Pakistani cuisine is a rich tapestry of bold spices, tender meats, aromatic rice, and vibrant street food culture — and in recent years, its presence in the American food scene has grown stronger than ever. From sizzling karahi in Boston to Michelin-recognized kebabs in California, Pakistani restaurants represent the best of what Pakistani culinary tradition has to offer across the U.S. Whether you’re craving smoky tandoori, slow-cooked nihari, or a nostalgic plate of biryani, this list of the Top 10 Pakistani Restaurants in the USA brings together the most beloved, highest-rated, and flavor-packed destinations that food lovers (and homesick expats) swear by. Each offers a unique take on familiar dishes, reflecting both the roots of South Asian cuisine and the diverse American dining experience.
Zareen’s
Zareen’s is a vibrant culinary destination offering a fusion of authentic Pakistani and Indian comfort food with a modern twist. Founded by Zareen Khan, this beloved spot emphasizes homemade, family-style recipes using high-quality, halal ingredients. Its relaxed, colorful atmosphere and bold flavors have made it a standout in the Bay Area food scene, attracting foodies and homesick South Asians alike.
Famous For: Chicken tikka rolls, biryani, butter chicken, and samosas.
Fan Favorite: Chicken tikka masala fries, lamb kebab roll.
Location: Mountain View, Palo Alto (California).
Price Range: $$ (Avg. meal: $12–$18).
Calories Range: 400–900 per dish (e.g., Chicken Tikka Roll ~600 cal).
Al Watan Halal Tandoori Restaurant
Al Watan Halal Tandoori has been a cornerstone of traditional South Asian cuisine in Southern California for years. It is known for its smoky tandoori dishes, rich curries, and commitment to halal authenticity. The no-frills ambiance puts all the focus on the food — deeply spiced, generous in portion, and cooked to perfection with traditional methods.
Famous For: Tandoori chicken, beef seekh kebab, and haleem.
Fan Favorite: Chicken karahi and garlic naan.
Location: Primarily in California (Hawthorne), with other locations across the U.S.
Price Range: $–$$ (Avg. meal: $10–$15).
Calories Range: 500–1,000+ per dish (Karahi ~700–900 cal).
Kababish Pakistani & Indian Restaurant
Kababish blends classic Pakistani and Indian culinary traditions in a warm, inviting setting perfect for families and casual diners. Known for its consistent quality and generous servings, it offers a wide menu ranging from sizzling mixed grills to rich curries. Whether you’re a seasoned desi food lover or a newcomer, Kababish delivers satisfying, home-cooked-style meals with a smile.
Famous For: Lamb curry, biryani, and mixed grill platters.
Fan Favorite: Butter chicken and garlic naan combo.
Location: Found in Maryland, New Jersey, and a few other states.
Price Range: $$ (Avg. meal: $12–$20).
Calories Range: 500–1,200 per dish (Butter Chicken ~800 cal).
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Bar BQ Village Halal Pakistani Restaurant
A hidden gem in Houston’s Pakistani dining scene, Bar BQ Village is famous for its bold, smoky flavors and warm hospitality. Inspired by the open-air barbecue culture of Pakistan, this restaurant captures the essence of authentic street food with dishes like char-grilled boti and juicy kebabs. The casual setting makes it a popular choice for families and late-night food runs.
Famous For: BBQ chicken, beef seekh kababs, and naan.
Fan Favorite: Chicken malai boti.
Location: Houston, TX.
Price Range: $–$$ (Avg. meal: $10–$17).
Calories Range: 400–900 per dish (Malai Boti ~650 cal).
Nawab Pakistani Indian Cuisine
Nawab offers a refined and elegant take on classic Pakistani and Indian dishes, making it a go-to for both casual dinners and special occasions. With an emphasis on balanced spices, slow-cooked meats, and freshly baked breads, Nawab combines culinary tradition with restaurant sophistication. Their vegetarian options are just as celebrated as the meat dishes.
Famous For: Chicken curry, naan, and vegetarian dishes.
Fan Favorite: Goat biryani and palak paneer.
Location: Various U.S. locations, often in urban centers and college towns.
Price Range: $$ (Avg. meal: $13–$19).
Calories Range: 500–1,000 per dish (Goat Biryani ~850 cal).
Lahore Karahi
Lahore Karahi brings the bustling flavors of Punjabi street food to Boston with an emphasis on karahi dishes — sizzling, skillet-cooked meat or vegetables in a spicy tomato-based sauce. This cozy, no-nonsense eatery focuses on flavor over flash, serving hearty, aromatic meals that feel just like home. A haven for spice lovers and karahi purists.
Famous For: Karahi chicken and lamb dishes.
Fan Favorite: Lamb Karahi with tandoori naan.
Location: Boston, MA.
Price Range: $–$$ (Avg. meal: $10–$16).
Calories Range: 600–1,000+ (Lamb Karahi ~850 cal).
Sabri Nihari Restaurant
A staple on Chicago’s famed Devon Avenue, Sabri Nihari has earned its legendary status with its namesake dish — a deeply spiced, slow-cooked beef stew called nihari. Since 1996, it’s been a must-visit destination for authentic Pakistani cuisine. Its elegant interior and commitment to tradition have won it numerous accolades and generations of loyal customers.
Famous For: Nihari (beef stew), haleem, and kebabs.
Fan Favorite: Signature beef nihari with naan.
Location: Chicago, IL – Devon Avenue.
Price Range: $$ (Avg. meal: $12–$18).
Calories Range: 700–1,200 (Nihari ~900 cal).
Biriyani Kabob House
This compact Los Angeles favorite punches well above its weight in flavor and authenticity. Known for its aromatic biryanis and tender kabobs, Biriyani Kabob House offers fast-casual convenience without compromising on quality. With generous portions, reasonable prices, and quick service, it’s a go-to for students, professionals, and desi food lovers across LA.
Famous For: Chicken biryani, kabobs, and samosas.
Fan Favorite: Lamb kabob platter.
Location: Los Angeles, CA.
Price Range: $–$$ (Avg. meal: $11–$16).
Calories Range: 600–1,000 (Biryani ~850 cal).
Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen
Khan Saab is a high-end, Michelin-recognized restaurant redefining South Asian cuisine with elevated presentation and premium ingredients like Wagyu beef. Its menu offers a curated selection of Pakistani, Indian, and Afghan dishes with a fine-dining touch, all served in a beautifully designed space. Alcohol-free and fully halal, it appeals to both foodies and traditional diners.
Famous For: Wagyu kebabs, butter chicken, and chaat.
Fan Favorite: Smoked Wagyu seekh kababs.
Location: Fullerton, CA.
Price Range: $$$ (Avg. meal: $20–$35).
Calories Range: 600–1,200+ (Wagyu Kabab ~950 cal).
Himalaya Restaurant
Run by the beloved Chef Kaiser Lashkari, Himalaya is a fusion-heavy Pakistani restaurant with a cult following in Houston. Known for dishes like hunter beef sandwiches, masala fried chicken, and biryani with Texas flair, Himalaya constantly surprises with creativity while staying true to its roots. It’s been featured in numerous food shows and publications for its bold experimentation and soulful flavors.
Famous For: Chicken biryani, hunter beef, and fusion dishes.
Fan Favorite: Chicken masala biryani.
Location: Houston, TX.
Price Range: $$ (Avg. meal: $13–$20).
Calories Range: 700–1,100 (Masala Biryani ~900 cal).
Bonus Favorites
Ravi Kabob
- Location: Washington, D.C.
- Famous For: Chicken karahi.
- Price Range: $–$$ (Avg. meal: $10–$15).
- Calories Range: ~800 cal.
Bar B Q Tonight
- Location: Carrollton (Dallas, TX area).
- Famous For: Nihari and grilled meats.
- Price Range: $–$$ (Avg. meal: $11–$17).
- Calories Range: ~900–1,200 cal.
Shalimar
- Location: San Francisco Bay Area.
- Famous For: Chicken tikka and rich curries.
- Price Range: $–$$ (Avg. meal: $10–$16).
- Calories Range: ~700–1,000 cal.
Must-Know Tips Before You Order at These 10 Pakistani Restaurants
Zareen’s – Mountain View & Palo Alto, CA
Hack: Order online or via their app to skip long lines during peak hours.
Pro Tip: Try the Chai + Samosa set as a light snack; surprisingly filling.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-afternoon (2–4 PM) for quicker service.
Al Watan Halal Tandoori – Multiple locations
Hack: Share a Mixed Grill Platter — it’s huge and great for groups.
Pro Tip: Ask for extra chutney and request fresh naan (they’ll often make it on the spot if requested).
Best Time to Visit: Weekday evenings; weekends get packed.
Kababish Pakistani & Indian Restaurant – Various Locations
Hack: Order a combo platter to try multiple meats without spending extra.
Pro Tip: Call ahead and ask for “medium spice” — their default can be very spicy for non-desi diners.
Best Time to Visit: Friday lunch specials are usually the best value.
Bar BQ Village Halal – Houston, TX
Hack: Pair your BBQ with Kashmiri Chai for a sweet-salty contrast.
Pro Tip: Portions are very generous — one entrée is often enough for two.
Best Time to Visit: Late evening for fresh BBQ off the grill.
Nawab Pakistani Indian Cuisine – Various Locations
Hack: Great for groups — order a few entrées and share family-style.
Pro Tip: Ask for “desi spice level” if you want it authentic.
Best Time to Visit: Sunday buffet (if offered) for sampling variety.
Lahore Karahi – Boston, MA
Hack: Call 20–30 minutes ahead to order karahi dishes — they’re cooked fresh and take time.
Pro Tip: Karahi portions are usually large — half orders are often available but not listed.
Best Time to Visit: Dinner (post-7 PM) for peak freshness.
Sabri Nihari Restaurant – Chicago, IL (Devon Avenue)
Hack: The Nihari combo with naan is the best-value meal.
Pro Tip: Request maghaz nihari (brain meat) if you’re adventurous — not always on the menu.
Best Time to Visit: Lunch hours for quicker seating and better service.
Biriyani Kabob House – Los Angeles, CA
Hack: Order biryani with extra raita — theirs is especially creamy.
Pro Tip: Ask for “double masala” in your biryani if you want a punchier flavor.
Best Time to Visit: Late lunch or weekday dinner for smaller crowds.
Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen – Fullerton, CA
Hack: Perfect for a date night — make a reservation (especially on weekends).
Pro Tip: Dishes are plated fine-dining style — consider ordering a starter and main to get a full experience.
Best Time to Visit: Early dinner (5–6 PM) for quieter ambiance.
Himalaya Restaurant – Houston, TX
Hack: Go with a group — portions are massive and perfect for sharing.
Pro Tip: Ask the chef (Chef Kaiser) for off-menu recommendations — he’s often there and loves chatting with customers.
Best Time to Visit: Lunch during weekdays for easier seating and quick service.
YouTube Reviews: Exploring the Best Pakistani Restaurants Across the USA
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Top Pakistani Restaurants in the USA
Q1: Where are these Pakistani restaurants located?
A: These restaurants are spread across the U.S., with notable locations in California (Mountain View, Palo Alto, Los Angeles, Fullerton), Texas (Houston), Illinois (Chicago), Massachusetts (Boston), and various other states. Many have multiple branches nationwide.
Q2: Are these restaurants halal?
A: Yes, most of the restaurants on this list, such as Al Watan Halal Tandoori and Bar BQ Village Halal, specifically offer halal-certified dishes. It’s always good to check with the individual restaurant if halal certification is a priority for you.
Q3: What dishes are these restaurants famous for?
A: Highlights include Zareen’s contemporary Pakistani and Indian dishes, Al Watan’s tandoori specialties, Sabri Nihari’s iconic beef nihari, Biriyani Kabob House’s flavorful biryanis and kebabs, and Khan Saab’s Michelin-recognized fusion of Pakistani, Indian, and Afghan cuisines.
Q4: Are these restaurants family-friendly?
A: Yes, most of these restaurants welcome families and offer kid-friendly menu options or milder spice levels upon request.
Q5: Can I get vegetarian options at these restaurants?
A: Absolutely! Most Pakistani restaurants offer a variety of vegetarian dishes such as palak paneer, dal (lentils), vegetable biryani, and mixed vegetable curries.
Q6: Do these restaurants offer takeout or delivery?
A: Yes, many offer takeout and delivery options through their own services or platforms like DoorDash, UberEats, and Grubhub. Check the restaurant’s website or contact them directly for the latest options.
Q7: What is the price range at these restaurants?
A: Prices vary by location and restaurant style, but generally, you can expect moderately priced meals ranging from $10 to $25 per entrée. Some fine-dining spots like Khan Saab may be higher.
Q8: Are reservations recommended?
A: For popular restaurants like Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen or during peak hours at Zareen’s and Sabri Nihari, making a reservation or ordering ahead is recommended to avoid long wait times.
Q9: Do these restaurants accommodate spice level preferences?
A: Yes, most Pakistani restaurants are happy to adjust the spice level from mild to extra spicy, so don’t hesitate to request your preferred heat level.
Q10: Are these restaurants authentic Pakistani cuisine or fusion?
A: Most focus on traditional, authentic Pakistani dishes, but some like Khan Saab blend Pakistani flavors with modern culinary techniques for a fusion experience.
A Flavorful Finish
These top Pakistani restaurants across the U.S. capture the heart of desi cuisine — bold spices, comforting dishes, and cultural richness served on every plate. Whether you’re in the mood for sizzling karahi, smoky BBQ, or a perfectly layered biryani, each spot offers something unique and unforgettable. No matter where you dine, you’re guaranteed a taste of home, tradition, and hospitality.
Read more resturant reviews and menu updates on our blog.
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