7 Must-Try Halal Restaurants in California for Middle Eastern Travelers

California’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its people, making it one of the best places in the U.S. to find global flavors. For Middle Eastern travelers, the availability of halal restaurants in California has never been better. Once limited to small family-run establishments, halal-certified dining is now part of the mainstream food scene, with upscale steakhouses, Brazilian churrascarias, and Michelin-rated restaurants offering halal-certified options.

With over 300,000 Middle Eastern visitors arriving in California annually, the demand for halal dining has grown exponentially. The result? A surge in fine-dining experiences, fast-food joints, and street-style eateries catering to Muslim travelers. Whether you’re looking for a premium steakhouse or a casual grab-and-go meal, California has it all.

This guide explores 7 must-try halal restaurants in California that offer an extraordinary dining experience for Middle Eastern travelers. From celebrity chef-owned steakhouses to trendy Indian fusion spots, here’s everything you need to know about dining halal in the Golden State.

Dig deeper: 2024’s Best Places in America for Halal Foodies

Why California’s Halal Food Scene is Booming

Several factors are driving the growth of halal dining in California. The state’s position as a global hub for diverse communities, combined with a rise in Muslim-friendly tourism, has increased demand for halal-certified dining.

1. Muslim Population

California is home to a rapidly growing Muslim community, which has fueled the need for more halal-certified dining options. From Los Angeles to the Bay Area, the community has seen the rise of restaurants and cafes catering to the needs of observant Muslim diners.

2. Middle Eastern Tourism

Middle Eastern tourists account for over 300,000 visitors annually. Many of these visitors seek halal food during their stay, prompting restaurants to offer halal-certified options. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have seen a marked increase in upscale halal dining options tailored to the tastes of Middle Eastern travelers.

3. Consumer Demand

Halal dining fits into the larger trend of ethical, clean, and traceable food consumption. As more diners become conscious of the origin and treatment of their food, halal-certified products appeal not just to Muslims but also to non-Muslims seeking ethical dining options.

7 Must-Try Halal Restaurants in California for Middle Eastern Travelers

1. Nusr-Et Steakhouse, Beverly Hills

Cuisine: Turkish Steakhouse
Location: Beverly Hills, California
Type: Fine Dining
Signature Dishes: Tomahawk steak, Nusret Burger, Gold-wrapped steak

If you’re looking for luxury and drama, Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Beverly Hills is an absolute must-visit. Owned by the internet sensation and Turkish chef Nusret Gökçe (aka “Salt Bae”), this upscale restaurant offers premium halal-certified steaks and unforgettable theatrical tableside service.

The ambiance is sleek and extravagant, with celebrity diners often spotted enjoying Nusret’s signature Tomahawk steak—and yes, you can have it wrapped in 24K gold foil. From tender beef cuts to lamb chops and gourmet burgers, everything is prepared to perfection.

Why Visit? Dine like a celebrity, witness tableside theatrics, and enjoy premium halal steaks.

Website: Nusr-Et Steakhouse

2. M Grill, Los Angeles

Cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse
Location: Koreatown, Los Angeles, CA
Type: Churrascaria (Steakhouse)
Signature Dishes: Picanha, Garlic beef, and Lamb chops

For a unique experience, dine at M Grill, a Brazilian-style halal-certified churrascaria. This restaurant offers a dining concept where waiters (called passadores) bring skewers of juicy, freshly grilled meats directly to your table.

What sets M Grill apart is its variety of halal meats, which include beef sirloin, garlic beef, lamb chops, and picanha. With an elegant atmosphere and attentive service, it’s one of the best spots in Los Angeles for meat lovers.

Why Visit? Authentic Brazilian-style experience with halal-certified meats.

Website: M Grill

3. Medina, San Diego

Cuisine: Mediterranean, North African, Baja Fusion
Location: San Diego, CA
Type: Casual Dining
Signature Dishes: Moroccan Lamb Tagine, Beef Short Ribs, and Harissa Chicken

Medina offers an innovative blend of North African and Baja-California-inspired cuisine. This Michelin-rated restaurant emphasizes locally sourced ingredients, making it a haven for halal-conscious diners. Signature dishes like Moroccan Lamb Tagine and Beef Short Ribs are cooked to tender perfection and paired with flavorful sauces.

Medina’s chic design and innovative menu make it a perfect place for a memorable dining experience. For Middle Eastern travelers, it offers a culinary adventure that blends the familiar with the exotic.

Why Visit? Michelin-rated dining, artistic presentation, and fusion of North African and Baja flavors.

Website: Medina

4. Rooh, San Francisco

Cuisine: Progressive Indian Fusion
Location: San Francisco, CA
Type: Fine Dining
Signature Dishes: Saffron Lamb Shank, Duck Kebab, and Tamarind Mocktails

For a contemporary take on Indian cuisine, Rooh is a standout. Its modern decor and inventive menu make it one of San Francisco’s best fine-dining spots for halal-certified options. The chefs fuse California’s fresh produce with bold Indian spices, creating signature dishes like Duck Kebabs and Saffron Lamb Shank.

Middle Eastern travelers looking for elevated Indian flavors in a high-end setting will love the experience at Rooh.

Why Visit? Progressive Indian fusion, upscale ambiance, and halal menu options.

Website: Rooh SF

5. Spice Affair, Beverly Hills

Cuisine: Upscale Indian Cuisine
Location: Beverly Hills, CA
Type: Fine Dining
Signature Dishes: Chicken Tikka, Tandoori Lobster, Lamb Rogan Josh

Spice Affair blends Indian flavors with fine-dining elegance. With halal-certified meat dishes, this Beverly Hills restaurant is known for its plush decor and vibrant flavors. Must-try dishes include Lamb Rogan Josh and Tandoori Lobster, which are cooked with traditional spices and modern techniques.

Spice Affair offers a perfect spot for Middle Eastern travelers looking for an upscale dining experience with a touch of Indian flair.

Why Visit? Elegant fine dining, bold flavors, and halal menu options.

Website: Spice Affair

6. Gulzaar Halal Restaurant, San Jose

Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Afghan, and Indo-Pakistani
Location: San Jose, CA
Type: Casual Dining
Signature Dishes: Chicken Shawarma, Beef Kebabs, and Samosas

Craving home-style Middle Eastern flavors? Gulzaar Halal Restaurant delivers authentic Middle Eastern, Afghan, and Indo-Pakistani comfort food. Here, travelers can enjoy Shawarma, Kebabs, and Samosas, all made with 100% halal ingredients.

This family-friendly spot offers an affordable and cozy atmosphere. It’s a no-frills dining experience that guarantees rich flavors and hearty portions.

Why Visit? Affordable halal comfort food and authentic Middle Eastern dishes.

Website: Gulzaar Halal Restaurant

7. The Halal Guys

Cuisine: Middle Eastern Street Food
Location: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other cities
Type: Casual Dining, Takeout
Signature Dishes: Chicken Over Rice, Gyro Platters, and Falafel Sandwiches

A name that needs no introduction, The Halal Guys bring New York-style street food to California. Famous for its Chicken Over Rice and Gyro Platters, this chain has locations across Los Angeles and San Francisco.

With fast service, large portions, and bold flavors, The Halal Guys provides a convenient and affordable dining option for Middle Eastern travelers.

Website: The Halal Guys

California is a haven for food enthusiasts, and for Middle Eastern travelers, the abundance of halal dining options is a dream come true. Whether you’re craving a luxurious experience at Nusr-Et Steakhouse or want a quick plate of chicken over rice from The Halal Guys, you’ll never be short on choices.

Each restaurant on this list offers authentic halal-certified meals that deliver quality, taste, and variety. So next time you’re in California, treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at one of these top halal hotspots.