A while back, I wrote about the cafes in Islamabad, and I thought that I should also write something about my experiences in Lahore because I only lived in Islamabad for two years, but I am a pure Lahori and have lived all my life here.
So in this article, I will go over some of the best cafes that I have enjoyed in Lahore. Some of them are best for coffee lovers, some for tea lovers and some for just sitting down and enjoying yourself. So let’s get into some of the best cafes that you can go to in Lahore. (Note: this is a subjective list about the one’s that I liked the most)
- Gloria Jean’s Coffee Barkat Market
- English Tea House DHA Phase 3
- What a Paratha Johar Town
- Second Cup Coffee Garden Town
- Fasana Café (Fasana by Readings)
- Pak Tea House
Gloria Jean’s Coffee Barkat Market
This branch of Gloria that I am talking about is located across the road from the famous Barket Market (if you have studied at PU, you know). It’s a 2-floor building, the ground floor’s indoor is smaller and has an outdoor area beside it.
The first floor is where I usually go to sit. The thing I love about this cafe is that it has multiple options for you to sit. Like if you want to work you can sit on the chairs, which are comfortable but also keeps you focused. And then their are sofas, which are really comfy and you can relax while talking with your friends.
The staff is amazing here, they don’t bother you or ask you again and again for your order (like in some other places they do). Also their food is on point, and this branch always have more on their menu than any other branch of Gloria Jean’s. Their restrooms are also nice and clean. They also have a indoor smoking area for people who prefer that.
English Tea House DHA Phase 3
English Tea House can be considered both a cafe and a restaurant. It also has a branch in Gulberg but I personally like the one that is located in DHA phase 3. The atmosphere is very clean and fresh in the ETH.
Their tea is really good and the serving is also larger than most cafes. They also serve a lot of deserts and if you are hungry they have main courses that can keep help you fill your belly if you want. I loved their beef sandwiches.
The best thing about this cafe is that you can sit and eat or just enjoy yourself with friends chatting or working on laptop, and no one will disturb you. Although it does get crowded at times and people get loud so you might have to leave if you want peace. It is a lively place where you feel warm and welcomed.
What a Paratha Johar Town
If you want to be outside all night and enjoy your time with friends while having tea and mouth watering parathas then What a Paratha’s branch in Johar Town is the best place for you.
This branch is open 24/7 and you can sit uninterrupted in the cafe. There are also lots of charging points so you can use laptop or keep your mobile charged. The sofas and chairs are very comfortable. Their Karak chai is one of the best tea you can get in any restaurant or cafe in Lahore. They are really popular for their paratha variety though. My favorites are BBQ Paratha and Alo Cheese Paratha.
We used to get their three paratha deal most of the time which include BBQ, Cheese and Nutella Paratha. They also used to sell sundae in strawberry and chocolate flavor which was very reasonable in price and amazing in taste but for some unknows reason they don’t do that anymore which is a shame.
Second Cup Coffee Garden Town
Second Cup is similar to Gloria Jean’s cafe but it has it’s own identity. It also has multiple branches in Lahore, but I picked the Garden Town branch of Second Cup.
It is spacious and well managed. Especially the outdoor sitting arrangements are very nicely planned. The seats and sofas are really comfortable and the ambiance is perfect.
Their tea is not that good in my subjective opinion but I do like their coffee and desert. It is also a good place to just sit and use laptop and do some reading and work if you want to do that.
Fasana Café (Fasana by Readings)
If you live near DHA or if you are an avid book reader in Lahore you must know about Fasana Cafe. This cafe is located on the top of the Readings bookstore building.
I think the going through the books that are shelved on the ground and second floor is part of the experience of this cafe. You can also take books with you and read while enjoying tea at the cade. Their food is good and fries are better than many other cafes.
There is plenty of room to sit and comfortable sitting arrangements. The staff is very friendly and professional at this cafe. There is a big screen in the cafe where you can watch cricket matches, and you don’t have to buy things to sit and watch like the Wild Wings in Islamabad (lol).
Fasana Café Menu
Pak Tea House
Pak Tea House is an intellectual tea–café which is very poplar for it’s association with writers, poets and intellectuals visiting the cafe. It is located on Anarkali road near Neela Gumbad.
It has a very old feel and you feel nostalgic and think about old movies when you visit there. The only problem I had with this cafe is that there is not much room most of the time when you go there. Maybe it’s because the upper hall is mostly occupied by some literary event.
Also they have not maintained it very well. Anyhow, if you ever walk along the road near Anarkali or are visiting the Books landa bazar on Sunday you can go to Pak Tea House and enjoy tea.