Dilli Darwaza - The Nihari Shop — Restaurant in Zone 1

We went to try out their breakfast and ordered Halwa Puri Thaali and Mirchi Qeema. Total disappointed!!! Everyone seem to be in some other frame of mind and doing things incomplete and haphazardly. I paid via my card. They charged us extra than the amount on the bill. I thought it's some extra charges for the machine. However, when I asked them they said no and corrected their mistake by returning the extra amount as cash. They have a small sitting area indoors. Tables and chairs are set up outside if required.

Mirchi Qeema: Not spicy at all. Why would you call it Mirchi Qeema and make it super bland? When asked they added extra chillies on top.

Naan: This was ok. We ordered 1 but they brought us 3. We would rather have the 1 first while it's hot and then order another. maybe a different kind if more is needed.

Halwa Puri Thaali: The Puri had a hair in it. They swapped it out. The quantity of chanay, aaloo and halwa were very little. Chanay and aaloo were tasteless. Halwa was dry.

Kashmiri chai: At least we enjoyed this. When we ordered the chai, they gave us the bill instead. I reminded them that we had ordered chai and gulab jaman. They said they forgot.

Gulab Jaman: Highlight of our breakfast! This was...

A Must-Try Desi Breakfast in Islamabad I recently stumbled upon Dilli Darwaza in Islamabad for a desi breakfast, and I'm so glad I did. If you're a fan of authentic Pakistani cuisine, especially for breakfast, this spot is a must-visit. As a Nehari lover, I'm always on the lookout for a great bowl, and the one here did not disappoint. The flavor was excellent—rich, well-spiced, and perfectly cooked. It's truly a treat for anyone who appreciates this classic dish. I also tried their Halwa Puri, which was equally impressive. The puri was light and fluffy, and the halwa had just the right amount of sweetness. It's clear that they take pride in the quality of their food. Beyond the food, the atmosphere is a big plus. The place has a peaceful and calming vibe, which is perfect for enjoying a relaxed morning meal. While the indoor seating is limited, there's ample outdoor space with a nice view, adding to the overall experience. I highly recommend Dilli Darwaza for anyone in Islamabad looking for a top-notch...

Visited around 4 PM only to realize (maybe my Lahori self isn’t used to Islamabad’s vibe) that the place opens at 6:30 PM. I went specifically to try their Nihari.

The indoor ambiance is quite average, though the outdoor seating is decent. As for the Nihari — it was good but not exceptional. Nothing that truly stood out, but satisfying if you’re nearby and craving a desi dinner. Portion size was generous and enough for two people.

What did leave a lasting impression was the service. We ran into a payment issue as we didn’t have cash, and the online transfer didn’t reflect immediately on their end — even though the amount was deducted from my account. The manager handled it with immense grace and trust. He simply took our number and allowed us to leave. The next day, we followed up and they had received the payment.

That kind of trust and customer care is rare — and honestly, it’s what wins hearts more than anything...