Best Halal Restaurants in London: A Comprehensive Guide
London is a culinary melting pot, reflecting the diversity of its population through its vast array of dining establishments. For Muslim residents and visitors seeking food that complies with Islamic dietary laws, finding high-quality halal restaurants is essential.
Thankfully, the capital offers an impressive range of halal dining options—from casual eateries and family-friendly diners to fine-dining restaurants serving world-class cuisine. In this guide, we explore the best halal restaurants in London, covering various cuisines, locations, and dining styles.
Understanding Halal Dining in London
Before diving into the list, it is important to clarify what “halal” means. Halal, an Arabic term meaning “permissible,” refers to foods that adhere to Islamic law, as defined in the Qur’an. In terms of meat, animals must be slaughtered in a specific way, and pork or alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Many London restaurants now cater to halal diets, either exclusively or through clearly marked menu items. While some are certified by official halal authorities, others rely on trusted sourcing and transparency. Always check with individual venues if certification or strict compliance is essential to your dining experience.
Best Halal Restaurants in London (by Cuisine)
1. Dishoom – Indian Cuisine
Locations: Covent Garden, King’s Cross, Shoreditch, and others
Dishoom is widely regarded as one of the best Indian restaurants in London, drawing inspiration from the Irani cafés of Bombay. While not fully halal, many of the meat dishes are halal-certified, and staff are open about sourcing. Their lamb chops and chicken ruby curry are especially popular. The vibrant atmosphere and historical decor offer a unique dining experience.
Notable Dishes: Chicken Ruby, Lamb Biryani, House Black Daal
Price Range: ££
2. The Meat Co – African and Middle Eastern Fusion
Location: Westfield London, Shepherd’s Bush
Offering an upscale steakhouse experience, The Meat Co is a premium destination for halal diners. With its South African roots, the restaurant specialises in perfectly cooked steaks, grilled meats, and gourmet burgers—all of which are halal. The luxurious interiors and attentive service make it ideal for special occasions.
Notable Dishes: Wagyu Steak, Lamb Ribs, Peri-Peri Chicken
Price Range: £££
3. Chaiiwala – Indian Street Food
Locations: Various across London
If you’re seeking a casual dining spot, Chaiiwala offers Indian street food with a modern twist. Their all-halal menu includes masala chips, butter chicken rolls, and traditional breakfasts like halwa puri. It’s a budget-friendly option without compromising on flavour or authenticity.
Notable Dishes: Desi Breakfast, Karak Chai, Butter Chicken Roll
Price Range: £
4. Melek Kitchen – Turkish & Middle Eastern
Location: Edgware Road
Melek Kitchen is a family-run halal restaurant serving authentic Turkish and Middle Eastern fare. Located in the heart of Edgware Road—a known hub for Middle Eastern cuisine—it offers generous portions, rich spices, and friendly service. Everything on the menu is halal, making it a safe and satisfying choice.
Notable Dishes: Mixed Grill, Lahmacun, Lamb Shish
Price Range: ££
5. Benares – Fine Dining Indian Cuisine
Location: Mayfair
For those looking for a Michelin-starred halal dining experience, Benares in Mayfair is an excellent choice. While alcohol is served, the restaurant offers halal meat upon request and with prior notice. Chef Atul Kochhar presents refined Indian dishes in an elegant setting, perfect for business dinners or luxury evenings out.
Notable Dishes: Tandoori Lamb, Chicken Tikka Pie, Cod with Coconut Curry
Price Range: ££££
Budget-Friendly Halal Options in London
For those who want to enjoy delicious halal meals without breaking the bank, London has plenty of budget-friendly options:
- Roti King (Euston): Famous for its Malaysian-style roti canai and halal curries.
- Tinseltown (Farringdon & Bayswater): An American-style diner offering halal burgers, wings, and milkshakes.
- Taza (Queensway): A Lebanese fast-food eatery serving fresh shawarma, falafel, and salads.
These places offer quick service, large portions, and great value for money.
Halal Burgers and Fast Food
The demand for gourmet halal burgers has led to a boom in burger joints catering to Muslim diners. Some of the most notable include:
- Band of Burgers (Brick Lane, Walthamstow): Serving fully halal gourmet burgers with unique flavours and a hipster vibe.
- Fatburger (Camden): A US franchise offering fully halal meat and customisable burgers.
- Smash N’ Slide (Whitechapel): Known for their smash-style burgers and crispy chicken.
These spots are particularly popular among younger crowds and foodies seeking quick, flavour-packed meals.
Halal-Friendly Chains
Several well-known restaurant chains have also incorporated halal options into their menus:
- Nando’s: Select branches offer halal chicken. Availability varies, so it’s important to check individual locations.
- Pizza Express: Offers halal chicken in selected branches, and a growing number are accommodating halal diners.
- Byron Burgers: Some locations offer halal beef and chicken options.
These chains are widely accessible and provide safe options for group dining or family outings.
Areas Known for Halal Dining
Certain areas in London are particularly famous for their halal offerings:
- Whitechapel & Aldgate: A historic hub for South Asian cuisine and a wide array of halal restaurants.
- Edgware Road: Renowned for Middle Eastern cuisine, shisha cafés, and authentic halal meals.
- Tooting & Southall: Home to a vibrant South Asian community with halal bakeries, restaurants, and food stalls.
Exploring these areas offers not only great food but also cultural immersion and community vibes.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Halal Restaurant
- Certification: Check whether the restaurant holds official halal certification.
- Transparency: Look for clear labelling of halal items on menus or ask the staff.
- Reviews: Consult halal food blogs, apps like HalalTrip or Zabihah, and Google reviews.
- Atmosphere: Consider whether the establishment serves alcohol, and if it’s family-friendly.
- Accessibility: Proximity to mosques, prayer facilities, and public transport can enhance your overall experience.
Final Thoughts
London is undeniably one of the most accommodating cities in the world for halal dining. Whether you’re after traditional South Asian dishes, contemporary fine dining, sizzling burgers, or authentic Middle Eastern fare, there’s something for every palate and preference. As awareness and demand continue to grow, the range and quality of halal options in the city are only set to improve.
When choosing where to dine, it’s worth considering your dietary needs, budget, and the type of dining experience you want. From Michelin-starred indulgence to humble street food, London’s halal food scene offers a rich and delicious journey for locals and tourists alike.
