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Withholding tax collected from immovable property transactions climbed 57 percent in FY26, even as the government slashed advance tax on property purchases by half in the FY27 budget to encourage investment. The concession followed a marked surge in real estate prices, with plots in parts of Karachi reportedly multiplying in value within six months.
Analysts link the trend to reversed capital flight from the Gulf, particularly the UAE, as regional instability tied to the US-Iran conflict prompted funds once parked abroad to return.
Stronger remittance inflows and higher dollar liquidity from exchange companies have reinforced this shift, bolstering forex reserves and domestic liquidity.
However, concerns are mounting that this capital is settling into largely unproductive assets- vacant plots rather than industry or the stock market- which remains less attractive given its risk profile and a plateauing outlook.
Pakistan’s investment-to-GDP ratio continues to languish near record lows, with high taxation, weak industrial competitiveness, and regulatory hurdles cited as key deterrents to formal-sector investment. Some inflows reportedly still move through informal hundi-hawala channels, avoiding documentation altogether.
Officials are said to be exploring an investment vehicle for overseas Pakistanis to help finance $6.5 billion in public-private partnership projects, though critics argue such measures should have been introduced earlier.
A historical precedent is being cited: after Pakistan’s 1998 nuclear tests triggered a freeze on foreign currency accounts, banks led by HBL used incentive schemes to keep the resulting rupee liquidity within the formal banking system.
With regional tensions unresolved and capital inflows expected to persist, policymakers, the central bank, and commercial banks face renewed pressure to channel this liquidity into productive sectors or government securities before speculative pressures in real estate deepen further.
BBC-featured Content Specialist with a sharp eye for search intent and a proven ability to turn content into a growth engine. I leverage cutting-edge digital marketing tools to craft strategies that fuel organic traffic, amplify brand growth, and own the local SEO landscape, particularly across the competitive real estate market. I help brands dominate search rankings and convert visibility into measurable business success.
The committee learned that the FBR could retain up to Rs390 billion in tax refunds at a time. Senators raised concerns about the financial impact of delayed payments on businesses and taxpayers.
During the meeting, a company representative told the committee that the business had been waiting six years for tax refunds exceeding Rs270 million.
The committee expressed concern over the prolonged delay and directed the FBR to resolve the matter within one month. Officials were also instructed to release legitimate refunds and submit a progress report within 30 days.
FBR officials reported that approximately Rs197 billion in tax refunds had been issued during the first two months of the current fiscal year, compared with Rs157 billion during the same period last year.
The authority also said it paid around Rs500 billion in refunds during the previous fiscal year.
Officials informed lawmakers that a first-in, first-out system was being used to process refund claims, aiming to improve transparency and reduce discretion.
Senators called for greater oversight of the refund process and requested details of tax refunds issued over the past five years.
The committee also reviewed other financial matters, including honoraria for medical staff deployed during the budget session and the implementation of a State Bank of Pakistan foreign exchange circular.
Further discussion on the foreign exchange issue was deferred due to legal and contractual complications.
BBC-featured Content Specialist with a sharp eye for search intent and a proven ability to turn content into a growth engine. I leverage cutting-edge digital marketing tools to craft strategies that fuel organic traffic, amplify brand growth, and own the local SEO landscape, particularly across the competitive real estate market. I help brands dominate search rankings and convert visibility into measurable business success.
ISLAMABAD: The SECP has presented a draft package of amendments to the REIT Regulations, 2022, designed to release fresh capital and extend participation in the country’s real estate investment trust sector.
As per the proposed changes, the minimum threshold for real estate income and assets for REIT portfolios would drop from 75 to 65 percent, giving REIT Management Companies (RMCs) greater latitude to structure holdings and qualify a broader range of projects. Investment-based REITs would also gain the right to invest in vacant land and plots, subject to conditions still to be finalised.
The reforms would extend REIT access to new categories of capital, permitting group-level trusts and employee funds to invest in unlisted REIT schemes. Separately, the borrowing window available to RMCs from sponsors, directors and associated entities would be lengthened from 24 to 36 months, though existing unitholder-approval safeguards would remain unchanged.
To ease execution timelines, RMCs facing delays beyond their control could receive up to a one-year extension to list Rental and Investment-based REITs. The draft also opens a path for RMCs to acquire property directly from government entities through binding agreements, under conditions set by the regulator. A further clarification addresses Hybrid REIT Schemes, confirming that vehicles combining investment-based and rental components may earn and realize rental income during their holding period.
SECP Chairman Dr Kabir Ahmed Sidhu said the measures are intended to build a more enabling framework for the sector, capable of drawing in long-term capital and expanding the investor base.
BBC-featured Content Specialist with a sharp eye for search intent and a proven ability to turn content into a growth engine. I leverage cutting-edge digital marketing tools to craft strategies that fuel organic traffic, amplify brand growth, and own the local SEO landscape, particularly across the competitive real estate market. I help brands dominate search rankings and convert visibility into measurable business success.
KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has begun publishing details of 733 development projects worth a combined Rs59 billion on its website, part of a broader digital transparency drive announced this week.
Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said new sections added to the KMC website cover municipal assets and properties, ongoing development schemes, a Karachi Development Map, and a Land Record Management System. The project database includes costs, approved allocations and expenditure, along with details of contractors, funding sources and the institutions responsible for each scheme.
Through the interactive map, residents can track the location, jurisdiction, cost, progress and expected completion date of ongoing road works, including a Rs173 million scheme in District East, the Rs155 million Patel Hospital Road project, and the Rs472 million Mirza Adam Khan Road project. Photos and videos of construction progress will also be uploaded for public monitoring.
KMC is separately digitising land records dating back decades, with future property transfers to be recorded electronically. Employee records have been shifted to the SAP system to curb duplicate or fraudulent payments, and the civic body is moving toward an account-to-account digital payment system capable of tracking every transaction.
Wahab said the shift to digital collection has already lifted revenue, with one department’s monthly collections rising from around Rs170-180 million to roughly Rs300 million last month. Revenue and receivables are expected to be linked to the digital system in the coming months.
The mayor also cited progress on the Hub Canal, cleaning of the Hub Reservoir, and the 38-kilometre Shahrah-e-Bhutto Expressway, alongside a proposed Chakor Nala Expressway meant to ease congestion around Gulistan-e-Johar and Rashid Minhas Road.
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ISLAMABAD: The federal government has begun weighing proposals for a new local tax in Islamabad, contingent on the capital being granted autonomous unit status, as Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) prepare to open talks this month on the fifth review of the ongoing loan programme.
According to sources, the proposed tax streams would fund basic facilities and administrative infrastructure in the capital, including hospitals, schools, colleges and welfare initiatives. The proposals are set to be discussed with the IMF delegation during the upcoming review, with approved measures to be incorporated into the FY28 budget. A final revenue target has yet to be determined.
The process begins with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) drafting the proposals, which then move to a dedicated tax subcommittee formed to examine mechanisms for an autonomous Islamabad. Following subcommittee approval, the proposals will go to a committee chaired by the Minister for Planning, before reaching Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a final decision, subject to IMF approval.
The Ministry of Finance has directed all relevant ministries to compile data ahead of the review, with briefings expected to cover structural benchmarks and reform targets, including energy sector measures focused on circular debt in the electricity and gas segments.
The government is banking on a successful review to unlock the fifth tranche of the loan programme. Pakistan is expected to receive $1 billion under the tranche, plus a further $200 million earmarked for climate-related losses, bringing the potential total to $1.2 billion.
The broader push reflects a wider roadmap for Islamabad’s administrative autonomy, combining a new local tax and resource-distribution framework with IMF-guided reforms to strengthen the capital’s fiscal system.
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LAHORE: The LDA has introduced a digital monitoring system to enforce against illegal construction, unauthorised commercial use of properties, land-use violations, and non-payment of dues.
Under revised standard operating procedures, the authority will process notices, sealing, and demolition proceedings through a digital file-management system. Enforcement notices will carry QR codes, while geo-tagged photographs and supporting records will be uploaded for online monitoring.
Properties facing action will be classified into three categories: illegal construction, unauthorised change in building use and non-payment of dues.
A committee headed by the chief town planner will review cases involving alleged illegal commercialisation. The committee will examine building plans, commercialisation status, legal records, court orders, previous approvals, outstanding dues and other relevant information before deciding on enforcement measures.
The committee will record decisions and supporting documents digitally, and track subsequent changes through an electronic audit trail.
Under the revised procedures, property owners will be given 15 days to address unauthorised commercial use and five days to respond in cases involving illegal construction before enforcement action is initiated.
The authority has also digitised de-sealing proceedings. Sealed properties may be reopened following payment of applicable fines, restoration to lawful status or approval from the competent authority.
LDA has warned that officials failing to comply with the new procedures may face departmental action.
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ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) recorded a 56.9 percent increase in withholding tax (WHT) collected on the sale of immovable property during FY26, with receipts rising by Rs66.7 billion compared to the previous fiscal year, according to official data.
The property-sector levy, collected under Section 236C of the Income Tax Ordinance 2001, was one of five major withholding tax categories driving overall WHT growth during the year, alongside contracts, imports, dividends and salaries.
WHT collected on contracts under Section 153 rose 22.3 percent, adding Rs162.3 billion in FY26 the largest absolute increase among the categories. Import-related WHT under Section 150 grew 16.5 percent, generating an additional Rs69.5 billion.
Dividend-income WHT under Section 149 increased 18.5 percent, contributing Rs30 billion in incremental revenue, while WHT deducted from salaries rose 3.8 percent, adding Rs23 billion to collections.
In percentage terms, the property sector recorded the sharpest growth among the five heads, though contracts remained the largest contributor to incremental WHT revenue in absolute rupee terms.
The figures suggest withholding mechanisms continue to anchor FBR’s direct tax collection, with real estate transactions emerging as an increasingly significant revenue source alongside trade- and salary-linked deductions.
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Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, is known not only for its rich history and vibrant traditions but also for one of the country’s most exciting food scenes. From smoky BBQ joints in the Walled City to sushi counters in DHA, Lahore offers restaurants that cover almost every cuisine imaginable. Whether you’re in the mood for a fine-dining experience, a casual family meal, or a quick bite on the go, the city’s best restaurants have something for everyone.
In this blog, we’ve put together a list of the best restaurants in Lahore where you can enjoy a memorable dining experience.
List of Best Restaurants in Lahore
Here is a list of the best restaurants in Lahore, covering everything from heritage rooftops to the newest names in town a good starting point for anyone searching for a complete list of restaurants in Lahore.
For anyone short on time, these are consistently ranked among the top restaurants in Lahore and make up most versions of the top 10 restaurants in Lahore that circulate across food blogs and review sites. The same names make up the top 5 and top 10 restaurants in Lahore in most rankings, just reshuffled slightly depending on the source.
Located on MM Alam Road and in DHA, Café Aylanto is one of the best restaurants in Lahore for Mediterranean and continental food. It’s known for its outdoor courtyard, Moroccan Chicken, and Cream of Mushroom Soup, making it a favourite for both romantic dinners and business lunches.
2. Monal Lahore – Restaurants in Lahore
Set in Gulberg III, Monal Lahore offers a rooftop dining experience with panoramic city views. Its wide-ranging BBQ Platters and Continental Buffet appeal to families and large groups alike, and it’s frequently named among the top restaurants in Lahore for its scale and consistency.
3. Andaaz Restaurant
On Fort Road in the Walled City, Andaaz Restaurant serves Mughlai and desi cuisine with a rooftop view of the Badshahi Mosque. Most diners come back for the Tandoori Jheengay, Badami Kabab, and Mutton Karahi.
4. Haveli Restaurant
Also on Fort Road, Haveli Restaurant is set inside a restored haveli overlooking the Walled City. Its traditional Pakistani BBQ and reasonably priced one of the best desi food restaurants in Lahore.
5. Spice Bazaar
Located on Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Spice Bazaar is an upscale Lahori buffet restaurant with both indoor and rooftop seating. Its Mutton Chops and Chicken Handi are consistently mentioned as some of the best desi food in the city.
6. Cosa Nostra (Paola’s)
On MM Alam Road, Cosa Nostra has been one of Lahore’s longest-running Italian kitchens. It’s best known for its wood-fired pizza, pasta dishes like Aglio E Olio, and Truffle Parmesan Fries.
7. Fuchsia Kitchen
In Gulberg III, Fuchsia Kitchen specializes in Pan-Asian fusion, covering Thai, Chinese, and Japanese-style dishes. Its Thai red and green curry are among its most requested items.
8. Cooco’s Den
Part restaurant, part art house, Cooco’s Den sits in the Walled City near the Lahore Fort. Beyond the rooftop views, it’s known for its Mutton Karahi, Chicken Tikka, and Nihari.
9. Wasabi
Located on MM Alam Road, Gulberg, Wasabi is one of Lahore’s most established names for Japanese fine dining. Guests come for the sushi, sashimi, and teppanyaki cooked live at the table.
10. Gaia
In DHA Phase 5, Gaia offers premium Pan-Asian and Japanese fusion in a sleek, modern interior. Its Crunchy California Maki, Salmon Ceviche, and Black Cod are its most talked-about dishes.
Famous Restaurants in Lahore
Some names come up again and again when people talk about famous restaurants in Lahore, mostly because they’ve been part of the city’s food identity for years.
A Walled City institution, Cooco’s Den is known as much for its art and history as its food. It remains one of the most photographed and most famous restaurants in Lahore for tourists visiting the Badshahi Mosque.
2. Bundu Khan
With branches across the city, Bundu Khan is a household name for Lahori breakfast, karahi, and BBQ. It’s been a go-to for family meals for decades.
3. Salt’n Pepper Village
On MM Alam Road, Salt’n Pepper Village has been a long-standing spot for Pakistani family dining. Its broad menu and casual setting keep it popular with locals of every generation.
4. Haveli Restaurant
Famous for its Fort Road rooftop view of the Badshahi Mosque, Haveli Restaurant combines heritage architecture with traditional Pakistani cooking, making it one of the most recognizable names in the Walled City.
5. Andaaz Restaurant
Also facing the Badshahi Mosque from Fort Road, Andaaz Restaurant is known for its fairy-lit rooftop and Mughlai menu, and is frequently cited alongside Haveli as one of the city’s most iconic dining spots.
6. Monal Lahore
Monal Lahore in Gulberg III is known citywide for its rooftop setting and large buffet-style menu, making it one of the most consistently recommended restaurants for tourists and locals alike.
New Restaurants in Lahore
Lahore’s dining scene turns over quickly, and a fresh set of names shows up on “where to eat” lists every year. Among the new restaurants in Lahore gaining attention recently, and the ones most often described as the best new restaurants in Lahore, are the following.
Part of a new wave of experience-driven, aesthetic-first restaurants in DHA, Dahlia has quickly become one of the names people mention first when asked about new restaurants in Lahore.
2. Basilico by Sara
Basilico by Sara, in Gulberg, serves handcrafted Italian and Mediterranean dishes in a European-inspired dining room, and has become one of the best new restaurants in Lahore for group dinners and celebrations.
3. KOCO
Located in Gulberg, KOCO blends Korean and continental cuisine, adding to Lahore’s small but growing list of dedicated Korean dining spots.
4. Daebak
In DHA Raya, Daebak is one of Lahore’s first dedicated Korean BBQ restaurants, known for its Wagyu beef, tteokbokki, and kimbap.
5. Villa: The Grand Buffet
With branches in Gulberg and Lake City, Villa: The Grand Buffet offers an extensive spread of Pakistani, Continental, and Chinese dishes under one roof.
6. El Momento
While it’s been around for a few years, El Momento with branches in Gulberg, Blue Area, and DHA continues to top “trending” lists in 2026 for its Wagyu steaks and Tomahawk cuts.
Most Expensive & Luxury Restaurants in Lahore
For special occasions, business dinners, or simply treating yourself, these are generally considered the most expensive restaurants in Lahore, and the names most people mean by 5-star restaurants in Lahore, luxury restaurants in Lahore, or elite restaurants in Lahore.
In DHA Phase 5, Gaia sits at the top of Lahore’s dining market for its premium Pan-Asian and sushi menu, making it one of the most expensive restaurants in Lahore by most measures.
2. Café Aylanto
Long the benchmark for upscale Mediterranean dining in the city, Café Aylanto on MM Alam Road and DHA remains a favorite for imported ingredients and formal service.
3. Cosa Nostra
On MM Alam Road, Cosa Nostra carries a higher price tag than most pizza spots thanks to its imported ingredients and Italian fine-dining approach.
4. The Skye
As Lahore’s highest rooftop restaurant, on the 18th floor of a Gulberg III hotel, The Skye commands premium prices for its continental buffet and skyline views.
5. El Momento
Known for Wagyu beef and premium cuts, El Momento in Gulberg, Blue Area, and DHA is one of the priciest steakhouses in the city.
6. Polo Lounge
Set inside the Lahore Polo Club, Polo Lounge offers exclusive continental dining overlooking the polo grounds, and is one of the most exclusive names on this list.
7. Dumpukht
Inside the Pearl Continental Hotel, Dumpukht serves Mughal specialties like Lakhnavi Murgh Qorma in a royal, formal setting a genuine 5 star restaurant in Lahore experience.
8. Baking Virsa
In Gawalmandi, Baking Virsa is a no-frills kebab and flatbread spot that Bloomberg once profiled as one of the country’s most expensive restaurants, given what’s actually on the menu proof that “most expensive restaurant in Lahore” doesn’t always mean fine dining.
Affordable, Cheap & Economical Restaurants in Lahore
Not every meal needs to be a special occasion. For anyone looking for affordable restaurants in Lahore, cheap restaurants in Lahore, or simply reasonable restaurants in Lahore, these are reliable, budget-friendly picks and among the best affordable restaurants in Lahore for consistency.
On MM Alam Road, Salt’n Pepper Village offers a broad Pakistani and continental menu at mid-range prices, making it one of the most economical restaurants in Lahore for families.
2. Bundu Khan
With multiple branches citywide, Bundu Khan delivers classic karahi, BBQ, and breakfast without the fine-dining markup a go-to for good restaurants in Lahore on a budget.
3. Lahore Chatkhara
Found in Gulberg II and DHA, Lahore Chatkhara serves street-food-style chaats, rolls, and the popular Chicken Qeema Cheese Naan, all at cheap restaurant prices.
4. Butt Karahi
With locations in Bahria Town and Model Town, Butt Karahi is known for kebabs and karahi at very reasonable prices.
5. Awesamosas
Near Cavalry Ground, Awesamosas serves budget-friendly samosas, chaat, and snacks a favorite among students and young professionals.
6. Siddique Kabab Shop
In Model Town, Siddique Kabab Shop is a simple, no-frills kebab spot with prices that have stayed well below Lahore’s fine-dining inflation.
Restaurants in Lahore with the Best Ambience
Some restaurants in Lahore are worth visiting for the setting as much as the food. These are consistently named among the beautiful restaurants in Lahore, and the answer to both best ambience restaurants in Lahore and best ambiance restaurants in Lahore searches, since it’s really the same list with two different spellings.
On MM Alam Road, Tuscany Courtyard is designed to feel like a slice of southern Europe, with a Mediterranean courtyard that’s one of the most photographed settings in Gulberg.
2. Café Aylanto
The outdoor courtyard at Café Aylanto remains one of the most requested seating areas in the city, making it a favorite for both couples and larger groups.
3. Haveli Restaurant
With its Mughal architecture and rooftop view of the Badshahi Mosque, Haveli Restaurant is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Lahore for anyone wanting heritage atmosphere.
4. Andaaz Restaurant
Fairy lights, an antique fountain, and a Fort Road sunset view make Andaaz Restaurant a standout for romantic dinners and anniversaries.
5. The Skye
Floor-to-ceiling glass and 360-degree skyline views from the 18th floor give The Skye one of the most striking settings in Lahore.
6. Cooco’s Den
Part gallery, part restaurant, Cooco’s Den offers genuinely unusual décor that makes it stand out even among Lahore’s other rooftop spots.
Best Fast Food Restaurants in Lahore
Fast food culture in Lahore is vibrant and constantly expanding, blending international chains with home-grown Pakistani brands. Here are the best fast food restaurants in Lahore.
For continental fine dining, Café Aylanto on MM Alam Road and DHA remains the standard-bearer, especially for its courtyard seating and Moroccan Chicken.
2. Gaia – Restaurants in Lahore
In DHA Phase 5, Gaia covers the Pan-Asian and sushi side of fine dining, with its Black Cod frequently singled out.
3. Cosa Nostra
On MM Alam Road, Cosa Nostra brings Italian fine dining to Lahore through wood-fired pizza and classic pasta.
4. El Momento
Spanning Gulberg, Blue Area, and DHA, El Momento is the city’s reference point for steak-focused fine dining.
5. Tuscany Courtyard – Restaurants in Lahore
On MM Alam Road, Tuscany Courtyard delivers Mediterranean fine dining with its signature Fettuccine Alfredo.
6. Wasabi
Located on MM Alam Road, Wasabi is Lahore’s long-standing choice for Japanese fine dining.
7. Spice Bazaar – Restaurants in Lahore
On Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Spice Bazaar elevates Pakistani cuisine to fine-dining standards with its Mutton Chops and desi buffet.
Best Rooftop Restaurants in Lahore
Lahore’s skyline, history, and evening breeze make rooftop dining one of its most popular formats. Here are the best rooftop restaurants in Lahore.
Restaurants in Lahore Name
Address
Contact Number(s)
Official Website
Social Media Handles
Cuisine Specialty
The Skye
Indigo Heights Hotel (17th & 18th Floor), 3-C3 Noor Jahan Rd, Gulberg III
1. Nisa Sultan Turkish Cuisine Restaurant in Lahore
Widely considered the oldest and most established Turkish restaurant in the city, Nisa Sultan Turkish Cuisine has locations on MM Alam Road and in Johar Town.
2. Lokanta by Nisa Sultan
A more casual, street-food-style offshoot of Nisa Sultan, Lokanta focuses on quick Turkish classics like lahmacun and doner kebab.
3. Sofra Turkish Restaurant
Known for outdoor seating and a kids’ menu, Sofra Turkish Restaurant is a popular choice for family dinners.
4. Sultan Basha – Restaurants in Lahore
Sultan Basha blends Turkish and Lebanese flavors, offering both grilled meats and seafood on one menu.
5. Al Madina Istanbul
In Bahria Town, Al Madina Istanbul offers rustic décor with a view of the Eiffel Tower replica, serving classic dishes like Iskender Kebab and Kofte.
6. Turkish Kitchen TK 786
Turkish Kitchen TK 786 is known for its Turkish coffee and pastries alongside a wide range of Turkish dishes.
7. The Carnivore
In DHA, The Carnivore focuses on grilled meats and Turkish BBQ, cooked using slow, traditional methods.
8. Masala Pakistan – Project Turkish Grill
On Lytton Road, this restaurant mixes traditional Pakistani and Turkish cuisine, known especially for its hareesa.
Best Italian Restaurants in Lahore
From wood-fired pizza to handmade pasta, these are the best Italian restaurants in Lahore.
One of the longest-running Italian kitchens in Lahore, Cosa Nostra on MM Alam Road is best known for wood-fired pizza and pasta.
2. Tuscany Courtyard
On MM Alam Road, Tuscany Courtyard brings a Mediterranean courtyard setting to its Italian menu, headlined by Fettuccine Alfredo.
3. Basilico by Sara
In Gulberg, Basilico by Sara serves handcrafted artisan pizzas and Mediterranean dishes in a European-style dining room.
4. NEAPO Gastronomia
Near Lake City, NEAPO Gastronomia offers a dedicated Italian fine-dining experience in an elegant setting.
5. Napoli
In DHA Phase 5, Napoli blends Italian, American, and continental menus in one spacious restaurant.It is one of the best DHA restaurants in Lahore.
6. Pasta la Vista
On MM Alam Road, Pasta la Vista is known for its Florentine Burger and Pesto & Truffle Oil Pizza, an Italian-inspired twist on comfort food.
7. La Cucina (Nishat Hotel)
Inside the Nishat Hotel, La Cucina serves traditional Italian dishes including pasta, pizza, and risotto in a warm, family-friendly setting.
Best Continental Restaurants in Lahore
Continental restaurants in Lahore have grown fast over the last decade as more diners look beyond traditional desi menus. Here are the best continental restaurants in Lahore.
One of the earliest and best-known continental menus in the city, Café Zouk on MM Alam Road remains a benchmark for the category.
2. Café Aylanto
With locations on MM Alam Road and DHA, Café Aylanto leans Mediterranean within the continental space, with a loyal following for its Moroccan Chicken.
3. Arcadian Café
In Gulberg and Packages Mall, Arcadian Café combines Asian fusion, Italian, and French dishes on one continental-leaning menu.
4. Tuscany Courtyard
On MM Alam Road, Tuscany Courtyard crosses over between Italian and continental, especially through its pasta and grilled mains.
5. Spice Bazaar
On Main Boulevard, Gulberg, Spice Bazaar pairs its Pakistani buffet with continental and Mediterranean dishes.
6. The Skye
On the 18th floor in Gulberg III, The Skye serves a high-end continental buffet alongside its skyline views.
7. La Atrium
La Atrium is another long-standing name for continental dining in Lahore, known for its steady, dependable menu.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Lahore
For fresh prawns, fish, and Asian-style seafood, these are the best seafood restaurants in Lahore.
Restaurant Name
Address
Contact Number(s)
Official Website
Social Media Handles
Cuisine Specialty
Bamboo Union
• Gulberg: 43 D-1, Block D1 (Near Blue Mall) • DHA: Phase 5 CCA, Block CCA • Pine Ave: Shop 5, V2 Business Center
• Gulberg: 0301-8485574 • DHA Phase 5: 042-37182258 • Pine Ave: 0323-0441111
With locations in DHA and Gulberg, Yum Chinese & Thai is widely cited as the city’s most consistent Thai kitchen. It also offers authentic Chinese flavours, making it a top choice among Lahore’s Chinese food restaurants.
2. Fuchsia Kitchen
In Gulberg III, Fuchsia Kitchen is a strong option for Thai curry alongside its wider Pan-Asian menu. It is one of the most popular restaurants in Lahore, Gulberg.
3. Veera 5
Veera 5 is known specifically for its pad Thai and green curry.
4. Novu
Novu rounds out the city’s Thai offerings with a combined Japanese and Thai menu.
Best Breakfast Restaurants in Lahore
Lahore takes its breakfast seriously, from nihari and halwa puri to European-style brunch. Here are the best breakfast restaurants in Lahore.
Available every day of the week, Bundu Khan (The Garden) offers a traditional Lahori breakfast of chane, paye, and halwa puri with spacious open-air seating.
2. Waris Nihari
Near Anarkali, Waris Nihari is a go-to spot for traditional nihari using a recipe passed down through generations.
3. Phajja Siri Paye
In the Walled City, Phajja Siri Paye has served authentic desi breakfast for decades, including its famous Amritsari Naan Chanay.
4. English Tea House
On Gulberg II, English Tea House offers international breakfast dishes like Eggs Benedict and French Toast in a trendy setting.
5. Eggspectations
In Gulberg III, Eggspectations is known for its large menu of egg-based dishes, pancakes, and waffles.
6. Lahore Chatkhara
With branches in Gulberg II and DHA, Lahore Chatkhara offers a more street-food-style breakfast, including its popular Chicken Qeema Cheese Naan.
7. Café Aylanto
For a more upscale, European-style breakfast, Café Aylanto on MM Alam Road and DHA is a favorite among Lahore’s brunch crowd.
Best Mexican Restaurants in Lahore
Mexican food has carved out a small but growing niche in Lahore. Here are the best Mexican restaurants in Lahore.
Restaurant Name
Address
Contact Number(s)
Official Website
Social Media Handles
Cuisine Specialty
El Momento
Building 43-L2, Ground Floor, Mini Market, Gulberg II
Alongside its steakhouse menu, El Momento with branches in Gulberg, Blue Area, and DHA offers Mexican-inspired dishes that are among the most popular in the city.
2. Zapata Mexican Grill
Zapata Mexican Grill brings a lively atmosphere along with classic tacos and fresh guacamole.
3. Loca – Authentic Mexican Cuisine
One of the more established names in this category, Loca – Authentic Mexican Cuisine offers a dedicated Mexican menu.
4. Chalupa Mexican Café
On 14-C 1 MM Alam Road, Chalupa Mexican Café serves Mexican street food with staff dressed in traditional attire.
5. Coco Cubano
On MM Alam Road, Coco Cubano blends Cuban and Mexican street food, including tacos, burgers, and burritos, with chic outdoor seating.
Best Burger Restaurants in Lahore
From smash burgers to gourmet steakhouse-style patties, these are the best burger restaurants in Lahore.
Monal Lahore in Gulberg III provides a dedicated play area for children under five, alongside its rooftop dining.
2. The Garden Spice – Restaurants in Lahore
The Garden Spice combines a play area with mini golf and VR games, making it popular with families who have older kids too.
4. Fine Pizza Family Restaurant
On Main Market, Gulberg, Fine Pizza Family Restaurant pairs its Malai Boti Platter and Super Supreme Pizza with a dedicated outdoor play area for kids.
Best Outdoor & Open-Air Restaurants in Lahore
For dining under the sky, here are the best outdoor and open-air restaurants in Lahore.
Fort Road’s best-known open-air rooftop, Andaaz Restaurant offers outdoor seating with views of the Badshahi Mosque.
2. Haveli Restaurant – Restaurants in Lahore
Set inside a 350-year-old haveli, Haveli Restaurant on Fort Road offers open-air terrace dining in the heart of the Walled City.
3. Bastion Café – Restaurants in Lahore
Located inside the historic Lahore Fort complex, Bastion Café combines heritage surroundings with an open-air dining setup.
4. The Garden Spice – Restaurants in Lahore
Built around family gatherings, The Garden Spice offers spacious outdoor seating alongside its grilled menu.
5. Café Aylanto – Restaurants in Lahore
Its outdoor courtyard remains one of the most requested outdoor seating areas in the city, on both MM Alam Road and DHA.
Restaurants in Lahore, Bahria Town
Bahria Town Lahore has grown into its own dining destination, separate from the usual Gulberg and DHA hotspots. Here are the top restaurants in Bahria Lahore.
Restaurants in Lahore Name
Address
Contact Number(s)
Official Website
Social Media Handles
Cuisine Specialty
Café Grand
Bahria Grand Hotel, Executive Lodges, Sector B, Bahria Town
One of the few genuinely open restaurants in Lahore round the clock, Café Grand at the Bahria Grand Hotel, Sector B runs 24/7 with a wide-ranging Pakistani, BBQ, and continental menu.
2. Butt Karahi – Restaurants in Lahore
Widely regarded as the top karahi spot within Bahria Town, Butt Karahi is known for its kebabs and karahi.
3. Nadeem Tikka – Restaurants in Lahore
Nadeem Tikka is the area’s best-known tikka restaurant, serving succulent, well-spiced skewers.
4. Bundu Khan – Restaurants in Lahore
The same trusted name found across Lahore, Bundu Khan also has a branch in Bahria Town.
5. Banera Country Club – Restaurants in Lahore
A buffet-style restaurant with a calmer, greener setting, Banera Country Club offers dishes like Manchurian and Chicken Tempura. One of the best restaurants in Lahore that serves continental dishes.
6. Brick Oven Cafe – Restaurants in Lahore
Brick Oven Cafe is a cosy, book-lined space known for its wood-fired pizza. It’s one of the best go-to restaurants in Lahore Bahria Town.
7. Karnivora Steakhouse – Restaurants in Lahore
The go-to option for steak restaurants in Lahore within Bahria Town, Karnivora Steakhouse serves a range of grilled cuts.
8. Timmy’s – Restaurants in Lahore
A go-to fast food joint for Bahria Town residents, Timmy’s offers shawarmas, burgers, and pizzas.
9. Al Madina Istanbul – Restaurants in Lahore
With a rustic setting and a view of the Eiffel Tower replica, Al Madina Istanbul brings Turkish classics like Iskender Kebab to Bahria Town.
Conclusion – Restaurants in Lahore
Whether you’re in the mood for spicy desi karahi, rooftop continental dining, authentic Turkish kebabs, or a quick fast-food fix, Lahore has a restaurant to satisfy every craving. The city’s food scene reflects its history and diversity, and the restaurants featured in this list are just a glimpse of the many options, from famous restaurants in Lahore, Pakistan, known for decades to the newest openings still finding their footing. Whether you’re searching for the best restaurants in Lahore near me on a Friday night or simply want to know which are the top-rated restaurants in Lahore for your next celebration, this guide should make the decision easier.
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ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has approved 37 commercial and residential building projects within the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) this year, covering a combined 6,690,580 square feet of construction.
The approvals were issued by CDA’s Building and Housing Control Wing through its Design Vetting Committee (DVC), which reviewed a total of 42 project applications across seven meetings held during 2026.
The approved portfolio includes a mix of commercial plazas, apartment buildings, mixed-use developments, office units, a hostel facility, five mosques, and one school building. Collectively, the projects will introduce 721 commercial shops, 1,981 residential flats, and 362 office units to the capital.
CDA officials noted that the current pace and scale of approvals reflect the authority’s continued support for the construction industry and its efforts to encourage investment in Islamabad, while upholding professional standards in building design.
The authority also reaffirmed its commitment to further streamlining regulatory processes, including the approval of building plans and issuance of completion certificates, while ensuring compliance with safety requirements under the ICT Building Control Regulations 2023.
The DVC review mechanism remains a core part of CDA’s regulatory oversight of private construction activity in the capital, balancing development facilitation with safety and planning compliance.
BBC-featured Content Specialist with a sharp eye for search intent and a proven ability to turn content into a growth engine. I leverage cutting-edge digital marketing tools to craft strategies that fuel organic traffic, amplify brand growth, and own the local SEO landscape, particularly across the competitive real estate market. I help brands dominate search rankings and convert visibility into measurable business success.
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has yet to establish a mechanism to refund taxes collected under Section 7E, the deemed income tax on immovable property, and Super Tax under Section 4C, despite more than three months having passed since a formal request for such a procedure was made.
Waheed Shahzad Butt, Chairman of the LTBA Public Interest Litigation Committee, said he had written to the FBR Chairman, routed through Board Members, seeking a notified refund process for both levies. He noted that the FBR has not issued any guidance, prescribed an application format, or designated a forum for filing such claims.
The demand follows rulings by the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which struck down Section 7E as unconstitutional and void from inception, nullifying all notices and proceedings initiated under the provision. Introduced through the Finance Act 2022, the levy had applied a five percent charge on properties valued above Rs25 million, based on FBR-assessed fair market value.
On Super Tax, the FCC upheld the provision’s constitutional validity but excluded certain exempt capital gains from its scope, meaning the tax cannot be charged on the sale of immovable property held beyond the prescribed holding period, inherited property, or otherwise exempt income.
Butt said the FBR’s continued silence, despite binding constitutional rulings, has left taxpayers in an uncertain legal and financial position. He proposed allowing refunds as an adjustment against tax liability for Tax Year 2026 through the annual return, with field formations directed to process such claims uniformly rather than leaving the matter to individual Commissioners or Regional Tax Offices.
He cautioned that continued inaction exposes the FBR to further litigation, including complaints before the Federal Tax Ombudsman, as affected taxpayers seek redress for amounts they believe were unlawfully retained.
BBC-featured Content Specialist with a sharp eye for search intent and a proven ability to turn content into a growth engine. I leverage cutting-edge digital marketing tools to craft strategies that fuel organic traffic, amplify brand growth, and own the local SEO landscape, particularly across the competitive real estate market. I help brands dominate search rankings and convert visibility into measurable business success.
