Des Pardes
Des Pardes occupies a prime position in F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super Market), Islamabad's main commercial and dining district. The restaurant spans two levels with indoor air-conditioned seating and an outdoor terrace that faces the Markaz's pedestrian traffic. The name references the concept of homeland and abroad, and the menu reflects that duality with Pakistani classics alongside continental and Chinese dishes. Capacity is about 80 across both levels. The food is Pakistani-focused and well-executed: biryani, nihari (slow-cooked beef stew), karahi, and a BBQ selection. The reputation rests as much on the people-watching as the food. F-7 Markaz is where Islamabad's professional class comes to eat, shop, and socialize, and Des Pardes sits at the intersection of the main foot traffic routes. Thursday evenings are the peak, when tables fill with groups of friends, couples, and families. No alcohol is served, but the social energy doesn't require it. Fresh juices, Pakistani tea, and conversation fuel the evenings. The restaurant has become a reference point in Islamabad's dining scene, the place people mention when asked 'where should we eat in F-7?'
What to Expect
A busy restaurant in Islamabad's main dining district. Good Pakistani food, a terrace overlooking the Markaz's social scene, and an atmosphere of educated, cosmopolitan Pakistanis enjoying their evening. No alcohol.
Social, educated, and warm. The terrace on a Thursday evening has the energy of a community gathering.
Background Pakistani music at low volume. The conversation is the soundtrack.
Smart casual. The F-7 crowd dresses well. Long trousers and a collared shirt are the minimum for men.
Pakistani food enthusiasts, people-watchers, social dining, visitors wanting to experience Islamabad's professional class at leisure
Cards accepted. Cash also fine. Pakistani Rupees.
Price Range
Mains PKR 1,000-3,000, biryani PKR 800-1,500, nihari PKR 800-1,200, BBQ items PKR 600-1,500, fresh juice PKR 300-500, tea PKR 150-300
Mains ~$3.60-10.80 / ~3.30-9.90 EUR, biryani ~$2.90-5.40 / ~2.65-4.95 EUR, juice ~$1.08-1.80 / ~0.99-1.65 EUR
Hours
12:00-midnight daily, kitchen until 23:00
Insider Tip
Thursday evening is the social peak. Request a terrace table for people-watching. The nihari is best ordered on weekends when the slow-cooking process has time to develop. Parking in F-7 Markaz is competitive; arrive early or use Careem.
Full Review
Des Pardes works because of its position in Islamabad's social geography. F-7 Markaz is the capital's dining district, a rectangular commercial area where restaurants, cafes, and shops serve the city's professional class. Des Pardes occupies a corner position with terrace seating that faces the main pedestrian flow, making it both a dining destination and an observation post.
The ground floor is a conventional restaurant with table service, air conditioning, and a kitchen that handles a broad menu. The upstairs terrace adds outdoor seating with views across the Markaz's rooftops and the Margalla Hills beyond. The terrace is the preferred seating, particularly on pleasant evenings between October and March.
The kitchen's strength is Pakistani comfort food executed with care. Nihari (PKR 800-1,200), the slow-cooked beef stew that serves as a Lahori import to the capital, is rich and properly spiced. Biryani (PKR 800-1,500) uses saffron and quality basmati. Karahi dishes, cooked to order in the traditional wok, arrive bubbling. The BBQ selection includes seekh kebab and chicken tikka at PKR 600-1,500. Continental and Chinese options are available but clearly not the kitchen's focus.
The crowd on a Thursday evening represents Islamabad at its most cosmopolitan. Government officials in suits, young professionals in smart casual, families with well-dressed children, and couples who treat the Markaz as their regular evening destination. English flows as freely as Urdu. The education level is noticeably high. Smartphones are out, conversations are animated, and the social energy is genuine despite the absence of alcohol.
Fresh juice (mango, pomegranate, mixed fruit) and Pakistani tea (chai, green tea, kashmiri tea) serve as the social lubricants. The juice menu at PKR 300-500 provides options that, honestly, may be more satisfying than a beer in the warm evening air.
Des Pardes doesn't compete for the 'best food in Islamabad' title against the more specialized restaurants. What it does is provide a reliable, well-located dining experience where the food is good, the setting is social, and the view of Islamabad's professional class at leisure is the real attraction.
The Neighborhood
In F-7 Markaz (Jinnah Super Market), Islamabad's main commercial district. Other restaurants and cafes are within walking distance. The Serena Hotel and Marriott are 10-15 minutes by car.
Getting There
Careem to F-7 Markaz, PKR 100-300 from most Islamabad locations. The restaurant is in the Markaz commercial area, visible from the main entry points. Parking is available but competitive on Thursday evenings.
Address
Jinnah Super Market, F-7 Markaz, Islamabad
Other Venues in F-6/F-7 Markaz
Serena Hotel Bar
Islamabad's most prestigious hotel bar, located within the fortress-like Serena Hotel compound. Serves alcohol to foreign passport holders in an upscale, quiet setting. The clientele is diplomats, business executives, and visiting dignitaries. Beer PKR 1,000-2,000, spirits PKR 1,200-3,000.
Islamabad Marriott Lounge
Rebuilt after the 2008 bombing, the Marriott's lounge area serves drinks to foreign guests in a modern, security-conscious setting. The atmosphere is more business-hotel than social, but it's reliable and comfortable. Beer PKR 900-1,800.
Monal Restaurant
Hilltop restaurant on the Margalla Hills with panoramic views of Islamabad. No alcohol, but the setting at sunset is spectacular. Pakistani and continental cuisine. Mains PKR 1,500-4,000. Shisha available on the terrace. Book ahead on weekends.
The Muse Cafe
Modern cafe and art space in F-6 that attracts Islamabad's creative and professional class. Coffee, light meals, and occasional art exhibitions and cultural events. A social gathering point for the internationally-minded crowd. Coffee PKR 400-800.