Amidst the many metropolises of Pakistan, Karachi is the proven numero uno in offering the best of culinary delights from all across the globe. There’s always one restaurant or the other mushrooming up somewhere in the city of 20 million, making it the friendliest city for any type of budget or cuisine. However, not all restaurants are made equal – a thing that we learned in a gladly-gluttonous way with the launch of Joy’s and Mario’s Pizzeria last weekend.

Nestled at Nishat Commercial – which has quickly become the most-desired locale for new restaurants in DHA, the two restaurants share the same space but are seamlessly divided by the branding that helps the customer have two unique experiences. One is Joy’s, which is completely based on bringing that Americana factor needed in a burger joint, while the other, Mario’s Pizzeria, retains that classic global concept of a pizza place replete with the stereotypical-but-necessary Italian Red, White & Green.

Spearheaded by the ever-experimental restauranteur Aman Virji, who in the past has introduced Karachi to two of its finest dining spaces, Forty4 and The Verge, these two new joints are in complete contrast to his previous higher-end restaurants. Leaning more towards the ‘bang for a buck’ concept, both Joy’s and Mario’s Pizzeria are truly what one would want from restaurateurs in light of the steep cost of living the country is currently being subjected to.

Nothing at either Joy’s or Mario’s Pizzeria goes above the PKR 1000 mark, making anyone accustomed to the pricing at Karachi restaurants wonder if they’re truly dreaming – especially when every other place in the vicinity only seems to be climbing up the inflation ladder at high speed. Now, one wonders whether it is a strong strategy on Virji’s part to keep the pricing at nominal rates to attract consumers only to increase it later or is this truly him ushering in a new era of market-friendly fast-food rates that won’t break your bank.

On to the gastronomical side of things, both restaurants are a notch above your standard fare of menu items despite them being fast food concepts.

At Joy’s, expect a list of burgers that range from ‘Saucy’ to ‘Classic’ in offerings that include Beef Bacon Cheddar and the Chilli Chicken Classics, along with Saucy options like Beef Mushroom Madness and Chipotle Chicken. The offering of more than 11 burgers is also complemented by a spectacular array of sides – which were completely our favourites at the launch. The list of sides includes four types of different fries (loaded and plain), chicken bites served with an array of sauces – the best being the onion jam – the jalapeno poppers, and corn nuggets. We kid you not when we claim these sides to be as good as the burgers themselves – or maybe even better.

On the other side, quite literally, Mario’s Pizzeria does not go that ultra-extra mile with sides. The menu offers seven different pizza options such as the classic Margherita, veggie, pepperoni mushroom, smoked chicken, garlic chicken, smoked sausage and the experimental chicken alfredo, all done up in a standard large size. While all the options were available to try at the launch event, we chose to go for the most popular offering of pepperoni and garlic chicken pizzas, which truly can give their big competitors a run for their money – especially when it comes to the price factor. We’re looking at you, Famous O’s!

All in all, the menu seems true to what both the fast-food joints aim to do, and does not feel disjointed in any way. We, for one, are glad that the experiments are kept to a low and the idea of offering Karachiites what they love the most, takes centre stage. What we do feel is missing, however, are the desserts. We’re unsure if it’s just us or if everyone feels the same way, but a restaurant not having even one option of dessert seems unfair. Perhaps even a classic soft-serve could do wonders for the overall experience to be a complete ten on ten.

Having said that, amidst the plethora of places serving fast food in Karachi, it is fortunate that places like Joy’s and Mario’s Pizzeria have popped up for those looking for something pocket-friendly and delicious at the same time. Clean, crisp and to the point, the two have definite potential to become Pakistan’s up and coming new chain of restaurants, which any city would be lucky to have at their malls or shopping districts.

Ultimately, all we can say is that we hope Joy’s and Mario’s Pizzeria stay this way and we continue to see them grow into their actual potential in the Pakistani market.

Food: 4.5/5

Value for Money: 5/5

Ambiance: 4/5