This week we evaluate the best options in Lahore for those seeking a good pizza.
While the food industry in Pakistan has not yet evolved to offer authenticity of origin that might be demanded in other places, there’s still some good food to be had.
Costa Nostra pizzeria
The Costa Nostra pizzeria, situated in Gulberg, is perhaps the first choice for fussy eaters. What this establishment loses out in terms of quality of service, is well compensated by a delectable range of razor thin pizzas. At nearly Rs700 a pop, this pizza is certainly worth trying. Try their hot pepperonata option and wash it down with a bottle of sparkling water. It helps when you’ve also got some of Lahore’s best gelato and antipasto on the menu but spare yourself the dungeon like atmosphere of the basement and eat on the ground floor. Advance bookings are recommended, especially nearer to the weekend.
Food: 5/5
Ambience: 5/5
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut has branches across Lahore and they are all adept at messing up your order; more so if you’re the takeaway and delivery type. The chain of communication between their call centre and the branch, and between the branch and the chef, is weak and doesn’t behoove a global brand. Once you’ve gotten over that fact, rest assured that on a good day, Pizza Hut will not disappoint your taste buds. Do your waistline a favour and order a thin and crispy fajita Sicilian or Hot&Spicy Pizza without the onions. And don’t forget to tell them to give you a well done tomato base. Then look to the heavens and pray they get the order right. It gets marked down for consistently being inconsistent in service.
Food: 2/5
Ambience: 2/5
Sarpino’s Pizzeria
Situated across Shaukat Khanam hospital in Johar Town, the new kid on the block is an international chain that began operating in the past week. It’s a little out of the way but if you find yourself compelled to visit, don’t be put off by the spelling mistakes in their rather extensive menu as the ‘slami’ and ‘permesan’ (sic) on the pizza aren’t too bad. Although it’s too bready a thin crust for my liking, the tomato sauce base had good depth of flavour. It gets marked down for not having basic restaurant amenities for customers. Things like credit card machines, a salad bar, hot sauce and diet colas are the least one can expect to be made available when an international chain throws open its doors.
Food: 2/5
Ambience: 2/5
Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2013.
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