Each year we do a Top 5 Halaal Restaurants Vote to celebrate the best of halaal eateries in South Africa. 2020 has thrown us such a curveball that it would be unfair to subject the restaurant industry to the usual expectations given the ever-changing rules within a very different landscape.

In spite of the difficult circumstances we still had some good restaurant experiences. This year we bring you our list new and notable places that we and our crew have tried and recommend in no particular order.

With luck 2021 will be easier and you’ll be able to check out these spots for yourself. Have an awesome and safe festive season.

Cape Town

Ciao Pizza, CBD
We love the passion and simplicity of this hidden gem right at the top of Long Street serving authentic Neapolitan style pizzas. One of the few halaal spots you can get this type of pizza in Cape Town. The menu is small and very focussed but oh so worth it. Find more information here.

Persian Peacock, CBD
An intimate Turkish restaurant run by an Iranian family who have been in South Africa for many years. While they opened just before lockdown, they had to close down straight away and were only able to re-open in July. The restaurant has the most beautiful decor dominated by a huge luxurious mural of a peacock. The food is as authentically persian as the ambiance. A great spot for intimate lunches and dinners. Find more information here.

Conscious Carnivores
The most serious players in Cape Town in the Wagyu eatery space at the moment. They started as a weekend pop-up and now have a permanent space at the new We Are Egg collaborative space at Cavendish Square. We love how they have not stepped back in spite of the difficult conditions this year and kept creating and growing. More info here.

District Cafe
Always a favourite, they opened as early as restrictions allowed and re-focused their offering while still maintaining the great dishes they are known for. This popular spot in Woodstock is great for casual lunches in the week and steaks & grills on the weekend. More here.

Johannesburg

Istanbul Kebab
We love the contemporary vibe of this middle eastern eatery. The original location had burned down and they relocated to Sunninghill Village Shopping Centre. Some of the best Turkish food we have had yet. More info here.

Clenergy
After opening late in 2019 and then having to close again in March this year due to lockdown, this health focussed eatery quickly re-invented it’s offering to include daily, weekly and monthly meals to order. We love the guilt free eating while still maintaining delicious flavour. They have just introduced an extended burger menu with no less than 10 new flavours. More info here.

Ozzy’s Kitchen
The well known Ozzy’s Kitchen in Sandton is a great spot for upmarket, cheffy meals. They have maintained their exceptional standard and year on year you can count on them to deliver some of the best halaal meals Joburg has to offer. More here.

Le Kreamery Lakefield
The new spot in Lakefield is a beautiful upgrade from the first store in Pretoria. The decor is sophisticated and complements the decadent menu. A trendy cafe specialising in exciting desserts and beautifully presented meals. A great spot for coffee and something sweet. More here.

Durban

Antique Cafe
Journey to the leafy suburb of Windermere to the picturesque Antique Café. It is a period-style maze of dining rooms and display rooms selling antique furniture, clothes and other items. The back leads to a garden with an eclectic mix of rustic tables and chairs under a canopy of trees. It is really pretty and serene. It’s a great spot for light meals and breakfast. More here.

3 on Lumsden
The newest spot to open in the heart of lockdown and getting rave reviews. A restaurant and coffee shop as part of a boutique hotel. We love that there’s a new spot in Durbs for sophisticated dining in a beautiful setting. More here.

The Empire Steak
Florida road is known for great halaal food spots and the Empire Steak has been taking it by storm. It’s a great family restaurant where you can take the kids and they’ll be occupied in the play area while you enjoy a great steak. More here.