Karachi

Here is a massive, curated list of the Best Restaurants in Karachi based on pure food quality, consistency, and local reputation.

1. The Biryani Giants (Rice)

Karachi runs on Biryani. If you want the real taste, skip the high-end places and go to these spots.

Al-Rehman Biryani (Kharadar) This is widely considered the best Biryani in Karachi. It is not about the ambiance; it is about the flavor. The rice is incredibly aromatic and spicy.

  • Best Order: Single Biryani (Double Masala) with Chest Piece.

  • The Hack: Do not get a parcel. Eat it fresh at the spot because the steam and temperature make a huge difference in the texture of the rice.

Farhan Biryani (Pehalwan Goth) If you love spice, this is your spot. Their Biryani is known for having a “Chatpata” kick that hits you instantly. The quantity is massive.

  • Best Order: Chicken Biryani with a chilled Pakola.

  • The Hack: Ask specifically for a “Leg Piece” when ordering, otherwise, they might give you random cuts.

Jeddah Biryani (Boat Basin & Branches) A newer contender that has taken over Karachi. Their rice quality is slightly longer (Sela/Basmati mix) and less oily than Al-Rehman.

  • Best Order: Beef Biryani (if available) or Chicken.

  • Note: Their Raita is thick and flavorful, unlike the watery ones at other places.

Ghousia Nalli Biryani (Liaquatabad) Famous for its overload of cholesterol. They break open beef bones and pour the sticky marrow (Nalli) over the rice.

  • Best Order: Beef Nalli Biryani.

  • Tip: This is extremely heavy. Only order this if you have a big appetite or someone to share it with.

2. Nihari & Paye (The Sticky Gravy)

Karachi’s Nihari is thicker and spicier than Lahore’s.

Javed Nihari (Federal B. Area) The gold standard. They use a specific blend of spices that no one else has replicated. The meat is always tender.

  • Best Order: Nalli Nihari with Maghaz (Brain) on top.

  • The Hack: Skip the normal Naan. Order their “Sheermal” or “Taftan.” The sweetness of the bread cuts through the spicy gravy perfectly.

Zahid Nihari (Tariq Road) Known for its “Kunna” style preparation. The gravy is gelatinous and sticky.

  • Best Order: Vip Special Nihari (Tin Nalli).

  • Tip: Go for lunch instead of dinner to avoid the chaotic waiting lines.

Sabri Nihari (Saddar) An old-school legend. It is slightly less spicy than Javed but has a deeper beef flavor.

  • Best Order: Sade Nihari with Fresh Naan.

3. BBQ & Kebabs (Grill Masters)

Karachi BBQ is different because it focuses on “Chatkhara” rather than just salt.

Shaikh Abdul Ghaffar Kabab House (Delhi Mercantile) This is an elite BBQ spot. Their quality control is unmatched.

  • Best Order: Malai Boti and Gola Kabab.

  • Why: The Malai Boti melts in your mouth without chewing. It is marinated in white pepper and cream.

  • The Hack: Order “Paratha” instead of Naan. Their parathas are deep-fried and pair perfectly with the Gola Kababs.

Zameer Ansari (Hussainabad) Famous for its vibrant street atmosphere and unique kababs.

  • Best Order: Dhaga Kabab.

  • Why: The meat is minced so finely that it holds together with a thread (Dhaga). When you pull the thread, the meat just falls apart.

Meerut Kabab House (Guru Mandir) For authentic “Delhi Style” BBQ.

  • Best Order: Beef Boti and Kheer.

  • Tip: Their spicy beef boti is tough (chewy) but packed with flavor. It is for true meat lovers.

4. Karahi & Desi Cuisine

From the highway to the city center, Karachi loves Karahi.

Anwar Baloch (Malir) If you want the authentic “Karachi Karahi” (which is brown and spicy, not like the white Lahori one), this is the place.

  • Best Order: Full Karahi (Made in Oil, not Ghee).

  • The Hack: Their crisp, hot Naans are the best in the city. Eat them quickly before they get cold.

Kolachi (Do Darya) The best ambiance in Pakistan, sitting over the ocean. But the food is actually good too.

  • Best Order: Hunza Kabab and Paneer Reshmi Handi.

  • Tip: The “Fried Munchies Basket” appetizer is addictive. Also, book a table near the water edge 2 days in advance.

Sajjad Restaurant (Super Highway) The original Highway experience.

  • Best Order: Charcoal Karahi and Lamb Chops.

  • Why: Cooking on coal gives the gravy a smoky flavor you cannot get on a gas stove.

5. Street Food Legends (Burns Road & Beyond)

The soul of Karachi lies in these dirty but delicious streets.

Waheed Kabab (Burns Road) Famous for one specific dish that isn’t BBQ.

  • Best Order: Fry Kabab.

  • What is it: It is minced meat fried in a pool of butter (Makhan). It looks like a curry but tastes like a fried pate. Dip your bread in the butter oil.

Hanifia (Various Branches) Unique to Karachi. They serve “Hunter Beef” (Salted cured beef).

  • Best Order: Hunter Beef Burger with Mustard Sauce.

  • Why: The meat is cold, the bun is warm, and the sauce is tangy. It is a very distinct flavor.

Nursery Super Burger (Nursery) The best Bun Kabab in town.

  • Best Order: Double Anda (Egg) Bun Kabab.

  • The Secret: It is all about their watery green chutney. Drench the burger in it before taking a bite.

Liaquatabad Gol Gappay

  • Best Order: A full plate of spicy Gol Gappas.

  • Why: The water here is genuinely spicy and uses real tamarind (imli), not just tartaric acid.

6. Burgers & Modern Food

Karachi’s burger scene has evolved massively.

Xander’s (Clifton/DHA) A modern cafe that serves consistent high-quality food.

  • Best Order: Babarousa Chicken Sandwich or Pepperoni Pizza.

  • Tip: Their “Strawberry Shortcake” dessert is excellent.

Aussie Burger (DHA) For a heavy, messy, old-school burger.

  • Best Order: The “Outback” Burger.

  • Why: It includes beetroot and pineapple (Australian style), which sounds weird but tastes amazing with the beef patty.

Burger O’Clock A local chain that beats McDonald’s in taste.

  • Best Order: Crunchos Burger.

  • Why: It has potato crisps inside the burger for a great texture.

7. Breakfast (Nashta)

From roadside dhabas to seaside views.

Quetta Alamgir Hotel (Alamgir Road) The King of Chai-Paratha.

  • Best Order: Lachha Paratha and Pizza Paratha.

  • Why: The Pizza Paratha is stuffed with chicken and cheese. It is heavy but delicious.

Boat Basin Breakfast Strip (Dera/Baithak) A strip of restaurants open 24/7.

  • Best Order: Halwa Puri and Cheese Omelette.

  • Tip: Go on a Sunday morning, sit on the sidewalk, and watch the city wake up.

Dhamthal Sweets (Ayesha Manzil) A bakery that serves the freshest Halwa Puri.

  • Best Order: Puri with Aloo Bhujia.

  • Why: They bake their own items, so the quality of flour used in Puris is better than street vendors.

8. Dessert (Sweet Endings)

Karachi has a massive sweet tooth.

Kaybees (Mohammad Ali Society) Famous for its soft-serve ice cream.

  • Best Order: Vanilla/Chocolate Twist Cone.

  • Why: It is denser and creamier than McDonald’s.

Rehmat-e-Shereen (Tariq Road)

  • Best Order: Rasmalai.

  • Why: It is served chilled in clay pots, which keeps it cool and gives it an earthen aroma.

United King

  • Best Order: Three Milk Cake (Tres Leches).

  • Why: It is soaked in milk and topped with fresh cream. Very soft and sweet.

Dhoraji Gola Ganda A street full of crushed ice vendors.

  • Best Order: Special Gola with Pineapple and Condensed Milk.

  • Why: It is a mountain of ice, syrup, fruits, and chocolate. The perfect way to beat the Karachi heat.