Besides beautiful natural terrains and modern architecture, Islamabad has a lot to offer for lovers of good food. When talking about real Pakistani food, one can have a colorful range of variety in eating experiences in the capital of the country. From barbecued steaks to rich, spicy curries, it boasts some of the best restaurants and eateries where the focus is on real food cooked with quality ingredients.
For either a resident or a visitor, exploring the places will make yearn for more. This blog will guide you through the best Pakistani food restaurants in Islamabad, to ensure the most sumptuous meal.
List of 10 Best Pakistani Food Restaurants in Islamabad
There are restaurants in Islamabad that serve Pakistani food at its best. The top 10 best Pakistani restaurants in the capital are listed below where you can sample desi cuisine or enjoy a modern twist on favorites.
- Ranchers
- Khyber Shinwari Restaurant
- 2nd Wife Restaurant
- Tandoori Restaurant
- Habibi Restaurant
- Khoka Khola
- La Terrazza
- Qishmisch Restaurant
- Texas Steakhouse
- Wild Thyme
1. Ranchers
Ranchers Cafe has quickly gained popularity among the people of Islamabad as well as in Pakistan and is now well-known for its delicious “Cowboy Burgers” and scrumptious pizzas.
Specializing in succulent burgers accompanied by crunchy toppings, this restaurant may be best suited for casual meals or even business lunches due to the portion size and reasonable rates.
Due to the vast list of meals that are offered at reasonable prices and accompanied by friendly employees, quality food is guaranteed and has been expressly delivered in the United States.
From chicken burgers to other specials, Ranchers never fails to delight the palate of the consumer in every meal they are served.
| Cuisine | Fast Food |
| Service Options | Delivery, Dine-In, Takeaway |
| Timing | 11 am-12 am |
2. Khyber Shinwari Restaurant
Khyber Shinwari Restaurant is one of the famous restaurants for those who want to taste Pakistani food, especially Chicken Shinwari Karahi.
The restaurant and its decoration are thematically set to replicate the Khyber Pass and therefore provide the appropriate dining ambiance for patrons to complement the local dishes.
This is a perfect place for groups as it is air-conditioned with free Wi-Fi services to enhance the experience. Pleasing customers with delicious BBQ, Afghani & Desi foods at moderate prices, Khyber Shinwari Restaurant offers the true taste of Pakistan.
| Cuisine | Desi, Cultural Food |
| Service Options | Dine-In, Outdoor Seating, Delivery |
| Timing | 12 pm -12 am |
3. 2nd Wife Restaurant
2nd Wife Restaurant is famous for offering great Pakistani food with some of its popular dishes including the juicy spicy Biryani and the rich Butter Chicken.
The atmosphere is quite inviting, the service is very helpful and attentive, and the cleanliness is impeccable which makes the restaurant ideal for any usual or celebration dine-out.
Regardless of whether you are craving a Grilled Chicken Burger, Alfredo Pasta, or their signature dish the Mint Margarita, the food at 2nd Wife Restaurant is guaranteed to be prepared with the freshest ingredients and will leave the diners more than satiated.
| Cuisine | Desi, Fast Food |
| Service Options | Delivery, Dine-In, Takeaway |
| Timing | 11 am-12 am |
4. Tandoori Restaurant
Tandoori Restaurant is in sectors G-8 & F-10 of Islamabad and is among the best places for Pakistani food. This restaurant includes passionately delicious Karahis, tender barbeque items, and exotic curries and dishes fit for different palates.
The environment is quite relaxing and offers indoor and patio accommodations as well as rooftop dining for a comfortable palate. The service is prompt, such that when you order your meal, it will be served to you in the shortest time. It does get quite busy and often during dinner times, therefore it is advised to book a table in advance.
Matka Biryani and BarBQ are popular desi food options at Tandoori that should not be missed out. Pakistani food quality and portion sizes are great, making the restaurant ideal for those who want to enjoy the authentic taste of Pakistani cuisine.
| Cuisine | Chinese, Desi |
| Service Options | Dine-in, Dine out, Takeaway |
| Timings | 12 pm – 12 am |
5. Habibi Restaurant
Habibi Restaurant is a restaurant situated in I-8 & F-8 Markaz of Islamabad Pakistan that serves traditional desi foods. Famous for its tasty cuisine, especially the preparation of mutton dishes and the Chapli Kababs which are splendid to taste and aromatic, it provides the traditional restaurant atmosphere that others don’t.
This is the type of restaurant that has a pleasant atmosphere in which to enjoy a meal without added pressure, and the BBQ dishes are addictive.
Despite the parking problem in the vicinity of the restaurant, Habibi Restaurant offers excellent quality food and comparatively moderate prices for Pakistani cuisine enthusiasts.
| Cuisine | Desi |
| Service Options | Dine-in, Dine out, Takeaway |
| Timings | 11 am – 12 am |
6. Khoka Khola
Khoka Khola is a modern Pakistani restaurant in Islamabad that serves Pakistani street food with a modern twist. The restaurant has a very lively atmosphere, which attracts both youth and families with children.
The food menu is exotic and offers a spicy selection of amusing chaats, bun kebabs, and parathas, styled and served with a contemporary twist.
Some of the delicious street foods with a stylish theme make Khoka Khola a favorite spot for those who are interested in having a good time in the capital.
| Cuisine | Pakistani street food, Desi |
| Service Options | Dine-in, Takeaway |
| Timings | 9 am – 12 am |
7. La Terrazza
La Terrazza is situated on the top floor of Centaurus Mall; visitors can not only fabulous vistas of Islamabad but also taste delicious Italian and Mediterranean cuisines.
Customers can find delicious gourmet pizza as well as fresh salads, and tasty and rich main dishes made from fresh ingredients.
With an elegant dining environment and impressive view, La Terrazza is particularly ideal for special events and occasions to be remembered.
| Meals | Lunch, Dinner, Buffet |
| Service Options | Rooftop, Takeaway |
| Timings | Monday to Friday: 11:30 am – 11 pm Saturday & Sunday: 11:30 am – 12 am |
8. Qishmisch Restaurant
Qishmisch restaurant is one of the most famous restaurants in Islamabad, and it offers delightful Kashmiri and Pakistani dishes. It offers an extensive and flavourful authentic menu including signature recipes like Rogan Josh, Yakhni, and a range of kebabs.
With good music and lighting, and delicious food, Qishmisch is perfect for those seeking to enjoy traditional Kashmiri food in a relaxed setting.
| Meals | Lunch, Dinner, Hi-Tea |
| Service Options | In-door seating, Takeaway |
| Cuisine | Desi Pakistani, Chinese |
9. Texas Steakhouse
Texas Steakhouse is therefore the perfect place to go for all those with a craving for meat in Islamabad. The restaurant offers steaks, burgers, and Tex-Mex food in the American thematic interiors of a restaurant with a restrained level of unwinding.
The portion sizes are large and the ingredients are cooked to produce distinct flavors, which makes the dish specific to individuals who appreciate a heavy and filling meal.
When it comes to choice cuts like a great steak or something as simple as a fajita, nothing comes closer to the real American South than Texas Steakhouse.
| Timings | 12 pm – 11:30 pm |
| Service Options | In-door, and outdoor seating, Reservations |
| Meals | Lunch, Dinner |
10. Wild Thyme
Wild Thyme is one of the restaurants in Islamabad that serves Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Asian fused cuisine. The menu is quite colorful, and the food covers a broad range, using fresh ingredients in their preparations.
The food and style of preparation make this restaurant one of the best places for someone who would like to taste different foods from different parts of the world without having to move from one table to another.
It may especially suit the customers seeking a wild taste and experimental meals, as well as the fans of the modern mainstream cuisines.
| Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks |
| Service Option | Reservations, Dine- In Street Parking, |
| Timing | 1 pm to 10 pm |
Conclusion
The food markets in Islamabad are vibrant because they represent a blend of the old culture and the new craze. The above eateries are perfect illustrations that conventional Pakistani food is alive and growing in the capital. Whether one is in the mood for proper home cooking or trendy dishes with a twist, one can find something to suit his/her taste in most of these places. Therefore, the next time you find yourself in Islamabad, do not miss out on an excellent opportunity to relish a culinary marvel that personifies Pakistan.
