Fort Road Food Street
Basic Information
Fort Road Food Street
A major revitalization and beautification project was officially completed on December 23, 2025, in collaboration with the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA). The street has been refreshed with new colors, restored building facades, and upgraded street lighting.
Basic Information
Location: Fort Road, Taxali Gate, Walled City (adjacent to Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort).
Managed By: Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA).
Vibe: Pedestrian-only zone, upscale heritage dining, rooftop views, and traditional architecture.
Status: Fully Operational. The street is now more vibrant than ever following the late 2025 renovation.
🍽️ Top Restaurants for Tourists
These spots are selected for their combination of authentic taste and “Instagrammable” rooftop views:
Haveli Restaurant: Famous for its stunning direct views of the Badshahi Mosque and high-quality BBQ.
Cooco’s Den: The pioneer of the street, set in a historic haveli filled with antiques and art. Known for its traditional Mutton Karahi.
Andaaz Restaurant: Offers a more refined, quiet dining experience with premium traditional flavors.
Riwaj: A great spot for those wanting a mix of traditional platters and a slightly more modern seating arrangement.
Fort View Restaurant: As the name suggests, it offers one of the best angles for viewing the illuminated Lahore Fort.
🏙️ Info for CityHub92 Visitors
Accessibility: The street is a “No-Vehicle Zone.” You can park at the designated parking plaza near the Fort or take a colorful Rickshaw/Rangeela Rickshaw to the entrance.
Safety: Highly secure for international tourists and families, with 24/7 presence of the Walled City Police.
Pricing: Expect higher prices compared to other food streets (Lakshmi or Gawalmandi); you are paying for the premium heritage ambiance and the view.
Pro Tip: Most restaurants offer elevator access, but the stairs in older havelis can be very steep. Ask for elevator assistance if needed.
🎨 Cultural Significance
History: The area was once part of the “Shahi Mohallah” (Royal Neighborhood). In 2012, it was converted into a food street to preserve the architectural heritage of the 20+ havelis lining the path.
Architecture: The buildings feature intricate wood-carved Jharokas (balconies), handcrafted doors, and sun-dried Nanak Shahi bricks from the Mughal and British eras.
The “History By Night” Tour: The street serves as the starting or ending point for the WCLA’s famous night tour, which includes live flute players, traditional dancers, and storytelling.
Cultural Significance
History: The area was once part of the “Shahi Mohallah” (Royal Neighborhood). In 2012, it was converted into a food street to preserve the architectural heritage of the 20+ havelis lining the path.
Architecture: The buildings feature intricate wood-carved Jharokas (balconies), handcrafted doors, and sun-dried Nanak Shahi bricks from the Mughal and British eras.
The “History By Night” Tour: The street serves as the starting or ending point for the WCLA’s famous night tour, which includes live flute players, traditional dancers, and storytelling.
Address Details
Attributes
The history of Fort Road Food Street is a story of transformation—moving from a neglected corner of the Walled City to one of the world’s most beautiful dining destinations.
The Mughal & Sikh Era Origins: The street is situated in the Taxali Gate area, which dates back over 500 years. Originally, these tall, narrow buildings (Havelis) housed the elite and the artisans of the Shahi Mohallah (Royal Neighborhood). The architecture features signature Mughal-style Nanak Shahi bricks and intricate wooden Jharokas (overhanging balconies) designed to provide views of the Badshahi Mosque.
The Artistic Pioneer (1990s): Before it was an official "Food Street," the area was largely residential. In the 1990s, renowned artist and restaurateur Iqbal Hussain opened Cooco’s Den. He restored a crumbling haveli and filled it with artifacts, proving that the area’s rich history could be a backdrop for world-class dining. This sparked the "Rooftop Revolution" in Lahore.
Official Designation (2012): Recognizing the potential for tourism, the Government of Punjab and the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) officially inaugurated the Fort Road Food Street in February 2012. They pedestrianized the road, uniform-painted the facades, and installed heritage-style street lighting to create a safe, organized environment for families and tourists.
Modern Revitalization (2025): The street underwent a significant "Heritage Facelift" in late 2025. This project updated the infrastructure, restored weather-worn woodwork on the balconies, and integrated modern digital maps and guides for international visitors under the CityHub initiative, ensuring the ancient charm remains intact for the modern traveler.
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