Lea GagnonI found the 11 best halal restaurants in Montreal – thank me later!
I’m the person in the group to whom people go for food recommendations. Indian cuisine? I know every downtown spot. Cheap American snacks? I know a thing or two about that too!
Of course, when it comes to halal food, I have some of the best places that I just can’t stop raving about. To make sure you’re in the loop, I curated this list to include halal food from various cultures, from Middle Eastern dishes to typical US food fare.
If you’re interested, all you need to do is dive in!
1. KazaMaza
Media credit kazamazamtl
Website: https://kazamaza.ca/
Address: 4629 Park Ave
Contact Details: +1 514-844-6292
Operating
Hours: Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Tuesday – Thursday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Saturday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: $$
With its charming ambiance and intimate setting, KazaMaza is absolutely perfect for sit-down family meals. Since the tables are close to each other, it’s convenient for big groups to huddle together. The portions are big too, making it easy to share.
For appetisers, the fattoush salad was a solid start – light and fresh, with largely chopped veggies that make each bite filling.
With its fall-off-the-bone tenderness, the lamb shank was absolutely beautiful as the main course. It comes with a yoghurt sauce that perfectly complements its texture and taste.
If you love quick service, this place is absolutely fine. However, it’s best to make reservations a week or two in advance since the place is quite famous. If you get lucky though, you may snag a table at the last minute.
2. Garage Beirut
Media credit garagebeirut
Website: https://www.garagebeirut.com/
Address: 1238 Mackay St
Contact Details: +1 514-564-2040
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM; 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$
For those who want to enjoy Lebanese cuisine, you can’t miss Garage Beirut. It’s pretty popular around the area, and in fact, I only got wind of it thanks to a foodie friend who lives nearby!
The portions are not very big, but they’re enough for a small group, especially those who plan to order multiple dishes. The chicken shish taouk is super tender, and you simply can’t miss it without having hummus to balance things out.
Speaking of, the hummus and cheese was a surprise for me. Even though it only has some cucumbers and tomatoes (more veggies please!), the cheese was awesome – not too salty and perfectly milky.
Food is just a bit too pricey considering the servings. But for that once-in-a-while eat-outs, it’s perfect for the fam.
3. La Khaima Cuisine Nomade
Media credit lakhaima
Website: https://www.restolakhaima.ca/
Address: 142 Av. Fairmount O
Contact Details: +1 514-948-9993
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$
Imagine my joy when I discovered this place – authentic African cuisine isn’t the easiest to find in Montreal! La Khaima blends North and Sub-Saharan African cultures into their dishes, making it a must-visit for adventurous foodies.
The beef and dates were beyond exceptional, with tender and juicy meat that elevates its savoury profile. The main couscous was also fantastic as it comes with different toppings – you can opt for beef, chicken, or vegetarian.
They take reservations, though you likely won’t need one here. Portions are quite big, and a meal that you expect can be shared by 2 people will actually feed about 4 to 5 – takeaways are possible though!
4. Le Taj
Media credit restaurantletaj and lefoufoumtl
Website: https://www.restaurantletaj.com/
Address: 2077 Stanley St
Contact Details: +1 514-845-9015
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price: $$
This Indian restaurant has been my go-to for years. And even though they’ve had a few recipe changes since then, one thing remains – everything is still delicious!
Their chicken kebab appetiser is savoury and smoky, with notable hints of lemon and yoghurt. The seasonings are very distinct, although there’s a bit of spice to it (which I think most people can easily tolerate).
I’m also not a big fan of fish, but I do love their salmon tikka. It’s deeply aromatic, juicy, and buttery. The marinade gives way to a nice garlicky aroma with hints of ginger and garam masala.
Finally, you need to end your meal with their amazing chai latte. Well, it’s nothing out of this world, but that sweetness and chill will help tone down the spice if you had too much!
5. Restaurant Gandhi
Media credit gandhimtl
Website: https://restaurantgandhi.com/
Address: 230 Saint-Paul St W
Contact Details: +1 514-845-5866
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM ; 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM ; 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Price: $$
When it comes to Indian food, there’s no reason to miss Restaurant Gandhi. The prices are great, the portions are good, and the service is fast – what is there to ask for?
Their shahi paneer is a personal favourite, but I think I loved it much because of the smooth and creamy gravy. The paneer was so soft that it basically absorbed the flavors like a sponge, particularly the sweetness and spice of the meal.
If you’re having naans, you can match it with a creamy paneer too. The naan is soft with crispy edges – it also arrives hot and warm so you can really enjoy your meal.
6. La Rose Des Sables
Media credit larosedessablesrestaurant
Website: https://www.larosedessablesmtl.com/
Address: 1815 Rue Beaubien E
Contact Details: +1 514-593-6655
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Thursday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Price: $
For those craving halal-friendly Tunisian cuisine, La Rose Des Sables isn’t something to miss. The atmosphere alone is enough to transport you to North Africa, complete with some of the best dishes to dig into.
For starters, the shakshuka is a fantastic appetiser. It’s loaded with an earthy paprika flavor that you can’t help mopping up with bread. The tajines are dense with flavor – sweet, savory, and fragrant thanks to the herbs and spices used!
If you want the complete dining experience, you can book for their special degustation (schedule varies so it’s best to contact the restaurant). And if you are there by Friday or Saturday, you may be able to catch an oriental show by 10:00 PM.
7. Chez Hailar
Media credit chezhailar
Website: https://chezhailar.ca/
Address: 1612 Sherbrooke St W
Contact Details: +1 514-846-0000
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Friday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM | 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Price: $
Chez Hailar is a popular spot in downtown Montreal for the best Persian halal food. They’re best known for their outstanding pizza delivery, but I think dining here will give you a whole new experience.
The roast beef sandwich is just as good as you imagine. The bread is baked fresh daily, so it’s always warm when served. And yes, it has that perfect level of crunch on the outside and softness on the inside.
The roast beef, as I heard, is slow-braised, which is why the special marinade really gets absorbed into the meat. With the melted mozzarella cheese and toppings, it’s a meal you can definitely enjoy as a snack or a light lunch.
8. Mama Khan
Media credit mamakhanmtl
Website: https://www.mamakhan.ca/
Address: 4135 Saint Denis St
Contact Details: +1 514-844-0000
Operating Hours: Sunday, Tuesday – Thursday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$
Mama Khan is the place you go to if you just want to have a nice, warm meal with your family. Honestly speaking, on the outside, it doesn’t seem to offer much – pretty rough, but there’s a welcoming homey vibe to it that just makes eating more comfortable.
The food here is just fantastic. Their adat khan kebab immediately became my favorite, thanks to its yogurt sauce, which is simply rich in flavour.
Their main offering, the Peshawari chicken karahi, has a gorgeous profile of tasty tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and green chilis. It may be a little too punchy for some, but the meat’s tenderness is like no other.
Other favorites? The tandoori chicken, biryani rice, and chicken kari are all awesome. Make sure to order a few dishes to share plates with your company.
9. Makkah Restaurant
Media credit makkah.mtl
Website: https://www.restaurantmakkah.com/
Address: 360 Rue Jean-Talon E
Contact Details: +1 514-276-1010
Operating Hours: Tuesday – Thursday ; Saturday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM ; 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: $
Affordable, simple, and filling – what else can you look for at Makkah Restaurant? With a solid selection of Indian, Pakistani, and Afghani food, you won’t run out of options here.
The chicken biryani is definitely something to come back for. It’s aromatic with a perfectly blended combination of spices like saffron and cumin. There’s a light hint of sweetness here, though the tanginess is still the more prominent profile.
I also enjoyed having their garlic naan as the spice is just right. If you want something stronger though, you’d have to request express spice next time.
For desserts, you can’t go wrong with their rasmalai. It’s soft and spongy with cheesy morsels that make it more addictive.
10. Chateau Kabab
Media credit chateaukabab
Website: https://chateaukabab.com/
Address: 2140 Guy St
Contact Details: +1 514-932-1114
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Price: $$
If you want to have a big meal with friends or your family, Chateau Kabab might be the place for you. The serving is fast, and with big portions per dish, there’s no time for food to cool down here!
The Kafta platter is a great option for groups of 5 and above (though it might still be too much if you’re a light eater). The kebabs were downright amazing – buttery, moist, and well-seasoned. Together with the soups, rice, and bread, you have a full feast!
I love the taste of their hummus too, especially since it’s quite creamy. It’s nutty and elevated with the sharp taste of garlic and herb flavors. Have it with pita bread and you’re set.
11. Farrouj Express
Media credit farroujexpress
Website: https://www.farroujexpress.com/
Address: Food Court Level, 3575 Park Ave #5200
Contact Details: +1 514-844-9497
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Price: $
This halal Lebanese restaurant will remind you of everything you’re missing out on: good food at great prices in a place that doesn’t need to try hard at all. According to locals, they have some of the best shawarmas in the city, especially with their beef options.
The falafel wrap and chicken wraps are just as amazing, with enough amounts of meat and veggies. They’re not too expensive as well, so they’re perfect for a quick bite.
By the way, the place is also great for deliveries. Order via phone for faster service!
