Middle Eastern cuisine has always been an important part of food culture in Pakistan – particularly Islamabad. Regardless of where you live in the federal capital, you can quite easily find an eatery serving some desi variation of a popular Arabian, Persian or Lebanese dish. While local eateries love to put a traditional twist to such signature food items, there are still a number of Middle Eastern restaurants in Islamabad offering authentic cuisine.
Top Middle Eastern Restaurants in Islamabad
So, if you are craving for some delicious falafel, warm pita, juicy kebabs or appetizing hummus, here are the top Middle Eastern restaurants in Islamabad serving a wide variety of mouthwatering spreads, beverages, desserts and much more.
While some of these places stick to the authentic recipes passed down through generations, others take more of a fusion approach by putting a modern spin on those classic dishes.
Arz Lebanon Restaurant
If you have a taste for Syrian and Lebanese cuisine, you are going to fall in love with the food served at Arz Lebanon Restaurant.
This Middle Eastern restaurant in Islamabad’s Jinnah Super Market is extremely popular among Arab expats and diplomats. This eatery gained prominence for using authentic recipes and staying as close to the real dish as possible. From simple hummus and pita to grilled kebab, shawarma and seafood, Arz Lebanon Restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional Arab food that will leave you craving for more.
If you haven’t been to this eatery before, make sure to order a barbecue platter and kunafeh – a traditional Middle Eastern dessert – on your first visit. You definitely won’t regret it.
Meanwhile, if you’re planning to go there during Ramadan, don’t forget to check out their iftar buffet menu. It generally includes soups, salads, hot mezze, cold mezze, main courses, desserts and drinks.
Moreover, Arz Lebanon Restaurant also offers a beautiful outdoor seating area, which is the perfect place to enjoy some delectable Middle Eastern food in Islamabad during cool summer nights.
Address: Union Gold Mall, Jinnah Super, Islamabad.
Hours: 9:30 AM to 1:00 AM
Lebanese Rotisserie
Yet another top spot for Lebanese food in Islamabad, Lebanese Rotisserie in F-10 is famous for its delicious rotisserie chicken. The widely popular dish has been spiced up a little to make it more appetizing for the locals. However, it is still probably the closest thing to authentic Lebanese chicken that you can find in the capital city.
This Middle Eastern restaurant in Islamabad is also well-known for its aromatic salads and grilled chicken dishes. The top-sellers include Lebanese Platter that has shish taouk, grilled fish, grilled lamb chops, beef mashwi and grilled chicken among other signature grilled items. The Rotisserie Chicken Meal, which is served with vermicelli rice, fattoush salad, garlic sauce, hummus, pita bread and tazyaki sauce, is also very popular among food lovers.
For those who love and appreciate Middle Eastern cuisine, don’t forget to give Lebanese Rotisserie a try this summer. It’ll be worth your while.
Address: Capital Trade Center, F-10, Islamabad.
Hours: 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM
Al-Beirut
A favourite destination for Lebanese food in Islamabad, Al-Beirut has two branches in the federal capital, which is a huge indicator of its growing popularity. Located in Blue Area and F-10 Markaz, this restaurant also offers catering service for various functions and events.
AL-Beirut is also one of the only few eateries in the entire city that is open way past midnight. So, if you’re ever craving good Middle Eastern food late at night, Al-Beirut is the place to go to.
This Middle Eastern restaurant in Islamabad offers a wide variety of signature Lebanese dishes on its menu. From delicious manakeesh to mouthwatering grilled seafood and from juicy chicken mandi to appetizing sandwiches, you can pretty much everything here.
Apart from Islamabad, Al-Beirut also has branches in Karachi and Lahore. So if you live in either of those cities, make sure to check out this restaurant for the real taste of Lebanese cuisine in Pakistan.
Address: Blue Area, Islamabad | F-10 Markaz, Islamabad
Hours: 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM
Serai Bistro
Serai Bistro is originally a multi-cuisine restaurant serving Italian and American cuisines. However, it deserves a spot on this list of best Middle Eastern restaurants in Islamabad for the delectable Lebanese-inspired dishes on its menu.
With three branches within the federal capital, Serai Bistro is known for its incredible shish taouk and Lebanese mixed salad platter, which comes with its famous hummus. Moreover, given the taste and the portion size at this eatery, anything you order would be a good value for money.
If you’re going out for lunch or dinner with a group of people who don’t particularly have a taste for Middle Eastern cuisine, you can simply go to Serai Bistro. Since the restaurant offers a wide variety of food, can enjoy some Lebanese dishes while your friends or family members can have burgers and steaks.
Address: Street 31, G-5, Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad | Beverly Center, Jinnah Avenue, Islamabad | Street 4, Sector F-7/3, Islamabad
Hours: 7:30 AM to 11:30 PM
Al-Maghreb
Situated in Serena Hotel, Al-Maghreb is perhaps the most upscale Middle Eastern restaurant in Islamabad. The enchanting chandeliers hanging from arched ceilings and the ceramic-tiled walls with colourful decorations will transport you to an actual Middle Eastern establishment serving delectable food.
The dine-in menu at Al-Maghreb includes a wide variety of Middle Eastern salads, hot and cold mezze, soups, Moroccan tajine, Lebanese mawzzatt, Arabian sea lobster, grilled meat and different platters, to name a few. According to the restaurant’s website, the Lebanese mixed grill platter and lamb ayam zamam are considered the house specialities.
However, Al-Maghreb in Serena Hotel is only open for dinner. Therefore, make sure to make a reservation in advance before visiting the place.
Address: Islamabad Serena Hotel, Khayaban-e-Suharwardy, Islamabad.
Hours: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Meanwhile, if you are looking for some other food spots in the federal capital, you can take a look at the best brunch restaurants in Islamabad. Moreover, you can also pay a visit to the Insta worthy theme cafés and eateries in the city.