When I’m hungry for halal food in Chicago, I have a lot of great places to pick from. The city is full of restaurants serving everything from burgers and tacos to classic Middle Eastern and South Asian food.
I enjoy exploring different neighborhoods and tasting what each spot offers. Finding good halal food here isn’t hard—it’s actually deciding where to eat that’s the real challenge.
1) Sultan’s Market
I stopped by Sultan’s Market recently, and it was busy but not crowded. The vibe was casual, which made me feel comfortable right away. There’s no fancy seating or table service, just simple counter-service that gets you in and out quickly.
I ordered the falafel, which tasted fresh and crispy. There were other Middle Eastern dishes on the menu too. The salad bar had a lot of choices, so I could mix and match what I wanted.
The prices seemed fair for the amount of food you get. Portions were big enough that I didn’t leave hungry. The staff worked fast, so my order came out without a long wait.
Rating: 4.5 (1516 reviews)
Location: 2057 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Contact: (773) 235-3072
Website: Visit Website
2) NYC HALAL EATS
When I walked into NYC Halal Eats, I noticed the smell of spices and grilled meat right away. The place was busy, but not overwhelming, and the staff moved quickly with orders. It felt welcoming and casual, which made it easy to relax and focus on the food.
I tried the Mixed Platter, which came with rice, salad, and fries. The chicken and lamb were both seasoned well and juicy. Mixing everything with their white sauce and hot sauce made it even better.
They also offer other options if you don’t want a platter. I saw people ordering gyros, Philly cheesesteaks, and burgers. Their fries came out hot and crispy, and many customers grabbed wings or loaded fries with friends.
Prices are fair for the amount of food you get, and it’s nice having seafood, salads, and veggie choices all in one menu.
Rating: 4.4 (842 reviews)
Location: 2657 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Contact: (773) 739-9244
Website: Visit Website
3) Noon O Kabab Chicago
I stopped by Noon O Kabab in Albany Park, and the experience felt really welcoming. The place is casual and friendly, and it’s clear they have regulars who love coming back. The smell of kebabs grilling hits you as soon as you come in.
Their menu is full of Persian dishes, and I noticed a lot of people ordering their kebabs and wraps. Everything tasted fresh and had a lot of flavor, especially the grilled meats. These recipes come from family traditions.
Ordering is easy, and the staff helps if you have any questions about the food. They offer both pickup and delivery, which makes it convenient if I don’t have time to eat there. They also cater events for people who want something different for their gatherings.
Rating: 4.5 (4186 reviews)
Location: 4701 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
Contact: (773) 279-8899
Website: Visit Website
4) Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant
I checked out Turquoise Cafe & Restaurant, and the place has a relaxed but stylish vibe. The white-tablecloth setup gives it a nice touch without feeling too fancy. There’s indoor seating and a sidewalk patio for nice weather.
The menu focuses on Turkish dishes, but there are also Mediterranean and Middle Eastern options. I went on a Sunday and saw a good-sized brunch crowd. Their brunch runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, and there’s a lot to choose from. I tried the menemen, which was flavorful and filling.
For dinner, there’s a wide range of kebabs, seafood, and vegetarian plates. Everything tasted fresh, and the staff answered my questions. The cocktails list stood out as well, with some interesting mixes I hadn’t seen at other Turkish spots.
Rating: 4.6 (2015 reviews)
Location: 2147 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618
Contact: (773) 549-3523
Website: Visit Website
5) The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen
When I stopped by The Gundis Kurdish Kitchen, I noticed the friendly vibe as soon as I walked in. The place feels relaxed, and the staff made me feel welcome right away. The space was cozy, with simple decor and a laid-back atmosphere.
I tried some dishes I hadn’t seen before, since this is Chicago’s first Kurdish restaurant. The food had bold flavors, lots of spices, and fresh veggies. Every plate looked as good as it tasted. They also offer Mediterranean favorites alongside Kurdish meals.
They serve beer and wine, plus coffee and tea, which is nice for a slow lunch. The prices felt fair for what I got, and the portion sizes were just right.
Rating: 4.7 (1372 reviews)
Location: 2909-11 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
Contact: (773) 904-8120
Website: Visit Website
6) EUROASIA RESTAURANT
I stopped by Euroasia Restaurant not too long ago, and I was impressed by how welcoming the place felt. The restaurant has a simple, cozy vibe that made me feel right at home. The staff greeted me right away, and I got seated quickly.
Their menu mixes halal Eastern European dishes with classic favorites. I tried the lamb kebabs, which were tender and full of flavor. The hot, fresh bread was the perfect side.
Most tables had big groups sharing plates and enjoying themselves. The portions are generous, so it’s great for sharing. If you want something different from the usual halal spots, Euroasia is a solid choice.
Rating: 4.7 (930 reviews)
Location: 351 W Oak St, Chicago, IL 60610
Contact: (312) 988-0662
7) Rumi Middle Eastern Grill
I stopped by Rumi Middle Eastern Grill, and I liked how relaxed and simple the space was. There’s no fancy setup or waiters—just walk up to the counter and place your order. The staff worked fast and helped me with my order.
I tried their falafel and shawarma, both fresh and full of flavor. Portions were just right. Everything tasted like it was made right when I ordered.
The menu focuses on Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, so there are a lot of familiar options. The prices felt reasonable for the quality and location. It’s an easy spot to grab a meal if you’re in the area and looking for halal food.
Rating: 4.5 (627 reviews)
Location: 1534 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Contact: (773) 666-5119
Website: Visit Website
8) Sabri Nihari Restaurant
I recently ate at Sabri Nihari, and I was really impressed by how flavorful their Pakistani dishes are. The restaurant feels comfortable and family-friendly, and the staff made me feel welcome right from the moment I walked in.
Their Nihari is probably the most famous dish here, and now I get why—it’s rich, aromatic, and goes perfectly with fresh naan. I tried other classic Pakistani dishes too, like Bihari kabob and biryani. Everything tasted fresh, and the portions were filling.
The restaurant has a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, which shows they care about quality. The space looks clean and the vibe is relaxed, so it’s easy to enjoy a meal with friends or family. They also offer catering for parties, weddings, and other celebrations.
Rating: 4.1 (4112 reviews)
Location: 2502 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Contact: (773) 465-3272
Website: Visit Website)
9) Afghan Bamyan Kabob
I walked into Afghan Bamyan Kabob last week and liked the casual vibe right away. The restaurant felt welcoming and relaxed, and I noticed many families and friends enjoying big plates of food together.
I tried the kabobs, which were tender and full of smoky flavor. The rice was fluffy, and the naan was soft and warm. The portions were big enough for leftovers.
This spot is great if you’re looking for halal options with Afghan and Mediterranean flavors. The menu offers something for everyone, and everything I tasted was freshly cooked. The service was friendly but not pushy, which I appreciated.
Rating: 4.6 (883 reviews)
Location: 5701 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
Contact: (773) 961-7794
Website: Visit Website
10) Firefly Burger
I stopped by Firefly Burger in Lincoln Park and I’m glad I did. The place feels warm and comfortable, almost like hanging out at a friend’s house. As soon as I walked in, I noticed the fun vibe and how friendly the staff was.
Their burgers stand out because they use the best ingredients and cook everything fresh. I ordered one of their signature burgers, and the first bite was packed with flavor. There’s also a Cheese Station with add-ons like the Cheese Injection and Cheese Volcano—perfect for cheese lovers.
Firefly Burger offers halal options that don’t compromise on taste. They’ve been in Chicago since 2019, and I see why people return. The menu has options for everyone, so it’s easy to bring friends or family along.
Rating: 4.7 (1412 reviews)
Location: 2412 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Contact: (773) 729-7182
Website: Visit Website
What Makes a Restaurant Halal?
When I look for a halal restaurant, I want to know how they handle food and what kinds of meals they offer. The way a restaurant earns halal status and the ingredients they use matter a lot to me.
Halal Certification Explained
Halal means “permissible” in Arabic, and it covers what Muslims are allowed to eat and drink. Halal restaurants follow special rules for sourcing and preparing meat. This means the animals are healthy, a Muslim does the slaughter, and a prayer is recited during the process.
Many halal restaurants display their certification for everyone to see. A trusted group usually checks if the restaurant follows all halal guidelines before giving the certificate. I always look for these certificates or ask the staff if I don’t see one.
Not every place is certified. Some smaller spots depend on trust and word of mouth. I like to check, especially if the restaurant has a big menu or serves non-halal options.
Common Ingredients and Dishes
Halal restaurants use beef, chicken, or lamb from halal-certified suppliers. You won’t find pork or alcohol in the dishes. Seafood is usually considered halal, so fish and shrimp options are common.
You’ll see dishes like shawarma, kebabs, and biryani on many menus. Some places also serve burgers, steaks, or BBQ with proper halal checks. Vegetarian and vegan choices are popular too, with dishes like falafel, hummus, or mixed salads.
Here’s a quick list of what’s usually avoided or not allowed:
- Pork and pork products
- Alcohol (both in drinks and cooking)
- Meat not slaughtered in the halal way
I pay attention to menus and ask questions if I’m not sure about something. It helps me make choices that fit my needs.
Tips for Enjoying Halal Food in Chicago
There are many ways to find good halal food in Chicago, but knowing where to go and how to eat makes the experience better. I’ve learned that your choice of neighborhood and understanding local customs help you have a better meal.
Popular Neighborhoods for Halal Dining
When I’m looking for halal food in Chicago, Devon Avenue is the first place I think of. It’s packed with Indian, Pakistani, and Middle Eastern restaurants. There are also bakeries, markets, and spots for late-night tea.
The Southwest side—especially Bridgeview—is great for halal barbecue, grills, and fast food, including fried chicken joints that use only halal meat. The North side has options too, but the Southwest suburbs offer a bigger selection.
Some places stay open late, so I always check before heading out. Here’s a quick table of examples:
| Neighborhood | Halal Food Highlights |
|---|---|
| Devon Avenue | Curries, kabobs, sweets, groceries |
| Bridgeview | BBQ, shawarma, Turkish grills, desserts |
| West Ridge | Takeout, pizza, Pakistani BBQ, snacks |
Dining Etiquette and Cultural Considerations
When I go to a halal restaurant, I pay attention to customs. Muslim-owned places usually don’t serve alcohol, so I don’t expect it on the menu. During Ramadan, some places have different hours or special menus for iftar, so I ask ahead.
Halal guidelines mean the food is prepared in a specific way. I don’t bring outside food, since it might not be halal-friendly. Families often sit together or big groups share dishes, which is common in many halal restaurants.
It’s polite to greet the staff and try traditional dishes. If I’m unsure about something on the menu, I ask. Most places gladly explain what’s halal and suggest favorites. I thank the chef or staff if I enjoy the meal—good manners go a long way!