Lahore Restaurants: Nando's, Salt N' Pepper Village and Cafe Zouk on M.M. Alam Road

When it comes to restaurants, M.M. Alam Road in Gulberg is where it's at. This stretch not only boasts a variety of different cuisines, but also the top designer shops and name brand outlets in Lahore. If you have a craving for authentic Italian cuisine and just need to buy a real pair of Nike shoes, M.M. Alam is where you need to be.

There are so many restaurants on this strip that we're going to stick to the under 700 rupees per person family options for now. If you want exclusive and expensive dining, you can also find that on M.M. Alam Road, although you can likely enjoy your food just as much at one of the following options.

Nando's - 'Portuguese'

Nando's, which is actually a South African chain restaurant, serves up different varieties of its signature Peri Peri Chicken. If hot, spicy chicken is what you want, Nando's the place. Seating is booths and tables, and is generally set up for larger groups. If you're looking for an intimate table for two, Nando's is not the place. If you're looking for a place for a family gathering or a group get-together, and everyone loves spicy chicken, then you can put Nando's on your list.

The Village - Buffet

The Village looks like a mud brick fortress from the outside, and is set up to resemble a traditional Pakistani dwelling on the inside. Tables are wide and most are for at least ten people. The buffet has enough options to keep you filling your plate again and again, and everyone just pays a set fee for the buffet. Many authentic Pakistani dishes are on offer, as well as some Chinese and Continental dishes. There is a also a fruit and dessert bar complete with different Pakistani sweets. If you're really hungry and want to try a variety of dishes, Village is a good place to try.

Café Zouk - Various

Café Zouk has one of the most extensive menus I've ever seen. They have everything from Asian soups and appetizers, pasta dishes, sandwiches and burgers, to Thai cuisine. Dishes are individual, but portions are generous. Zouk used to be known as a flashy place where loud music impeded conversation much like at a pumping club on a Friday night. Now they've toned down a bit, but the new purple and silver sparkly décor wasn't necessarily the best way to make the place more sophisticated. They have turned down the music, so you can have now actually talk while eating. The food is great, so if you're craving Chicken Alfredo or something that's not your usual dish in Pakistan, this is the place to come. Seating is in booths or at tables of different sizes. Zouk's is a popular location for young couples sneaking out for a date.

Read a review on Cafe Zouk by Amina Qizilbash here