Loaction: 46-C, Lane 1, Bukhari Commercial, Phase VI, D.H.A.
Estimated cost for 2: Rs 2000 to 3000 approx.

At one point, the eatery’s deep-dish pizza specialty was all any foodie would talk about on social media. Videos of their Chicago-style pizza loaded with cheese and how it was expertly lifted from its tray made rounds on the internet. So, when I ventured into Sobremesa on a noon, their pizza was all I could think about. But more surprises were in store for me. It is impossible not to be captivated by its ‘very happening’ ambience, as you walk into the restaurant. The dimly lit atmosphere, textured ceiling, structured frames, walls decked in art and mosaic floor charge the place with energy, even in stillness. The eatery sprouted up in mid-2016 with a promise of pure Spanish cuisine but very soon, Sobremesa had to shift its paradigms by changing its menu to cater to Karachiites’ taste buds that barely like experimental food. The eatery, albeit being spacious, does give off a cluttered vibe. My friend and I seated ourselves on sleek black table and sifted through their extensive menu. For an eatery, which had early endeavours to keep the menu strictly Spanish, sure has a lot to offer now in the form of Korean bowls, fish specials, pasta, pizza and green bowls etc. Feeling experimental, we asked our server to navigate through the menu and pick the best. For starters we settled for Katafi Turkish Prawns, figuring it will be enough for two. After over 15 minutes of waiting and polite inquiries about the food, we were finally served. Assembled over a long smear of muhammara dip, were five big pieces of katafi karides which are basically Turkish prawns coated in white crunchy filo pastry pieces. Hungry as charged, we forked into the pieces only to be disappointed at first bite. The crunchy pastries where all we could taste, while the white prawns lacked any flavour. The white flesh appeared to have been steamed raw and not even the yummy dip could revive its taste. At this point we were very sceptic about the rest of our order. After another prolonged round of waiting, the rest of the order finally arrived. The steaming Butterfly Snapper was an elaborately decorated fish (with the mouth and tail intact!) with red sauce swathed all over and side-lines of grandly roasted rounds of eggplants and capsicums. It was a lot to take in and we weren’t sure how to start. After dishing a slice of saucy flesh on our plates and few morsel, we were unanimously convinced that it was the best fish dish we had tried in a while. Not only was the fish flavoured to perfection, but the tomato sauce that it came swathed in delivered a punch of flavours. I found that the fish was good to be eaten alone, while paired with the side-line of rice or roasted eggplants, the overall flavour missed the mark. We were so engrossed in our fish that we completely forgot about our Chicago Fire deep-dish pizza (which had arrived much later). In an elaborate fashion the server pulled out slices of pizza which made our mouths water. Every bite of it was cheese madness! The spicy chicken paired with crunches of capsicum and creamy chipotle made for tasty pizza filling. It was so heavy that neither of us could manage more than a single slice. Or a dessert round for the matter!

TASTE 4 Stars

In spite of the disappointing starters, the main courses won us over. We went there for the deep-dish pizza, but the Butterfly Snapper became an unexpected highlight.

AMBIENCE 4 Stars

Artsy, quirky and chic. Though at some point, the eatery may appear to be a clutter of art, but still pleasing to the eye. We wish it could be a bit more well-lit.

SERVICE 2.5 Stars

The staff was courteous and helpful, but it was the delay in serving that was off-putting. Both main courses were served several minutes apart.

PRESENTATION 4 Stars

Special mentions to the beautifully decorated Butterfly Snapper!

VALUE FOR MONEY 3 Stars

Qualifying for an upscale eatery, the prices are kept elevated. But for an extensive menu served in a nice ambience, you may just think it’s worth the splurge.