Best Halal Restaurants in Johannesburg (2026 Guide): Top Eats Before & During Ramadan

Johannesburg’s multicultural culinary scene includes excellent halal dining options, from classic Middle Eastern platters to modern fusion and family‑friendly spots. Whether you’re planning everyday meals before Ramadan, or searching for great places to gather for Iftar, here’s a guide to some of the city’s top halal restaurants and experiences in 2026.

Top Halal Restaurants Across Johannesburg

Fordsburg & Central Jozi: Classic and Diverse Options

The inner‑city suburb of Fordsburg is famous for its rich halal food scene, a must‑visit for diners who love variety and authentic flavours.

• Amman Restaurant – A local favourite for Middle Eastern classics, shawarma and grilled dishes with strong reviews and flavours that appeal to families and groups.

• The Turkish Grill – Turkish‑style grilled meats and mezze with generous portions.

• Al-Hamra Restaurants – Indian and curry favourites that appeal to traditional and contemporary tastes.

• Al-Makka Restaurant & Takeaways – Casual eat‑in or takeaway spot with tasty halal options.

• Bismillah Restaurant‑B1 – Highly rated affordable halal eatery popular with locals for hearty meals.

Why Fordsburg: This area is widely known for authentic halal dining options with rich cultural diversity and menu selections ranging from grills to biryanis and more, making it excellent for both casual meals and pre‑Ramadan feasting.

Norwood & Parkhurst: Stylish, Urban Halal Eating

These northern suburbs combine vibrant restaurant culture with halal‑friendly menus, ideal for foodies and social dinners.

• The Schwarma Co (Norwood) – Exceptional shawarma and Middle Eastern street‑food classics with strong ratings.

• Lokkum Turkish Restaurant (Norwood) – Quality Turkish cuisine with a cosy ambience.

• Adega Norwood – Stylish halal restaurant with diverse menu options for lunch or dinner.

• Daadi’s Kitchen‑Food & Catering – Popular Pakistani cuisine spot with rich flavours.

• Punjab Chicken Tikka (Halaal) – Halal Tikka and BBQ classics great for casual gatherings.

• Thava Indian Restaurant – A standout Indian spot with broad halal menu choices.

Why these suburbs: Norwood and Parkhurst offer a more upscale halal dining experience perfect for relaxed evenings out, weekend lunches, or sharing foods with friends and family.

Melrose & Sandton: Contemporary & Trendy Halal Spots

For modern halal meals and stylish settings:

• Istanbul Kebab Melrose Arch – Highly rated Turkish kebabs and grill favourites in a lively precinct.

• Ozzy’s Kitchen – Trendy Sandton eatery with a wide menu (best to check halal certification on specific dishes).

• Liban Cafe (Parkhurst) – Lebanese café with contemporary flavours perfect for brunch and dinner.

• Pensacola Spur Halaal (Fordsburg) – Family‑friendly halal Spur for relaxed meals and steaks.

These areas are ideal for dining before sunset in Ramadan or for exploring with friends during the holy month.

Where to Visit for Ramadan & Iftar in Johannesburg

Special Iftar Experiences

During Ramadan, many restaurants and venues host special Iftar menus and buffets, perfect for breaking fast together:

• Hyatt House Sandton & Rosebank offers an Iftar buffet with a blend of traditional and modern dishes for the season. This multi‑course menu, including dates, mezze, butter chicken, shawarma and desserts runs throughout Ramadan evenings (book ahead; seasonal offering).

Tip: These seasonal buffets often include prayer facilities and halal‑certified kitchens, making them welcoming for families and groups throughout Ramadan.

Ramadan Market & Post‑Iftar Food Spots

For an authentic communal Ramadan vibe, check out:

HalaalGoods Market – A large halal street‑food market that becomes a fixture in Ramadan evenings, offering everything from gourmet burgers to pizza, kimbap and sweets a fun way to explore halal foods after prayer and breaking fast.

Nizamiye Complex Ramadan & Eid Bazaar (Midrand) – A favourite Ramadan market in Joburg with traders, food stalls, prayer facilities, and a warm community atmosphere great for post‑Iftar browsing and socialising.

Tips for Dining During Ramadan in Joburg

• Book ahead: Popular halal restaurants and Ramadan buffets fill up quickly during the month.

• Arrive with time: During Iftar, restaurants get busy around sunset plan to arrive early or reserve spots.

• Explore markets: Ramadan markets offer diverse halal options and a festive atmosphere for families and friends.

• Check certification: Not all restaurants serve halal‑certified food; if strict certification is essential, verify with the establishment before visiting.

Explore More Halal Food in Joburg

Johannesburg’s foodie map includes hundreds of certified halal restaurants serving everything from Middle Eastern and Turkish to Indian, Pakistani and fusion cuisine making it one of the richest halal food scenes in South Africa.

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