Port Elizabeth, now officially Gqeberha, offers a relaxed coastal dining scene with a strong and welcoming Muslim community, making it easy to find delicious and certified halaal food . From iconic local favourites and seaside cafes to popular international chains, the city provides a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that cater to both residents and travellers. This list highlights 15 top halaal restaurants that deliver on quality, flavour, and authentic hospitality.
Top 15 Halaal Restaurants in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha)
1. South Blvd Café
South Blvd Café is widely considered one of the best halaal spots in PE, located at the corner of Walmer and Humewood Road with stunning harbour views. The café is renowned for its Malay twist on classic dishes, with highly recommended items including the butter chicken, steak strips on ciabatta, and the 68 breakfast with curried beans. Owner Junaid is praised for his warm hospitality, and visitors on Sundays receive complimentary traditional Cape Malay koesisters with their coffee.
2. La Fiesta
La Fiesta is an iconic establishment in the local halaal food industry, located at Dolphins Leap on Beach Road with great ocean views. This Muslim-owned spot serves a vast menu including burgers, flame-grilled steaks, curries, and chicken, with the jumbo cheeseburger being a particular highlight. While experiences can vary, the friendly service and affordable prices make it a popular choice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
3. Urban Roti
Located at the Boardwalk Mall in Summerstrand, Urban Roti is a fully halaal restaurant offering a diverse menu of BBQ, American, and Indian-inspired dishes. The menu features tandoori grills, pizzas, pasta, burgers, roti rolls, bunny chows, and breyani dishes with customizable spice levels from mild to hot. With a 4.0 rating from over 290 reviews, it is a reliable choice for a flavourful meal in a convenient shopping location.
4. Honchos Korsten
Honchos is a popular spot in Korsten known for its comfort food, American-style wings, chicken, and burgers, all certified halaal. With an impressive 4.3 rating from over 4,430 reviews, it is a firm favourite among locals for a satisfying and flavourful meal. The restaurant operates from 24 Durban Road and is open Monday through Saturday for dine-in and takeaways.
5. RocoMamas Dolphins Leap
RocoMamas at Dolphins Leap offers a casual, kid-friendly dining experience with a fully halaal menu featuring gourmet burgers, ribs, and shakes. Located on Beach Road in Humewood, it provides a relaxed setting for families and groups seeking an American-style feast. The restaurant is known for its vibrant atmosphere and is a popular choice for those craving hearty, indulgent meals.
6. Humewood Hotel
The Humewood Hotel is home to two fully halaal restaurants: The Humewood Bistro and Wok n’ Sushi . Located at 33 Beach Road, this venue offers diverse dining options, from traditional bistro fare to Asian-inspired sushi and wok dishes . It is an excellent choice for those seeking variety or a more formal dining setting within a hotel environment.
7. This is Eat
This is Eat is a seafood restaurant located at the Harbour on 16 Lower Valley Road, offering fresh seafood in a scenic waterfront setting . It is a great spot for those craving a coastal meal with views of the harbour . The restaurant provides a taste of the ocean in a relaxed, casual atmosphere perfect for a lunch outing.
8. Oceans 11
Oceans 11 is a seafood sit-down restaurant located on 6th Avenue in Walmer, offering a comfortable dining setting for seafood enthusiasts . The restaurant serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes and is a reliable choice for those seeking quality fish and seafood options. It is a popular spot for a satisfying and well-prepared meal.
9. Serendipity Coffee Shop
Serendipity is a coffee shop located at Shop 14 Alma Street in Newton Park, offering a range of light meals, breakfast options, and beverages in a cozy setting . It is a popular spot for a casual breakfast or a relaxing coffee break, providing a welcoming atmosphere for a quick bite. The coffee shop is known for its friendly service and comfortable environment.
10. Silver Cove Spur
Silver Cove Spur is a fully halaal branch of the famous South African steakhouse chain, located at the Metlife Centre in Linton Grange . It offers an American-style steakhouse experience with a menu featuring steaks, burgers, ribs, and family-friendly meals . The restaurant is known for its welcoming environment, making it a reliable choice for families and groups.
11. Nando’s (Multiple Locations)
Nando’s has multiple halaal-certified branches in Port Elizabeth, including locations at Cape Road and the Boardwalk Mall . This popular chain is famous for its flame-grilled peri-peri chicken and offers a variety of meal options in a casual, vibrant setting. All Nando’s South Africa restaurants are certified halaal by the Islamic Council of South Africa (ICSA).
12. McDonald’s Linton Grange
The McDonald’s branch at Cape Road & Bramlin Road in Linton Grange is a fully halaal restaurant, clearly displaying its halal certificate on the premises . It offers the classic American fast-food experience with a variety of burgers, fries, and shakes, and no alcohol is allowed on the premises . This is a convenient and reliable option for a quick and familiar meal.
13. Mega Bite Take Outs
Mega Bite Take Outs is a popular takeaway spot located at 24 Gladiolus Street in Malabar, offering a range of fast-food options including seafood, steaks, burgers, toasted sandwiches, gatsby’s, and grills . It is a great choice for those seeking a hearty takeaway meal with a variety of choices. The restaurant is known for its generous portions and efficient service.
14. Debonairs Pizza
Debonairs Pizza has halaal-certified branches in Port Elizabeth, including locations at the Engen Bluewater Bay and other spots around the city . As a leading pizza chain in Africa, it offers a variety of classic and specialty pizzas, as well as subs and sides. It is a reliable option for a quick, satisfying, and fully halaal pizza meal.
15. Fishaways
Fishaways is a halaal-certified seafood franchise located at the Engen Bluewater Bay, offering a quick-service seafood experience with a variety of fish, calamari, and prawn meals. It is a great choice for those craving a fresh seafood takeaway in a convenient location. The restaurant is known for its consistent quality and flavourful coastal dishes.
Comparison Table
| No | Restaurant Name | Location | Cuisine Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Blvd Café | South End | Café, Malay-inspired | Ocean views, complimentary koesisters on Sundays |
| 2 | La Fiesta | Beach Road | American, Grill | Iconic jumbo cheeseburger, ocean views |
| 3 | Urban Roti | Boardwalk Mall | Indian, American | Bunny chows, tandoori grills, burgers |
| 4 | Honchos Korsten | Korsten | Comfort Food, Wings | 4.3 rating with 4,430+ reviews |
| 5 | RocoMamas Dolphins Leap | Humewood | Gourmet Burgers | Casual, family-friendly dining |
| 6 | Humewood Hotel | Humewood | Bistro, Sushi | Two halaal restaurants on site |
| 7 | This is Eat | Harbour | Seafood | Fresh seafood with harbour views |
| 8 | Oceans 11 | Walmer | Seafood | Reliable sit-down seafood dining |
| 9 | Serendipity Coffee Shop | Newton Park | Café, Light Meals | Cozy coffee shop atmosphere |
| 10 | Silver Cove Spur | Linton Grange | Steakhouse | Family-friendly, fully halaal |
| 11 | Nando’s | Multiple Locations | Peri-peri Chicken | Flame-grilled chicken, vibrant setting |
| 12 | McDonald’s | Linton Grange | American Fast Food | Quick service, halal certified |
| 13 | Mega Bite Take Outs | Malabar | Seafood, Steaks | Popular takeaway, variety of options |
| 14 | Debonairs Pizza | Bluewater Bay, others | Pizza | Quick, satisfying pizza meals |
| 15 | Fishaways | Bluewater Bay | Seafood | Quick-service fish and chips |
Tips for Choosing a Halaal Restaurant
Start by confirming the restaurant’s halal certification, as most establishments display a certificate from a recognized body or have clear signage on their premises.
Check the restaurant’s operating hours, especially for breakfast or early closing times; South Blvd Café closes at 3 pm on weekdays and 2 pm on weekends.
For popular spots like South Blvd Café, which is a favourite among locals, consider visiting during off-peak hours to enjoy the ocean views and personalized service.
Consider whether you want a fine dining experience or a quick meal; Humewood Hotel offers a more formal setting while spots like Mega Bite and Debonairs Pizza cater to takeaways.
Finally, look for recent reviews online to ensure the food quality and service meet your expectations, as some establishments like La Fiesta have mixed feedback.
Closing
Port Elizabeth’s halaal dining scene offers a welcoming and diverse mix of cuisines, from iconic local cafes and seaside grills to reliable international chains. With a strong Muslim community presence, the city ensures that halal certification is easily accessible and clearly displayed at many establishments.
Whether you are craving a hearty breakfast with an ocean view, a flavorful bunny chow, or a quick fast-food meal, Gqeberha delivers on quality and hospitality. Note that all information, including prices and opening hours, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each restaurant.