The best halal restaurants in Central London

Inspired by ancient Babylonian myth, Gilgamesh is a luxurious Central London restaurant that caters to a wide clientele with its pan-Asian menus. Diners can enjoy dishes like prawn and chive dumplings, dragon rolls, aubergine miso, and grilled skewers, with all of the meat served here halal-friendly, apart from the duck. The grand setting helps ensure this won't be a meal you'll forget in a hurry.

Chotto Matte's colourful style and Nikkei cuisine combine in an exciting yet approachable whirlwind of fine dining, entertainment, and conviviality in the heart of Soho. The menu at this immersive restaurant is rooted in the trendy fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours, including meats grilled over the tabletop hibachi. Apart from the Wagyu, all of the meat here is halal-friendly.

Patty & Bun is one of the most popular burger restaurant groups in London, and they're big among halal diners too. They source their wares from respected producers such as respected butchers HG Walter, serving up heavily loaded burgers and indulgent sides. Both their Central London restaurants offer halal-certified beef, lamb, and chicken, including stand-out dishes like halal beef brisket loaded chips.

Halal diners craving a bit of Chinese would do well to pay a visit to the refined China Tang at the five-star Dorchester hotel. This elegant Central London restaurant with Art Deco furnishings serves a dedicated halal menu in addition to its main one, with halal-friendly options including Wagyu beef, the famed Peking duck, seafood dishes, and more. Opulent and welcoming, China Tang also offers private dining areas.

Kibele is a stylish Turkish restaurant in Marylebone. Spread over two floors, it features a lively main dining area and an intimate lounge with weekly entertainment including DJs, cabaret, acrobats, and belly dancers. The menu includes authentic dishes like kofte, lamb shish, and sarma beyti, and all of the meats are halal-certified. For an extra special touch, book the weekend brunch with live cello music.

Imad's Syrian Kitchen offers a warm, welcoming space to explore the rich and vibrant flavours of traditional Syrian cuisine, brought to Central London by chef Imad Alarnab, who previously ran restaurants in Damascus. The compact menu features a mix of familiar Mediterranean staples and lesser-known Syrian dishes, perfect for sharing, with options from breakfast through to dinner. Needless to say, halal diners are most welcome here.

Sheesh expanded the heart of the capital from Chigwell, where it had built up a reputation for high-end cuisine and cavorting with celebrities like Harry Kane or Russell Crowe. The Central London branch retains the buzzy atmosphere and luxury-loving outlook on life, serving Wagyu burgers, truffle steaks, and lobster rolls to London's upper classes. All of the meat here is halal, including the signature shish kebabs.

Gymkhana is not just one of the best halal restaurants in Central London, it's one of the best restaurants in London, period. Boasting two Michelin stars as of 2024, this upscale Indian restaurant is styled after the luxurious members' clubs of colonial India. The menus match the opulent interior with a wealth of contemporary and classic Indian dishes. All of the lamb, chicken, and goat prepped by the kitchen is halal-certified.

Deeply passionate about butchery, the Macellaio RC steakhouses are a must-visit for halal diners who love meat, thanks to their dedicated halal menu. Other dishes such as pasta and seafood are available as well. The sleek decor and white tablecloths add a dash of Italian flair, while the hanging meats in the window displays makes sure there's no mistake who this Central London restaurant is aimed at.

The Fatt Pundit restaurants bring a bold blend of Indo-Chinese flavours to Central London. The menu at these modern venues includes a fully halal selection, showcasing dishes such as momo dumplings, lollipop chicken, Bombay chilli prawns, and wok-tossed noodles. The food is influenced by the cuisine of Chinese immigrant communities in India, particularly Calcutta.

Founded by a Syrian ex-pat, the stylish Drunch eateries specialise in breakfast and brunch, with pancakes, French toast, egg dishes, and other classics served throughout the day. All of the food served here is halal, and the stylish interiors with an abundance of floral decor attract a young, social media-savvy crowd.

A lively halal restaurant in Central London, Shakeshuka is instantly recognisable by its hot pink decor and matching furnishings. Specialising in Palestinian cuisine, it serves hearty favourites like shawarma, kebabs, and lamb cutlets, alongside lighter options such as wraps, sandwiches, mezze, fresh juices, and desserts. With both indoor and outdoor seating, it offers a relaxed, colourful dining experience.

Ramo Ramen in Central London serves halal ramen infused with bold Filipino flavours. This inventive spot reimagines the classic Japanese dish using traditional Filipino ingredients, creating a fusion that's both comforting and original. Alongside a variety of ramen options, guests can enjoy creative cocktails, alcohol-free mocktails, and a curated list of sake and beers from both Japan and the Philippines.

With its emphasis on American culture and cuisine, particularly Philadelphia, Passyunk Avenue might not strike you as the most halal-friendly of places, but all of the steak and chicken served here are halal-certified. This means you can try a legendary Philly cheesesteak and other comforting dishes, preferably while catching a major match on the venue's screens or playing a round of corn-hole with your mates.

Berenjak is a popular Iranian restaurant in Soho, known for its fresh mezze and expertly grilled kebabs. With a lively, intimate atmosphere, guests can sit at the counter and watch chefs prepare creative twists on traditional dishes, such as black chickpea hummus served with warm flatbreads. The hole-in-the-wall restaurant uses halal chicken and lamb, making it a great choice for halal diners.

Angus Steakhouse has been serving quality steaks to Londoners since 1968. Their dedicated halal menu features a range of house steaks, burgers, mains, starters, sides, and desserts. Thanks to their spacious interiors and relaxed vibe, these contemporary steakhouses are well-suited for family meals and group celebrations.

Benares is another Michelin-starred restaurant in Central London serving halal food. Boasting a luxurious interior complete with water features and hand-crafted furnishings, the restaurant elevates premium British ingredients using traditional Indian spices and recipes. Guests can choose from an à la carte selection or indulge in a tasting menu, with the lamb, chicken, and goat meats all halal-certified.

Iran Restaurant offers a refined yet unpretentious setting for enjoying some of the city's most beloved Persian cuisine. With both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a private dining room, it provides a versatile space for any occasion. The menu features everything from indulgent caviar to traditional Persian fare, starting with lentil soup or salad and leading into a wide selection of mains including kebabs, stews, and curries.

Sarastro has been a flamboyant gem in London's dining scene since the mid-1990s, offering Turkish cuisine in a lavish interior with gold accents and vintage Art Deco lighting. Guests can enjoy Mediterranean-inspired dishes and mezze, with set and pre-theatre menus available, all accompanied by live performances ranging from opera to Motown and swing.

Rasa Sayang brings the lively flavours of South East Asia to Central London, offering a fully halal menu inspired by the region's bustling hawker culture. Behind its striking red façade lies a simple dining space where guests can enjoy everything from curries and noodles to barbecued dishes, small plates, and vegan options. A selection of soft drinks, teas, some alcoholic beverages is also available.

Beast offers a luxurious take on surf and turf. In a candlelit setting, guests are treated to succulent, expertly aged steaks paired with the likes of wild king crab and fresh lobster. The menu features premium cuts, including Australian halal-certified beef, ensuring inclusivity as well as indulgence.