Last Updated: June 23, 2024
Time to read: 10 min.
Hold the bacon, but pass the biryani! London’s halal food scene is more than just kebabs (though we love those too). If you’re looking for a flavour that follows your faith’s rules, this guide to the best halal restaurants in London is your golden ticket.
To put this together, we scoured the city from bustling Brick Lane to the quieter corners of Queensway. At the end of it all, these were the top hidden gems and local favourites serving up the best halal dishes.
Media from gymkhanalondon
Location: 42 Albemarle St, London W1S 4JH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3011 5900
Operating hours:
Pricing: £££
Their Kid Goat Methi Keema? It’s a culinary experience. The tender meat paired with those soft Pau buns… it’s pure magic. If you’re into lamb, their Tandoori Masala Lamb Chops are a must-try.
And the biryani, oh the biryani! They say it’s the best in London, and honestly, we might have to agree. Its aromas and textures will leave you wanting more.
Now, if you’re visiting with a group, consider their “Taste of Gymkhana” menu. It offers a selection of dishes at £40 per person. This four-course feast includes generous portions of popadums with various chutneys, samosa papdi chat, and mains like Chicken Butter Masala and Saag Paneer.
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Location: 10-12 Crawford St, London W1U 6AZ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7224 2446
Operating hours:
Pricing: £££
Ishtar is where halal dining in London goes full-on fabulous. This is the spot where Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine collide, all while you soak in the chic ambience that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ready to have your mind blown? Their grilled octopus is so tender that it practically melts in your mouth, while their mixed grill is a carnivore’s dream come true. And don’t even get us started on the baklava… it’s the perfect sweet ending to a culinary adventure.
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Location: 12a Berkeley Square, London W1J 6BS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7629 8886
Operating hours:
Pricing: £££
Halal fine dining in London gets a serious upgrade at Benares. Forget the usual curry house experience, this Michelin-starred gem offers a sophisticated vibe and impeccable service that sets it apart.
Their Tandoori Lamb Chops are a must-try, boasting a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and perfectly balanced spices. The tawa masala wild halibut is a revelation, showcasing a delicate interplay of flavours that will delight your palate.
But this place offers more than just exceptional food. The glass-walled kitchen allows you to witness the culinary magic firsthand, adding a unique element to the experience.
Media from anokhalondon
Location: 2 Creechurch Ln, London EC3A 5AY, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7283 7729
Operating hours:
Pricing: £££
Housed in a beautifully preserved Grade II-listed building, this swanky establishment effortlessly blends elegance with tradition, creating an atmosphere that’s both sophisticated and welcoming.
Once you’re here, make sure to try their lamb rogan josh – it’s the kind of dish that’ll make you want to lick the plate clean (but don’t, there’s more to come!). And their chicken tikka masala? It’s the perfect balance of creamy and spicy.
But this place is also about the experience. You can become a “gold card” member and unlock exclusive benefits and discounts, making each visit even more special.
Media from forastjohnswood
Location: 11 Circus Rd, London NW8 6NX, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7586 9889
Operating hours:
Pricing: £££
Tired of the same old hummus and pide? Then set foot in Fora Restaurant, where halal dining gets a serious upgrade. It’s a place of authentic flavours with a modern twist.
Here, they’ll tantalise your taste buds with their mezze platter, a medley of delicious dips and appetisers that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and thirds). Plus, their mixed grill is a carnivore’s dream! It’s a sizzling showcase of perfectly cooked meats that’ll leave you wanting more.
Sure, fine dining can be a splurge, but Fora offers exceptional value for the culinary adventure you’re about to embark on. One of our favourites, without a doubt!
Media from etles.restaurant
Location: 235 Hoe St, London E17 9PP, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3620 6978
Operating hours:
Pricing: ££
Ditch the usual curry and kebab routine – Etles is your ticket to a culinary escapade to Xinjiang, China! This halal gem brings the flavours of Uyghur cuisine to the heart of the city.
Start with their hand-pulled noodles. Slurp them up in a rich, savoury broth or alongside the legendary dapanji, a flavour explosion of tender chicken and potatoes. And don’t even think about skipping dessert – their honey cake will transport your taste buds straight to the Silk Road.
Bonus points: Etles is BYOB, so feel free to bring your favourite drinks to complement the bold flavours of their dishes. It’s a win-win for your wallet and your taste buds!
Media from babagsfood
Location: Vinegar Yard, London SE1 3QR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7095 9443
Operating hours:
Pricing: ££
Baba G’s Bhangra Burger is spicing up London’s halal food scene, one delicious bite at a time. From their humble beginnings as a street food stall, they’ve now become a staple in foodie hotspots like Camden Market, Vinegar Yard, and Pop Brixton.
Their menu is a flavour bomb waiting to explode in your mouth. Take the crazy lamb jalfrezi burger, for example. It’s full of juicy lamb, tangy mango raita, fiery chilli pickle, and a crispy onion bhaji that’ll have your taste buds doing the bhangra.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Their masala fries are the ultimate side dish that’s loaded with tender lamb, creamy raita, chilli sauce, and tangy pickles.
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Location: 17-19 Maddox St, London W1S 2QH, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3667 9990
Operating hours:
Pricing: ££
Kanishka by Atul Kochhar is a gastronomic journey through India’s “Seven Sisters” region. Helmed by the illustrious Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, this Halal fine dining gem reimagines traditional Indian cuisine with contemporary flair.
We love the chicken tikka pie, a delightful concoction with a cumin-scented berry compote and a puff pastry dome encasing tender chicken tikka. There are also the Gangtok momos, steamed lamb dumplings that are flavour-packed and utterly irresistible.
They also frequently feature special set menus that deliver outstanding value for a premium dining experience, with a three-course lunch for just £35 or a five-plate tasting menu for £30 from Sunday to Thursday.
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Location: 11 Hanger Ln, London W5 1ET, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7897 020336
Operating hours:
Pricing: ££
Forget your late-night kebab cravings because Tigerbay Hanger Lane is serving up a halal feast that’s anything but ordinary. Tucked away near Hanger Lane station, this culinary gem is a haven for night owls and flavour enthusiasts alike, staying open until the wee hours of 2:30 am.
Once you’re here, you can start with their signature tigerbay hummus or a refreshing fattoush salad, then dive into the crispy falafel or cheesy samousek.
They’re also a vibrant social hub where you can enjoy Ladies’ Night, themed events, and a relaxing shisha lounge after your meal.
Media from chaikilondon
Location: 1 Crossrail Pl, London E14 5AR, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7516 0444
Operating hours:
Pricing: ££
If you’re searching for a halal Indian dining experience that breaks free from the ordinary, look no further than Chai Ki. This hotspot is shaking up the halal scene with its inventive take on Indian street food.
Must-tries here include their burnt chilli chicken (a crowd favourite), which blends sweet and spicy notes for a flavour explosion you won’t soon forget. Make sure to also indulge in the velvety richness of their Butter Chicken – it’s a classic dish elevated to new heights with Chai Ki’s signature touch.
But for a truly unique experience, head to the “Toddy Shop bar”, where their mixologists craft innovative cocktails inspired by the great tastes of India.
Media from mowglistreetfood
Location: 5 Charlotte St., London W1T 1RE, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3778 1705
Operating hours:
Pricing: ££
Mowgli doesn’t do boring things. Their menu is constantly evolving with seasonal specials, so there’s always something new to discover. Plus, they have a private dining room for those extra special occasions.
Here, you can feast like royalty on their showstopping yoghurt chat bombs, which are a delightful burst of flavours, and the treacle tamarind fries which are known for their unique sticky and slightly spicy sauce.
They make it more even appealing by offering occasional 25% off food deals, so you can enjoy a high-quality dining experience without breaking the bank.
Media from rotichai
Location: 3 Portman Mews S, London W1H 6AS, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7408 0101
Operating hours:
Pricing: ££
Located just a stone’s throw from Bond Street, Roti Chai offers two distinct dining spaces: the street Kitchen upstairs and the more formal dining room below.
The street Kitchen, inspired by Indian street hawkers and railway stations, serves up tapas-style small plates in a lively atmosphere. Must-try dishes here include the Chicken 65, a spicy fried chicken dish from Chennai, and the railway lamb curry, which offers a flavorful journey through India’s culinary landscape.
Meanwhile, the dining room downstairs provides a more sophisticated menu featuring tandoor grills and regional specialities.
Media from gallio.uk
Location: Upper Level, 2 Cabot Square, London E14 4QT, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3006 5650
Operating hours:
Pricing: ££
Forget the same-old, same-old halal options. Gallio is shaking up the London food scene with its fresh, vibrant take on Mediterranean cuisine.
If you haven’t tried their truffle pizza yet, you’re seriously missing out. It’s a work of earthy, cheesy goodness that’ll have your taste buds singing. And their spiced lamb hummus? It’s so good, you’ll want to order a vat of it.
Feeling creative? Unleash your inner chef with Gallio’s pizza-making classes, where you can learn the secrets behind their signature dough for just £30 per person.
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Location: 135 Cannon St Rd, London E1 2LX, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 3645 3232
Operating hours:
Pricing: ££
Madina Grill is your no-nonsense haven for halal comfort food that won’t break the bank. This place proves that sometimes, simple is simply the best.
Here, you’ll sink your teeth into their juicy steaks, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavour. Don’t forget to dive into their aromatic biryanis, a mix of spices and tender meat that’ll transport your taste buds to the streets of India.
No need for fancy discounts or gimmicks here. Madina Grill keeps it real with generous portions and wallet-friendly prices.
Media from shahshalalfooduk
Location: 9 St Anne’s Ct, London W1F 0BB, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 7478 347844
Operating hours:
Pricing: £
Nestled in the heart of London, this culinary hotspot is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking a taste of the Mediterranean and Middle East.
We recommended trying their legendary combo platter over rice, a plate full of succulent meats piled high on fragrant rice and drizzled with your choice of heavenly sauces. Or, if you’re craving something quick and delicious, their chicken gyro is a surefire winner.
Shah’s isn’t just about the food, though. They’ve got you covered with free Wi-Fi, wheelchair accessibility, and even outdoor seating for those sunny London days. Plus, their click-and-collect and delivery options make it easy to enjoy their delicious offerings wherever you are.
Media from tazatakeaway
Location: 35A Queensway, London W2 4QJ, United Kingdom
Contact: +44 20 7727 7420
Operating hours:
Pricing: £
Taza Takeaway Kebab House is the real deal. This family-run institution has been dishing up authentic Lebanese and Middle Eastern flavours since 1985, making it a true veteran in the London halal scene.
Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you, this place is a flavour bomb waiting to explode. Their lamb shawarma, bursting with savoury goodness, is a must-try, and their chilli dishes pack a punch that’ll leave you wanting more.
But the real star of the show? Their shawarma kebabs, clocking in at a mere £3.50 are the perfect combination of taste and value.
And the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Taza stays open until 1 AM, making it the ideal post-party pit stop after a night out in Notting Hill.
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