Cape Town is increasingly catering to Muslim diners, with a variety of halal food options .
We’ve put together a list of some of the best halal-certified and halal-friendly eateries in the city for your dining pleasure:
Halal-Certified Restaurants
The Happy Uncles
The Happy Uncles is the first halal, pure fine dining restaurant offering an authentic and memorable culinary experience in a contemporary industrial space. You will be treated to a 4 – 8 course meal of innovative dishes that you’ve probably never had before.
Location: The Spice Yard, 100 Voortrekker Road, Salt River, Cape Town
Website www.thehappyuncles.com
The Butcher’s Wife
The Butcher’s Wife, in the heart of Athlone, offers steaks, pizzas, flame-grilled chicken, and pasta. The restaurant thrives on its motto, “We sell what we eat,” serving fresh meals for sit-down or takeaway. The Butcher’s Wife does not accept reservations, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Get there early as seating is limited.
Location: 15 Belgravia Rd, Belgravia
Website: www.thebutcherswife.co.za
Saray
Saray (meaning palace in Turkish) brings authentic Turkish food to Cape Town. Located at the V&A Waterfront – Clock tower precinct, you can enjoy some favourites like kebabs, kofta, platters, and so much more. Ideal for large groups.
Location: Shop G01 Clocktower Building, S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Website: www.saray.co.za
Sabria’s Restaurant
Sabria’s in the southern suburbs has an authentic menu boasting a feast of flavours, offering prime grills, fragrant curries, fresh seafood, pasta, salads, and decadent desserts. Known as one of the oldest halal restaurants in the city, you can tuck into Cape Malay and Indian-inspired curry dishes.
Location: 119 Ottery Road, Wynberg
Website: www.sabrias.co.za
Selva Café
The jungle-inspired Selva is nestled in the quaint, eclectic suburb of Harfield Village and the bustling Long Street. The eatery specialises in high-quality coffee, delicious wholesome whole-day breakfasts and light meals.
Location: 48 2nd Ave, Claremont and Shop 3, 14 Long St, Cape Town City Centre
Website selvacafe.co.za/
Wembley Roadhouse
Wembley Roadhouse is a no-frills takeaway joint offering various burgers, grills, and Indian street food. Wembley is home to the Wembley Whopper – a succulent burger popular with locals. You can also find a variety of other burgers, samoosas, grills, curries, pasta, and sandwiches. Wembley also boasts a confectionery, bakery, and meat market. Eat under the roadside umbrellas or relax in the tranquil, sheltered garden.
Location: Belgravia Rd, Belgravia
Website: www.wembley.co.za
Eastern Food Bazaar
This bustling canteen-style takeaway features a long row of traders selling everything from shawarmas and kebabs to breyanis and more. It’s affordable, quick, and tasty, especially for those who want a bite to eat after a night of partying.
Location: 96 Longmarket Street, Cape Town
Website: www.easternfoodbazaar.co.za
Mariam’s Kitchen
Mariam’s Kitchen, known for its salomis and gatsbys, is located in parts of Cape Town City Centre and Crawford. The eatery serves affordable salomis, gatsbys, pies, vienna and chips parcels, samoosas, and more.
Locations: 31 Heerengracht St, Foreshore, 101 St Georges Mall, Cape Town City Centre, and 122 Kromboom Rd, Crawford
Website: www.mariamskitchen.co.za
Andalousse Moroccan Cuisine
This restaurant serves some of the best Moroccan food in town. From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed with the warm hospitality of mint tea and traditional Moroccan biscuits, setting the stage for the feast that awaits. The tagines, kebabs, stews, and shawarmas are hugely popular, and it’s recommended that you try their mouthwatering desserts too.
Location: 174 Main Rd, Sea Point
Website: www.facebook.com/andaloussemoroccan
Al-Hambra Restaurant
Located in the same vicinity of Islamia Mosque Masjid Al-Furqaan, the restaurant serves everything from burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and vegetarian fare. Try their set menus for special occasions, and their catering services can be booked for events.
Location: 409 Imam Haron Rd, Lansdowne
Website: www.al-hambra.co.za
Tashreeqa’s
Established for over 20 years, Tashreeqa’s is one of the first restaurants to offer authentic Cape Malay cuisine fused with local and international flavours. From burgers to pasta to a comprehensive breakfast menu, Tashreeqa’s is a must-visit attraction in the city.
Location: Shop1, Cnr Kromboom Road, Sunnyside Rd, Crawford
Website: www.tashreeqas.co.za
Bo-Kaap Kombuis
Bo-Kaap Kombuis is an authentic Cape Malay restaurant that pays homage to its surroundings. “The Kombuis,” as the restaurant is affectionately known, has served guests for nearly two decades. The expansive menu features everything from curries and vegetarian dishes to snacks like potato waras and samosas.
There is also a selection of authentic Cape Malay dishes, such as slow-cooked Denningvleis, which is lamb cooked with tamarind paste and local spices.
Location: 7 August St, Schotsche Kloof
Website: www.bokaapkombuis.co.za
Biesmiellah
Biesmiellah in the Bo-Kaap takes you on a food journey, showcasing Cape Malay and Cape Indian cuisine. From tomato bredie, bobotie and crayfish curry to butter chicken and lamb breyani, each meal is set to tantalise your palate. You can also build your own starter platter with favourites, like daltjie, samoosa, mini pies, and half-moons.
Location: 2 Wale St & Pentz St Bo-Kaap, Schotsche Kloof
Website: www.biesmiellah.co.za
Atlantic Express Restaurant
This unique restaurant was carefully restored and designed along the theme of a dining coach. Go for good breakfasts, light lunches, and some main meals.
Location: 1B Regent Rd, Sea Point
Contact: 021 271 0527
District Café
District Café is a family-run halaal restaurant situated in Woodstock. The eatery serves a bit of everything, from burgers and curries to pasta, seafood, and grills.
Location: 115 Roodebloem Rd, Woodstock
Website: www.facebook.com/District-Cafe
Ciao Pizza
Ciao Pizza, with locations in Blouberg and Long Street, is renowned for its award-winning Neapolitan-style pizzas. Try their pizzas with prawn, bacon, salami, or even banana. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.
Location: 2 Porterfield Rd, Table View and 309 Long St, Cape Town City Centre
Website: ciaopizza.co.za
Damascus
Damascus is a taste of Syria in the heart of Sea Point. Enjoy a memorable Syrian feast in this stylish space – try the Man’oosh or Chicken Mandi. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Location: Mount Curtis, 307 Main Rd, Sea Point
Website: www.damascusrestaurant.co.za/
Nouveau Coffee and Grill
Situated in Century City, Nouveau Coffee & Grill is an upmarket establishment offering premium steaks, authentic curries, seafood dishes and mouthwatering desserts.
Location: Shop 3, Century Village Centre, Century City
Website: nouveau.co.za/
Bo Kaap Deli
Award-winning Bo Kaap Deli serves Cape Malay-inspired cuisine in the heart of Bo-Kaap. This aesthetically pleasing eatery offers a diverse menu, featuring everything from koesisters and curry to burgers and breakfast. The deli also has an outdoor seating area with some spectacular views.
Location: 114 Church St, Bo-Kaap
Website: www.instagram.com/bokaapdeli/
Istanbul Kebab
Tuck into the vibrant flavours of Turkish and Mediterranean halal cuisine at Istanbul Kebab in Sea Point. Each meal is prepared using authentic recipes, traditional cooking methods, and the finest ingredients.
Location: 277 Main Road
Website: istanbulkebabct.co.za/
Aladdin
Indulge in a traditional Syrian meal at Aladdin. Here, you can enjoy everything from soups, samosas, fattoush, Tabbouleh, salad, kabsa, and mandi.
Location: 210 Loop St, Cape Town City Centre
Website: www.aladdinrestaurant.co.za/
Conscious Carnivores
Known as Cape Town’s Wagyu destination, Conscious Carnivores at the V&A Waterfront also doubles as a deli and butchery, where you can stock up on halal meat and treats.
Location: 8 Dock Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Website: consciouscarnivores.co.za/
Rumi Cafe
Rumi Cafe, inspired by the 13th-century spiritual master Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, aims to provide a peaceful space for guests to escape the busyness of everyday life. This fully halal cafe offers a selection of breakfast options, sandwiches, burgers and light snacks. On a good-weather day, sit in the outdoor section under the massive tree.
Location: 33 Central Square, Pinelands
Website: Visit rumicafe.co.za/
Shift Espresso Bar
Nestled in the charming suburbs of Newlands and Pinelands, you can enjoy expertly crafted espressos, aromatic cappuccinos, and velvety lattes. Their menu offers a range of breakfast and lunch options.
Location: 6 Thicket Street, Newlands, Cape Town
Visit: www.shiftespresso.com
Halal-Friendly
Al’s Place restaurant
Chef Alan Tavares founded Al’s Place in Claremont to offer a vibrant menu of mouthwatering dishes at affordable prices. Whether you’re craving a juicy steak, fresh seafood, a classic burger, fiery peri-peri roasted baby chicken, or Al’s signature pasta, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Location: 71 2nd Ave, Claremont, Cape Town
Website: alsplacerestaurant.com/
The Avenue
This family-style Grill House on the trendy 2nd Avenue in Harfield Village operates a fully halaal kitchen. Their extensive menu celebrates a variety of grills, including steaks and seafood. The Avenue also offers curry and vegan options.
Location: 45 2nd Ave, Claremont
Website: www.theavenuerestaurant.co.za
NV-80
This Cape Town institution serves fine dining with some of the most stunning views of the city. Try their slow-roast lamb shank, surf and turf, and lobster.
Location: The Point Mall Shopping Centre in Sea Point, 8, 76 Regent Rd, Sea Point
Website: www.nv-80.co.za
Pigalle
Located in the heart of Green Point, Pigalle is one of the largest indoor restaurant venues in the city. Open for dinner and private events, you can enjoy classic dishes with a subtle Portuguese flair. PS: No caps or shorts allowed.
Location: 57A Somerset Rd, Green Point
Website: www.pigalle.capetown
Mesopotamia
Mesopotamia offers diners traditional authentic Kurdish cuisine and the best Shisha in town. Choose between mezes, pide (Kurdish pizzas), and more.
Location: 36 Burg St, Cape Town City Centre
Website: mesopotamiarestaurant.com/
Gold Restaurant
Embark on an African food journey at Gold Restaurant. This restaurant and entertainment venue offers diners authentic African cuisine from across the continent, including a 14-dish taste safari
Location: 15 Bennett St, Green Point
Website: www.goldrestaurant.co.za
SPYCED Restaurant
Gold’s sister restaurant blends Cape Malay cuisine and Cape Town jazz. Indulge in a memorable dinner and drumming evening, accompanied by live jazz, where you’re not just served authentic cuisine – you’re entertained by talented performers. The evening culminates with some dancing.
Location: Ground floor, Silo 4 Silo District, S Arm Rd, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront
Website: spyced.co.za/
Utopia
Utopia is known as one of Cape Town’s finest dining experiences, with views to match. Sample their set menus or à la carte bistro-style Mediterranean-influenced dishes.
Location: 15th floor, 40 Chiappini St, De Waterkant
Website: www.utopiacapetown.co.za
On Point Market
The On Point Food Market, in collaboration with the City of Cape Town, is a vibrant summer market that runs until February 2025. Showcasing a variety of food trucks offering halaal-friendly meals, this market is the perfect spot to celebrate the city’s rich culinary artistry. From sizzling street eats to refreshing beverages, the On Point Food Market brings together local artisans and chefs to create a diverse dining experience. There is also a dedicated children’s play area to keep your little ones entertained.
Location: Main Road, Green Point
Website: www.instagram.com/onpointfoodmarket/
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