5 Must-Try Halal Restaurants in the Greater Toronto Area
Since the Muslim population in Toronto has been growing rapidly, finding Halal restaurants has been a challenge for some. Luckily, more restaurants are becoming certified halal and the cuisines range from classic Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Asian Fare to burgers and fried chicken. A lot of mouth-watering options are available across the GTA, but here we’ve picked a few of the best ones to focus on. Be sure to keep an eye out for future guides with us (on halal restaurants in surrounding areas). Halal restaurants cater to the dietary needs and religious beliefs of Muslim consumers who follow halal dietary laws.
We’ve picked out 5 most popular halal restaurants in Toronto for your comfort, so you can enjoy with your family and friends on a night out:
5 Most Popular Halal Restaurants in Toronto
1. PARAMOUNT FINE FOODS INC.
Location:
253 Yonge St, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1N8 Canada
What they write about their services:
Paramount Fine Foods is all about bringing the love of Lebanon to the rest of the world. We want to change perceptions about Middle Eastern culture and cuisine. We flew in renowned international chefs to share the most authentic Middle Eastern recipes. We use the freshest and finest ingredients, passed down for generations to enjoy. Sharing our culture with others, brings us all together in the universal love of great food. With the aroma of freshly baked bread in our wood-burning ovens, charcoal barbecue meats and handmade sweets, Paramount Fine Foods provides guests with a culinary experience that will not be forgotten.
CUISINES
- Lebanese
- Mediterranean
- Middle Eastern
Their Three Best Dishes:
MUHAMMARA
Fire roasted red peppers, crushed mixed walnuts, zesty onions, authentic spices, and herbs topped off with extra virgin olive oil and parsley.
MAKALI PLATE
Freshly fried mixed vegetables: sizzling eggplant, spicy potato, crunchy cauliflower, and tomato on a bed of mixed greens and a zesty lemon wedge.
MOUTABBAL
Fire roasted eggplant blended with tahini and topped off with fresh parsley, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh pomegranate seeds.
2. LAHORE TIKKA HOUSE
Location:
1365 Gerrard St E, Toronto, Ontario M4L 1Z3 Canada
What they write about their services:
Alnoor Sayani, a Ugandan immigrant of Pakistani descent, came to Canada by way of England as a penniless 15 year old. Settling into Toronto’s Little India neighborhood, Sayani spent his days on the street selling roasted corn. By 1996, Sayani had slowly but surely built his business into a few tables and chairs. These were the humble beginnings of Lahore Tikka House. With Sayani’s efforts to create a sense of community, it didn’t take long for the restaurant to become the main hub for the South Asian locals. Not only did Lahore Tikka House offer the familiar tastes of home, but with its celebrations of different cultural events, it was also a place where members of different cultures and backgrounds could come together and feel welcome.
CUISINES
- Indian
- Pakistani
Their three best dishes:
CHICKEN KABAB
Minced meat infused with coriander, ginger and garlic & served on a sizzling platter with onions.
FRIED BASA FISH WITH POTATOES (BONELESS)
Marinated in tandoori red paste, served on a sizzling platter.
NIHARI BEEF SHANK CURRY
A stew consisting of slow cooked beef shank, a masala base of nutmeg, ginger, black curry, nigella seed, onions and red chili.
3. The Pomegranate Persian Cuisine
420 College St, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1T3 Canada
What they write about their services:
The Pomegranate Persian Cuisine is located at 420 College Street, Toronto. As its name suggests, this restaurant offers truly authentic Persian cuisine. They offer Middle Eastern, Persian, and Vegetarian-Friendly dishes. Iranian families that want to savor home-style Persian food find comfort in the Pomegranate Persian Cuisine. Non-Iranians who are looking also find this place as a great alternative.
Aside from its authentic Persian delicious food, customers also enjoy the pleasant vibe and Persian atmosphere as well as the reasonable price. It is well-decorated and the staff is very professional and kind to the customers. This is a haven for vegetarians too. They offer great vegetarian food like Fesenjoon dish with mushroom and much more.
CUISINES
- Persian
- Middle Eastern
- Vegetarian Friendly
Their three best dishes:
SHIRIN POLO
A pilaf of saffron basmati rice with silvered orange peel, pistachios, almonds and dried barberries serviced with braised lamb shank and creamy yogurt (contains tree nuts).
QORMEH SABZI
A stew of boneless lamb chunks cooked in a green herb sauce with red kidney beans and a sundried lime next to saffron basmati rice.
FESENJAN
a stew of ground walnut and pomegranate reduction with chicken breast or mushrooms (vegan), topped with dried barberries next to saffron basmati rice (contains tree nuts).
4. GILANEH RESTAURANT
Location:
900 York Mills Rd Westin Prince Hotel, Toronto, Ontario M3B 3H2 Canada
What they write about their services:
GILANEH located in upscale North York is one of Toronto’s most popular and authentic Persian restaurants located inside of The Legendary Westin Prince Hotel Toronto, 900 York Mills Road. Professional service combined with an innovative menu and more than 14 years skilled a truly memorable dining experience in the restaurant. The restaurant and lounge are multipurpose spaces with a contemporary look.
CUISINES
- Persian
- Middle Eastern
- Vegetarian Friendly
Their three best dishes:
MIRZAGHASEMI
A medley of mashed BBQ eggplant, garlic, eggs and spices, served with white basmati rice.
GHEIMEH BADEMJAN
Cubed beef, with yellow split peas and dried lime, garnished with eggplant, served with white basmati rice, or tahdeeg (crispy rice).
GILANEH SPECIAL CHICKEN
Char-broiled marinated, Cornish chicken with bone.
5. Jerusalem Restaurant
Location:
4777 Leslie St, Toronto, Ontario M2J 2K8 Canada
What they write about their services:
Established in 1971, Jerusalem Restaurant became the first middle-eastern restaurant to serve the City of Toronto. It was the joint venture of three brothers who shared the idea of introducing traditional culinary secrets to the mainstream. Since then, it has always been valued for its excellent quality and great tasting food. Currently, there are two locations in Toronto. Both are family owned and operated providing its clientele with a warm, casual atmosphere delivering a splendid variety of home-style middle-eastern cuisine. Essential to the success of this family operated business is the emphasis placed on delivering consistent top quality food made from the finest ingredients to ensure complete customer satisfaction. At Jerusalem Restaurant they take great pride in having perfected this art as a tradition.
CUISINES
- Lebanese
- Mediterranean
- Middle Eastern
Their three best dishes:
HUMMUS WITH MEAT
Meat shawerma w/ olive oil and nuts.
TABBOULEH
Fine chopped parsley, tomato, burba (wheat), onion in lemon dressing.
FALAFEL
Chick peas and fava bean balls – this dish is gluten free,
Benefits of Eating Halal Foods
Cater to the dietary needs of Muslim consumers:
Halal restaurants provide assurance to Muslim consumers that the food they are consuming is prepared according to halal guidelines, and is free from any prohibited substances such as pork or alcohol. This is important as consuming non-halal food goes against the religious beliefs and practices of Muslim consumers.
Promote food safety and hygiene:
Halal food is generally considered to be healthy and hygienic, as it is prepared using fresh ingredients and is free from additives and preservatives. This can benefit all consumers, regardless of their religious beliefs, as they are assured of the quality and safety of the food they are consuming.
Promote cultural and social inclusivity:
Halal restaurants provide a space for Muslim consumers to socialize and dine with their friends and family without having to worry about the availability of halal food. This promotes social inclusivity and strengthens cultural ties between different communities.
Boost the local economy:
The growth of halal restaurants has contributed to the growth of the halal industry, which is a rapidly growing sector of the global economy. Halal restaurants provide job opportunities and support local businesses, contributing to the economic growth of the communities they serve.