The best local halal restaurants

Zelman Meats owner Misha Zelman opened his smart steakhouse to be accessible to a new generation of beef eaters, and this includes people who observe a halal diet. Its excellent halal steaks are sourced from Canada and its Chilean wagyu burger, topped with cheddar cheese, crispy onions, pickles and sriracha sauce is also halal, meaning there’s plenty on the menu to get your teeth into.

Alcohol served.

Visit – Fifth Floor, Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge SW1X 7RJ

With its bountiful menu of Egyptian and Middle Eastern dishes that include numerous meat and vegetarian options, Al Basha can’t fail to impress anyone who walks through its doors. The all-halal menu includes Lebanese cold and hot mezze, pastries and salads as well as traditional Egyptian dishes and those inspired by the Gulf. Standout options include stuffed pigeon and koshari – Egypt’s national dish of rice, lentils and macaroni with chickpeas and spicy tomato sauce. Those looking for something even more substantial can opt for a whole lamb that comes served on a bed of aromatic rice.

Alcohol served.

Visit – 48 Knightsbridge SW1X 7JN

Chic Knightsbridge spot Feya Café serves a crowd-pleasing halal menu that is as varied as it is creative. Brunch options range from a super healthy acai rainbow bowl and keto omelette, to the significantly more indulgent “happiness pancakes” topped with peanut butter, almonds, coconut, fruits and whipped cream, and cooked breakfast complete with turkey bacon. The drinks offer is equally diverse, featuring a strong range of hot and iced coffees, (lotus latte anyone?) as well as Arabic and Turkish coffee.

No alcohol served.

Visit – 146 Brompton Road SW3 1HX

Located on the Fifth Floor of Harvey Nichols, Madhu’s Brasserie is a smart and modern Indian restaurant that rings the changes. Rather than run an extensive menu of Indian options, Madhu’s offer is more focused with a selection of chicken, lamb and vegetable wraps alongside a short offer of meat and fish main courses and biryanis. Vegetarians are well catered for with the likes of chilli paneer and palak patta chaat, while vegan, vegetarian and meat thali options also make Madhu’s a great place for a mid-shopping lunchtime bite.

Alcohol served.

Visit – Fifth Floor, Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge SW1X 7RJ

Those seeking a high-end splurge should head to the Fifth Floor of Harrods and this contemporary Chinese restaurant that doesn’t do things by halves – apart from its Beijing duck. It’s not cheap, with small dishes starting at £12 and options of grilled lobster with caviar, and Japanese Miyazaki beef setting you back around £170 each, but the quality speaks for itself. The aforementioned duck is a must – first accompanied by pancakes and mantou buns followed by a second serving of either minced duck with lettuce wraps or duck fried rice. (NB the majority of meats at Chai Wu are halal with the exception of a few, including its wagyu beef. The restaurant recommends double checking on the day).

Alcohol served.

Visit – Fifth Floor, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road SW1X 7XL

Arabic-style pizza, known as manaeesh, is the hero dish at this funky Arabic street food joint. MAMS’ distinct urban vibe, with works from street artists and quick-serve style, has made it a hit with the young Brompton Road crowd, happy to indulge in its chicken, lamb, falafel or halloumi wraps and bowls as well as its healthy smoothies. The real draw, however, are the manaeesh, which come in options that include za’atar and akkawi cheese; pesto, mozzarella and sundried tomatoes; and truffle, akkawi cheese and Cacklebean eggs that can be made with either gluten-free, traditional or wholemeal and charcoal bases.

No alcohol served.

Visit – 136 Brompton Road SW3 1HY

This beautiful Med-inspired restaurant was recently given a makeover, so its leafy interiors are now even more impressive. The go-to place to see and be seen while sipping on a spiced chai or saffron latte, start your morning in style with bowls of Turkish eggs or shakshouka or even French toast with banana and lotus or graze through its mezze menu that features the likes of grilled meatballs, hummus with crispy onions, and baba ganoush.

No alcohol served.

Visit – 232 Brompton Road SW3 2BB

Stefan Chomka is the editor of Restaurant magazine