Explore the best halal dining options Manchester has to offer with this guide. The article highlights a curated list of top halal restaurants in Manchester, showcasing a variety of cuisines from traditional Middle Eastern dishes to contemporary fusion creations. Each restaurant is praised for its commitment to halal standards, quality of food, and inviting atmosphere. Ideal for residents and visitors looking for authentic and delicious halal options, this guide helps navigate the vibrant culinary scene of Manchester.
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Is Manchester Halal-Friendly?
A good 15% of the Manchester population is of Islamic faith, and each has its own halal dietary restrictions. According to the halal industry statistics of 2022, the halal meat industry is worth over 2.6 billion pounds a year, and 20% of lamb sales are to Muslim consumers, despite only making up 5% of the UK population. This means that local restaurants would be missing out on a billion-pound market if they chose not to cater to halal, that’s why we’re seeing halal-friendly joints pop up all over the city.
What Are The Best Halal Restaurants In Manchester?
Every Mancunian is familiar with the satisfying flavours of a local kebab spot or tasty tikka masala from a curry shop, which is almost always halal friendly. However, what does a halal Mancunian do when they’re looking for a spot with halal food and a superb sitdown atmosphere?
Appetite Junction
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Why not sit canal side at the Appetite Junction in Wellington place, while enjoying one of their smoking mocktails, to add a bit of theatre to your dining experience. The menu is widely extensive and has all the kinds of moreish goodies you’ll be looking for like peri-peri chicken wings, pizza and burgers. Finish it off with one of their famous desserts, or another mocktail!
Zouk Tea Bar and Grill
Zouk Tea Bar and Grill has taken everyone’s favourite curry shop and made it posh. Their menu uses middle eastern and Indian flavours with a British twist. Think classic Sunday roast with spices and grilled veg, giving the roast we know and love an amplified flavour.
The rest is all dishes you’ll find on a classic Indian menu, but with a touch of sophistication, yet still keeping it homely and approachable. There’s also an alfresco Egyptian themed shisha dining lounge, so you can dine out in the fresh air. You can’t say Zouk Tea Bar doesn’t offer options, and there’s sure to be something everyone can enjoy.
Evelyn’s
Evelyn’s is one of those rustic style cafes that consider itself to be effortless and casual, yet the decor and food pay such immense attention to detail that you’ll feel like you’re eating at a critically acclaimed restaurant. Evelyn’s is a favourite amongst the locals, and it’s easy to see why.
They’re famous for their halal-friendly Sunday roasts, or their moreish brunch menu featuring fluffy buttermilk pancake stacks, warm and spicy shakshuka and overnight oats bruleé. The decor matches the food with its sophisticated yet rustic atmosphere, decorated with local flora bouquets, moody lighting and farm style furniture.
Asha’s
Asha’s has a long list of accolades that makes them one of the best Indian fine-dining restaurants in Manchester. Listed on the Michelin guide for 5 years in a row and named the best restaurant outside of London by the British Curry Awards, there’s no doubt that Asha’s will be an experience of a lifetime.
Their menu is authentically Indian, with modern and refined twists yet sticking to the bold punchy flavours of Britain’s favourite cuisine. Except to see British- Indian fusion dishes like lamb chops marinated in aromatics or a spicy and rich chocolate tart with chilli and mango.
Best Halal Manchester Restaurants That Are Steakhouses
Etci Mehmet
Nothing beats a casual dining experience with guaranteed good food every time. Etci Mehmet is a Turkish restaurant specializing in fully halal steak on the grill, served with a “Salt Bae” performance and fun and wholesome energy. The steak rarely disappoints, you just simply can’t go wrong with grilled, tender and juicy steak topped with flaky salt and served with crispy fries and Turkish specialty salads.
This establishment is fully halal, which means no alcohol is served on the premises. You know it’s good when it’s always packed, and Etci Mehmet usually is, so it’s recommended that you make a booking beforehand.
Rump ‘N Ribs
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Got a ribs craving? Rump ‘N Ribs has you covered. This proudly halal establishment unsurprisingly specializes in beef ribs and – you guessed it – rump steak. Don’t let the name fool you, rump isn’t the only cut they serve. They have all the cuts of dry-aged, locally farmed steak, in addition to juicy ribs in Texan barbeque sauce.
The Ribeye Steakhouse
The Ribeye Steakhouse has become one of the best halal restaurants in Manchester, offering a premium dining experience that purely focuses on the quality of its halal-friendly meat. The dry bar also focuses on delicious mocktails to pair with your succulent steak.
Their mains are usually kept simple, with the meat being the hero. Basted and grilled in its own juices, served with market-fresh seasonal vegetables. The dining experience doesn’t end there, The Ribeye also has an extensive dessert menu, where you’ll find delicate French patisserie inspired desserts that’ll guarantee a satisfying end to your meal.
Best Halal Restaurant In Manchester City Centre
Mamucium
Mamucium may be known by the locals as a swanky bar spot to dine at in the evenings, but what some may not assume is that the food is halal friendly. Although they do serve alcohol, they have a food menu filled with delicious modern British cuisine alongside some refreshing mocktails.
This sophisticated dining experience doesn’t just end after the last course, there’s plenty of entertainment at this spot to enjoy. On weekends expect to see a host of DJs, and if you’re in the area as a visitor, Mamucium is attached to the hotel Indigo where you are sure to rest comfortably. Don’t forget to stick around for tea time, as they are best known for their elegant take on classic high tea.
Comptoir Lebanais
If you’re looking for vibrant Lebanese food with decor to match then Comptoir Lebanais is your spot. Notably, this is one of the few halal-friendly spots in the city centre where you can get breakfast. You don’t even have to opt for the sweet breakfast items, as all the breakfast dishes use lamb instead of pork.
Their Lebanese twist on a British fry up is a must-try with spiced lamb sausage, za’atar roasted mushrooms, sumac fried eggs, grilled tomato, potatoes and flatbread. All this for under £10 is an absolute steal. This is also a great place to bring a large group of people, as the restaurant is spacious with tables catering to bigger parties.
Best Halal Restaurants In Manchester Outdoors
Hatch Market
Locals will know that the best way to experience an outdoor setting in Manchester is by checking out the Hatch market in Manchester city centre. A lot of the vendors will offer halal options, and you’ll get to pick from an extensive variety of cuisines and dishes. Hatch isn’t your typical market setting. They’ve taken all the good parts of a market and ditched the less attractive parts.
Always struggling to find a seat at the market? This won’t be a problem at Hatch as you’re able to book a table in advance. Looking for something that can be enjoyed in the nighttime too? Hatch lights up at night, hosting DJs and making space for dancing. Hatch has become a community hub with amazing food, a fun vibe and local crafts, clothing and accessories to browse.
At night the industrial style market lights up with neon blue and pink, highlighting the funky ambience and setting the mood for a good time. Hatch gets its name because of the use of shipping containers as the stalls to differentiate the vendors. This makes for a creative way to have an indoor-outdoor setting for the unpredictable weather, with additional coverage from the bridge it’s built under.
Manchester is proud to be able to cater to its Muslim community – with the amazing halal restaurants Manchester offers proving it’s possible to get anything from a fine-dining experience, to a full English breaky with all the trimmings, to sticky Texan barbecue ribs that fall off the bone. These Manchester halal restaurants do not disappoint, so there’s no excuse not to go out and try something new.
Sebastian is a former hedge fund trader who worked only to indulge his true passion – food.
He has dined at over 240 Michelin-starred restaurants around the world, savoring culinary masterpieces and understanding the stories behind them. He now advises restaurants on menu design, decor and holistic diner experience.