Best Restaurants in Islamabad – All you need to know for a great dining 

Did you know that Islamabad is a foodie’s heaven? In addition to being a city that looks and feels like absolute bliss, Islamabad offers world-class dining venues and options for any traveller looking for a great time out. Are you new to Islamabad and looking to go on a dining spree? We’ve got you covered! Don’t just sit there wondering what are the best restaurants in Islamabad. 

Just read this article, and you’ll be up to speed on planning a great lunch or a night out with family and friends. In this article, I’ll take you through the 12 best restaurants in Islamabad that are guaranteed to satisfy your fine dining plans while in the city.

12 Best Restaurants in Islamabad

Although the entire list of reputed and most famous restaurants in Islamabad is endless, we have carefully compiled the following list by setting specific parameters such as location, views, menu, diversity, customer reviews, and pricing.

After sampling a wide list of top restaurants in Islamabad and applying our sorting criteria, we’ve come up with a list of restaurants that are the pinnacle of dining experience in Islamabad. So, with further ado, let’s just plunge into the world of the 12 best restaurants in Islamabad.  

Cafe 1969

Looking for a hearty Sunday breakfast? Then Cafe 1969 is the venue to be at. Tucked cozily amidst the scenic, topsy-turvy, lush green landscape of Shakarparian, this is a chic Cafe with artsy posters, vintage furniture, and warm lighting. 

This is considered one of the most beautiful restaurants in Islamabad. Right from entering the Cafe, you are sure to bask in the nostalgia of thoughts and happy places – A mood set just right for gathering a family or group of friends. Breakfast is not the only thing they do right at Cafe 1969; they have the best lunch and extravagant dinner options to tantalize your mind. This is among the best continental restaurants in Islamabad. 

Sufra

One must always have a special spot for those precious celebratory moments in life. If you are looking to spoil yourself and your family with the highest quality of hospitality and Pakistani cuisine, then Sufra has got you totally pampered. 

Located in the busy F-6 Markaz, Sufra will offer you an amazing welcoming ambience that immediately takes you to a relaxed state of mind. The menu is diverse and best suited for an extravagant lunch or hearty dinner with local cuisine options that will leave you with a great taste that is to be savored. This is one of the best desi restaurants in Islamabad.  

Nouba

This is my personal favorite restaurant. Once again, located in the busy F-6 district, Nouba has earned a reputation for being a high-end restaurant catering to the more electric, modern, and international clientele in Islamabad. You can expect diners from various nations and a contemporary chic crowd right when you enter the restaurant. 

The menu is no exception to its clientele. Soufa has the finest chefs who prepare Continental, Italian, and Chinese cuisine perfectly with the highest quality ingredients. The ambiance is also quite electric and modern, with effervescent lighting and music to set the mood for a more international experience. This is one of the best fine-dining restaurants in Islamabad. 

Asian Wok

Located in the metropolis of Bahria Town, Asian Wok is a haven for contemporary Chinese and Thai food enthusiasts. Although the restaurant also has continental and Italian options on the menu, the good old smeared and seared scrumptious wok platters are to die for.

With a traditional Chinese dragon decor, Asian Wok is sure to satisfy your Asian food cravings with an expansive menu and tastes from the East that are simply worth savoring. All in all, it is a great place for a night out. At Asian Wok, they’ll keep you coming again and again after your first dining experience.     

Cafe Rustic

Are you into the home-brewed coffee culture? Looking for a traditional coffee joint in the city? Then, Cafe Rustic is the perfect place to visit, unwind, and reflect over a great cup of home-brewed coffee. It’s called Cafe Rustic for a reason. 

The wooden furniture and warm lighting bring about a rusty ambiance that is its signature of tradition. Located in the F-7 district, This coffee shop has a great list of entrees to go with your coffee, including quesadillas and baked treats. It is the most famous restaurant in Islamabad Blue Area.   

Fuoco

They say the Italians know their Food more than anyone else, and they certainly do justice to their dining experiences. If you are looking for just a great Italian dining experience, then Fuoco is your fix. 

A great evening spot for dinners, Foucu offers a bright atmosphere with seats that indulge you in softness, just like the authentic Italian cheese that they use with their cooking. This is perhaps the only place where you can enjoy a wood over homemade pizza.  

Yum Chinese & Thai

Located in the F-7 district, Yum Chinese & Thai has got just what you are looking for if you fancy Asian cuisines with a special knack for Thai Food straight from the streets of Thailand. What to expect?

It has a great Asian rather than Thai atmosphere, dim lighting, and dishes prepared with authentic, extra-spicy Thai ingredients and herbs. If you like to get a taste of all that their menu offers, hop in for a brunch that is laid out with carefully selected dishes and entrees to give a more authentic experience even to the choosiest of customers.  

District 6 

The most modern dining experience, District-6, is located in the F-6 sector. It offers wide windows overlooking the busy market and a modern ambience that will surely put you in the mood for creative thought.

Food-wise, District 6 excels in local and continental cuisine that will satisfy your tastebuds. The place is also very famous for its delicate cocktails and artisanal drinks, which are a must-try.   

Street 1 Cafe

Street 1 Cafe will give you a beach bar experience right in the heart of Islamabad. With intricately lit tree trunks and a full juice bar, Street 1 Cafe is most known for being a vibrant venue for local and international customers.

This Cafe plays loud music and boasts a highly engaging atmosphere. It is a perfect place to meet new people and to make new friends. The Food is divided between carefully selected local and continental cuisines that will amaze you. 

Atrio Café & Grill

Looking for sizzling platters? Visit Atrio Cafe & Grill. Centrally located in F7, this restaurant is a class on its own. From sizzling steak platters to fine continental cuisines, Atrio Cafe & Grill will give you the bang for your buck. The Cafe also offers a wide array of drinks and cocktails for the ones who fancy a little time at the juice bar.  

Tuscany Courtyard Islamabad

As the name suggests, this restaurant will bring you to the authentic Italian courtyards for a more intricate dining experience. The restaurant boasts a wall painting from a traditional courtyard in an Italian landscape and wooden Italian village-style roofing and furniture. The Food is fantastic here, with any number of choices, from pasta to wood oven pizzas. The toppings and sauces are to die for. 

Bar B.Q. Tonight

A flagship of best-in-class desi restaurants in Pakistan, Bar B.Q. Tonight will give you the entire nation’s food choices under one roof. Bar B.Q is mostly very busy with the hustle of the waiters and bustle of eager diners. 

Tonight, you will be sorted by any kind of Food you are looking for, whether it’s food representative of various provinces of Pakistan or Chinese or continental dishes, Bar B.Q. Tonight has got you covered. This is most suited for family gatherings and celebrating special occasions. The rooftop dining experience is a class of its own. 

Conclusion

Islamabad is an all-round city that offers great experiences to its locals and visitors. The food scene is no exception to its standards. Islamabad has some of the best food venues that are a must-visit. The next time you are here, make it a point to visit these 12 best restaurants in Islamabad for family and friends for a great dining experience. You’ll be taken care of with cuisine from around the world and the great tastes of the country. So do not miss out on these dining experiences and explore our list of top restaurants.  

FAQs

What are the most popular restaurants in Islamabad?

Bar B.Q. Tonight, Asian Wok, Tuscany Courtyard, Yum Chinese & Thai, and Foucu are local favorites.

Are there good options for vegetarian food?

Yes, most restaurants in Islamabad offer a great variety of vegetarian foods to choose from. It’s best to consult with the staff about the vegetarian section on the menu.

Where can I find affordable food in Islamabad?

Most of the dishes in these restaurants are affordable and easy to buy, but specialty dishes can cost a bit more than normal. Be sure to carry a good budget when visiting these restaurants. 

What’s the best restaurant for a romantic dinner?

The Italian restaurants and coffee shops on our list are the best places to have a romantic, rather memorable experience with your friend or your spouse.