Australia’s best Halal-friendly restaurants

By Amy Fraser

Marrakech Moroccan, Adelaide

Decked out with distinctive North African tapestries, stained glass lighting and Arabic music, Adelaide’s Marrakech Moroccan has plenty of personality that is synonymous with the people of Morroco. For something different, order the Bestella to start – a chicken pie cooked with cinnamon, almonds and icing sugar.

Mado Restaurant, Brisbane 

An evening at the authentic Turkish Mado Restaurant is like nothing else in Brisbane. Don’t be surprised when the owner himself greets you at the door before warmly welcoming you into a restaurant embellished with Turkish decor and artefacts. Try char-grilled lamb shish or traditional Turkish pizza (known as pide) while belly dancers shimmy past your table on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Mamak, Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne

Originally a Sydney restaurant, the Mamak chain has firmly rooted itself in Australia’s Malaysian dining scene. This award-winning restaurant serves bold Malaysian flavours in street food style, replicating the alfresco-style roadside eateries in Malaysia that ‘Mamak’ is named after. Enjoy authentic satay, curries and some of the best Nasi Goreng on the east coast of Australia.

The Saffron Waterfront Indian Restaurant, Hobart

The Saffron, located next to the city’s picturesque wharf area, is Hobart’s crown jewel of Indian cuisine. Run by a team of chefs who have worked at some of India’s most prestigious hotels, there’s little wonder the restaurant’s authentic North Indian and Kashmiri dishes – prepared using Halal meat – have diners regularly singing its praises. 

Abla’s, Melbourne

We can thank Abla Amad, winner of the Vittoria Coffee Legend Award 2023, for introducing Middle Eastern flavours to the streets of Melbourne. Since opening its doors in 1979, Abla’s has been lauded for its homemade Lebanese dishes, from burghul kibbee nayeh to fattoush and kafta mishwee. The restaurant, run by ‘the queen of Lebanese cooking’ herself, is intimate and humble. Everything here abides by Abla’s famous quote: "Anything you do with love, you can never do wrong."

Rumi, Melbourne

Another Melburnian institution praised for its heartwarming Lebanese dishes is the chic Rumi restaurant, nestled among trendy establishments. Named after the 13th-century poet, Rumi invites you to share the flavours of Lebanese cuisine in traditional share style. Look out for signature favourites: three-cheese-filled cigars, fried cauliflower studded with currants and pine nuts and a saffron-marinated, charcoal-fired quail kebab.

Sumatra Café, Darwin

Sumatra Café is a local Darwin favourite, treasured for serving the best authentic Indonesian fare. Tucked away within Anthony Plaza in Darwin’s Smith Street Mall, it's well worth seeking out. Choose from two or three curries with rice, such as beef rendang and chilli eggplant, which are both packed with flavour. On a hot day, finish the meal with an Es Campur dessert of red bean, jelly and fruits on shaved ice.

Tempayan Bay, Perth

Perth’s Tempayan Bay blends fresh Western Australian ingredients with the spices of Indonesia. Its casual, friendly dining experience has become a staple in the city of Perth, growing a fan base beyond the Muslim community. Sit down for a casual breakfast, lunch or dinner to enjoy sweeping views across the Swan River while you munch on a medley of tantalising fare.

Al Aseel, Sydney

Middle Eastern charm is served on a silver platter at the award-winning Al Aseel restaurant. Traditional family-style feasting is encouraged, with an array of mezza, mains and authentic desserts made from recipes passed down through generations. Popular demand has seen Al Aseel expand from its original Sydney Green Acre venue, with seven restaurants now operating across the city.

Jewel of India, Canberra

Australia’s capital city has become a melting pot of cuisines, with a growing number of restaurants adding to the city’s list of Halal-friendly establishments. Nestled out of sight on the first floor of the Manuka Court shopping centre, the Jewel of India is known as a hidden gem, serving deliciously rich and colourful Indian fare at a budget-friendly price. Mop up your curry with a piece of Tandoori bread, freshly baked to perfection.