15 Best Things to Do in Islamabad
The best things to do in Islamabad: Faisal Mosque, the Margalla Hills trails, Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa, Saidpur Village, Rawal Lake, food streets and more.
Best Restaurants in Islamabad by Sector
Where to eat in Islamabad, sector by sector: the food hubs of F-6, F-7 and Blue Area, street food in G-9 and G-6, and tips for eating out.
Key takeaways
- Islamabad’s dining is organised around markets: each sector’s markaz has its own food scene.
- F-6 and F-7 are the city’s busiest restaurant and café hubs; Blue Area suits business lunches.
- For street food, head to the older G sectors and food streets such as Melody.
On this page
In Islamabad, where you eat is shaped by the city’s grid. Each sector has a central market, or markaz, and each market has its own mix of restaurants, bakeries and dhabas. Restaurants open and close often, so this guide focuses on where to go and what each area does best, rather than a list that will be out of date by next season. If you’re new to the grid, start with our guide to Islamabad’s sectors.
The main food hubs
| Area | Known for | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| F-7 (Jinnah Super and around) | Dense mix of Pakistani, Afghan, Chinese and international restaurants | Dinner with friends, variety |
| F-6 (Super Market and Kohsar Market) | Cafés, bakeries and relaxed sit-down restaurants | Brunch, coffee, date nights |
| Blue Area | Offices, long-running Pakistani favourites and quick lunches | Business lunches, pulao kebab |
| G-9 (Karachi Company) and G-6 (Melody) | Busy street food and casual eateries | Chaat, tikka, samosas, late snacks |
| F-10 and F-11 markaz | Family restaurants, burger joints and desserts | Families, casual dinners |
| E-11 and newer sectors | Newer chains and fast-food outlets | Quick meals near home |
| Saidpur Village | Restaurants in a restored village setting below the hills | Visitors, evening outings |
What to eat
- Pulao kebab and biryani for lunch; Blue Area has well-known pulao spots.
- Chapli kebab and Afghan food, reflecting the city’s ties to the north-west.
- Karahi, cooked to order, often by the half or full kilo.
- Chaat, samosas and pakoras from street stalls, especially in the evening.
- Breakfast halwa puri at weekends, a local ritual.
- Chai, from roadside dhabas to modern cafés.
Eating out by time of day
- Breakfast: halwa puri, parathas and omelettes, especially on Sunday mornings.
- Lunch: busy in Blue Area and near offices; many restaurants offer set lunches.
- Evening: markets fill up after sunset, particularly in cooler months.
- Late night: street food and tea stalls in the G sectors stay busy.
- Ramadan: many restaurants close during the day and serve iftar buffets and sehri menus.
Tips for eating out
- Friday prayers: some smaller places pause service around midday prayers.
- Spice levels: ask for “kam mirch” if you prefer milder food.
- Hygiene: choose busy places with high turnover, and drink bottled or filtered water.
- Delivery: food delivery apps are widely used across the city.
- Prices: vary widely, from inexpensive dhabas to upscale restaurants in F-6 and F-7.
For coffee and cafés, see our guide to cafés in F-6 and F-7, and for shopping between meals, markets and malls in Islamabad.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best area for restaurants in Islamabad?
F-7 and F-6 have the widest choice, with Blue Area, F-10 and F-11 close behind. For street food, try G-9 and G-6.
Is street food safe to eat in Islamabad?
Many people eat it regularly. Choose busy stalls where food is cooked fresh in front of you, and avoid raw salads and tap water if you have a sensitive stomach.
Do restaurants serve alcohol?
Alcohol isn’t served in regular restaurants in Islamabad.
Sources
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