The 13 Best Halal Restaurants in NYC (2023)

When you are traveling with certain dietary restrictions and requirements it can become challenging.

I always end up googling “best halal restaurants near me” when visiting a new place. Sometimes, the results are not appropriate and accurate and it can be really frustrating.

Luckily New York City is one of the most diverse tourist destinations and with a demand for strict dietary needs, there are restaurants that adhere to stringent halal standards.

In this post, I will highlight the best halal restaurants in NYC that I have found.

I have contacted each restaurant to verify the halal status.

Be sure to check them out and enjoy some great food, whether it is your first time in New York City or even if you are a regular.

What is halal food?

Halal food is food that has been prepared according to Islamic law. This means that the meat must be obtained from an animal that was slaughtered in a certain way.

The food should also not contain pork, alcohol, or any by-products of animals that were not slaughtered in the prescribed method.

Muslims typically follow a halal diet.

Halal food is not only for Muslims. Anyone can consume it.

Does NYC have halal food?

Yes, there are plenty of amazing halal restaurants where you can find delicious food. From halal burgers to Pakistani and Middle Eastern cuisine and of course New Yorks’s famous halal food carts, you’re sure to find something that satisfies your taste buds.

In this blog post, I highlight some of the best halal restaurants in NYC that you should visit.

What are the best halal restaurants in NY?

At the time of writing (August 2022), all of the restaurants mentioned below (to the best of my knowledge) serve only halal meat and do not serve alcohol. Please check with the restaurant at the time of ordering if this is still applicable.

The best halal restaurants In Manhattan are:

1. Halal Guys (Best for Gyro Platters)

The Halal Guys is a halal fast food cart that specializes in American and Middle Eastern cuisine.

They’re most famous for their chicken and lamb gyro platters, which are served with their famous white sauce. If you are feeling a bit adventurous, you can try the Halal guys’ famous hot sauce as well.

Located on 6th Avenue and West 53rd Street, near Radio City and Top of The Rock Observation deck.

Halal guys is probably the most famous halal food truck in New York City.

Their platters have people lining up throughout the day.

2. Omars Mediterranean (Best for Authentic Mediterranean cuisine)

If you’re in the mood for some delicious Mediterranean food, then Omar’s is the place for you. They offer a wide variety of dishes, from kebabs and falafel to hummus and Baba ghanoush.

I would recommend the chicken or lamb adana kebab if you prefer a spicy dish and the falafel if you prefer something milder.

The restaurant offers comfortable seating and a relaxing atmosphere.

The original restaurant is conveniently located near 5th avenue, in Midtown, and it is a good option to visit when shopping near New York’s main shopping areas.

They have another location on East 39th street and the third location in Downtown on Ann avenue.

3. Burger Mania (Best for Chicken Wings and Smash Burgers)

Burger Mania is a fast-food-style burger chain that offers halal burgers, chicken wings, and fries.

Besides the smash burgers, their menu includes chicken wings with 15 different sauce options.

They are located in Midtown Manhattan, in the heart of times square.

4. Holy cow (Best for Hand Rolled Buns)

Holy cow is a halal burger joint that specializes in beef and chicken burgers. The buns are hand-rolled.

The small and simple menu focuses on quality and taste.

There is also a vegetarian option with “Impossible Burger”.

Located in the Flatiron district, on 34 Canal Street, lower Manhattan, New York City.

5. Guactime (Best for Mexican Food in Manhattan)

Authentic halal Mexican cuisine from Guac time

Guac time is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant that serves halal cuisine.

The offerings includes steak and chicken tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and more.

There are currently two locations (Hicksville and Manhattan).

6.Istanbul Kebab House (Best for Turkish Cuisine)

Istanbul Kebab House is a traditional Turkish kebab restaurant located in Midtown.

This restaurant serves authentic Turkish and Mediterranean dishes prepared with lamb and chicken.

They are located on 712 9th Ave New York City.

The best halal restaurants in Brooklyn are:

7. Ruzana Restaurant (Best for Authentic Middle Eastern cuisine)

Ruzana has an extensive menu with many options for all-day dining.

From flatbreads, shawarma, mixed grilled platters, soups, and desserts, there is a vast variety of Arabic cuisine to choose from.

8. Yemen cafe (Best for Authentic Yemeni cuisine)

Yemen Cafe is a halal restaurant that specializes in Yemeni cuisine.

They offer a wide variety of dishes, from stews and soups to flatbreads and rice dishes.

There are two locations, one in Downtown Brooklyn and one in Bay Ridge.

9. Firestone Frill and Pizza (Best for Pizza)

Firestone Frill and Pizza is a halal pizzeria that offers a wide variety of pizzas, from classic cheese to more unique flavor combinations.

In addition, they have a variety of Indian flame-grilled kebabs and chicken.

They are located in Brooklyn, near the Barclays Center.

The best halal restaurants in Queens/Jamaica are:

10. Sheikh Shack (Best for Fried chicken burgers and shakes)

Sheikh Shack is a halal burger chain that offers American-style burgers and shakes.

A clever wordplay on Shake Shack, this alternative offers delicious halal burgers and shakes.

The fried spicy zinger and the sheikh special are the most popular menu items. Also, be sure to try the masala fries and shakes.

11. Moho Mexican Grill (Best for Mexican food)

Moho Mexican Grill combines the perfect blend of spices, fresh ingredients, and crunch in its menu.

They offer a wide variety of dishes, from steak and chicken tacos enchiladas, burritos, and quesadillas.

There are so many good items on the menu and they even have Dulce de Leche churros for dessert.

Check out their everyday lunch special.

The best halal restaurants in Hicksville are:

12. Kababjees (Best for Pakistani and Indian cuisine)

Kababjees is a halal restaurant that specializes in Pakistani and Indian cuisine. They offer a wide variety of dishes, from kebabs and curries to rice dishes and bread.

The karahi, kulfi, and BBQ items are the most poular.

13. Peri Peri Guys (Best for Portuguese Chicken)

Peri Peri Guys is a halal restaurant that serves delicious chicken dishes.

They offer a wide variety of items, from grilled chicken, wraps, and burgers to platters and salad.

The chicken is marinated with the signature peri peri sauce.

Peri peri sauce combines African Bird’s Eye Chilli with other ingredients to create the perfect combination of African and Portuguese elements.

This type of chicken is popular in South Africa .

Frequently asked questions:

Why is there so much halal food in NYC?

New York City is one of the most diverse cities. There are plenty of halal food options and restaurants because there is a large Muslim population in NYC.