Dining out is not just about the food. The scene, the socializing, and the sense of a special event are equally important. When done right, a restaurant’s design enhances all of these elements.
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Dining out is not just about the food. The scene, the socializing, and the sense of a special event are equally important. When done right, a restaurant’s design enhances all of these elements. A simple meal seems much more appetizing when paired with appealing furniture, luxurious finishes, and alluring lighting. In other words, the decor in your restaurant is just as important as any other aspect as it sets the tone and mood for the evening.
Karachi is known for its eateries. Every year we see new restaurants opening their doors to the city of lights. The recent addition ‘Karachi Social’ at Zamzama offers fine food along with aesthetically pleasing interior. The restaurant is a joint venture of Mr Salman Sheikh and Mr Kashif Javed.
“This is a theme based restaurant. We wanted to come up with an eatery that would take you back to the golden age of Karachi and depicts typical Karachi’s social life so ‘Karachi Social’ seemed to be the perfect name for the place. We wanted to create an ambiance which exudes our own tradition and not some borrowed culture.” explains Mr. Salman, one of the owners of the restaurant.
“A person goes to a specific restaurant either because the food is very good or because the atmosphere is pleasant. So we have tried our best to give our customers a good blend of Italian and French cuisine in a comfortable environment,” elucidates Salman.
The exterior of the restaurant is outstanding. The window treatments are very interesting - giving the restaurant a distinctive character. The front of the restaurant evokes the feeling of a luxurious club and there is a lot to admire once you step inside the restaurant.
Well, its interior is minimalistic yet welcoming. It is the ‘retro’ look that suits the restaurant well. The walls, painted in soft hues, have been adorned by exotic pictures which are in sync with the theme of the restaurant. The restaurant has combination of wooden and marble floors. The statement wall on the upper floor and inclusion of red and yellow sofas has given a lively feel to the overall ambiance.
The building in which the eatery has been designed was previously a cafe with two levels. It’s interesting to note that the basic interior designing has been done by Salman. He designed this space with an organic look and with a synthesis of patterns and textures that dominates the interior. He has used a lot of wood for this project. Most of the furniture has been custom-designed for the restaurant and this makes a unique space where guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. The wooden tables are sleek and simple. The customized lighting fixtures are one of the most beautiful features that have been included in the design along with subtle lighting and intimate atmosphere. There is also a very nice balance of informal and formal spaces. “ I have worked around a wooden floor, dark wood and leather trimmings and blended them with 
lightly coloured walls adorned by various ‘retro’ paintings and frames to create a cosy, yet comfortable and rich atmosphere,” defines Salman. However, some of the original features have been preserved while designing and decorating the restaurant and they include the concrete features, the irregular lines and some of the recycled elements.
With a seating capacity of 160, and spacious lounge (upstairs) the restaurant is also an ideal place for get togethers and casual parties. At ‘Karachi Social’ you can enjoy all sorts of delicious dishes including Italian, French and sea food, with some very unusual presentations - it is definitely a unique experience. The signature dishes include Dynamite Prawns, Oven?Baked Pizzas, Chicken Strips, Hunter Beef Sliders, Cheesecake and Cookies. “We have maintained high standards as far as quality of food and hygiene is concerned. Our staff is courteous and well trained. We have 
seven professional chefs altogether and Kevin is our executive chef,” says Salman. “Right now we are open for dinner only but soon we will be introducing mouth-watering meals for breakfast and lunch as well. Not only that, in the near future we are planning to open our franchises in Lahore and Islamabad too,” adds Salman.
An eclectic fusion of European taste accentuated by a stylish interior make Karachi Social Lounge an ideal restaurant for those seeking a complete fine dining experience. The atmosphere is low key and informal, making it a go-to spot to relax and socialise with family and friends.
