Studio Cafe

Plot 32 D/1, Khayaban-e-Shahbaz
Phase 6, D.H.A.
Karachi, Pakistan.
Tel: (92-21) 3524-3458, 3524-3459

Cuisine: Cafe, Snacks, Western, Shisha

Ratings (Out of 10):

Ambiance: 6
Food: 6
Service: 6
Value for Money: 5
Overall: 5.75

Cost: Rs. ~1200/- for 2 people (Nachos, Shisha and Beverages)

Review:

(Disclaimer: I am writing the review much later than the actual visit and we only tried one dish)

Studio Cafe was a spur of the moment visit. We heard that it had recently opened and the concept seemed interesting so we decided to check it out. This place is basically a cafe, shisha bar and photography studio all rolled into one. I am not sure how the latter fits in but it is definitely a new concept. I'm sure an innovative proprietor could make it work.

Located conveniently on the head on the Shahbaz strip, it got a very attractive and lively exterior. The interior went well with the outside, with a hip and jazzy decor. The basement was more of what you would expect from a photography studio but I think more could have been done to integrate the two into the all-in-one concept. The upper level seemed designed to be a comfy space for people to kick back with shisha and snacks. Overall I thought it was a near miss. The electric experience that I was expecting turned out to be not more than a small buzz.

The service overall was okay. We were made to wait for our table of choice upstairs even though it was available. We placed on the entrance level which was where all the families were seated (by the way this place is families only after 7PM, I strongly oppose this) for quite a while before we were showed upstairs. Food wasn't served speedily but wasn't too slow either.

Overall, I suppose that this review will not give you a complete picture of what studio cafe has to offer because we didn't try any of the meals or desserts; but it does point to the fact that the complete package was lacking the punch, which led us to leave the place unsatisfied and Rs.1200/- poorer. In general, I am a fan of concept establishments and I do hope that you will try the place out and post your comments. I hope they amend their strategy; gearing the place and prices completely towards young people (and the young at heart sans crying babies). They have a lot of potential and I hope to see it realized soon.

Reviewer: Huzefa Lotia (hzl@khaopiyo.com)


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