Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city, is home to a variety of restaurants offering an authentic and diverse range of Desi cuisine. Whether you’re craving the comforting flavors of a traditional Pakistani breakfast, aromatic biryanis, or sizzling BBQ platters, Islamabad has it all. Here’s a guide to the best desi food restaurants in Islamabad, featuring some must-try spots where you can enjoy the rich and diverse tastes of Desi culinary heritage.
List of Best Desi Restaurants in Islamabad
Here are the best desi restaurats in Islamabad
| Name | Location | Must-Try Dishes | Ratings | Website | Contact | |||
| Chattha’s | F-10/2 (Tariq Market) | Halwa Puri Nashta, Daal Makhni | N/A | No Website | (051) 8444637 | |||
| Dilli Darwaza | F-8/1 | Nihari, Mughlai Dastarkhawan dishes | N/A | https://dillidarwaza.com/ | 0315 1587752 | |||
| Khoka Khola | Beverly Centre, Blue Area | Makhni Karahi, Chicken Cheese Naan | 4.2/5 | https://restaurant.khokakhola.com/ | (051) 8444929 | |||
| Des Pardes | Saidpur Village | Tikka Boti, Reshmi Seekh Kababs | 4.0/5 | No Website | (051) 2320009 | |||
| Melody Food Park | G-6 Markaz | Chicken Karahi, Bihari Kebabs | 4.0/5 | No Website | No Contact Number | |||
| Chikachino | F-11 Markaz | 12 varieties of Tea, Desi Snacks | 3.9/5 | No Website | 0300 7883325 | |||
| Bismillah Tikka | F-8/2 (Madina Market) | Seekh Kabab Karahi, Naans | 4.2/5 | No Website | (051) 2280302 | |||
| Tandoori Restaurant | F-10 & G-8 | Palak Paneer, BBQ | 4.3/5 | https://tandoorirestaurants.pk/ | (051) 2105566 | |||
| Hot and Chilli | F-10/3 | Roll Parathas (200+ flavors), Chilman Biryani | N/A | No Website | (051) 2100011 | |||
| Usmania Restaurant | Blue Area (G-6/2) | BBQ Platters, Soft Naans | 3.8/5 | No Website | (051) 2873245 | |||
| Salt’n Pepper | F-6 | Pakistani & Continental individual deals | N/A | http://www.saltnpepper.com.pk/ | (051) 2604911 | |||
| Haleem Ghar | Blue Area (G-7/2) | Haleem, Brain Masala, Chicken Tikka | 4.1/5 | https://www.haleemghar.com.pk/ | (051) 111 425 336 | |||
| Bar B.Q. Tonight | Blue Area (G-6/3) | BBQ Platters, Grilled Meats, Kebabs | 4.1/5 | https://islamabad.barbqtonight.com/ | (051) 8317132 | |||
| Savour Foods | Blue Area (G-7/2) | Murgh Pulao, Pulao Kabab, Chicken Roast | 4.4/5 | https://order.savourfoods.com.pk/ | (051) 2348097 | |||
| Khiva Revolving Restaurant | Bahria Town | Buffet with savory and sweet dishes | N/A | No Website | (051) 2650263 | |||
| Habibi Restaurant | I-8 Markaz | BBQ Platters, Karahi, Mutton Ribs | 4.1/5 | No Website | (051) 4448222 | |||
| Charsi Tikka | I-8 Markaz | BBQ, Tikka | N/A | No Website | 0333 5477717 | |||
| Chilman Restaurant | G-9 Markaz | Haandi, Biryani, Karahi | 4.1/5 | No Website | (051) 2284646 | |||
| Rewayat Restaurant | G-11 Markaz | BBQ Platters, Karahi, Chutney | N/A | http://rewayat.com.pk/ | (051) 111 227 000 | |||
1. Chattha’s
Location: F-10/2 (Tariq Market)
Chattha’s is perfect for anyone craving a hearty traditional breakfast. Known for its delicious Halwa Puri Nashta and Daal Makhni, this cozy spot serves authentic Pakistani breakfast and lunch options.
Webiste: No Website
Facebook: Chatta’s
Instagram: @chattasteacompany
2. Dilli Darwaza
Location: F-8/1
Dilli Darwaza – best restarant in Islamabad – transports you to the Mughal era with its rich Nihari and Mughlai dishes. The ambiance, adorned with Mughal portraits, enhances your experience of authentic Mughlai cuisine.
Website: https://dillidarwaza.com/
Facebook:Dilli Darwaza
Instagram: @dilli.darwaza
3. Khoka Khola
Location: Beverly Centre, Blue Area
Khoka Khola offers a vibrant dining experience with its nostalgic Bollywood music and tasty Pakistani street food, including Makhni Karahi and Chicken Cheese Naan, all served in a cozy setting.
Website: https://restaurant.khokakhola.com/
Menu: Beverly Menu
Facebook: Khoka Khola Cafe
Instagram: @khokakola_cafe
4. Des Pardes
Location: Saidpur Village
Nestled in Saidpur Village, Des Pardes offers a peaceful ambiance with stunning views of the Margallas, making it a great spot to enjoy traditional BBQ dishes like Tikka Boti and Reshmi Seekh Kababs.
5. Melody Food Park
Location: G-6 Markaz
Melody Food Park is a lively food street with over 20 eateries. From Chicken Karahi to Bihari Kebabs, it offers an excellent selection of flavorful and affordable Desi food in a casual environment.
6. Chikachino
Location: F-11 Markaz
For tea lovers, Chikachino serves 12 varieties of tea along with Desi snacks. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy a hot cup of chai, and savor snacks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Website: No website
Facebook: Chikachino
Instagram: @chikachino
7. Bismillah Tikka
Location: F-8/2 (Madina Market)
Bismillah Tikka specializes in Seekh Kabab Karahi and freshly baked Naans, offering a laid-back, open-air dining experience perfect for those craving flavorful grilled food.
Website: No Website
Facebook: Bismillah Tikka and Chargha House
Instagram: No Account Found
8. Tandoori Restaurant
Location: F-10 & G-8
Tandoori is famous for its comforting Palak Paneer and sizzling BBQ. With two locations in Islamabad, it’s perfect for family meals in a cozy setting, with rich traditional flavors.
Website: https://tandoorirestaurants.pk/
Menu: Desi Menu
Facebook: Tandoori Restaurant
Instagram: @tandoorirestaurant
9. Hot and Chilli
Location: F-10/3
Hot and Chilli offers a vast menu with over 200 flavors of Roll Parathas and Chilman Biryani. Its innovative take on traditional street food has made it a favorite for adventurous eaters.
Website: No Website
Facebook: Hot n Chilli
Instagram: No Account Found
10. Usmania Restaurant
Location: Blue Area (G-6/2)
A beloved spot for its tender BBQ platters and soft Naans, Usmania is a great choice for enjoying hearty Pakistani food in a casual and laid-back atmosphere.
Website: No Website
Facebook: Usmania Restaurant
Instagram: No Account Found
11. Salt’n Pepper
Location: F-6
Salt’n Pepper offers a fusion of Pakistani and continental dishes. Known for its great variety and delicious individual deals, it’s an excellent choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Website: http://www.saltnpepper.com.pk/
Menu: Desi Menu
Facebook: Salt’n Pepper
Instagram: @saltnpepperisb
12. Haleem Ghar
Location: Blue Area (G-7/2)
Specializing in rich Haleem and other traditional comfort foods, Haleem Ghar offers a homely dining experience with flavorful dishes like Brain Masala and Chicken Tikka.
Website: https://www.haleemghar.com.pk/
Menu: Desi Menu
Facebook: Haleem Ghar
Instagram: @haleemghar
13. Bar B.Q. Tonight
Location: Blue Area (G-6/3)
Bar B.Q. Tonight is a must-visit for BBQ enthusiasts, offering an extensive menu of grilled meats and Kebabs. The laid-back atmosphere and excellent service make it a popular dining destination.
Website: https://islamabad.barbqtonight.com/
Menu: Desi Menu
Facebook: Bar BQ Tonight
Instagram: @barbqtonight
14. Savour Foods
Location: Blue Area (G-7/2)
Famous for its Murgh Pulao and Pulao Kabab, Savour Foods is a popular budget-friendly restaurant that offers generous portions of traditional Pakistani food.
Website: https://order.savourfoods.com.pk/
Menu: Desi Menu
Facebook: Savour Foods Pakistan
Instagram: @savourfoodspk
15. Khiva Revolving Restaurant
Location: Bahria Town
Khiva offers a unique buffet-style experience in a revolving setting, allowing guests to enjoy a 360-degree view of Islamabad while savoring a selection of both savory and sweet dishes.
Website: No Website
Facebook: Khiva Revolving
Instagram: No Account Found
16. Habibi Restaurant
Location: I-8 Markaz
Habibi Restaurant is known for its generous BBQ platters and Karahi. With an inviting ambiance and delicious food, it’s perfect for enjoying hearty traditional meals with family or friends.
Website: No Website
Facebook: Habibi Restaurant
Instagram: @abouthabibi
17. Charsi Tikka
Location: I-8 Markaz
Famous for its succulent BBQ and Tikka, Charsi Tikka offers a rustic dining experience that’s perfect for those craving flavorful grilled meats in a relaxed setting.
Website: No Website
Facebook: Charsi Tikka
Instagram: @charsitikka
18. Chilman Restaurant
Location: G-9 Markaz
Chilman Restaurant specializes in Haandi and Karahi, offering a cozy ambiance and exceptional service. Their food is consistently flavorful, making it a great choice for family-style dining.
Website: No Website
Facebook: Chilamn Restaurant
Instagram: @chilman.pk
19. Rewayat Restaurant
Location: G-11 Markaz
Rewayat serves BBQ Platters, Karahi, and Chutney, offering a vibrant dining experience with traditional Desi decor and truck art, perfect for a flavorful Pakistani meal.
Website: http://rewayat.com.pk/
Menu: Desi Food
Facebook: Rewayat
Instagram: @rewayat.pk
Conclusion
Islamabad’s food scene is a paradise for Desi food lovers, offering a wide range of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. From traditional Mughlai delicacies to spicy BBQ platters and comforting Desi breakfasts, the city’s restaurants deliver an authentic experience of Pakistani flavors. Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot for a family meal, a vibrant street food experience, or a fine-dining destination, these best desi restaurants in Islamabad provide an exceptional culinary journey.
Next time you’re in the city, make sure to visit these spots and savor the true taste of Pakistan. Each restaurant offers its own unique charm, ensuring that your taste buds are treated to the best that Desi cuisine has to offer. So, gather your friends and family, and embark on a flavorful adventure through the heart of Islamabad’s Desi food scene!
