If you’re searching for the best desi restaurants in Islamabad, you’re in for a treat! Pakistan is a country known for its rich and diverse culinary traditions, where vibrant spices create unforgettable flavors and irresistible aromas. Our love for food is deeply ingrained in our culture, and cooking is a source of immense joy for us. Whether it’s sharing recipes, gathering for meals, or treating others to delicious dishes, food is our way of celebrating, no matter how small the occasion.
Top 10 Best Desi Restaurants in Islamabad
Islamabad, our vibrant capital, is not only known for its beautiful scenery and rich culture but also for its incredible food scene. If you’re a fan of Pakistani cuisine, you’re in for a real treat! The city is brimming with desi restaurants that serve up an array of traditional dishes sure to excite your taste buds.
With a wide variety of local eateries offering everything from rich curries to smoky kebabs, Islamabad is a food lover’s paradise. In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through the top 10 desi restaurants that you absolutely must visit. Prepare yourself for a delicious adventure through the authentic flavors of Pakistan. You might want to grab a snack before reading on—this is going to make you hungry!
List of Top 10 Desi Restaurants in Islamabad
- Chattha’s
- Tandoori
- Habibi Restaurant
- Dilli Darwaza
- Khoka Khola
- Savour Foods
- Bismillah Tikka and Chargha
- Khyber Dodai
- Des Pardes, Saidpur Village
- Haleem Ghar
1- Chattha’s
Chattha’s is on no 1 on the list of 10 best Desi restaurants in Islamabad, hidden in the corner of F-10/2 Islamabad’s Tariq Market, Chattha’s is a well-loved spot for desi food lovers. If you’re in the mood for delicious Pakistani dishes like halwa puri nashta, daal makhni, or palak paneer, this is the place to visit.
Chattha’s is famous among locals for its tasty desi dishes, made with just the right amount of desi ghee. The restaurant starts the day with hot Lahori nashtas but doesn’t stop there—whether it’s nihari, a flavorful thali, or a tasty karahi, their menu is packed with flavor.
If you ever find yourself craving a warm breakfast on a rainy morning, Chattha’s is the perfect spot. Plus, it won’t break the bank, as it’s quite affordable. Their passion for food is clear in every dish they serve.
Location: Plaza 1 N, Street 14, Tariq Market, F-10/2, Islamabad.
Facebook page: Chatta’s
2- Tandoori
Tandoori is a restaurant that blends tradition with nostalgia. It has two branches in Islamabad—one in F-10 and the other in G-8. The restaurant is famous for its welcoming service, clean environment, and delicious desi (local) food.
The interior of Tandoori has a traditional, old-style look, and they serve some of the best Pakistani dishes in the city. People especially love their tasty mutton and chicken dishes, paired with fresh rotis. Their barbecue items are also a big hit among desi food fans.
Tandoori’s menu is inspired by the flavors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with specialties like Palak Paneer, Mutton Karahi, and Chicken Karahi. While they do offer some continental dishes, their real strength lies in desi food. If you want to enjoy real desi flavors, Tandoori is the place to be.
Location: Khursheed Market, Street 30, F-10/1, Islamabad
Facebook page: Tandoori
3- Habibi Restaurant
If you want to enjoy a mix of Pakistani and Arabian culture without leaving Islamabad, you should visit Habibi restaurant. The atmosphere and décor give you a true Arabian vibe.
Habibi is famous for its big, tasty BBQ platters and karahis. The food is served hot with just the right amount of spices. The best part? These large BBQ dishes are very affordable. A meal will cost you around Rs. 500 on average.
Location: I-8 Markaz, Executive Center, Islamabad
Facebook page: Habibi Restaurant
4- Dilli Darwaza
Dilli Darwaza is on no 4 on the list of 10 best Desi restaurants in Islamabad, located in F-8/1, Islamabad, is a restaurant inspired by the Mughal era. It serves traditional Mughal dishes, especially nihari, which was once enjoyed on royal feasts.
The restaurant is decorated with pictures of Mughal emperors and palaces, creating a historical vibe. It’s a popular place in Islamabad, always filled with people who come back for their delicious nihari, served in a cozy and friendly setting.
As soon as you step inside, the strong smell of spices fills the air, making it hard not to want more. Nihari is their most famous dish, especially loved as a breakfast option all year round.
Dilli Darwaza is open throughout the week, and it gets even busier on weekends. If you’re in the area and craving a delicious Mughal-inspired meal, Dilli Darwaza is the place to go.
Location: Plot no. 8, Street 33, F-8/1, Allah Wali Market, Islamabad
Facebook page: Dilli Darwaza
5- Khoka Khola
Khoka Khola is a cozy spot located in the basement of the Beverly Centre, where you can enjoy a modern twist on the traditional roadside “khokha” experience. As soon as you walk in, you’ll hear classic Bollywood music from the 1960s and 1970s playing softly, adding to the warm and comfortable atmosphere.
This restaurant brings back the charm of old Pakistani street food. If you’re wondering what to order, try their Makhni Karahi, Biryani, Papri Chaat, or Chicken Cheese Naan – which is filled with delicious melted cheese.
Khoka Khola offers a variety of flavorful desi dishes, and they focus on giving their customers a homely, enjoyable experience. The prices are affordable, and the service is great, making it a perfect spot for a tasty desi meal.
Location: Beverly Centre, Jinnah Ave, F 6/1 Blue Area, Islamabad
Facebook page: Khoka Khola
6- Savour Foods
Looking for tasty and filling meals that won’t cost too much? Check out Savour Foods its on no 6 on the list of 10 best Desi restaurants in Islamabad,! It’s so popular in the twin cities that people often call it the national food of Pakistan.
Savour Foods is well-known for its Murgh Pulao, along with delicious burgers and ice creams. Their Pulao Kabab has a special taste that many people love. The portions are large, and they even give you free refills of rice, so you’ll always leave full.
Next time you want a great meal on a budget, visit Savour Foods!
Location: Fortune Plaza, 72 E Jinnah Ave, G 7/2 Blue Area, Islamabad
Facebook page: Savour Foods
7- Bismillah Tikka and Chargha
If there were an award for the best food, Bismillah Tikka and Chargha would definitely win for its delicious seekh kabab karahi. This restaurant is located in a small market in F-8 and is popular not only with local residents and shopkeepers but also with students from four nearby universities.
If you love traditional desi food, you might even enjoy sitting on the floor to eat (although they do have chairs). As soon as you walk in, the tasty smell of the food will make your mouth water, and you’ll be happy to see how clean the restaurant is. The kitchen is open, so you can see how they prepare the food.
Location: Madina Market, Block 5, Street 21, F-8/2, Islamabad
Facebook page: Bismillah Tikka and Chargha
8- Khyber Dodai
Khyber Dodai brings the tasty dishes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the city. If you enjoy trying new foods, you should definitely visit! It’s located on the third floor, with a rooftop on the fourth floor above Shaheen Cosmetics in Super Market. Don’t worry; the climb is worth it!
When you walk in, you’ll see a colorful model of a truck that shows the effort it takes to reach this hidden spot. The restaurant feels traditional and welcoming, perfect for anyone missing the home-cooked meals from the north.
The food at Khyber Dodai tastes like something you would make at home. Even though it’s a new place, it has quickly become popular with locals and visitors who prefer milder Pakistani dishes.
The restaurant looks like a cozy Pakhtun family dining room, with large windows and beautiful ethnic blinds, plus relaxing rubab music in the background.
You can enjoy various tikkas, karahis, and special dishes like Kublai pulao and chapli kebab. Khyber Dodai does a great job of serving delicious Peshawari food.
Location: Super Market, School Rd, F-6 Markaz
Facebook page: Khyber Dodai
9- Des Pardes, Saidpur Village
Des Pardes is on no 9 on the list of 10 best Desi restaurants in Islamabad, it is located in the charming Saidpur village, right at the foot of the Margalla Hills. This restaurant not only serves tasty food but also offers a calm and peaceful setting, making it a great place to relax away from the busy city.
Saidpur village is a favorite spot for tourists, attracting both local people and visitors all day long. After exploring the area, it’s nice to unwind in a cozy restaurant.
The menu at Des Pardes includes many delicious dishes, with favorites like Tikka Boti and Reshmi Seekh Kababs. They also offer popular dishes from Peshawar, such as Dumpukht and Namkeen Lamb Karahi.
Besides the good food, the restaurant provides beautiful views of the nearby village, which has a lot of history. Although it is the most expensive restaurant on this list, you will find that every penny spent here is worth it for the wonderful experience.
Location: Saidpur Rd, Saidpur, Islamabad
Facebook page: Des Pardes,Saidpur Village
10- Haleem Ghar
At Haleem Ghar, you can enjoy hot and tasty haleem topped with fried onions, lots of chilies, fresh coriander, lemon, and spices—it’s delicious! This restaurant is my favorite spot for haleem, and they offer many other desi dishes too.
You should also try their special falooda. It’s really amazing! You can add your favorite ice cream, jellies, nuts, sprinkles, and sauces to make it even better. And guess what? It only costs Rs. 200!
Location: Ginza Center, Ground Floor, Jinnah Ave, G 7/2 Blue Area, Islamabad.
Facebook page: Haleem Ghar
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