Lahore Restaurants: Gun Smoke, Freddy's & Masoom's Little Italy on M.M. Alam Road

On Friday and Saturday nights in Lahore, M.M. Alam Road in Gulberg is one the busiest places in the city as families head out to eat together at some of Lahore's top dining establishments. If you're tired of the regular Pakistani cuisine and want something different, give one of these three options a try.

Gun Smoke

Boasting the best burgers and steaks in town, Gun Smoke resembles a Texas Ranch. Cowboys greet you, wait on your tables, and croon love songs on an acoustic guitar while you eat. Originally, Gun Smoke was a place where the service was notoriously (and purposefully) rude, and patrons were encouraged to throw peanut shells all over the floor. The rudeness has toned down, but this is still a place popular with the younger crowd of Lahore. You might be in culture shock when you enter, as it really feels and looks like place straight out an American cowboy movie. You're likely to spend 500 to 700 rupees per person if you dine here. Seating is in rustic wooden booths.

Freddy's

Freddy's is one of the pricier options on M.M. Alam, but has a reputation for serving great food. The atmosphere is classy and diners usually dress semi-formally. Women will certainly be wearing nice shalwar kameez and high-heeled shoes. Make-up is a must. Men wear suits or at least a tie. Tables come in a variety of sizes, and some are small enough for an intimate dinner for two. You can choose from individual plates or go for the popular buffet. If you can't afford to have a Freddy's dinner in your budget, head over for high tea and enjoy an assortment of hot and cold appetizers and salads. You'll be so full that you won't even want dinner afterwards!

Masoom's Little Italy

If you really want to treat yourself and pretend you're dining in an Italian villa, check out Little Italy. As one of the most, if not one of the only, romantic options in Lahore, this restaurant offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine and an relaxed ambiance. Every table is lit up with candles, and you won't find any TV, boisterous guests or fluorescent lights here. There are tables as well as a lounge area with couches. You can try beef dishes, chicken, fish or pasta from the menu designed by Australian chef Summer Nicks. All meals come with complimentary appetizers, and the fresh juice bar offers a variety of options to get you started. Desserts are from Masoom's famous bakery. I'd recommend steak or chicken dishes for the entrée, although I must admit that I was not impressed with some of the pasta dishes. Since the steaks are so mouth-watering good and the atmosphere is great for an intimate dinner for two, this is the place my husband I always like to go for special occasions. Be sure to make reservations during weekends.

Masoom's Little Italy is not direcly on M.M. Alam Road. If you're driving from Defence/Cantonment, turn right after Pizza Hut when you see Atlantis water on your right hand side. Go to the first intersection. You'll see Little Italy on your right. The architecture stands out from the neighboring buildings. Turn right and park you car in front of the park across from the restaurant.