Cape Town has emerged as a vibrant destination for halal dining, with the city now serving a diverse Muslim community of over 2 million people. From South Africa’s first halal fine dining experience to iconic roadhouses and authentic Turkish feasts, the Mother City offers a wealth of fully certified options for every palate and budget. This guide highlights twenty of the best halal restaurants in Cape Town, based on popularity, authenticity, and unique dining experiences.
Top 20 Halal Restaurants in Cape Town
1. The Happy Uncles
South Africa’s first halal fine dining restaurant offers an authentic culinary experience in a contemporary industrial space at The Spice Yard in Salt River. Chef Anwar Abdullatief presents innovative 4, 6, or 8-course tasting menus featuring seafood, Cape Malay influences, and South African favourites like salt and pepper squid with bokkoms and green mango atchar. The laid-back interior with exposed brick walls creates a modern, rustic fine dining ambiance. Open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner, bookings are essential. Location: 100 Voortrekker Road, Salt River.
2. Saray Restaurant
Saray is the only fully halal restaurant at the V&A Waterfront, bringing authentic Turkish cuisine to Cape Town’s Clock Tower precinct. With a 4.5 rating from over 3,100 reviews, it is a top choice for large groups. The menu features kebabs, kofta, platters, and Turkish delicacies like Kunefe, a traditional dessert made with spun pastry, cheese, and pistachios. The 150-seater venue offers an inviting ambiance with soft lighting and traditional Turkish decor. No alcohol is served. Location: Shop G01 Clocktower Building, S Arm Rd, V&A Waterfront.
3. The Butcher’s Wife
Located in the heart of Athlone, The Butcher’s Wife thrives on the motto “We sell what we eat,” serving fresh meals for sit-down or takeaway. With a 4.5 rating from over 3,300 reviews, it is among Cape Town’s highest-rated halal spots. The cosy eatery serves home-style food with an elevated twist, including deep-fried camembert on sourdough crostini, smoked salmon and spinach croissant benedict, steaks, pizzas, and flame-grilled chicken. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, with no reservations accepted. Location: 15 Belgravia Rd, Belgravia.
4. Biesmiellah Restaurant
A beloved Bo-Kaap institution with a 4.1 rating from over 1,700 reviews, Biesmiellah offers an unfussy, alcohol-free setting for Cape Malay and Cape Indian cuisine . The menu features traditional favourites like tomato bredie, bobotie, crayfish curry, butter chicken, and lamb breyani . Guests can build their own starter platter with daltjie, samoosa, mini pies, and half-moons . This iconic spot showcases the rich culinary heritage of the Bo-Kaap neighbourhood. Location: 2 Wale St & Pentz St, Bo-Kaap, Schotsche Kloof.
5. Pho & Bun Halal Vietnamese Kitchen
This unassuming casual eatery on Diep River’s Main Road serves authentic halal Vietnamese food in a charming setting with bamboo straw hats and climbing greenery. The menu features pho (rice noodle soup), bun (vermicelli noodles with grilled meat and salad), dumplings, dim sum, spring rolls, stir fry, sushi, and dessert. Their Vietnamese coffee is a standout, and vegan-friendly options are available. The fully halal, Muslim-owned spot offers a taste of Southeast Asia. Location: 67 Main Road, Diep River.
6. Wembley Roadhouse
An iconic Cape Town spot since 1976, Wembley Roadhouse is a no-frills takeaway joint known for its massive red-and-silver sign and expansive parking lot for car-side dining. The menu features various burgers, grills, curries, pasta, and sandwiches, with the legendary Wembley Whopper being a local favourite . Guests can eat under roadside umbrellas or in the sheltered garden. The establishment also boasts a confectionery, bakery, and meat market. Location: Belgravia Rd, Belgravia.
7. The Wok Bar
This trendy fully halal Asian fusion restaurant on Kloof Street in Gardens offers a mix of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai cuisines in one vibrant space. With a 4.4 rating from over 340 reviews, it is always busy during peak times. Fresh and flavourful Asian-inspired dishes are cooked with heart, and the restaurant can be found at various pop-ups across Cape Town. No alcohol is allowed. Location: Rheede Street, Cape Town.
8. Bo-Kaap Deli
This award-winning aesthetically pleasing eatery in the heart of Bo-Kaap serves Cape Malay-inspired cuisine with a diverse menu featuring koesisters, curry, burgers, and breakfast. With a 4.4 rating from over 1,200 reviews, the deli offers outdoor seating with spectacular views of the colourful neighbourhood. It is a perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or supper. Location: 114 Church St, Bo-Kaap.
9. Gogi Halal Korean BBQ
Located in Observatory, Gogi offers a complete Korean BBQ experience with table-top grills and concertina copper extractors pulled from the ceiling when the grill is lit. The menu features slivers of brisket, bulgogi beef, wontons, short rib, and kimbab. Unique mocktails and desserts set this spot apart from other Korean restaurants, making it a must-try for a hands-on dining experience. Location: Observatory, Cape Town.
10. Mariam’s Kitchen
A family-run fast food business operating for over 25 years, Mariam’s Kitchen is famous for its salomis and gatsbys, with branches across the CBD and Crawford. The extensive menu ranges from burgers and sandwiches to curries and rice. A Salaah room caters to Muslim customers at the Heerengracht branch. This spot offers typical Malay and Indian food with a Cape Town twist at affordable prices. Location: 31 Heerengracht St, Foreshore, and 101 St Georges Mall, Cape Town City Centre.
11. Nouveau Coffee and Grill
This upmarket establishment in Century City offers premium steaks, authentic Durban-style curries, seafood dishes, and mouthwatering desserts. Their Durban-born chef specialises in traditional lamb, prawn, and Thai green curry. Daily buffets and three-course menus are available for special occasions like Eid. Located at Shop 3, Century Village Centre, Century City.
12. Sabria’s Restaurant
One of the oldest halal restaurants in the city, Sabria’s in the southern suburbs offers an authentic menu boasting prime grills, fragrant curries, fresh seafood, pasta, salads, and decadent desserts. The restaurant is known for its Cape Malay and Indian-inspired curry dishes, offering a feast of flavours in a long-established setting. Location: 119 Ottery Road, Wynberg.
13. Khao Hom Thai Cuisine
This cosy spot on Imam Haron Road is the original of the 2-for-1 sushi special, serving authentic Thai food in a homely setting. The menu features a variety of Thai curries, stir-fries, Phad Thai noodles, traditional soups, and sushi. Fully halal and Muslim-owned, with reasonable prices and generous portions, Khao Hom recently opened a second branch in Diep River. Location: 117 Imam Haron Road, Claremont.
14. Nuri Sushi Factory
Cape Town’s favourite sushi restaurant for over a decade, Nuri has cornered the market on great quality sushi at great value, now with fully halal certified branches. Locations include the CBD, Sea Point, N1 City, Claremont, and Maitland. The consistently fresh sushi and affordable pricing make it a reliable choice for halal Japanese dining. Location: Various across Cape Town.
15. District Café
This family-run halal restaurant situated in Woodstock serves a bit of everything, from burgers and curries to pasta, seafood, and grills. It offers a diverse menu in a relaxed, casual setting suitable for all diners. Location: 115 Roodebloem Rd, Woodstock.
16. Selva Café
The jungle-inspired Selva Café, with locations in Harfield Village and Long Street, specialises in high-quality coffee, delicious wholesome whole-day breakfasts, and light meals. The fully halal café offers a tranquil setting for breakfast or a casual coffee break. Location: 48 2nd Ave, Claremont and Shop 3, 14 Long St, Cape Town City Centre.
17. Rumi Café
Inspired by the 13th-century spiritual master, Rumi Café provides a peaceful space to escape everyday life, with a tree-filled courtyard for outdoor dining. The fully halal café offers breakfast options, sandwiches, burgers, and light snacks. With a 4.3 rating from over 650 reviews, it is a cute spot for meeting a friend over a slice of cake in the sun . Location: 33 Central Square, Pinelands.
18. LA Farms
Cape Town’s first fully halal farm-to-table butchery, deli, and restaurant, LA Farms offers an authentic farm-to-fork experience with hay bales, woollen seats, and greenery. The menu features chickpea salad, pulled smoked lamb sandwiches, and popular Wagyu and Angus burgers. Fresh produce and cold meats are also available to take home. Location: 105 Main Road, Green Point.
19. Eastern Food Bazaar
This bustling canteen-style takeaway in the Cape Town CBD features a long row of traders selling everything from shawarmas and kebabs to breyanis and more. It is affordable, quick, and tasty, especially for those wanting a bite after a night out. The fully halal food court offers Indian, Chinese, and Turkish street food. Location: 96 Longmarket Street, Cape Town.
20. Simply Asia Kenilworth
Simply Asia is the original Thai food chain in South Africa, with this fully halal sit-down branch in Kenilworth serving authentic Thai cuisine. The menu features fragrant curries, stir-fries, and noodles with fresh ingredients and bold flavours. The 514 Noodles with roasted chilli paste and cashews has become a cult favourite among regulars. Takeaway and delivery options are also available for those seeking a quick halal meal. Location: Kenilworth, Cape Town.
Comparison Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine Focus | Location | Key Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Happy Uncles | Halal Fine Dining | Salt River | SA’s first halal fine dining, tasting menus | – |
| Saray Restaurant | Turkish | V&A Waterfront | Only halal restaurant at V&A, 150-seater | 4.5 |
| The Butcher’s Wife | Home-Style Grill | Athlone | No reservations, “We sell what we eat” | 4.5 |
| Biesmiellah | Cape Malay | Bo-Kaap | Since 1976, alcohol-free | 4.1 |
| Pho & Bun | Vietnamese | Diep River | Authentic Vietnamese, vegan-friendly | – |
| Wembley Roadhouse | Fast Food/Takeaway | Belgravia | Iconic since 1976, Wembley Whopper | – |
| The Wok Bar | Asian Fusion | Gardens | Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai | 4.4 |
| Bo-Kaap Deli | Cape Malay | Bo-Kaap | Outdoor seating, spectacular views | 4.4 |
| Gogi Korean BBQ | Korean | Observatory | Table-top BBQ, copper extractors | – |
| Mariam’s Kitchen | Fast Food | CBD | Famous gatsbys, Salaah room | – |
| Nouveau Coffee & Grill | Steak/Curry | Century City | Durban-style curries, premium steaks | – |
| Sabria’s Restaurant | Cape Malay/Indian | Wynberg | One of oldest halal restaurants | – |
| Khao Hom Thai | Thai/Sushi | Claremont | OG of 2-for-1 sushi special | – |
| Nuri Sushi Factory | Sushi | Various | Great value, multiple branches | – |
| District Café | International | Woodstock | Family-run, diverse menu | – |
| Selva Café | Breakfast/Light Meals | Claremont/CBD | Jungle-inspired, quality coffee | – |
| Rumi Café | Café/Burgers | Pinelands | Tree-filled courtyard, peaceful | 4.3 |
| LA Farms | Farm-to-Table | Green Point | Butchery, deli, Wagyu burgers | – |
| Eastern Food Bazaar | Street Food | CBD | Food court, affordable | – |
| Simply Asia Kenilworth | Thai | Kenilworth | Fully halal sit-down branch | – |
Tips and Other Useful Information
Bookings are Essential: For top establishments like The Happy Uncles, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for the fine dining tasting menus. The Butcher’s Wife does not accept reservations, so arriving early is advised.
Dress Codes: Most halal restaurants have a casual dress code. The Happy Uncles and Saray are more formal fine dining experiences.
Dietary Requirements: Many halal restaurants are accommodating to dietary preferences. Pho & Bun offers vegan-friendly options . Several restaurants also offer vegetarian dishes.
Budget Expectations: Prices vary widely. Eastern Food Bazaar is very affordable for street food. Wembley Roadhouse and Mariam’s Kitchen are mid-range takeaways. The Happy Uncles offers premium fine dining tasting menus . Saray is mid-range to upmarket.
No Alcohol: Most fully halal restaurants, including Saray, Biesmiellah, Wembley Roadhouse, and The Wok Bar, do not serve alcohol. Bukhara serves alcohol while sourcing halal meat.
Conclusion
Cape Town’s halal dining scene has flourished into a diverse and dynamic culinary landscape. From the world’s first halal fine dining experience at The Happy Uncles and the authentic Turkish feasts at Saray to the iconic Cape Malay institutions of Biesmiellah and the innovative Asian fusion at The Wok Bar, the Mother City offers something for every taste and budget. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, exploring the flavours of the Bo-Kaap, or enjoying a quick bite at a beloved roadhouse, these twenty restaurants showcase the very best of Cape Town’s halal offerings.