Emma WhiteOttawa, a city celebrated for its diverse culinary scene and inclusivity, is home to an exquisite array of halal restaurants that cater to a wide variety of tastes and preferences.
Not only do these restaurants boast authentic flavours, but they also bring to the table a certifiably halal fare. So, grab your foodie friends and read our list of the best halal restaurants in Ottawa.
Nando’s PERi-PERi
Website: https://www.nandos.ca/find/ottawa-merivale
Address: 1461 Merivale Rd Unit 2D, Ottawa, ON K2E 5N9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-749-7445
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
If your taste buds are screaming for something spicy that kicks as hard as a Canadian winter, Nando’s PERi-PERi is the spot. This place serves good halal; however, not all of their branches do, like those in British Columbia and Alberta.
Their PERi-PERi chicken can range from mild to extra hot for those of you who wear your spice tolerance as a badge of honour. And if you’re a vegetarian, worry not, because their portobello mushroom with halloumi wrap is an absolute game-changer.
| Pro tip: Do yourself a favour and download the Nando’s app before you go—you’ll snag some loyalty points towards free food, and who doesn’t love free food? Oh, and if you’re planning a group hangout, check out their family platters, which are a total hit. |
Pita Bell Kabab
Website: https://www.pitabellkabab.com/
Address: 1696 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K2A 1C6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-686-1740
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $-$$
Pita Bell Kabab is a place where the kebabs are so good, that you’ll consider making them your new food group. It’s a low-key place; no frills, no fuss, just straight-up delicious food served on a plate or, as they do best, in a pita.
Now, the stars of the show are the kebabs, which are juicy and flavourful, and they’re halal, of course. Now, I can’t forget to mention that you should try the chicken shawarma pita perfectly paired with their garlic sauce.
| Pro tip: Lunchtime can get wild here, so consider swinging by off-peak hours if you’re not into waiting. And try the baklava for dessert—it’s the perfect sweet note to end on. |
Aroma Meze
Website: http://www.aromameze.com/
Address: 239 Nepean St, Ottawa, ON K2P 0B7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-0504
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday – 4:30 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11:30 AM to 2 PM, 4:30 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 4:30 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
If you’ve got a case of the munchies but crave something a bit more sophisticated, Aroma Meze is where it’s at. Think small plates, big flavours, and a whole lot of love for fresh, halal ingredients.
There’s a spread of halal dishes here, so you can mix and match to your heart’s content. The lamb kofta is a fan favourite, and rightfully so, but let’s not forget the Saganaki cheese, which is to die for.
| Pro tip: Go for their tasting menu if you’re feeling adventurous—it’s a fantastic way to savour a bit of everything. |
Laziz Broast & Mix Grill Broast Ottawa
Website: http://www.lazizbroastmixgrill.ca/
Address: 1900 Innes Rd, Gloucester, ON K1B 3K5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-746-6111
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday- 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Froday – 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday – 2 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 2 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $-$$
Laziz Broast & Mix Grill is an absolute must-try spot when it comes to finding solid halal restaurants in the city. Famed for their broast—a mouthwatering concoction of crispy, juicy, deep-fried chicken—this is the place you go when you can’t decide on what to eat.
This place takes pride in serving a menu that wholeheartedly respects the halal ethos. But make sure you don’t sleep on the mixed grill platter—it gives you a little taste of everything, and who doesn’t love variety?
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to watch out for their family deals, they’re awesome for big groups and offer tons of food without breaking the bank. |
Salang Kabob House
Website: http://salangkabobhouse.ca/
Address: 2934 Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K2B 7J7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-820-0007
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Cost: $$
Salang Kabob House is an oasis of Afghan cuisine that captures the essence of halal dining in a way that’s both authentic and downright delicious. Their halal menu here is like a love letter to Afghanistan’s rich culinary culture (no kidding, it’s that good).
The lamb chops are a must-try – they’re marinated to perfection and cooked just right. Plus, the Kabuli Palaw is another surprise, with tender chunks of lamb nestled atop fragrant rice—you know, it’s kind of like a plate that’ll stay in your food memory for ages.
| Pro tip: Don’t skimp on their hot bread—it’s freshly baked, and it’s divine. And hey, they’ve got special deals during Ramadan for the Iftar buffet, making it a bustling hub for the local community to have breakfast together. |
Big H Shawarma & Poutine
Website: http://www.bigh.ca/
Address: 2450 Lancaster Rd, Ottawa, ON K1B 5N3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-736-8881
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 1:30 AM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 1:30 AM
Cost: $-$$
Big H Shawarma & Poutine is nothing short of legendary and is essentially a halal wonderland. Now, Big H isn’t about glitz and glam; it’s about grub.
They have this tasty chicken shawarma that’s slow-cooked and tender and is guaranteed halal. Beyond that, they also offer salads where you can add meat and sides like chicken wings.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to check out their daily specials because Big H does a mean Wednesday Shawarma Special. And remember, the joint gets busy during lunch and dinner, so gear up for a bit of a wait or simply phone in your order! |
Ottawa Kabab
Website: https://ottawakabab.com/
Address: 577 Gladstone Ave, Ottawa, ON K1R 5P2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-518-7434
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Ottawa Kabab is a place that has been leading the kabab charge in the city with an iron fist and they serve halal meat. Think marinated, juicy meats, grilled, and served atop basmati rice; that’s so good it makes you question your previous rice encounters.
And just when you think it can’t possibly get any better, wait until you taste their garlic sauce. Their food is rich with Middle Eastern flavours that are bold, unapologetic, and as authentic as it gets.
| Pro tip: If you’re here during the weekend, do yourself a favour and order the weekend special: biryani. It’s aromatic, super flavorful, and basically the best comfort food there is. |
Subtown Restaurant
Website: http://www.subtown.ca/
Address: 1600 Walkley Rd, Ottawa, ON K1V 6P5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-521-2122
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday and Thursday – 9 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 9 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $-$$
Subtown Restaurant is all about making comfort food that is not only comfortingly familiar but also convincing enough to make you come back for more. Their menu is as diverse as it is delicious.
And the best part is that it’s fully halal; from the chicken in the subs to the hot dogs and the steak, you’re guaranteed halal eats that are set to impress. Plus, their portion sizes are generous, so I may say it’s a total win-win.
| Pro tip: Although it may be hard to think past the subs, trust me when I say, you don’t want to miss out on their milkshakes—they’re the creamiest, dreamiest way to end your meal. |
Mezbaan Restaurant
– Media credit: simluvsox
Website: https://mezbaan.restaurant/
Address: 3098 Carling Ave Unit 8, Nepean, ON K2B 7K2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-854-3500
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $-$$
Mezbaan Restaurant is the kind of place that turns dinner into a downright epic experience. It offers an exquisite fusion of Indo-Pak flavours, with a hint of Afghan tossed into the mix.
Their menu reclines firmly on the halal side of things, with a wide variety awaiting your selection. Think succulent kebabs sizzling on the grill, biryanis, and naans that are fluffy as pillows and pair perfectly with their finger-licking curries.
| Pro tip: For a gastronomic explosion, order their signature goat biryani. Mezbaan’s version of this classic dish is a culinary masterpiece. |
Safi Fine Food
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054427691941
Address: 296 Somerset St. E Unit C1, Ottawa, ON K1N 6W1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-422-7234
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Safi Fine Food has single-handedly announced that halal cuisine doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to make you say, “That’s so good!” Their halal options aren’t just plentiful – they’re tasty enough to make your heart do a little happy dance.
Whether you opt for the chicken shawarma, beef koobideh, or mix grill platter, which are all must-tries, you’re in for a real treat.
| Pro tip: Safi’s Manakeesh is the perfect thing to order when you’re craving a crisp, flavourful snack. Also, this place can get pretty packed during the dinner rush, so if possible, slide-in for an early dinner or a late lunch when it’s a bit quieter. |
Laheeb Grill
Website: http://www.laheebrestaurants.com/
Address: 973 Montréal Rd, Ottawa, ON K1K 0S6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-749-0707
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 8:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $$
Laheeb Grill serves up Middle Eastern and Lebanese cuisine that will have you drooling even before you step into the place. It’s all about halal, and they’re not shy about it either.
From their kebabs to their shawarmas, their hummus to their falafels, everything is halal to the tee, so you can feast guilt-free! Also, they’ve earned quite a reputation for their charcoal-grilled skewers; the chicken and beef skewers will simply melt in your mouth.
| Pro tip: Their mixed grill plate is a cargo load of flavour that’s sure to leave you finger-lickin’ satisfied, so remember to try them out. Plus, they’ve got lunch deals to watch out for, perfect for budget eats. |
Arabian House
Website: https://www.talech.com/biz/ordering/243871/Arabian-House-HOUSE-OF-MANDI–OTTAWA-ONTARIO
Address: 1183 Hunt Club Rd Unit 108, Ottawa, ON K1V 8S4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-737-3200
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 2 PM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Cost: $-$$
Arabian House offers an exquisite slice of authentic Arabian cuisine that will have you saying “OMG” until your food arrives and you get to eat, and then you might just be speechless.
They have an extensive menu featuring traditional meat dishes, veggie options, sandwiches, and even Pacific dishes for those who have an adventurous palate. And the best part is that it’s all halal, making it a haven if you’re following halal dietary rules.
| Pro tip: Between all the incredible dishes, try not to miss the Combination Dinner for Two; it’s a smorgasbord platter with a little bit of everything, the perfect way to sample the house’s offerings. |
Wolf Down
Website: http://www.wolfdown.com/
Address: 380 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-4054
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday to Sunday – 11 AM to 1 AM
Cost: $$
Bringing a taste of Berlin to Ottawa, Wolf Down is a funky hideout that makes everyone sit up and notice. It stands tall as a major player in the halal scene in the city.
When you order a succulent beef or chicken doner kebab from Wolf Down, there’s peace of mind knowing that you are biting into halal meat. Crispy chicken, beef, fresh veggies tossed with authentic German sauces—it’s all a legend!
| Pro tip: If you’re in the mood for a little spicy kick, ask them to add some of their special spicy sauce to your kebab. And on weekends, the scenes can get quite bustling, so if you’re planning a visit, be sure to swing by during the off-peak hours. |
