist app, I set out to try some of the best restaurants in DHA so that you peeps in Defence and I don’t have to drive all the way out of DHA if we need good food (or so that more of your friends come into DHA to make it easier for you hehe).
1. X2 Pan Asian
The new X2 Pan Asian in Defence has spectacular service and great food. While it’s more compact as compared to the Gulberg restaurant and is missing X2 Café (which we also love), we love their Pan Asian menu and taste. For a perfect date, their Dynamite Prawns and spring rolls are bomb appetizers, followed with their good ol’ Chicken with Almonds and some egg fried rice.
Check it out on Hungerist
2. Outpost BYOB
If you live in DHA and love your burgers, then you know that Outpost BYOB (Build Your Own Burger) is one of the best things to ever happen. Fast food restaurants are okay but we needed a place serving fresh, real meat patties. That’s what we got with Outpost BYOB, along with having the privilege of choosing the buns of our choice, the meat and sauces and vegetables and so much more. Bonus points to their mozzarella sticks btw, piping hot and served with marinara and SO stringy! Furthermore, they have outdoor space that is quite honestly perfect for winters.Check it out on Hungerist
3. Bovinoes
Not many know about Bovinoes but those who do know that their succulent, juicy T-bone steak is worth all your money! Or their Filet Mignon. But even other than that, their Penne Arrabiata with crisp, cut bread on the side will be a favorite for pasta lovers. The place is fairly new but these guys know what they’re doing.
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4. Cafe Aylanto
Café Aylanto opened its doors to Defence only a few months ago. Personally, I’d recommend you either go for their steak or their scrumptious beef lasagna with a deadly layer of cheese and béchamel sauce. Sure the place is expensive, but the ambiance and food are worth dipping into pockets. They also have delicious breakfast, their Eggs Benedict might just be the best ones in Lahore.
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5. Nando’s
Nando’s belongs on this list because it holds a special place among people who are looking for a gym-friendly meal plan. Our favorites have to be both of their specials: the Cataplana Originale and the Espetada Carnival. You’re missing out if you haven’t ordered these two yet. Pro tip: Be sure to try the Peri Peri bites.
6. Qabail
Whenever you and your friends are in the mood for seriously authentic Pushtoon cuisine, head over to Qabail in DD, Phase 4! Order Qabail’s to-die-for Roash and Chapli Kebab and you will know why this restaurant comes recommended. Even order some Shinwari Karahi paired with Shehanshahi Naan and feel great things happen inside your mouth as you munch. All we want to conclude with is that it’ll definitely be a meal and a night to remember with the Pushtoon Attan dance.
7. Sumo
Sumo, another go-to place for those of you looking for Japanese food provides not only good food but also a great ambiance to go along with it. It’s a little on the higher end, but I can’t really blame it because of what you get in return. Their sushi is LITTTT and their Red Snapper is also recommended if you’re a fan of fish… but then, if you’re not, what are you even doing at Sumo? 😉
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8. Mouthful
Expect yourself to eat some good meat here – a mouthful of it. Unlike most places with massive menus, Mouthful has a limited number of signature dishes which is probably why they’re able to maintain their consistency, unlike most other restaurants. The restaurant has really good, quality meat as it chooses to cook with natural and healthy produce. Our top recommendations are their nihari (YAAAS), their Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, their Patakha chicken, their Mutton Chops and their signature Seekh Kebabs (drool-worthy, legit) but our favorite is their signature club sandwich. Def one of our favorites.
Check it out on Hungerist
9. Thanda Garam
Nestled away in Y block away from the traffic, Thanda Garam has become a favorite of ours. To begin with, this place does the best, absolutely mouthwatering smoothie granola bowls – their Pink Berry (keep in mind they’re only available in on Friday-Monday in the morning). Since we’re talking about breakfast options, there’s also their weekend brunch in which you get eggs, steak and eggs, and truly delectable french toasts along with some karak chai. But the best thing you’ll find at Thanda Garam are their smoothies and drinks, which they have a menu full of – we recommend their gannay ka juice and sattu.
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Check it out on Hungerist
10. GAI’A Japanese Fusion
GAI’A Japanese Fusion is contemporary Japanese cuisine, that too some of the best in Lahore in our opinion. Having mentioned that, it is also on the higher end like most other Japanese restaurants in Lahore. If you ever happen to go to GAI’A, try their Udon Noodles with Duck in Oyster Sauce and Cashew Nuts, the Volcano Maki, the Spicy Tuna Maki and finish off with their Lahore-famous dark chocolate torte. It’s a formal, fine dining restaurant so it does call for a smart-casual dress code, hence remember to dress appropriately!
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11. Bundu Khan
Bundu Khan is an oldie for folks in DHA, and we still love it! It takes us back to those times when there wasn’t much around and we’d sit in our seats munching on their iconic Kachumar Salad, waiting for our food anxiously. While more restaurants have opened up, Bundu Khan still maintains its quality and remains to be one of the better options for desi dining in DHA.
12. Rina’s Kitchenette
Starting out as an out-of-home bakery, Rina’s Kitchenette has grown to become one of the most popular restaurants in Lahore (which led to them opening a second branch in Gulberg). While Rina’s has several options on their menu, their gourmet burgers and pizzas usually stand out. Especially when it comes to their Smash Burger, the beef along with cheddar and lettuce is succulent and juicy like a burger’s supposed to be. Their taste is on point with the pizzas as well, owing to great ingredients especially the cheese they use.
Check it out on Hungerist
13. Veranda Bistro
Veranda Bistro shut down in Gulberg and moved to Defence Phase 5 (behind Jalal Sons) just recently. And while we’re missing they don’t have a veranda anymore (lol), it doesn’t change the fact that they have one of the top lunch and dinner buffets in the city. In terms of a la carte, they could improve in terms of consistency. Still, a majority of their entrees are decent in terms of taste and freshness.
14. Mandarin Kitchen
Mandarin Kitchen opened up in the heart of Defence’s Z Block market and it’s become a favorite in very less time. Their Chicken Szechuan, Hot Garlic Prawns, and Dragon Noodles are instant toppers among the menu. They’ve also been fairly consistent with taste, quality, and hygiene. I absolutely love seeing their chefs play with their woks and fire through their glass kitchen window on the ground floor. The seating’s really nice, and so is the general ambiance. Not to forget, they have a high-tea worth going to as well with your girlies.
Check it out on Hungerist
15. YUM Chinese & Thai
YUM is among some of the most popular restaurants that Lahore has to offer, and especially a favorite among residents of DHA. Their food keeps the restaurant booked almost all the time, especially the weekends, which can get chaotic so you might be better off reserving a table ahead of time rather than just walking in. For me, the Chef’s Special Chicken, Thai Green Curry, and Singapore Noodles are among some of the best items on their menu. YUM also offers duck, seafood on their menu so if you’re not feeling chicken or beef, you can always have a deliciously cooked duck… or squid! Or lobster. They definitely a decent butterfry prawn, a requirement at Chinese restaurants in Pakistan.
Check it out on Hungerist
16. Sweet Affairs
What first started out as a bakery has now grown its reputation to be more than just a bakery. The menu at Sweet Affairs is pretty vast and covers almost every kind of food (which may not be ideal for those seeking a specific cuisine), be it English breakfast, burgers, pasta, pizza, chicken and beef entrees, oriental options but my heart’s really on their brick oven pizza. But let’s also not forget their desserts especially their cakes and shakes.
Each restaurant has something different and fantastic to offer, hence next time someone says DHA mein kuch nahi hai, show and mark this list on the Hungerist app and challenge them.
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Did we leave out a restaurant that you STRONGLY think should be on the list of best restaurants in DHA? Let us know in the comments.
