Cape Town, South Africa is home to an incredible halaal dining scene. From “street food” and atmosphere to the finer things in life, there’s a place for every taste in the city. This vibrant metropolis blends diverse culinary traditions to offer something truly unique.
Whether you’re looking for strictly halaal or halaal-certified meals, the beautiful Mother City offers an abundance of quality options. With a rich cultural heritage, Cape Town’s halaal restaurants reflect the city’s dynamic and inclusive “rainbow nation” spirit.
The word halaal also spelt halal, means “permissible and lawful.” Halaal food follows Islamic law, from the Qur’an (Muslim scripture). This ensures that the food adheres to specific ethical and health standards in the Muslim community.
Halaal food meets Islamic dietary laws by using permissible ingredients, ensuring meat is slaughtered humanely, avoiding pork and alcohol, and preventing cross-contamination. Certified by recognised organisations, halaal food is clearly labelled to provide trust for Muslim consumers.
Here is a list of some beloved halal restaurants in Cape Town, in no particular order. Showcasing a mix of strictly halaal establishments and those that source halaal meat but serve alcohol.
Location: 96 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre
Instagram: Eastern Food Bazaar
Contact: 021 461 2458
Saray Restaurant offers a delightful taste of Middle Eastern cuisine in Cape Town. This strictly halaal establishment is renowned for its authentic dishes, including flavorful kebabs, rich hummus, and freshly baked pita. The warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive service enhance the dining experience. Located conveniently for both locals and tourists, Saray ensures that all ingredients and preparations comply with halaal requirements, making it a trustworthy dining option for Muslim patrons.
Location: Shop G01 Clocktower Building, S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Website: Saray Restaurant
Contact: 066 430 3391
Ala Turkish brings the rich flavours of Turkey to Cape Town with its strictly halaal menu. Diners can enjoy traditional Turkish delights such as kebabs, pide, and baklava, all prepared with care to meet halaal standards. Located in stylish De Waterkant, the restaurant prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver an authentic culinary experience. Ala Turkish’s friendly staff and cosy ambience make it an excellent choice for both casual meals and special occasions.
Location: Shop 110, The Rockwell, Napier St, De Waterkant
Website: Ala Turkish
Contact: 021 419 0162
EatStanbul is a strictly halaal restaurant that offers an array of Mediterranean and Turkish dishes. Known for its flavour-packed mezes, kebabs, and aromatic rice dishes, here you can get a genuine taste of Turkish cuisine in a welcoming environment. The restaurant ensures that all its meat is sourced from halaal-certified suppliers, making it a reliable option for those seeking authentic and permissible dining options in Gardens.
Location: 64 Kloof St, Gardens
Website: EatStanbul
Contact: 021 422 1989
Nouveau Coffee & Grill is an upscale halaal restaurant with two beautiful locations: Long Street, close to Cape Town’s CBD, and Century City, a suburb just outside the city. Known for its diverse menu, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes including grilled meats, seafood, and gourmet burgers. Nouveau prides itself on providing a warm and cosy atmosphere, making it a great spot for both casual dining and special occasions. The restaurant is fully halaal-certified, ensuring all meals adhere to Islamic dietary laws.
Location: 134-136 Long St, Cape Town City Centre
Website: Nouveau
Contact: 021 207 0789
With a new location situated in the Cape Town Cruise Terminal at the Waterfront, Beluga is a local gem. This trendy establishment sources halaal meat, but take note that they also serve alcohol. Offering a contemporary Asian fusion menu in an opulent art-deco setting, Beluga has been a long-time favourite in the Cape Town dining scene. They offer patrons a sophisticated experience with a vibrant atmosphere and are a popular choice for both casual outings and special occasions. Despite serving alcohol, the restaurant ensures strict separation to maintain the integrity of it halaal offerings.
Location: 1st Floor, Cruise Terminal, Duncan Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Website: Beluga Restaurant
Contact: 021 418 2948
The Avenue is a chic dining spot in Harfield Village with a fully halaal kitchen that also serves alcohol. Describing themselves as a family-style halaal grill house, their offerings range from grills to seafood, with delicious vegan options too. The Avenue boasts a stylish interior and a relaxed vibe, making it an excellent place to get home-style cooking in a sophisticated setting.
Location: 45 2nd Ave, Claremont
Website: The Avenue
Contact: 021 671 0623
Offering a unique blend of Argentinian cuisine with a South African feel, Don Armando is a delightful addition to this list. The relaxed, inviting atmosphere has cemented this establishment as a local favourite. Argentina is well-known for being a meat-loving nation, and Don Armando certainly provides an authentic dining experience! From grilled meats to seafood and sides, all meat is sourced from halaal-certified butchers. They do serve alcohol; however, the restaurant ensures that halaal food preparation standards are strictly adhered to.
Location: 20 Cobern St, De Waterkant
Website: Don Armando
Contact: 021 418 1462
NV-80 Grill & Bar is a classic yet contemporary dining establishment in stunning Sea Point, renowned for its steaks and seafood. The stylish decor and attentive service create a welcoming environment for patrons, and a commitment to taste keeps them coming back. NV-80 restaurant sources halaal meat, ensuring that it is prepared separately to maintain compliance, but does also serve alcohol.
Location: The Point Mall Shopping Centre, 8, 76 Regent Rd, Sea Point
Website: NV-80
Contact: 021 439 7112
YU is a modern Asian restaurant that sources halaal meat but serves alcohol. The menu features a variety of Asian-inspired dishes, such as sushi, noodles, and stir-fries, all prepared with halaal-certified ingredients. YU’s glamorous setting and deliciously innovative cuisine make it a popular choice for those seeking a unique dining experience in the Foreshore area.
Location: The Onyx Apartment Hotel, 59 Heerengracht St, Cape Town City Centre
Website: YU
Contact: 021 111 0453
Location: 96 Longmarket St, Cape Town City Centre
Instagram: Eastern Food Bazaar
Contact: 021 461 2458
Exploring Cape Town’s halaal dining scene offers a multitude of delightful options, from street food to fine dining. Whether you’re a local (howzit!) or a visitor, these restaurants cater to all tastes while adhering to halaal standards.
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Cape Town. Source: Unsplash
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