Best Restaurants In Abbottabad: Catering To Your Craving

The city of Abbottabad is popular among tourists and Pakistanis alike for all the right reasons. From its striking sceneries, destinations, and colonial architecture to literary and military significance, it is one exemplary town.

If you’re planning to visit the phenomenal city of Pines this holiday or just exploring its eateries, you are at the right place. In this blog, Graana.com has prepared a guide to the best restaurants in Abbottabad for you to explore.  

Best Restaurants In Abbottabad

Here’s a list of all the mentioned famous restaurants in Abbottabad:

Usmania Restaurant Abbottabad

Located near Mansehra Road, Usmania translates to a “perfect dine-in” stop for many. With a whopping 4.5 rating on multiple platforms, it’s a common favourite among tourists and locals. Some of the elements that keep Usmania’s fame alive include: 

The Delicious Desi Food

Usmania Restaurant is a master when it comes to traditional Pakistani dishes. Usmania Restaurant Abbottabad menu is the perfect combo of traditional as well as contemporary cuisine. Their staff has perfected the craft of making dishes packed with delightful flavours and textures. The timeless cuisines like aromatic biryanis and juicy kebabs often evoke a feeling of comfort. Locals often suggest Usmania to introduce foreigners to Pakistani food. 

Excellent Dining Experience

Good food makes good memories. Many who visit Usmania often praise the restaurant for its commitment to providing memorable experiences. What makes this place excellent for intimate gatherings is its inviting and cosy ambiance. Apart from the warm environment, the attentive and hospitable service of the staff is an added plus.

Additionally, regulars at Usmania testify to its consistency. The chowhouse maintains its high standards in reasonable pricing. If you want to enjoy a quality meal without breaking the bank, the Usmania restaurant is a must-visit destination. 

MNAK Restaurant

MNAK has been among the top restaurants in Abbottabad since 2014. This diner is popular for its ability to pull food enthusiasts in like magnets. Here is how MNAK restaurant and its staff manage it: 

Fusion Food

Being one of a kind, MNAK offers a diverse range of cuisines. There are only a handful of restaurants that offer flavour fusions in their cuisine. At MNAK, skillful chefs explore recipes that seamlessly combine Middle Eastern and Pakistani elements to capture the best of both worlds. 

Each dish is carefully crafted to balance the aromantic flavours, textures, and species, resulting in a truly extraordinary dining experience. This infusion allows a diverse menu that caters to many cravings. 

Attentive and Friendly Staff

As one of the famous restaurants in Abbottabad, MNAK takes pride in delivering great customer service. As soon as you step in, their staff welcomes you with warmth and attentiveness, making your experience more enjoyable altogether. 

You can visit MNAK restaurant at Abbottabad Hut, Murree Road. Experience the delightful fusion of flavours, high-quality and freshly prepared food with extraordinary service. 

Pak Afghan Aryana Hotel and Restaurant

Located on Mansehra Road, Pak Afghan Aryana Hotel and Restaurant is one of the top restaurants in Abbottabad. This culinary corner has made a name for itself by offering a diverse range of foods. Let’s find out the hype around this diner. 

The Foreign Food

The unexpected combination of Middle Eastern and Afghan cuisines is what sets Pak Afghan Aryana apart from other restaurants in Abbottabad. Guests can explore a variety of classical dishes from both regions, offering authentic tastes and flavours.

From tender and juicy shawarmas to flavorful lamb kebabs, the menu has something for everyone’s taste buds. What’s more, Pak Afghan Aryana’s use of exotic ingredients and spices brings a unique flavour to their dishes. 

For instance, the restaurant’s hummus is prepared using delicious Middle Eastern spices. Similarly, the Afghan lamb pulao is a perfect example of the restaurant’s fusion-style cooking that blends good-quality rice with lamb and flavorful spices.  Moreover, they excel in the art of grilling meat that is marinated with a perfect blend of spices to bring out the rich flavours in every bite. 

A Blissful Eating Experience

The warm hospitality and friendly behaviour of the servers at Pak Afghan Aryana Hotel and Restaurant is surely the cherry on top for many of its visitors. This hospitable attitude of the staff is said to truly reflect the hospitable nature of people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Additionally, the restaurant’s desi setting and ambiance make guests feel at home and provide a cosy atmosphere to enjoy their meals. With all these added benefits, it’s no surprise that Pak Afghan Aryana has become one of the most famous restaurants in Abbottabad.

Chaaye Khana Cafe

Situated at Main Mansehra Road, Abbottabad, Chaaye Khana is a picturesque restaurant. It’s the perfect place to stop for a cup of coffee or a delicious meal after a long road trip or a busy day. Let’s explore why Chaaye Khana is a popular pick among locals. 

The Delightful Location

Chaaye Khana makes an ideal spot for not just foodies but also those passionate about adventure. The restaurant overlooks the breathtaking valley and is boarded by rich greenery. The view offers a calm and refreshing atmosphere for guests and further amplifies their experience. 

Food and Service

For a much-needed change, this diner serves a range of continental and Western food dishes. Their popular dishes include juicy burgers, crispy fries, refreshing shakes, and a variety of sandwiches. However, they also offer local fusion foods, which only add to their diverse menu.

Best Restaurants In Abbottabad: Honourable Mentions

Before we move to the last restaurant, let’s explore some top-quality cafes and restaurants in Abbottabad that should get more recognition. 

Piffers Arena: Coffee Shop

Located within the Cantt area at Circular Rd, Abbottabad, Piffers is the go-to choice for many students for solo study sessions and casual outings with friends. Apart from its cosy environment, the joint offers amazing food at reasonable prices. Furthermore, regulars often express their delight at the well-maintained lawns that surround the cafe. 

Ilyasi Pakora Hut

When it comes to underrated food spots or restaurants in Abbottabad, Ilyasi Pakora spot takes the cake. Despite the local’s effort and enthusiasm for sharing this cherished “street food-asque” destination with tourists, it remains underappreciated. 

Farid Ullah Fish Point

Concealed within the hustle and bustle of GT Road, Farid Ullah Fish Point is a jackpot for seafood lovers. With an impressive rating of 4.2, this dhaba-style restaurant in Abbottabad is a favourite among many. Many visitors from across the country consider it to be one of the finest fried fish spots in KPK. 

Red Onion Cafe

Other than the city of Pines, Red Onion Cafe has its roots in cities with panoramic views. These include Murree and the twin cities. As one of the most famous restaurants in Pakistan, Red Onion maintains its influential image with delicious food and an inviting environment. 

Selected Scenery

Red Onion is strategically located within the Cantt area as a serene neighbourhood. The cafe offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Its charming outdoor seating area allows customers to enjoy their meals in pleasant weather and vivid surroundings.

Moreover, the cafe’s central location makes it convenient for visitors to explore nearby attractions such as Ayubia National Park, Thandiani, and the famous Shimla Hill. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite during your sightseeing adventure or a place to unwind after a day full of exploration, Red Onion Cafe is ready to cater to your needs.

Food and Service

The cafe offers a versatile menu, with cuisines ranging from authentic local, fusion and authentic international dishes. From flavourful steaks to delicious pasta dishes, Red Onion’s got something to please every palate. 

Along with the crafty chefs, the cafe has the most courteous serving staff onboard. Their servers are attentive to details and ensure the customer has an unforgettable experience. The prompt service and their willingness to go the extra mile leave a lasting impression on visitors, creating a loyal customer base.

Conclusion

Abbottabad culinary presence is proof to the city’s rich and diverse community. The town relies heavily on tourism and this blog covers most of the famous restaurants in Abbottabad. Yet there are so many unexplored or undermined restaurants, food points, and hotels in Abbottabad that need more recognition.

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Abbottabad for dining?

The pleasant months of the year that revolve around the changing seasons (spring and autumn) are hailed as the best time to visit the amazing city of pines. 

Are these restaurants budget-friendly?

Simply put, Yes,  Abbottabad offers dining options for every budget, from affordable street food stalls to high-end restaurants.

Can I find vegetarian options at these restaurants?

Of course, most restaurants in Abbottabad provide a range of vegetarian dishes to cater to different dietary preferences. 

For more details or related reads, visit Graana blog.