Written by: Ayesha Majeed
Posted on: July 07, 2026 | 
Exterior of Rina's Kitchennette
The Lahore staple Rina’s Kitchenette has finally made its debut in the capital city. It has opened its doors to Islamabad in Firdous Market with its classic minimalistic white exterior now offering views of the lush Margalla Hills. True to the brand's identity, the Islamabad branch retains the charm and aesthetic that made its Lahore locations so popular, albeit on a larger scale.
Inside, the space embraces a warm contemporary design. The design is quite minimalistic with warm wooden accents and soft yellow lighting. Large windows allow natural light to flood the restaurant during the day, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. A particular detail worth noting in all of Rina’s Kitchenette branches is the art, which is usually reminiscent of a crossover between Victorian countryside and Impressionist paintings. The whimsical illustrations, featuring florals, rabbits and scenes evocative of a storybook countryside, add a touch of personality to the otherwise understated décor.
Not Your Vodka Pasta & Mint Margarita
Upon entering, I was greeted by the large bakery counter. The glass display is lined with staple desserts such as an assortment of beignets, eclairs, trifles and of course, Rina’s classic cakes. Alongside the desserts are a selection of freshly prepared savoury offerings, including cold sandwiches and salads, which provide an enticing introduction to the menu.
Once seated, I perused the extensive menu, which brings together comfort food and globally inspired dishes. From Asian-inspired rice bowls and baos to Italian pastas and pizzas, the choice was tough. In order to give the diverse menu a fair chance, I decided to order an array of foods, namely the Not Your Vodka Pasta, Teriyaki Bowl and Katsu Baos, accompanied by a mint margarita. The breath of the menu is appreciable as it provides something for almost everyone, whether one is looking for a light lunch, a hearty dinner or simply coffee and dessert.
Dark chocolate eclair
The food had an immaculate presentation in artsy and colourful bowls and plates. Every dish looked thoughtfully plated, reflecting the restaurant's attention to detail and making the meal feel even more appealing. I decided to start with the Katsu Bao, one of the restaurant’s stand-out options. The bao buns were pillowy soft, contrasting well with the crispy fried chicken, shredded lettuce and the sweet and savoury chilli sauce. They were served with a side of tempura vegetables, which added an extra layer of texture to the dish. The combination of soft buns and crunchy chicken worked particularly well, creating a balanced bite that was both satisfying and flavourful. The sauce tied all the components together without overpowering them.
Artwork displayed at the F-6/2 branch
Next, I went for the Not Your Vodka Pasta, which was definitely inspired by the classic Penne alla Vodka, but with some adjustment for the ingredients. The red sauce was creamy and had just enough tartness to cut through the richness. The pasta was perfectly al dente and seasoned well. The pasta was paired with a piece of katsu chicken sprinkled with parmesan, which made it the ultimate hot comfort dish. The portion size was generous and the flavours were familiar without feeling repetitive. This is just one of the dishes that showcases the small innovations of the restaurant which make it well acclimated to the contemporary Pakistani palette.
Teriyaki Bowl
After this, I tried the Teriyaki Bowl. The bowl was quite generously portioned with soft sticky rice, tender juicy grilled chicken and an assortment of vegetables. The teriyaki sauce was also served on the side, allowing diners to adjust the flavour to their liking. The meal felt exceptionally fulfilling, yet well balanced and healthy. While the pasta was rich and comforting, the Teriyaki Bowl offered a lighter alternative that still felt substantial. The freshness of the vegetables complemented the sweetness of the sauce and ensured that the bowl did not too heavy.
The mint margarita was served in a generous quantity and paired well to wash down the hot rich foods. It was refreshing and appropriately tangy, and provided a welcome contrast to the savoury dishes and served as an effective palate cleanser between courses.
No visit to Rina's Kitchenette would be complete without dessert, so I tried the Dark Chocolate Eclair and the Lotus Trifle. The eclair had a decadent filling paired with a delicate pastry shell and was not excessively sweet. The dark chocolate flavour was rich and pronounced, making it particularly appealing for those who prefer desserts with a deeper flavour profile rather than overwhelming sweetness.
The Lotus Trifle, on the other hand, was quite sweet, with layers of cream, Lotus biscuit crumble and Lotus sauce. It was indulgent and multi-textured, providing a satisfying overall bite. The contrast between the crunchy biscuit pieces and smooth cream created a pleasant texture throughout. While undoubtedly rich, it remained enjoyable and delivered exactly the sort of decadent experience one would expect from a Lotus-based dessert.
Overall, Rina’s Kitchenette successfully brings to Islamabad the qualities that earned it a loyal following in Lahore. With its inviting atmosphere, carefully curated aesthetic and extensive menu, the restaurant offers an experience that goes beyond the food alone. Whether one visits for a full meal or simply to sample its renowned desserts, the Islamabad branch proves to be a worthy addition to the capital’s growing dining scene.
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