Owing to its rapidly increasing population, the food culture in Islamabad has evolved to a great extent. While you can find good eateries across the city, restaurants in DHA Islamabad are particularly famous for providing patrons with a chance to choose from a wide range of delectable cuisines from around the world.
From international fast food chains like Pizza Hut and McDonald’s to local franchises such as BBQ Tonight and Tandoori Express, DHA houses some of the finest places to eat in Islamabad.
This large variety of dining options in the area make perfect sense because when it comes to living or investing in the federal capital, DHA Islamabad appears to be the most popular option both among local and overseas Pakistanis.
Apart from offering residents a modern infrastructure and secure environment, the top-notch facilities and amenities available in Defence have played a huge role in its success. It is also one of the top areas to buy real estate in Islamabad.
List of Most Popular Restaurants in DHA Islamabad
Apart from some major chain outlets that are spread throughout Pakistan, here are some of the top restaurants in DHA Islamabad that all residents must try.
- The Terrace BBQ
- Jade Café by China Town
- Tandoori Express
- Bar B.Q. Tonight
- Pepe’s Piri Piri
- Sizzlers Grill & Coffee House
- Mattany’s
Let’s take a look at the menu, timing and location of these restaurants in DHA Islamabad.
The Terrace BBQ
Jacaranda Family Club in Defence is perhaps the best bet for those looking for fine dining places in Islamabad.
Considered one of the best places to have desi grilled food in Islamabad, the Terrace BBQ is located inside the famous Jacaranda Club in DHA Islamabad. While the eatery is famous for its scrumptious barbecue and traditional dishes, the club is also extremely popular among those living in the area. The club offers members and visitors an array of lavish facilities and amenities.
Apart from restaurants such as the Terrace BBQ, this family club spread over an area of 20 acres also houses banquets and party halls, cafes, bakeries, cinema, bowling alley, children’s play area and much more. A number of guestrooms, swimming pools, Jacuzzi, and health centres for male and female guests are also present on the premises.
So, if you are ever craving good barbecue, consider visiting Terrace BBQ for a fulfilling meal.
Timing: 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Location: Jacaranda Family Club, Club Avenue, Sector E, DHA Phase II, Islamabad.
Contact: 051-111-532-342
Jade Café by China Town
This multi-cuisine café located inside the popular Giga Mall is famous for its all-day breakfast – particularly its shakshuka, a spicy Mediterranean egg dish.
Known as one of the best restaurants in Islamabad, Jade Café by China Town offers a variety of appetizers, soups, burgers, pasta, pizza and sandwiches on its extensive menu, to name a few. Due to its economical rates and ideal location, the eatery has also become a popular hangout place.
If you’re in the mood for something light, the menu at Jade Café by China Town also includes a wide range of beverages such as iced teas, smoothies, coffees, chillers and much more. It is also known for its delicious desserts such as French toasts, cakes and muffins.
Although this restaurant in DHA Islamabad is located inside a mall, it has a separate seating area along with a well-trained staff providing quick service. Moreover, the cosy ambience at the Jade Café ensures patrons can properly enjoy their meal.
Timing: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Location: Giga Mall, Sector F, DHA Phase II, Islamabad.
Contact: 051-2854577
Tandoori Express
Yet another restaurant located inside Giga Mall, Tandoori Express is the perfect option for those who love traditional Pakistani food. Apart from mouthwatering desi dishes and items such as grilled fish and barbecue, the menu at this restaurant in DHA Islamabad also features soups, salads and thaali platters along with signature Chinese, American and Italian dishes.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly restaurant with a pleasant ambience and delicious food, you should add Tandoori Express to your list of best food places in Islamabad. Along with branches in Sector G-8 and Sector F-10 in the federal capital, the eatery also has a branch in Rawalpindi that is famous for its extensive and extravagant hi-tea and Sunday brunch menu. In fact, Tandoori PWD is one of the restaurants in Rawalpindi.
Furthermore, despite being situated in the food court at Giga Mall, the outlet has a separate, beautifully decorated dining for its customers.
Timing: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Location: Giga Mall, Main GT Road, Sector F, Phase II, DHA, Islamabad.
Contact: 0301-8331116
Bar B.Q. Tonight
With branches located across the world including all major cities in Pakistan, Bar B.Q. Tonight easily tops the list of restaurants in Islamabad.
Bar B.Q. tonight is one of the biggest local franchises in Pakistan dating back to 1988. Since DHA Islamabad is situated on the crossroads of Rawalpindi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and was built to serve the residents of the twin cities, this particular branch of the restaurant in DHA Phase II is located in Rawalpindi.
For those looking for the best food in DHA Islamabad, this is it.
The menu at this eatery includes a variety of soups, salads and appetizers along with grilled chicken, beef and mutton dishes. The barbecue specialities include mutton chops, mutton ribs and special platters. The restaurant also offers a variety of Chinese dishes and steaks along with a list of Pakistani dishes and seafood items.
Bar B.Q. Tonight is among the perfect places to eat in DHA Islamabad if you are planning to dine out with your friends or family, as its extensive menu ensures every patron finds something to their liking.
Timing: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Location: Opposite Yusra Medical, Near Main GT Road, DHA Phase II, Islamabad.
Contact: 0344-7227227
Pepe’s Piri Piri
Pepe’s Piri Piri started out in London back in 2004 and soon expanded to Ireland and Pakistan. This international food chain is one of the best food places in Islamabad offering juicy grilled chicken on its menu.
Located in Giga Mall, this restaurant in DHA Islamabad is more than just another fast food place. Along with a separate kid’s menu, the restaurant offers a special vegetarian menu that includes items such as veggie burger, paneer rice and paneer rice.
Meanwhile, the regular menu at Pepe’s Piri Piri features appetizers, salads, pita wraps, Paninis, grilled chicken, burgers, chicken wings and much more. The eatery also offers different platters that are perfect for groups of four and more.
Pepe’s Piri Piri also has an outlet in the food court at Lahore’s Emporium Mall while another outlet will soon open up in Karachi.
Timing: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Location: Giga Mall, Main GT Road, Sector F, DHA Phase II, Islamabad.
Contact: 051-2725599
Sizzlers Grill & Coffee House
Another multi-cuisine restaurant in DHA Islamabad, Sizzlers Grill & Coffee House has everything from Continental to Far Eastern dishes on its menu.
Located opposite Roots Ivy University College in Phase II, the eatery offers its customers a wide range of options to choose from. The menu features a variety of starters, salads, soups, sandwiches, pizza, seafood, steaks and burgers among others. Those who are fond of traditional dishes can try out the different handis and karahis available at the restaurant.
The restaurant also offers desi, American, Spanish and Russian breakfast platters. You can also order breakfast staples such as French toasts, pancakes, eggs benedicts, omelettes and much more at Sizzlers. This makes it an ideal location for brunch. However, if you are looking for eateries in other areas, there are several great brunch spots in Islamabad where you can have a late breakfast with friends or family.
Moreover, if you are looking for delicious Thai or Chinese food in Islamabad, you should consider checking out Sizzlers Grill & Coffee House for an incredible experience.
Timing: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Location: Opp. Roots Ivy University College, Sector A, DHA Phase II, Islamabad.
Contact: 051-5419089
Mattany’s
Who doesn’t love piping hot cheese-filled pizza straight out of the oven?
Mattany’s is easily one of the best pizza places in Islamabad serving both Chicago-style deep dish and New York-style medium crust pizza.
Some of the most popular deep-dish options available at Mattany’s include peri peri chicken, fajita jalapeno, classic Hawaiian and beef pepperoni, to name a few. On the other hand, you can order medium crust pizza in the margarita, pepperoni, barbecue tikka and veggie flavours among others.
The deep dish pies at Mattany’s are available in small (6 inches), regular (8 inches), large (12 inches) and extra-large (15 inches) options. However, the New York-style pizza is also available in exclusive 21-inch party size.
Other items on the menu include Alfredo pasta, zinger burgers, fried chicken, chicken wings and much more.
Timing: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Location: Adjacent Al Ghurair Giga Head Office, Phase II, DHA Islamabad.
Contact: 0344-5111154
Meanwhile, if you are looking to try out restaurants in other areas of Islamabad, here are some of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in the capital city. However, if you prefer fast food, there is also no shortage of good burger joints in Islamabad that everyone must try at least once.
For more updates about restaurants and cafes in Islamabad and other cities, stay tuned to Zameen Blog, the top lifestyle blog in Pakistan.
