Top 8 Best Desi Restaurants in Islamabad

Following is the list of the top 8 desi restaurants in Islamabad.

1. Monal Desi Restaurant Islamabad

The Monal Restaurant in Islamabad, Pakistan is a top choice for foodies. Monal is a popular restaurant in the Margalla Hills, and for a good reason: it serves delicious traditional Pakistani food in a beautiful setting. The restaurant provides a variety of foods, including biryani, kebabs, and curries, and has an outdoor seating area with glimpses of the city and the surrounding hills. Monal serves both lunch and dinner, making it a go-to destination for both locals and tourists. It’s also lovely for a couple to have a meal while admiring nature.

The most striking feature of Monal Restaurant is its ideal location. It is surrounded by green lush jungles of Margalla Hills, which happens to be a National Park. In the quest of a desi restaurant in Islamabad, Monal will always stay at the top of the tree.

Pro Tip: Monal Restaurant might be a little expensive for your liking so check before you visit.

Address: Pir Sohawa Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan.

Monal Islamabad Contact Number: +92 51 2898044

WhatsApp Number: +92 336 8433358

For Monal Islamabad Menu Click Here

2. Chattha’s Restaurant Islamabad

This restaurant is located at F-10/2 Islamabad and it has become well-known for its delicious food. If you’re looking for the tastiest Halwa Puri Nashta, Daal Makhani, or Palak Paneer in town, look no further than Chattha’s.

It does a good job of providing the nearby population with authentic and tasty Pakistani food. Chattha’s menu kicks off with steaming hot Lahori Nashtas made with the perfect amount of desi Ghee. The restaurant’s commitment to quality food does not, however, stop with Nashta; it also extends to its nihari, thali, and karahi.

So, fellas, if you’re looking for the tastiest Nashta or best Paratha in Islamabad on a rainy winter morning and you happen to be in the neighbourhood of Chattha’s, you know where to go.

Address: Street 14, Tariq Market, F-10/2 Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan

Contact Number: +92518444636-7

For Chattha’s Menu click Here

Also, Visit Kabul Restaurant Islamabad

3. Dilli Darwaza Restaurant Islamabad

Dilli Darwaza, located in F-8/1, is a restaurant honouring the Mughal era by presenting the same sizzling foods that were formerly served to the Mughlai Dastarkhawan.

Dilli Darwaza, a popular restaurant in Islamabad, is decked up in paintings of Mughal emperors and royal palaces and is often bustling with regulars who come to satisfy their cravings for nihari in a cosy and familiar setting.

The overwhelming scent of spices greets you the moment you walk through the door, making it impossible to leave without ordering a dish of spicy desi splendour. Nihari served at Dilli Darwaza, a favourite morning food, is available all year round.

All week long, this little cafe is packed with diners indulging in the Mughali feast, and on the weekends, business is particularly brisk.

If you find yourself wandering and needing a delicious platter of this Mughlai delicacy, Dilli Darwaza is the place to go.

Address: Allahwali Market, Street 33, F-8/1, Islamabad, Pakistan

Contact number: +92 345 2563741

For Dilli Darwaz Menu Click Here

4. Khoka Khola Desi Restaurant Islamabad

Khoka Khola, a restaurant representing Khokha, has opened in the Beverly Centre basement. Bollywood classics from the ’60s and ’70s play softly in the background as you enter this snug little café, setting the tone for a little melancholy.

This trendy take on the traditional Khokha serves up traditional Pakistani street fare and has brought the concept back into fashion. Do you want to try something that is unlike anything else on the menu? Try their chicken cheese naan, Makhni Karahi, Biryani, Papri Chaat, and more! (which literally oozes melted cheese and is a sight to behold). This Khokha prides itself on providing authentic local food and making every attempt to make its customers feel at home.

Khokha Khola provides delicious food at a reasonable price with first-rate service. Don’t miss out on this spot if you’re looking for an authentic desi experience.

Address: Beverly Center Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan.

Contact Number: +92 51 8444929

For Khoka Khola Menu click Here

5. Des Pardes, Saidpur Village

Des Pardes, nestled in the historic and culturally significant town of Saidpur, boasts a prime location at the base of the Margalla Mountains. Because of its scenic view and traditional setup, this is one of the best desi restaurants in Islamabad.

In the middle of the city’s activity and the town, it is located as a haven of peace where you can enjoy some excellent food in tranquillity. As time has passed, Saidpur village’s reputation as a tourism hotspot has attracted domestic and international visitors. After a long day of sightseeing, who wouldn’t want to wind down at a tranquil restaurant?

The Tikka Boti and Reshmi Seekh Kababs are the most popular items on the extensive menu at this restaurant. Additionally, they provide renowned dishes from the Namak Mandi in Peshawar, such as Dumpukht and Namkeen Lamb Karahi.

There is more to see here than just beauty. It also provides stunning vistas of a neighbouring hamlet with important historical significance. Despite having the highest quality offerings, this restaurant has the highest price tag. But every cent you spend here is well worth it.

Address: Saidpur village Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan.

Contact Number: +92 51 2320009

For Des Pardes Menu click Here

6. 1969 & Time Goes On

1969 and Time Goes On- Desi Restaurant Islamabad

1969 and Time Goes On is one of the best restaurants in Islamabad, and eating there is like going on a trip through time. At this legendary cafe, you may choose from a wide variety of dishes that combine Turkish, Pakistani, Italian, and Indian cuisines. 1969 and Time Goes On provides a one-of-a-kind eating experience in a gorgeous indoor and outdoor location, perfect for both family dinners and romantic dates.

As an added bonus, this eatery has an environment that is ideal for birthday parties and other celebrations, helping to ensure that your special day is remembered fondly for years to come. The eatery lies smack dab in the middle of Islamabad, so it’s convenient for both residents and visitors. In other words, put 1969 and Time Goes On on your calendar and plan to have a fantastic meal there.

Cafe 1969 Address: Garden Avenue, Shakarparian National Park Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan.

Contact number: +92 300 0341969

For Cafe 1969 Menu click Here

7. Andaaz Desi Restaurant Islamabad

Andaaz Restaurant is a must-visit for every foodie in Islamabad who wants to experience traditional desi food. The restaurant serves authentic Pakistani food with delicious taste. Andaaz Restaurant takes great pleasure in keeping to the highest quality and hygiene standards to guarantee that its guests always have a pleasant dining experience.

Gatherings of many kinds, from casual get-togethers to more formal occasions like birthday parties, can be accommodated comfortably at this restaurant. Furthermore, the lovely atmosphere of the restaurant makes for a pleasant and unforgettable meal. Andaaz Restaurant serves some of the finest Pakistani food in all of Islamabad.

Address: Saidpur Village Rd, Saidpur, Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory.

Contact number: +92 300 4560707

8. Melody Food Park

Melody Food Park Desi Restaurant Islamabad

Located in G-6 Markaz, just adjacent to the Muslim Commercial Bank, lies the Melody Food Park, a tiny food strip with a variety of different restaurants (MCB). Melody Food Park is an amalgamation of over 20 local eateries serving authentic desi cuisine.

Some of the best restaurants at Melody Food Park include Jahangir, which provides the meanest chicken and mutton karahi with Reshmi kebabs, cooked to perfection, and is surprisingly cheap for authentic Pakistani food. Try some karahi when you’re in town, whether it’s the middle of winter or the middle of summer.

It’s time to head to Rajput for some delicious Bihari kebabs and parathas. The high-quality cuisine advertised at this restaurant was delivered as promised. Despite opening in 2002, this restaurant continues to be a favourite among locals looking for authentic Nashta and other spicy dishes.

Melody Food Park may have lost its lustre in the eyes of some due to its rundown appearance, but the authentically prepared Indian cuisine served there will restore that lustre.

I have written separate articles about F7 Markaz Restaurants and Chinese Restaurants in Islamabad, which are worth visiting.

Q: Which is the most beautiful area in Islamabad?

Islamabad is known for its beautiful landscapes and scenic views. Some of the most popular and beautiful areas in Islamabad include:

Margalla Hills: This range of hills offers picturesque hiking and walking trails, as well as scenic views of the city.
Daman-e-Koh: This viewpoint offers panoramic views of the city and is a popular spot for sunset viewing.
Faisal Mosque: The largest mosque in Pakistan and one of the biggest in the world, the Faisal Mosque is a beautiful architectural masterpiece.
Pakistan Monument: An iconic symbol of the country, the Pakistan Monument is a beautiful and unique structure that is surrounded by lush gardens.
Rawal Lake: A man-made lake that offers boating and picnicking opportunities, as well as beautiful views of the city and the surrounding hills.
Shakarparian: A hilltop park that offers views of the city and the Margalla Hills, and is a popular spot for picnics and family outings.

Q: Which city in Pakistan has the best food?

As for the city in Pakistan that has the best food, Pakistan has their own unique culinary heritage and specialties. Cities like Lahore and Karachi are known for their delicious street food, while cities like Multan and Peshawar are known for their traditional dishes like biryani and Karahi, respectively. Additionally, many cities have a blend of traditional and international cuisine, such as Islamabad and other major cities in Pakistan.