Pakistani cuisine is indeed a confluence of cuisines. Fundamentally akin to North Indian cuisine but with influences from Afghanistan, Persia, Turkey and the Middle East, it offers a rich fare to a visitor to Islamabad.
Food bazaars offer an economical variety of traditional and continental dishes at one place!
When you have gone Shopping in Islamabad until your feet and legs hurt, our Islamabad Restaurants guide below will tell you all you need to know to find the best places to dine or eat at. Relax and experience our exotic Pakistani food. For more general information about cuisine, take a look at our Pakistan Restaurants Guide.
Islamabad Restaurant Guide
You can take your pick from a wide array of breads - baked (roti or chapatti and nan) or deep-fried (puri). Curry can be meat or lentils, and the vegetables include cabbage, spinach and peas. Rice is available in various forms and for those with a sweet tooth there is halwa and the Hunza pie made famous by the Flower Children.
Street snacks have spawned a subculture in the food habits of the people of Islamabad who can be seen chatting with each other at their favourite road-side eatery. Popular snacks are samosas and spicy barbecued meat tikkas, available in beef, mutton and chicken. Also available are a variety of desserts, both hot and cold. Barfi, a solid sweetmeat delicacy, is available in many flavours.
Import of alcohol is not allowed in Pakistan which is officially alcohol-free. However, locally brewed whisky, beer and even imported alcoholic brewages can be consumed in bars and hotels what have special permission to serve alcohol.
Restaurants List
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut was opened in Islamabad in 2002. Located in Junnah Super Market, you would always find it crowded with pizza lovers.
Italian
Jinnah Super Market, Markaz F-7, Islamabad
12:00
Arizona Grill
Arizona Grill is one of most popular restaurants of Islamabad. It is well known because of its pleasing decor and good service. It serves continental dishes as well as grills. Mexican and Italian food are the specialty. Prices are above average.
Steakhouse - Mexican and Italian
Laila Market, Markaz F-7, Islamabad
+92 51 2650792
11:00
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)
The popcorn chicken is very good. They are bite sized morsels of tender chicken with a crispy crust!
Fast Food
Super Market , Markaz F-6, Islamabad
+92 51 2877870
12:00
China Town
China town is one of the best Chinese restaurants in Islamabad. Their food is very good, and probably offers the best Chinese cuisine in Islamabad.
Chinese/Dim Sum
Rana Market, Sector F-7/2, Islamabad
12:00
Subway
Subway is the largest submarine sandwich chain in the world with more than 17,500 restaurants located in 71 countries. Subway has its presence in Pakistan too. Their islamabad outlet is located in Blue Area. They offer hot sandwich with bar-b-que chicken filling ,salads, cheese, olives and sauces.
Fast Food
Shop 3 & 4, 64 West Masco Plaza, Blue Area, Islamabad.
+92 - 51- 2877248
11:00
Hot Spot
The best ice cream parlour in Islamabad is none other than Hot Spot. Flavours range from the classic vanilla and chocolate ice creams, to dark chocolate chips, Oreo cookies and other candy bar combinations. There is also a range of waffles, pancakes, chocolate chip cookies, and other delicacies to try out. Their coffee and chocolate brownies are great.
Ice Cream
Gol Market, Sector F-7/3, Islamabad
12:00
Bolan Saltish
Offers a wide variety of local Pakistani dishes.
Pakistani
5 Benezir Plaza, Jinnah Avenue, 72 Blue Area, Islamabad
(92-51) 2877878
11:00
Jahangir Balti & Bar B Q
Jahangir's is one of the most popular desi restaurants chain, situated in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Jahangir started its business with a single restaurant in Saddar, Rawalpindi. So treat yourself to delicious local food and enjoy the cuisine of Islamabad.
Local
64-E, Masco Plaza, Main Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area, Islamabad
(92 51) 2270963-2270554-2271367
10:00
Melody Food Park
Melody Food Park is a great addition to Islamabad, and hundreds of people come here to enjoy food. If you are looking for budget restaurants in Islamabad then you must go to Melody Food Park where there are around 25-30 different restaurants serving food dishes of your choice.
Pakistani
Melody Food Park, Near Aabpara, Islamabad
12:00
to to 01:00
Kitchen Cuisine
Kitchen Cuisine is a famous name in Islamabad for cakes and other bakery products. Food here is expensive but simply fresh and delicious! They have recently also opened a mini restaurant offering hi-tea and light snacks.
Bakery
H # 18, School Road, Sector F-7/4, Islamabad
(92-51) 2826927, 2274941
10:00
Pappasallis
Pappasallis is Islamabad's oldest but most popular Italian restaurant. If you want to enjoy real Italian food and also want to party then Pappasallis is the place for you. Move around on the dance floor and then take a break to enjoy some delicious food.
Italian
Shop # 13-E, Jinnah Super Market, Islamabad
(92-51) 2650550
12:00
to to 02:00
Sogo 2000
Sogo 2000 is one of Islamabad's most popular Ice Cream Parlours. It offers a great variety of ice creams of your choice. Some special exclusive ice creams are also available. Light snacks, sandwiches, burgers and cocktails are also served. It is a nice place to hang out with friends.
Ice Cream
Sogo 2000, Near Paktel office, Blue Area, Islamabad
10:00
Diva
Diva derived from ancient word which means Goddess. It is located in Rawalpindi Jinnah Park, one of the most famous restaurant.
Diva Lounge is surrounded by fountains, offering a stunning view of landscape. It provides a wide variety of Pakistani dishes,wings, soups,stakes e.t.c. One of the famous dish for vegetarian lover is Diva Hyderabadi.
Meet the team from Travel Walji's - we are your local connection in Islamabad! We have been assisting tourists travelling to Pakistan since 1965. We believe sustainable tourism starts with our own actions, and we strive to run our businesses with this in mind at all times. We are proud of our beautiful country and are here to help you plan any kind of holiday you desire... and experience the real Pakistani culture in the process!
