10 Halal Restaurants in New York Serving Flavor You Won’t Forget

Hey there! If you’re craving amazing halal restaurants in New York, I got you. I’ve spent a lot of time wandering NYC’s boroughs chasing good food, especially halal spots, and I want to share my Top 10. Think of this article like chatting with a foodie friend over coffee—sharing what impressed me, what to expect, addresses, the vibe, and all that good stuff. Let’s dive in 😊

Introduction

Ever been in NYC and suddenly hit that moment: “Where can I get food that’s halal and actually worth my time?” I totally feel you. The halal food scene is huge here, but quality and authenticity can really vary.

I first started exploring halal places when I moved here for a semester. Between classes, late nights, walking around, I tried so many spots—some were amazing; others, meh. After that hunt, I’ve got a shortlist of places I actually return to. So, if you’re in New York (visiting, living, eating around), this list is for you.

Top 10 Halal Restaurants in New York

Here are my favorite halal joints in NYC. I’ve included ratings, address, contact info, and website (when available)—so you can plan ahead easily. I ranked them loosely by how often I go, how consistently good the food is, and how interesting the cuisine.

1. The Halal Guys

⭐ Rating: ~ 4.4/5
📍 Address: 6th Avenue & W 53rd St, Manhattan, NY 10019
📞 Contact: (347)-527-1505
🌐 Website: The Halal Guys

What makes them legendary: their chicken & gyro platters, solid sauces (white sauce + hot sauce), and that satisfying combo over rice. If you’re new to halal food in NYC, this is a must. Fast, tasty, and usually packed—but worth it.

2. Safari (Harlem)

⭐ Rating: ~4.3/5
📍 Address: 55 St. Nicholas Ave., Manhattan, NY 10026 (Harlem)
📞 Contact: (646)-964-4252
🌐 Website: safariharlem.com

If you want something a bit different, Safari is an awesome pick. They do Somali (East African) cuisine. Sambusas, roasted goat, stews… comfort food that warms the soul. Great vibes, relaxed atmosphere. IMO this is one of the most under-talked about gems.

3. Al Badawi

⭐ Rating: ~4.5/5
📍 Address: 151 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
📞 Contact: (718)-689-5888
🌐 Website: Al Badawi Restaurant

If you love Palestinian / Middle Eastern food, you’ll dig Al Badawi. The mezze, kebabs, dips—all solid. Their portions are generous, and the atmosphere is friendly. Perfect for hanging out and sharing a bunch of small plates.

4. Sami’s Kabab House

⭐ Rating: Good (often ~4-4.5)
📍 Address: 35-57 Crescent St, Astoria, Queens, NY 11106
📞 Contact: (917)-832-7165
🌐 Website: They have a site / listings via Eater and other food directories. Eater NY

They do Pakistani / Afghan-inspired halal food. Their kebabs hit just right: char, flavor, not overdone. Also nice if you want something less touristy. Friendly local spot.

5. Shirazi Karahi

⭐ Rating: (~4/5)
📍 Address: 184-02 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365
📞 Contact: (718)-886-2940
🌐 Website: Part of Eater’s directory listing; may not have standalone site.

Spicy curries, karahi dishes (for those who love tomato-, ghee-, and ginger-heavy). If you like bold Pakistani flavors, this is your jam. Good for groups too.

6. Birria LES

⭐ Rating: generally positive; foodies love it Eater NY
📍 Address: 127 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002 (Lower East Side)
📞 Contact: (646)-707-3883
🌐 Website: They have menu/listing; you’ll find them online via review sites. Eater NY

A taco twist on halal: birria tacos, consomme etc., but using halal meats. It’s kind of fusion, modern, fun. If you’re in LES and craving something less traditional, birria is satisfying.

7. Nurlan Uyghur Restaurant

⭐ Rating: strong among niche crowd (~4-4.5)
📍 Address: 43-39 Main St, Queens, NY 11355
📞 Contact: (347)-542-3324
🌐 Website: Directory listings / food blogs; they may not have a massive standalone site. Eater NY

For something more exotic: Uyghur cuisine is Central Asian, with lots of hand-pulled noodles, cumin lamb skewers, and bold flavor profiles. If your palate is adventurous, this is highly recommended.

8. Yemeni Restaurant (125th St)

⭐ Rating: Very good; regulars swear by it Eater NY
📍 Address: 377 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027
📞 Contact: (646)-791-5022
🌐 Website: They have presence via directories / Eater etc. Eater NY

Yemen’s cuisine is special. Fahsa (lamb in broth), grilled meats, soft breads—they do it authentically. Perfect when you want something comforting but different from the usual shawarma or kebab.

9. Guac Time

⭐ Rating: Good; fun twist on halal Mexican / Tex-Mex fusion
📍 Address: 599 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011
📞 Contact: (646)-678-4053
🌐 Website: Directory / restaurant listings. Eater NY

This is one of those places where halal meets tacos, bowls, quinoa stuff, fusion flavors. If you’re in the mood for something lighter or playful, Guac Time is fun. Good for casual lunch or dinner with friends.

10. Ayat NYC (Bay Ridge / multiple locations)

⭐ Rating: Solid among locals; praised for authenticity and vibe Eater NY+1
📍 Address: 8504 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
📞 Contact: (718)-831-2585
🌐 Website: They have listings, social media etc. (full halal, Middle Eastern / Palestinian style) Eater NY+1

Family-run vibe, great for group dinners. Lots of dips, good portions, warm hospitality. If you want a more relaxed sit-down style rather than street-food/cart/fast food, Ayat is your spot.

What To Consider (So You Pick the Right Spot)

Before you pick one, here are some things I usually check—and you might too:

H3: Cuisine & Your Cravings

Are you in the mood for traditional Middle Eastern / Palestinian / Lebanese? Or something more fusion / street food like halal tacos or Mexican-style?
Do you want spicy / rich / heavy flavors, or lighter, cleaner food?

H3: Price & Budget

Places like The Halal Guys or Guac Time are more casual, usually less expensive.
Sit-down places (Safari, Al Badawi, Ayat) cost more—especially if you order a bunch of dishes or drinks.

H3: Location & Neighborhood

Queens and Brooklyn often have hidden gems, better prices, and more authentic options.
Manhattan is convenient if you’re touring, but expect lines, higher prices.

H3: Atmosphere & Service

Do you want a casual grab, maybe street food or cart? Or a proper restaurant, with seating, ambiance?
Check whether reservations are needed (especially for dinner or weekend times).

My Favorites & Why (IMO)

If I had to pick 3 absolute must-tries, here’s where I’d send you:

Safari in Harlem — for the flavor, the heart, the uniqueness.
Al Badawi in Brooklyn — for sit-down meals that feel like you’re in the Middle East.
The Halal Guys — for when you want something classic, cheap, and satisfying.

Conclusion

Alright, wrapping up: NYC’s halal restaurant scene is massive, diverse, and getting better all the time. From Somali to Uyghur, Palestinian to fusion Mexican, there’s something for every taste and budget.

Key takeaways:

Decide what kind of food you want first (cuisine, vibe, price).
Use this list to find something close to where you are (or plan a food walk).
Don’t be afraid to try something new—some of the most memorable meals come from unexpected places.

So next time you’re in New York and hunger strikes, skip the generic chain, go for one of these halal gems, and enjoy the flavor journey. And hey—if you try one, send me your thoughts! I’m always down to discover more.