
Leicester is rich in culture, history, and heritage, but the city is also very diverse. A mix that is reflected in every corner of its dining scene, and nowhere is that more apparent than in its halal offerings.
Influenced by the needs of a rising muslim population and decades of South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean migration. The city serves up a lot of halal meals, and frankly, it is rare to find one that is, rather than one that isn’t. Restaurants serve everything from fragrant Mughlai curries to charcoal-grilled Turkish kebabs and even British steaks, all halal. It doesn’t matter if you’re after a lavish family feast or a quick bite as you rush to school or work; there is something for you.
5 Best Halal Restaurants in Leicester
1. Tipu Sultan Majestic Dining
2. Steak and Lounge
3. Konak
4. Istanbul
5. An Najeeb
Best Halal Restaurants in Leicester
Without a doubt, these five standout venues show just how diverse and delicious halal dining in Leicester can be.
1. Tipu Sultan Majestic Dining
Tipu Sultan is exactly how you would imagine it would be, just based on its name. It is not just a restaurant but a spectacle. The restaurant is an artwork of glittering chandeliers, ornate wall carvings, and plush velvet booths, channeling the lavish opulence of a Mughal palace.
But not to be outdone by the grandeur, Tipu Sultan’s menu is rooted in Pakistani and North Indian traditions. The restaurant prides itself on the fact that every dish is made fresh and with halal-certified ingredients. This is in addition to being served in generous portions. When you decide to visit, you should try the slow-cooked nihari and aromatic chicken biryani are popular staples that must be tried at least once. But the real stars are the charcoal-grilled meats, especially the lamb chops, marinated to perfection and cooked over an open flame. Then, there are the rich spicy curries;paya and nihari and gosht, of course, an abundance of fresh naan to go with it.
If you are a vegetarian, no worries, Tipu Sultan has a menu filled with flavourful vegetarian options designed to please a range of palates. From aloo tikki chat and vegetable samosa to mains paneer daal and chana.
As you would imagine, Tipu Sultan is strictly non- alcoholic, but if you think that affects its drink menu, think again. The drinks are taken just as seriously, with fruity mocktails, creamy lassis, and fragrant chai providing the perfect pairing. You can finish up with a traditional dessert like gulab jamun or pick from a list of Swiss ice cream.
The restaurant does get really busy, especially on weekends, so booking is wise. But you can be sure that Tipu has you covered, whether for a lavish family feast, a celebratory gathering, or simply solo eat out.
Location: 18 The Parade, Oadby, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £10 – £30
2. Steak and Lounge
Now, this restaurant is for diners who crave top-quality steak without compromising on halal standards. Steak & Lounge is the number one go-to steak destination in Leicester. The restaurant is located in the city centre and offers a really great fine dining experience that somehow blends sophistication with warmth. It is the kind of restaurant you go to on a first date when you want to impress or have a celebratory dinner.
The focus of Steak and Lounge is primarily on premium cuts of 100% halal beef, cooked to your preferred doneness. All the impressive juicy stuff: rib-eye, sirloin, and the impressive tomahawk all feature on the menu, alongside tender ribs, lamb chops, and gourmet burgers. Each dish is meticulously prepared and beautifully presented, and you can be sure that there is no risk for cross-contamination. That’s how thorough they are. However, if you want to try something other than steak, the restaurant also has a limited asian-fusion menu. Simple egg fried rice, kung pao chicken, and seafood.
You can pair your meals with a great and creative mocktails menu and simple side dishes. The restaurant is also very popular during special occasions and seasons, like during Ramadan, for instance. Offering generous, affordable meals for Iftar in an elegant setting. Steak and Lounge proves that you can eat meat and keep things very halal.
Location: 43, Abbey Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £20 – £60
3. Konak Turkish Restaurant
Konak has made a name for itself as one of the best Turkish restaurants in Leicester. Located at the top end of London Road, Konak offers a true taste of Turkey in little old Leicester. From the moment you step inside, the space is filled with the aroma of charcoal-grilled meats drifting from the open kitchen, where chefs prepare delicious dishes from sizzling lamb shish to slow-roasted shawarma on a vertical rotisserie.
The décor is a stylish fusion of modern comfort with traditional touches like quirky mosaic lamps, patterned tiles, and inviting seating. The result is a setting that is as appealing as the food. The menu covers all the Turkish classics: tender chicken and lamb kebabs, meze platters, freshly baked pide bread straight from the oven, and generous amounts of salads. Vegetarian diners will also find plenty to enjoy, from grilled halloumi to rich aubergine dishes.
Like any typical Middle Eastern dish, the portion sizes are generous, and service at Konak is famously friendly. The staff have a reputation for adding special touches for celebrations. Many times, you will also get complimentary Turkish tea and baklava to round off the meal, adding to the sense of occasion. If you didn’t guess it, yes, the restaurant is fully halal, so no alcohol or unclean meals.
The restaurant is perfect for family gatherings, date nights, or catching up with friends over a large feast. And if there is one thing you can bank on, it is that Konak will be busy, any time of the year. So booking ahead is advised.
Location: 136 London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £10 – £25
4. Istanbul Restaurant
Some say that Istanbul is the best Turkish restaurant in Leicester. You can judge for yourself when you visit, but it is indeed one of the best in the city. The restaurant has long been a fixture on Narborough Road, one of Britain’s most diverse streets. Known for its lively atmosphere and generous portions, it is often the busiest of the city’s Turkish charcoal grill venues.
Run by experienced Turkish chefs, the kitchen works with fresh ingredients prepared daily, using a traditional charcoal barbecue to add that unmistakable smoky flavour. The menu covers the full Turkish dining experience, from meze platters and freshly baked bread to tasty adana kofte, lamb chops, chicken shish, and grilled fish. Vegetarian options are just as satisfying, with dishes like rich moussaka, falafel, and chargrilled vegetables.
For a sweet finish, the baklava is a favorite, flaky and delicious, especially when paired with a glass of strong Turkish tea. If you are not sure what to go for or can’t be bothered to choose, you can opt for the sharing platters. They include lamb ribs, lamb shish, chicken wings, and kofte etc. Enough to feed at least 2 – 5 people.
The restaurant has no pretence to it, too, simple, with both indoor and outdoor eating arrangements available. It is perfect for sharing meals with friends or just sitting down by yourself with a full feast. It is also the perfect place for grabbing a late-night doner, and of course, you can be sure that the meals are 100% halal.
Location: 73 Narborough Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £20 – £80
5. Best Halal Restaurants in Leicester: An Najeeb
An Najeeb is a local favorite that has been delighting guests for more than 15 years. The restaurant is located just a few minutes’ walk from Leicester Railway Station on London Road, and has become a mainstay of the city’s halal dining scene. The restaurant is spread over multiple floors with space for 150 guests and the kind of expertise that can cater to both intimate dinners and large family gatherings.
The menu is a melting pot of Indo-Chinese, Pakistani, and Indian specialities, prepared with fresh ingredients and spices sourced from trusted suppliers around the world. The Indo-Chinese section is a standout with favourites like Crispy Chicken in a tangy, spiced batter, and Chilli Garlic Prawns that are as fiery as it is tasty. From the Pakistani repertoire, the chicken karahi, a tomato-based classic, or the mutton handi always delivers. Grill lovers can also dive into the fun with smoky seekh kebabs, marinated lamb chops, or tender tikka, fresh from the coals. There are curries: jalfrezi, tikka masala, tawa and naan, rice, roti, and salads to go with them.
True to South Asian dining culture, portion sizes are generous and meant for sharing. The presentation is beautiful and thoughtful without being fussy, and prices remain reasonable. The team at An Najeeb is also known for its attentiveness and genuine hospitality. Staff are quick to offer recommendations for newcomers, adjust spice levels on request, and ensure every table feels looked after.
Location: 61 London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, United Kingdom.
Price Range: £10 – £20
Leicester proves that eating halal doesn’t mean you are missing out. Rather, you are probably missing out by not eating halal, as some of the best restaurants in the city do have a menu. Many of the dishes are rich in asian and Middle Eastern dishes and are done so beautifully, you would start to wonder if you had left the country. They prove again and again that you can eat halal and eat to your heart’s content.