Moving to another country does not have to mean that you are giving up on your local cuisine. There are as many different national restaurants in the Toronto area as there are countries that immigrants pour in from. If you are looking for the best halal restaurants in Toronto, you’ve come to the right place. 

From chicken sandwiches to spicy food, to jerk chicken – you can find a lot of halal food and halal meats in Toronto. Your taste buds will thank you on your first bite of a perfectly cooked halal steak and the beef shawarma in Toronto tastes the same as it does in your home country. For these reasons, let’s set off on a gastronomic journey through the capital City of the Ontario province. 

As mentioned before, there are many halal restaurants in the area, so you will need to do your own research to find the hidden gem that is exactly to your taste. This may take a long time – as there are over 7,500 restaurants in Toronto. Not all of these have certified halal options, so it is always best to check out the menu items before even heading there. 

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Overview of The Halal Food Scene in Toronto

However, the number of restaurants using only fresh ingredients and halal meat is growing. As there are a lot of immigrants from the Middle East in the area, there are many halal options for everybody, and some of the most popular dishes can be found at reasonable prices. After all, the Toronto area is very developed, and many immigrants have managed to open their own restaurants serving Middle Eastern food and Southern comfort food. 

Top Halal Restaurants in Toronto

And with this in mind, it is easy to see why it can be difficult to choose the best halal restaurant in Toronto. As there are so many, and as there are different tastes in what good halal food tastes like, it is easy to see that there are many options. In fact, Indonesia, Malaysia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Singapore, Taiwan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Maldives, Japan, and Thailand are just some of the countries that have a rich Muslim heritage and the tradition of eating halal food. 

The authentic flavours from all these destinations make halal a very diverse food group. Contrary to popular opinion, halal does not exclude many food items from the menu: pork and carnivorous animals are generally excluded, but the rich offer remaining is more than enough for every pallet. Tourists traveling to halal-famous regions say that they love the food. 

Popular Halal Dishes in Toronto

So much so that many of them keep visiting halal restaurants once back from their travel in the Middle East. There are indeed vegetarian options among restaurant offers, but this is a simple menu addition, rather than the limit of the food you can eat. Beef, chicken, dairy, and eggs can be found in generous portions on the tables of any halal restaurant, and the most popular halal dishes in Toronto include: 

  • Hummus
  • Shawarma
  • Baba Ghanouj / Ghanoush
  • Halvah
  • Tabbouleh 
  • Baklava
  • Labneh
  • Falafel
  • Mansaf
  • Puta with Za’atar
  • Tahini and many more

In fact, green curry, butter naan, beef tartare, halal pizza, jerk chicken, fresh veggies, halal burgers, any salad, lamb, rice, and many more are all popular dishes that those who eat halal love. With a modern twist, generous portions, and a great atmosphere, many halal restaurants in Toronto serve this food. Needless to say, your taste buds will love it. Let’s have a look at where to find halal food in Toronto: 

  • Affy’s Premium Grill Steakhouse
  • Amal Toronto
  • Bakhshi Halal Foods
  • Bamiyan Kabob
  • Chamsine Authentic Halal Cuisine
  • Charcoal Biryani
  • Chica’s Chicken
  • Chinese Halal Restaurant
  • Cinamon Indian Bistro
  • City Fried Chicken
  • Dönerland
  • Falafel World
  • Ghazale Restaurant
  • Al Noor Halal Pizza & Chicken
  • Istanbul Charcoal Grill
  • Kabul Express
  • Kabul Kabab House
  • Karahi Boys
  • Karahi Point
  • Knockout chicken
  • Kroran Uyghur Cuisine
  • Lalibela Cuisine
  • Lebanese Garden
  • Lebanon Express
  • Lett’us Roll
  • M’Zaar Restaurant
  • Mr.Pide
  • Naan & Kabob
  • Nadi Halal Kebab House
  • Nile River Restaurant Toronto
  • Paramount Fine Foods
  • Pita Land
  • Pukka
  • Rose’s Halal Kitchen
  • Sahan Restaurant
  • Scotty Bons Caribbean Grill
  • Shah’s Halal Food
  • Shawarma Empire
  • Sultan’s Mediterranean Grill
  • Takht-e Tavoos Restaurant
  • The Halal Guys
  • The Hummussiah
  • Umi’s Kitchen

Neighborhood Spotlight

As this is such a large city, there are no one or two best halal restaurants in Toronto. In fact, there are so many that we had to pull lists for some of the major neighbourhoods in the area. When going through the list, it is clear that some of these repeat: they are either chains or simply restaurants that are on the borders between neighbourhoods. In any case, a good chicken plate is guaranteed, and coupled with sauteed bell peppers and outdoor seating, these meals are certain to make any evening complete: 

Alderwood

  • Big Smoke Burger
  • Chainsmoker Urban Halal Barbecue
  • KarachiXpress
  • Kebab 49
  • Leziz Kitchen
  • Lonzo-s Kitchen
  • MAZEED FRIED CHICKEN
  • Mooring Eats
  • Torino Express – Etobicoke

Baby Point

  • Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern Cuisine
  • Falafel World
  • Habibz Corner
  • Nakshi Halal Foods
  • Pita Land Shawarma
  • Sizzler Kebab
  • The Halal Guys
  • Weston BBQ & Chicken Restaurant

Bloor West Village

  • Amal Toronto
  • Bawara
  • Bukhara Grill
  • Ghazale
  • My Halal Kitchen
  • Nihari Inn Downtown
  • Tahini’s
  • The Saj Wraps

Cabbagetown

  • BBQ Chicken Factory
  • Butter Chicken Factory
  • Shah’s Halal Food
  • Chamsine Authentic Halal
  • Charcoal Biryani
  • East Coast Donair
  • Pita Land Shawarma
  • Shalom Ethiopian & Eritrean Restaurant
  • Wanaag Restaurant Somali Grill

Crescent Town

  • Chamsine Authentic Halal Restaurant
  • Charcoal Biryani
  • Haji Biryani
  • Hot Pot Cafe
  • Makkah Restaurant
  • Sizzler Kebab
  • Subhan Halal Pizza and Chicken
  • The Halal Stop

Corktown

  • Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern Cuisine
  • Almadina Bistro
  • Cluck Clucks Chicken & Waffles
  • Hyderabad Express
  • Local Halal
  • Paramount Lebanese Kitchen
  • Pita Land Shawarma
  • Shah’s Halal Food

Dovercourt Village

  • Certified Wing Lover (Halal)
  • Grill N Thrill Kabob
  • Habibz Corner
  • Karahi BoysVilla Madina
  • My Halal Kitchen
  • Pita Land Shawarma
  • The Empire
  • The Saj Wraps

Entertainment District

  • Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern Cuisine
  • Charcoal Biryani
  • Jimmy The Greek
  • Paramount Lebanese Kitchen
  • Shah’s Halal Food
  • Sizzler Kebab
  • The Halal Guys
  • Tut’s

Harbord Village

  • Charcoal Biryani
  • Fantasy Kitchen Co.
  • Ghazale
  • Lebanese Garden
  • Paramount Lebanese Kitchen
  • Pomegranate Restaurant
  • Villa Madina

Harbourfront

  • Chamsine Authentic Halal New Restaurant
  • Charcoal Biryani
  • Chin Chin Street Side Kitchen
  • Jimmy The Greek
  • Nihari Inn Downtown Toronto Halal Restaurant
  • Pita & Grill
  • Shah’s Halal Food
  • Villa Madina

Liberty Village

  • Chamsine Authentic Halal New Restaurant
  • Habibz Corner
  • Al Noor Halal Pizza & Chicken
  • Karahi Boys
  • My Halal Kitchen
  • Pita Land Shawarma
  • Shah’s Halal Food
  • The Halal Guys

Little Italy

  • Almadian Bistro
  • Grill N Thrill Kabob
  • Al Noor Halal Pizza & Chicken
  • Lebanese Garden
  • Nile River Restaurant Toronto
  • Sizzler Kebab
  • The Halal Guys
  • Villa Madina

Little Portugal

  • Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern Cuisine
  • Charcoal Biryani
  • Grill N Thrill Kabob
  • Jimmy The Greek
  • Karahi Boys
  • Paramount Lebanese Kitchen
  • Pita Land Shawarma
  • The Halal Guys

Moss Park

  • Almadina Bistro
  • Cluck Clucks Chicken & Waffles
  • Hyderabad Express
  • Mom Kitchen
  • Pita Land Shawarma
  • Villa Madina

Mount Pleasant East

  • Afghan Cuisine Restaurant
  • Flaming Stove
  • Mayrik
  • MR. Pide
  • Pita Lite Shawarma
  • The Halal Guys
  • Twisted Indian Wraps

New Toronto

  • Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern Cuisine
  • Charcoal Biryani
  • Lazeez Shawarma
  • My Halal Kitchen
  • Pita Land Shawarma
  • The Halal Guys
  • Villa Madina

North Toronto

  • Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern Cuisine
  • Halal Kitchen Catering
  • Naan Kabob
  • Pita Lite Shawarma
  • Shah’s Halal Food
  • The Halal Guys

Oakridge

  • Adam’s Halal Pub
  • Doner Point
  • Haji Biryani
  • New Baitul Muqadus Halal Pizza
  • Sedaghat Restaurant
  • Subhan Halal Pizza and Chicken

Oakwood Village

  • Chachus
  • Hyderabad Express
  • My Halal Kitchen
  • Naan Kabob
  • New York Halal Cart
  • The Halal Guys
  • Villa Madina

Parkdale

  • Ali’s West Indian Roti Shop
  • Dave’s Hot Chicken
  • Karahi Boys
  • Loga’s Corner
  • Magical Taste of China
  • My Halal Kitchen
  • Roja’s Kitchen
  • Sizzler Kabab

Runnymede

  • Bakhshi Halal Foods
  • Flame Food+Design
  • New York Halal Cart
  • Shah’s Halal Food
  • Shawarma Ali Baba’s

South Parkdale

  • Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern Cuisine
  • Ali’s West Indian Roti Shop
  • Hyderabad Express
  • Liberty Shawarma
  • Loga’s Corner
  • Magical Taste of China

James Town

  • Chamsine Authentic Halal New Restaurant
  • Charcoal Biryani
  • Al Noor Halal Pizza & Chicken
  • Shah’s Halal Food
  • Villa Madina
  • Umi’s Kitchen

The Beaches

  • 6ix Pizzas
  • Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern Cuisine
  • Amma Momo House
  • Bowl of Karma
  • Karahi Boys
  • Limon
  • Makkah Restaurant
  • New Baitul Muqadus Halal Pizza
  • The Halal Guys

The Junction

  • Habibz Corner
  • Hakka Heaven
  • Lebanon Express
  • Leela Indian Food Bar
  • My Halal Kitchen
  • New York Halal Card
  • Sizzler Kabab

Thorncliffe Park

  • Afghan Cuisine Restaurant
  • Al-Mina Halal Meat
  • B Boyz Thorncliffe
  • Bamiyan Kabob
  • Chicken Haus
  • Karahi Point Thorncliffe Park
  • Lazeez Shawarma
  • Loz Shawarma
  • Madina Naan & Kabob
  • Shahi Rasoi

Upper Beaches

  • Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern Cuisine
  • Bowl of Karma
  • Dave’s Hot Chicken
  • Galata Turkish Restaurant
  • Kababia
  • Local Halal

West Queen West

  • Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern Cuisine
  • Azkadenya Restaurant Queen Street
  • ChickQueen
  • Habibz Corner
  • Magical Taste of China
  • Mom Kitchen
  • Roja’s Kitchen
  • Shawarma West

Budget-Friendly Options

Halal is not expensive food. The best way to approach this variety of dishes is to think of them as Middle Eastern comfort food – this is the food that a family would gather around and end their day. This is also the food that can be found in many parts of the world, as it is flavorful, easy to make and so filling – similar to the Chinese today. 

Affordable Halal Dining

For these reasons, there are many halal restaurants in Toronto. Some of these charge very affordable prices while others do not. Although it is OK to enjoy a fancy dish every once in a while, it is also important to note that the best restaurants may not have to make the best possible halal food. In fact, you should look for restaurants that offer great value for money that you put in their register. Here are a few of them: 

  • Chamsine Authentic Halal New Restaurant
  • MR. Pide
  • Pita Land Shawarma
  • Sizzler Kabab
  • Ali Baba’s Middle Eastern Cuisine

These are some of the most affordable options in Toronto Canada and most of these can be found in more than one location. Now, affordability is one thing, but there are also more costly options for those seeking a perfect balance between friendly staff, good food, and the best possible ingredients. All of these will make up for a delicious meal, a good time with your friends, and special occasions crowned with a good meal. 

Student-Friendly Eateries

But what about students? If you are a student, there are many places where you can hop in for a quick bite, with good portion sizes and very affordable prices. To make the choices as delicious as possible, we always advise you to go to a place that has everything: from a salad bar to full-fledged meals. All-you-can-eat places and places that combine halal foods with their national cuisines are the best choices for many students: 

  • Shah’s Halal Food 
  • Umi’s Kitchen – Caribbean and halal food
  • Paramount Fine Foods – a bit more expensive than others on the list, but great for special outings
  • Sizzler Kabab
  • Al Noor Halal Pizza & Chicken
  • Lahore Tikka House – a Pakistani restaurant

Options suitable for students on a tight budget also include simply choosing halal foods in the school cafeteria, but if you have no access to it, or simply love eating outside, there are many restaurants in Toronto where you can enjoy affordable halal foods:

  • Sizzler Kabab
  • Charcoal Biryani
  • Kabul Express
  • Pita Land Shawarma
  • Lahore Grill & Fast Food Halal Restaurant 

The last one on the list also offers quick bites that you can take with you – home or to the University campus, you chose. Beef, chicken, lamb, and other proteins (except pork) are all considered halal, so you will always have a tasty meal and will be able to enjoy foods other than salads and rice when in Canada. The only important thing to do is ask around for halal foods and many will be able to help you out. 

Fine Dining Experience

Of course, not all halal restaurants in Toronto are cheap or that affordable. Sometimes, you simply want to have a Middle Eastern dish in an environment worthy of a celebration, anniversary, or even a fancy holiday meal. As we’ve said before, there are many restaurants and many of them offer dining in a great environment and with an upscale feel. 

Fancy Halal Restaurants in Toronto

In fact, here are a few of them: 

  • Persian Palace – Persian Palace is known for the amazing events they cater to in their own space. The food includes many halal dishes and they are easy to spot for their Mezze – a great way to start any meal
  • Carmelina – Carmelina offers outdoor seating and an eating experience that is difficult to match. One of the best halal restaurants in Toronto, it offers an amazing halal experience unlike other restaurants on our list – they focus on the Mediterranean dining experience and offer many seafood options – most seafood is halal by nature
  • Diwan – Diwan has one of the richest menus on our list. The restaurant offers food from Turkey, India, and other Middle Eastern countries
  • Khazana – Sanjeev Kapoor, a celebrity chef, offers a unique dining experience. Their lamb is to die for and even their spices are certified Halal
  • The Maharaja – the Maharaja is famous for their appetizer platter. Be careful when ordering, as portions are large and the food tastes great! This is an Indian restaurant, so all the flavours are a must-have on your plate

Halal Fusion Cuisine

Of course, halal food is not served only in halal restaurants. In fact, you can find your favourite food in many other places, such as Chinese restaurants which also abound in Toronto. This is due to the fact that there are many immigrants from countries that eat halal. 

Fusion Flavors 

This means that you will always have a place to eat. Many of the places have delicious lamb on the menu and coupled with rice, cheese, salads, and more, this can be a filling meal that you will really enjoy. Here are a few places where you can eat both Chinese and halal food: 

  • Chinese Halal Restaurant 
  • Magical Taste of China Downtown
  • The Zen Hakka Chinese & Thai Toronto (Halal)
  • Xin Jian Restaurant Halal
  • Hakka Village – Halal Hakka Chinese Cuisine 
  • Satay Sate Indonesian Food 
  • Hakka No. 1
  • Omni Noodle – North York
  • Chiang Mai
  • GB Hand-pulled Noodles
  • Pai Northern Thai Kitchen
  • Super Hakka Restaurant
  • Himalayan Kitchen
  • Kroran Uyghur Cuisine
  • The Royal Chinese Restaurant 

Here are some delicious halal Chinese dishes for you to try out (please always confirm with the chefs that the food/meat is halal before ordering – in some places, halal depends on the availability and the distributors): 

  • Big Plate Chicken 
  • Nang 
  • Mutton Kebab
  • Xinjiang Rice 
  • Lanzhou Hand-Pulled Noodles with Beef
  • Beef Jerky 
  • Jerk Chicken

Halal Food Trucks and Street Food

If you are on the go and just need a quick bite, there are also food trucks, street food, and grab-and-go places where you can grab a quick bite and be on your way. Here are a few halal street food places in Toronto, Ontario: 

  • Road Grill Food Truck – Caterers
  • Wings Out – chicken wings
  • Red Tower Hot Dog – check that the hot dogs do not contain pork – beef hot dogs, chicken, and turkey hot dogs are halal
  • The Halal Guys 
  • Maha’s 
  • Pizza Shab
  • Osmow’s

Take A Look FOOD TRUCK DIARIES | Toronto Street Food Tour:

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

We’ve said before that the introduction of halal foods in Toronto took place because consumers were asking for it. In recent years and decades, we can see that a new gourmet stream is appearing – vegetarian and vegan. These two streams, although not completely the same, are also being catered for by the rich offer of Toronto restaurants. And today, there are also many halal vegan and vegetarian dishes that you can choose from: 

  • The Veggie Thali 
  • PLANTA Yorkville 
  • Sorry I’ve Got Plants
  • Tabule Restaurant 
  • Kupfert & Kim 
  • Buddha’s Vegan
  • King’s Cafe
  • The Social Gardener

Foodie’s Recommendations

And of course, if you are in Toronto on a gastronomical journey, it always pays off to seek halal restaurants that got great grades on different platforms, such as Yelp, TripAdvisor, and others. Here are a few of them, with a minimum star rating of ⅘, according to TripAdvisor: 

  • Xawaash – 4.5/5
  • Bamiyan Kabob – 4.5/5
  • The Pomegranate Persian Cuisine – 4/5 
  • MADO Yonge – 5/5
  • Mustafa Turkish Pizza – 4/5 
  • Diwan Restaurant – 4/5 
  • Falafel World – 4.5/5
  • Mr. Pide – 4.5/5
  • Shawarma Empire – 4.5/5
  • Gilaneh Restaurant – 4/5 
  • Best Istanbul Restaurant – 4.5/5
  • A La Turk – 4/5 
  • Naan & Kabob – 4.5/5

Importance of Halal Dining Options

Although for some it may seem like the focus on halal options is too strong in Toronto, it is important to note that halal is a very important concept in many cultures in the Middle East and parts of Asia. Primarily eaten by the Muslim community, the halal insistence on not drinking alcohol and not eating pork has its health benefits as well. Not only that, but halal is a big part of the religious experience of an average Muslim, and considering the number of Muslim immigrants into the area, it is clear that there is a real need for this type of food. 

Criteria for Selection of Best Halal Restaurants in Toronto

Although your dining experience is a personal thing, in considering the best halal restaurants in Toronto, we tried to follow some standard and proven service indicators that we know would be useful for all: the taste of the food, the ambiance, the place, and the quality of service. In fact, the taste is probably the most important aspect of dining in any place – so much so that it can easily override other factors – tasteless food and good service will not attract anyone, after all. 

The taste of the food was largely judged based on what others had to say. We tried to avoid restaurants with single ratings, however good they may be. For the ambiance, it is important to note that many of these places are small, grab-and-go style family restaurants and some may not even offer seating – although not the best for a family to celebrate the graduation of a loved one, they are still perfect for students and those too busy to stop and have a meal with full service. When it comes to the service itself, it should be impeccable, as bad service can ruin even the best of meals. 

FAQs

Is Subway Halal in Canada?

Subway in Canada is not halal. However, their fish and vegetarian menus are halal. When it comes to halal proper options, you are much better off with other options, local and national restaurants and fast food restaurants in Canada and the Toronto area. 

Are There Fancy Halal Restaurants in Downtown Toronto?

Yes, there are many fancy halal restaurants in Downtown Toronto. Shah’s Halal Food, Almadina Bistro, Naan Kabob, Byblos Downtown, Paramount Middle Eastern Kitchen, and Nihari Inn Downtown Toronto are all fancy halal restaurants. If you want good service and a pleasant ambiance, these are the places to go to. 

Final Thoughts

Halal restaurants in Toronto have a wide range of offers and many halal dishes that you will love. The Toronto area has hundreds of these places, and they are all likely to be the best halal experience you’ve ever had. Always be on the lookout for new hidden places, as these restaurants can open overnight, and always ask for certification – as Canada recognizes it and ensures that everything is up to the code.