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Weekend grub: The Patio is Karachi's best kept secret

Weekend grub: The Patio is Karachi's best kept secret

It's been a long week and it's time to unwind with some good food.
Updated 10 Oct, 2015

Don't know what to do this weekend? Tired of eating from the same, old burger joints in the city? Here's how to shake things up in Karachi.

Where to go: The Patio

This quaint little eatery is located in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it spot on one of the most popular upscale dining streets in Block 4, Clifton. Tucked in behind some tree opposite the famous Cafe Flo, it's mind-boggling that not many people have tried out this contemporary restaurant.

When to go?

We're suckers for a good lunch with good lighting for some Instagram worthy pictures. However, at present, the weather is unforgiving so it's understandable why one would not want to sit out on the patio. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating so lunch and dinner both work. Our fave table is one next to the glass window separating the two areas; you get a good view of the cute patio and it's not smack in the center of the joint.

The decor at The Patio is minimalist and chic —Photo courtesy: The Patio's Facebook page
The decor at The Patio is minimalist and chic —Photo courtesy: The Patio's Facebook page

Also luckily, it's rarely packed so it's a private spot where you can go to kick back without worrying about it being too noisy or fret over the possibility of running into too many people you know; some days, you just don't want to make small talk and this place is a good escape.

What to order?

We love everything on the menu but if we're picking favourites, their seafood is pretty on point! Only two places do fried calamari well in town: one is Xander's and the other is hands down The Patio.

Recommended appetisers: Pineapple Wasabi Prawns, Fried Calamari and New Zealand Scallops with crispy noodles.

Get a variety of appetisers to split so you get to try different flavours —Photo courtesy: The Patio's Facebook page
Get a variety of appetisers to split so you get to try different flavours —Photo courtesy: The Patio's Facebook page

Recommended main courses: Veal Medallion, Malaysian Butter Prawns and Chicken Tournedos.

The veal is highly recommended —Photo courtesy: The Patio's Facebook page
The veal is highly recommended —Photo courtesy: The Patio's Facebook page

Their fall specials include Lobster Lasagne and Crab Ravioli so try it out while it's still on the menu.

Not many places in the city experiment with seafood like The Patio does —Photo courtesy: The Patio's Facebook page
Not many places in the city experiment with seafood like The Patio does —Photo courtesy: The Patio's Facebook page

Recommended desserts: Naughty Toffee dessert — lots of cream, caramel and just the right amount of crunch.

It's imperative to end a good meal with an even better dessert —Photo courtesy: The Patio's Facebook page
It's imperative to end a good meal with an even better dessert —Photo courtesy: The Patio's Facebook page

Damage on the pocket?

Expect to shell out a minimum of Rs1,500 for one dish, coupled with a lemonade and tax. If you're going to go all out and get an appetiser to split, main course and a dessert, it can go up to Rs2,500 to 3,000.

Pro-tip: HBL card owners get a 15% discount so keep that in mind if you want to save a few bucks.

Comments

sudhir Oct 09, 2015 04:17pm
That's pretty reasonable around Rs.1500 INR to 1750 INR. It could cost double that in a Bangalore restaurant.
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kallan Oct 09, 2015 05:43pm
Where was all of this in Karachi some 23 years ago? I am coming to Karachi Dawn thanks to you.
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Umair Oct 09, 2015 06:09pm
Malaysian Butter Prawns ? I am Based in Singapore and i goto KL More often. I can tell Malaysian Butter Prawns doesn't look like that. These look more like Mayo Prawns chinese fusion.
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