Mining activities mobilize the heavy metals into the ecosystem. Metals are accumulated in the ecosystem and then contaminate the food chain. Thus, alleviation of heavy metals from mining locations deserves special attention for smooth functioning of ecosystem. Different techniques are available for restoration of contaminated sites but remediation of metals through plants is of better choice to solve the contamination problem. Therefore, identification of species for remediation of toxic metals is significant for restoration of the contaminated areas. The article discusses the phytoremediation potential of the grass family Poaceae. Poaceae have been efficacious for cleansing of contaminated environment since they are easy to cultivate with high biomass, fast growth and tolerant to toxic environment. They are also capable to accumulate high amount of toxic metals in the rhizospheric region and least translocation to the shoot. The phytoremediation efficiency of different members of Poaceae was determined by Transportation index (Ti), Bio-concentration factor (BCF) and Tolerance index (TI). Values of Ti > 1 for plant species are considered as suitable for phytoextraction. Most of the members of grass family like lemongrass the value of Ti showed > 1. Therefore, the grass family Poaceae is recommended for restoration of contaminated lands in a sustainable manner. Display omitted •Restoration of contaminated mining sites is of great challenge in recent era.•Phytoremediation technique is an eco-friendly novel tool for restoration of contaminated sites.•The grass family Poaceae, can be exploited as a potential tool for hyper accumulation of toxic metals.•Extensive fibrous root system of Poaceae is quite useful for phytostabilisation of toxic metals at contaminated sites.