The first-ever halal butcher shop opened in the UK back in the 1950s and, since then, halal food has become ever-more present in our country’s culinary circles, with plenty of fantastic restaurants now catering to a halal diet.
For meat to be halal, it must be slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law, as defined by the Quran – but, sometimes, it can be a little hard to tell which restaurants carry out this practice.
To help you find a great place to eat, we’ve rounded up Cardiff’s best halal restaurants, from beautiful Indian spots to cool steakhouses and delis, serving up curries, burgers, breakfasts, cakes and more, all to halal standards.
Some listed restaurants may not be entirely halal; please check with your server for available options.
Best Halal Cardiff Restaurants
Mowgli
Since it was launched by Nisha Katona in 2014, Mowgli has gone strength to strength, opening more and more restaurants all across the UK, including an absolute stunner in Cardiff. Inside, you’ll find a beautifully atmospheric dining destination, complete with seats hanging down from entwined rope, indoor trees reaching to the ceiling, plus pendant lights emitting a warm glow.
The menu features a range of halal food, from mouthwatering vegan and vegetarian dishes to lamb and chicken. Swing by to chow down on fragrant street meats, such as gunpowder chicken, or indulge in one of the curries – the Goan fish curry is a particular favourite, especially with a side of dahl. To wash it down? A delightful chai masala or rich mango lassi.
Mowgli is a really beautiful halal place to eat, with interiors you won't forget in a hurry.
Shaam Nights
If you’re looking for a taste of authentic Syrian cuisine, then make a beeline for Shaam Nights, found in the heart of Cardiff on City Road. The eye-catching restaurant showcases ornate, traditional interiors that sing to its Middle Eastern roots, featuring stained glass, rustic tiled floors and bronze lanterns.
Their menu is completely halal with a bunch of hot and cold starters to kick things off, such as tabbouleh, falafel and stuffed vine leaves. Then, get ready for a load of mouthwatering mains, from minced lamb skewers with rice to mixed platters, piled high with chicken kufta, shawarma, shish and kebab halabi.
For amazing group dining in pretty decor, head to Shaam Nights.
Saray
Saray, also found on City Road, is one of the city’s very best Turkish restaurants. It first swung open its doors in 2015, inviting hungry diners into their relaxed dining room, which comes complete with plush seating and vintage paintings along the walls.
All of their dishes are 100% halal, so you won’t need to think twice about devouring some some babagannus, freshly fried calamari, lamb ribs or chicken shish. To wash everything down, grab a strong Turkish coffee or a cup of turnip juice.
Get your mitts around all kinds of delicious halal food here.
Steakout
Often regarded as the best halal steakhouse in Cardiff, Steakout offers a fully halal menu filled with delicious, sizzling meats. It first kicked off in London back 2008, garnering such a following that it opened up in the Welsh capital too. The Cardiff outpost is pretty laid-back, with bare-brick walls matched with bright red metal chairs.
You’ll find a range of halal steaks here, from juicy rump to succulent filet mignon and even an indulgent Philly cheesesteak – plus you can also dig into beautifully grilled, richly marinated chicken and veggie burgers. And don't sleep on the fiery buffalo wings.
Whether you're looking for a halal lunch or delicious dinner, this steak restaurant has what you need.
Kaya Lounge
Though you may know Kaya Lounge for its fantastic shisha offering, it's also a fantastic place to enjoy a delicious halal breakfast. Another hotspot nestled on City Road, it's undeniably pretty, featuring atmospheric, cavernous ceilings, as well as plush leather booths and dottings of vibrant foliage.
Get your smackers around their full English breakfast, featuring sausages, turkey bacon, eggs, hashbrowns puffs, mushrooms, baked beans, tomatoes and toast (with a vegetarian option available too) or a filled-to-the-brim breakfast sandwich. Don't fancy brunch? There are pizzas, salads and wraps as well.
Dig into a delicious halal brunch at this beauty.
Lezzet Turkish Kitchen
You'll find Lezzet Turkish Kitchen perched on St Mary Street, right in the city centre, slinging out fantastic Turkish fare. This joint has been doing its thing since 2000, when co-founders Mr Hakan Sir and Mr Bulent Eroglu joined forces to bring a refined Turkish dining experience to the city.
The restaurant offers a laid-back and warm atmosphere, where family and friends can indulge in some delicious halal food. Think classic starters like taboulleh and yaprak sarma, as well as kuzu shish, sarma beyti and a whole host of house specials (the iskender kofte is not to be missed).
Satiate all of your Turkish food cravings over at this St Mary Street hotspot.
The Sultan
Get on down to The Big Windsor, where you'll find The Sultan inside a stunning Grade II-listed building, which dates all the way back to 1882. As you can imagine, the restaurant is a total beaut, with warm red walls paired with marble-effect tables, leather seats and huge, light-loving windows, not to mention plenty of shrubs.
The menu transports you to the Mediterranean, showcasing a lip-smacking menu that'll certainly have you drooling. Whether you go for one of the succulent steaks, the wagyu beef burger or one of the Sultan specials (our eyes are on the Ocean Kebab, featuring monkfish, salmon and more), you're in for a right treat.
For a touch of halal fine dining, make way for The Sultan.
Mowlana
Get on down to Clifton House in the city centre where you'll find Mowlana, one of Cardiff's premier Persian restaurants that knows a thing or too about mouthwatering halal menus. Boasting three different dining areas, this authentic restaurant is ideal for everything from intimate date nights and dinners with friends to big get-togethers with family.
Settle into the pretty, calming restaurant, which features traditional interiors with a contemporary twist, to dig into stunning classic and special dishes. The ghorme sabzi is particularly comforting; a moreish stew of lamb leg and kidney beans in a fragrant sauce singing of coriander and fenugreek, served with rice.
Deli Fuego
It's hard to miss Deli Fuego, the spacious restaurant nestled on City Road. Make your way in to discover a unique Mediterranean restaurant and cake shop that also happens to be a 100% halal business. In the warm, cosy dining destination, you'll find large windows inviting in lots of light, as well as counters filled with all kinds of baked goods.
At their restaurant, you can dig into piri piri chicken wings and crispy samosas, not to mention a whole load of mouthwatering pizzas and pasta plates too. So, whether you fancy a tasty chicken and fresh rocket-topped slice or a comforting spaghetti bolognese, you'll be able to eat 'til your heart's content here.
Make sure to try the freshly baked cakes here too.
Mina
Mina has been feeding the hungry people of Cardiff since 1990, offering a vibrant, welcoming place to eat with family and friends. Specialising in Lebanese cuisine, its interiors are reflective of the sunny Landscapes of its origin, showcasing sujuk (spicy beef sausage), foul moudamas and so much more across its enticing mezze menu.
Or if you fancy going all out? There's a fantastic range of main courses up for grabs too, including the shish tawk - think chicken cubes marinated in garlic, lemon and olive oil before being grilled, accompanied by rice and salad.
Colourful plates of Middle Eastern cuisine are ripe for the picking here.
Discover more of the best restaurants in Cardiff with our guide.
