Feast your way through the city’s savory secrets at these top 13 halal restaurants in Ottawa!
I once tried to impress my friends by whipping up a fancy halal feast at home, only to end up with a kitchen disaster that would make Gordon Ramsay scream at me.
My burnt kebabs and bland sauces made me realize that I should’ve let the professionals handle it – a.k.a. order takeout.
After that culinary misfortune, I went to explore Ottawa’s finest halal dining spots to discover where the real flavor magic happens, so that next time I’m hosting dinner, I can impress my guests with my own concoctions instead of charred disasters!
Below is a rundown of my flavorful journey through the city’s top halal restaurants, where the only thing you’ll need to worry about is how to fit in one more delicious bite.
1. Nando’s
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Website: https://www.nandos.ca/
Address: 90 Elgin St Unit 3
Contact details: +1 613-230-7474
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Nando’s is one of the prime locations for halal chicken in Ottawa. Located along Elgin Street, it’s one of the must-visit spots for every foodie visiting the area, even making it to our list of best restaurants in Elgin Street.
And of course, the bestseller is none other than the peri-peri chicken, marinated for 24 hours to deliver that irresistible punch of flavor.
The ½ chicken is a must-try for first-timers – it’s their signature dish that showcases the peri-peri magic at its best.
2. Pita Bell
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Website: https://www.pitabellkabab.com/
Address: 1696 Carling Ave
Contact details: +1 613-686-1740
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Wednesday – closed
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Pita Bell is a charming Turkish restaurant with elegant, ornate furnishings that invoke an authentic Mediterranean vibe. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be transported to the heart of Turkey without leaving Ottawa.
If the ambiance has that kind of magic, just imagine what their dishes can do! Well, no need to think about it too hard because I’m here to tell you all about it.
The filet mignon should be at the top of everyone’s list of must-try dishes at Pita Bell. It features a succulent cut of beef, perfectly cooked to melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Consider getting the combo, for an even more filling experience, complete with a sandwich, fries, and a can of pop.
Oh, and a lot of regulars are going to tell you to not miss out on the kunafa, which is a sweet, syrup-soaked masterpiece – the perfect way to end your delicious meal.
3. Aroma Meze
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Website: https://www.aromameze.com/
Address: 239 Nepean St
Contact details: +1 613-421-0504
Operating hours:
- Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday – 4:30 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 4:30 PM to 9 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 4:30 PM to 10 PM
Aroma Meze is a stylish and sophisticated Greek restaurant with a lot of halal options.
The pulled lamb tacos deserve an award for their tender and juicy meat, which is perfectly complemented by the tangy pimento aioli, fresh tomato, and creamy crumbled feta.
And since this is Canada, a lot of regulars will tell you to try the Greek poutine. Normally I’d suggest new flavors, but I second the recommendation – it’s a delicious twist on a classic that’s definitely worth a taste!
It features hand-cut fries, feta, St. Albert cheese curds, roasted lamb, and lamb gravy.
Before you even ask – yes, it’s halal!
4. Mezbaan Restaurant
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Website: https://mezbaan.restaurant/
Address: 3098 Carling Ave Unit 8, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613-854-3500
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Mezbaan Restaurant is a popular and highly rated Nepean gem with authentic Afghan dishes that delight with their rich flavors and traditional recipes.
Just thinking about them makes me crave a late-night feast, immediately making me regret that I’m writing this at 1 in the morning!
The mantu is definitely what’s going to keep me up. This tasty dumpling dish comes with 12 pieces of mouth-watering goodness stuffed with ground beef and onions.
Needless to say, you already know what I’m eating tomorrow!
5. Les Grillades
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Website: https://lesgrillades.ca/index.html
Address: 111 Colonnade Rd, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613-723-3224
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM
Les Grillades is an upscale Lebanese restaurant, especially popular for its irresistible breakfast offerings.
The mousabaha is a hearty and flavorful dish, much recommended for those who enjoy a satisfying, protein-packed meal with a rich blend of Middle Eastern spices.
Another top contender is the fatteh with meat, a savory and satisfying dish layered with tender meat, crispy pita, and a creamy yogurt sauce that brings everything together perfectly.
6. Laheeb Grill
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Website: https://www.laheebrestaurants.com/
Address: 947 Somerset St W
Contact details: +1 613-750-0707
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Laheeb Grill has always been one of my favorite Little Italy finds particularly for the chicken shawarma. Did you know that they even landed a spot on our list of best shawarmas in Ottawa?
Clearly, they’re not kidding when it comes to serving up some of the most mouthwatering, flavor-packed shawarma in town!
I mean think about the tender, spiced chicken, smoky and juicy, wrapped in a warm pita with fresh veggies and a creamy garlic sauce. Surely, anyone would want a taste!
7. Subtown Restaurant
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Website: https://subtown.ca/
Address: 1600 Walkley Rd
Contact details: +1 613-521-2122
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 9 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 9 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
One standout Lebanese restaurant is Subtown, a modest, unassuming gem. Despite being on a less-traveled road and surrounded by residential areas, it’s the perfect local spot for a satisfying and authentic meal without any fuss.
First-timers should definitely try indulging in their breakfast menu with the hummus with meat & pine nuts as the absolute showstopper. Who wouldn’t want to start their day with creamy hummus topped with flavorful meat and crunchy pine nuts?
8. Tava Turkish Cuisine
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Website: https://www.tava.kitchen/
Address: 7B Kakulu Rd
Contact details: +1 613-435-7888
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Tuesday – closed
Tava Turkish Cuisine is a beloved Kanata restaurant, renowned for delivering satisfying and authentic Turkish flavors. The Best in Ottawa team loves this spot so much that it even made it to our list of top halal restaurants in Kanata!
The antep lahmacun is what you need to try, especially if you’re craving a crispy, flavorful Turkish flatbread topped with a savory mix of minced lamb and fresh veggies.
To preserve the authentic experience, it’s only available to enjoy dine-in.
9. Samar Kabab House
— Media credit: samar.kabab.house
Website: https://www.samarkabab.com/
Address: 1729 Walkley Rd #1
Contact details: +1 613-523-7171
Operating hours:
- Monday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Staying true to the traditional Afghan flavors, Samar Kabab House is a must-visit in Ottawa if you’re seeking a quality halal restaurant with authentic and delicious dishes.
The butter chicken steals the spotlight as a standout favorite, thanks to its perfectly marinated meat with undeniable richness and flavor. It’s also one of the perfect gateways for those just dipping their toes in Afghan cuisine.
And don’t leave without sampling a bite of the samosas – a crispy, flavorful treat stuffed with spiced meat and veggies. It’s the perfect appetizer for any dish, guaranteeing you start your delightful meal on a good note.
10. Salang Kabob House
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Website: https://salangkabobhouse.ca/
Address: 2934 Carling Ave
Contact details: +1 613-820-0007
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Specializing in Afghan and Pakistani plates, Salang Kabob House is a reliable choice for flavorful halal dishes in the city. It’s one of the popular ones in Ottawa, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a menu that never disappoints.
With a casual and inviting space, you’re sure to enjoy your meal in a relaxed and comfortable setting.
Make sure to try the butter chicken platter to see what the fuss is all about. This delightfully rich dish comes with salad, rice, and naan, promising a filling culinary adventure.
Keeping it spicy is much recommended, especially if you enjoy a fiery kick that enhances the already rich and flavorful experience.
11. Lazis Boasts & Mix Grill
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Website: https://lazizbroastmixgrill.ca/
Address: 1900 Innes Rd, Gloucester
Contact details: +1 613-746-6111
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday – 2 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 2 PM to 9 PM
Lazis Boasts & Mix Grill is a Gloucester delight, making it the prime location in the neighborhood for ridiculously delicious halal food.
Mostly known for their rich kabob options, fans of this savory dish will find themselves spoiled for choice with delicious options. The beef tikka kabob, in particular, stands out as a must-try for its perfectly marinated meat, along with its exciting mix of spices.
The meat is also tender and smokey, elevating the flavors of this noteworthy plate.
12. Safi Fine Foods
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/Safi-Fine-Foods/100054427691941/
Address: 296 Somerset St. E Unit C1
Contact details: +1 613-422-7234
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 8 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Despite being located in the heart of Ottawa, Safi Fine Foods remains an underrated spot for flavorful halal meals.
The samosas are definitely the ones to look out for. And if you’re craving authentic flavors, I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.
Crispy on the outside and bursting with a savory, spiced filling inside – what more can you want?
Aside from being a restaurant, Safi Fine Foods also has a grocery section for those inspired to whip up their own meals at home.
13. Bergham
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Website: https://bergham.com/
Address: 1611 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-695-8844
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday – 2 PM to 12 AM
Nestled in buzzy Bank Street, Bergham shines for its impeccable location. But of course, its accessibility isn’t the only highlight.
This laid-back eatery, with its distinctive orange decor, is renowned for its halal burgers. They come in a variety of flavors, so patrons can indulge in a variety of tastes with each visit.
The burger twist is something you might consider trying out first, boasting a hearty and satisfying flavor explosion. It comes with star ingredients such as grilled steak and beef bacon, ensuring you’re in for a meaty treat.