The best halal restaurants in NYC

What is it? A Hell's Kitchen eatery that is New York small (think three tables and not much else) but is also New York great when it comes to its lengthy list of biryani. 

Why we love it: There is much to love about Hyderabadi Zaiqa, though there is little of it. With a few tables and a slip of a counter to match, eating here basically guarantees you'll trade elbows with the person next to you or bump backs with the shuffling of delivery guys behind you. But once that biryani hits the table, we really don't think you'll care. Among the 15 to choose from, the Hyderabadi goat dum biryani is a favorite pick for a reason, as shreddy meat that still clings to the bones is plunged into saffron and turmeric-tinged rice. And if the heat starts the climb, the chalice of cooling raita will do you up right. It is easy to split it with another, giving you ample space to fill what little table you have with samosas, chaat and chicken 65. 

Time Out tip: If you don't necessarily want to make eyes with your neighboring table, their latest spot in Murray Hill certainly has more room to flex your elbows. 

Address: 366 W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019; 184 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10016; 

Opening hours: Daily 11:30am–10:00pm

What is it? A three-starred New York Times-rated restaurant, recognized for Vikas Khanna's "wildly interesting" cooking that "defies preconception or oversimplification, neither strictly traditional nor fusion." 

Why we love it? Bungalow is a stunner in its own right, the skylit dining room that dances with faux jasmine says so. But it was more than looks alone that gave Vikas Khanna's (yes, that Khanna from MasterChef India) restaurant a spot on our best restaurants list of 2024 and a Bib Gourmand status from the Michelin Guide. Here, every dish tells a story, such as the the seared pineapple round with a pour of silky coconut curry, which draws from chef Khanna’s first experience at the harvest festival in Udupi. But Khanna isn't the only storyteller here, as co-owner and restaurateur Jimmy Rizvi shares his mother's pan-seared lamb chops.

Time Out tip: Get your iPhone ready. Khanna is a constant and kind presence in the dining room and is always ready for a selfie between dips in and out of the kitchen.  

Address: 24 1st Ave, New York, NY 10009 

Opening hours: Sun–Wed 5–10:30pm; Thu–Sat 5–11pm

What is it? The oldest Yemeni restaurant in New York (and possibly, the oldest authentic one in the States) is still going strong in Cobble Hill. On any given night, Yemen Café is a full house with tables tearing through dinner plate-sized flatbreads to sop up plates of hummus, babaghanoush and tangles of lamb meat.

Why we love it: You come to Yemen Café to feast—hard stop. It starts off easy enough, as the purchase of an entree always gets you a salad that's heavy on iceberg and a hot bowl of spiced lamb stew, that can be awakened with the squeeze of lemon that comes with it. Ever so welcoming, cups of cinnamon tea are always free; just walk to the back over by the fish tank to fill up. But as for the entrees, you'll note pretty quickly that Yemeni cuisine has a thing for lamb. You find it cooked every which way here, from a bubbling stew in clay bowls (fashah) or straight off the shank in their house favorite, the lamb haneeth. It also comes with rashush, a bubbled-up flatbread that's prepared in the traditional taboon in the kitchen.

Time Out tip: This cafe is a busy one, even in the chilly winter months. If you need a bit more space to fit a group, the Staten Island location is certainly the largest.  

Address: 176 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201; 7317 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209; 1816 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305

What is it? With seven locations in New York (and one in New Jersey), Ayat is seemingly on a sprint to share its Palestinian eats to all who seek it. And we really mean all as Ayat just cropped up with a location in Dallas with spots in Philly and Washington D.C. on the horizon. But we understand it, if you had food this good, you would share it too. 

Why we love it? Ayat certainly lives up to its motto, "Where Palestinian soul food meets New York City." And no matter which location you find yourself at (of which, there are several) the proudly Palestinian restaurant will dole out its soul, with platters of smooth and olive oil-slicked hummus and baba ghanoush, fried halloumi and cigar cheese rolls and chicken and beef shawarma all served with wood-fired and plump pitas.  

Time Out tip: Don't be surprised if you see a waiter carrying around the kunafe pizza for dessert, and you order one too. However, we highly recommend bringing a group to the table if you do. 

Address: Multiple locations

What is it? Owner Mohammad Wali runs a humble cafe in Hell's Kitchen, where he acts as server, table runner and friendly face who is more than happy to guide you through Afghani eats. 

Why we love it? Never been to Ariana Afghan Kebab? Well, after one meeting with Wali, you may just feel like family. Pick his brain for some of his top dishes (there are many, of course) and be handsomely rewarded with leek-filled dumplings doused in yogurt, parsley bits and meat sauce and filling kebab platters. However, he will likely guide you toward the kabuli palow. Follow his lead and try the national dish of Afghanistan, a rice platter flecked with raisins and shaved carrots is stirred with tender bits of beef or lamb, dealer's choice. 

Time Out tip: End the meal with the fragrant and rose-infused pudding known as firnee. 

Address: 787 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019 

Opening hours: Daily noon–10pm

This restaurant’s bag is producing consistent staples of halal cuisine. Go for simplicity: humus, shish kabob and Turkish coffee. For both its authenticity and reliability, this Hell’s Kitchen joint should be promptly placed on your personal list of go-to food.

The word on the street—specifically, the word on 14th Street—is that this vendor whips up better foodstuffs on four wheels than many a starred restaurant. You should go out of your way to walk past it and try it. Food carts FTW.