Where can you find a good halal steak in London? Not always an easy answer, but we’ve got you covered.
Join us as we learn a bit more about what halal is all about, the cuts of meat that make up the world of steak and the best halal steak restaurants in London as recommended by top foodie bloggers.
What Is Halal And Why Is It Important?
Halal is an Arabic word that translates to “permissible” in English. In the Quran, the word halal is opposed with haram (forbidden). Like the other monotheistic religion, the Jewish faith, Muslims are required to eat meat adheres to Islamic law, as defined in the Quran. The Islamic way of slaughtering animals or poultry, dhabiha, involves killing through a cut to the jugular vein, carotid artery and windpipe.
Animals are not usually stunned and must be alive and healthy at the time of slaughter. All blood is drained from the carcass. During the process, a Muslim will recite a dedication, known as tasmiya or shahada.
Dietary laws such as Halal are important to Muslims and should be respected just as the Jewish traditions of Kashrut or kosher are today. By making halal meat available in their establishments, the best halal restaurants London has to offer reflect the cultural diversity of the UK today.
According to food blogger halalfoodguy, always ask WHERE the steak is from. The difference in steaks from a farm that looks after its animals and then ages its meat makes all the difference in the flavour and eating experience. Ageing steak for at least 21 days increases its flavour. It’s always worth asking when ordering.
Know Your Cuts
Sirloin: Sirloin steak is cut from the rear back of the animal, continuing off the short loin from which T-bone, porterhouse, and club steaks are cut. These cuts feature a tight texture with a definite grain. This makes for tender meat, but still with a bit of chew. There is also good marbling and a strong beefy flavour.
Tomahawk: Resembling the Tomahawk axe, Rib Steak is on-the-bone, cut from the Fore-rib with the entire rib bone left intact. Rib-eye is usually French trimmed and these cuts feature big flavours. A lot of flavour.
Rib-eye: Flavour, texture, tenderness and juiciness characterise this cut. It is sliced from the rib primal, with the rib bone attached. It sits on the top of the cow so is very tender. It is best cooked over a charcoal grill for maximum flavour.
Picanha: Picanha (or rumpcap) is the most flavoursome and extremely tender if it is prepared and cooked properly. It is best sliced thin across the grain of the meat. It should be cooked at a low temperature on the grill before crisping up the fat over charcoal flames.
Fillet: Chateaubriand/Fillet is very tender. It is just below the sirloin along the spine and it finishes just before the rump. The lack of fat running through this muscle makes it ideal for rare steaks. Best cooked Medium Rare for the best flavour. Fillet is very easy to overcook, which renders it dry and tasteless. Cooking fillet requires a deft hand.
Let’s move on to where you can have the best halal steaks in London. Halal restaurants and ones with a halal menu have increased sevenfold in the last two decades. Not only in London but across the UK with halal eateries available in the midlands, the north and Scotland.
Muslim Londoners are lucky in that they are spoilt for choice but most of these restaurants are great for all people who enjoy a good steak. Let’s jump straight in.
10 Best Halal Steaks In London
We’ve grouped the establishments into areas and have also tried to give an indication of prices and whether the restaurants are family-friendly as well. As halal industry stats show, eating out is en vogue, so we hope this list whets your appetite:
The Banc – (North London)
One of the first halal restaurants that started serving aged steaks in London. Years later they are still serving great steaks and food. They have a killer website too. The dress code is smart casual and there is a Shisha lounge for the age-appropriate. There is private parking and The Banc does serve alcohol. The Banc has been awarded a Time Out London LOVE award as well as the winner of the 2018 Most Loved Restaurant in Haringey.
Guanabana (North-West London)
With distinctive charcoal cooked steak in a Caribbean style basting, Guanabana has indoor and outdoor seating, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, AND they serve great steaks. Brunch menu is available from Thursday-Sundays. Tuesday is steak night and they specialise in Latin Caribbean cuisine. There is no kids menu.
Zelman Meats – Knightsbridge, (West/Central London)
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Zelman Meats in Knightsbridge located on the 5th floor inside Harvey Nichols features in just about ALL serious London food blogs. Boasting the finest steaks from around the world and prime cuts, Zelman’s steaks are cooked to perfection. A wagyu burger is around £22.50 whereas a picanha is around £27. Wine by the bottle ranges from £33 to more than £100 for super fine wines. Beers range from £5-7. Their website is edgy and very informative if one is serious about meat.
The Meat House – Kings Cross – (Central London)
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A pukka steak house located in Kings Cross, these guys pride themselves as “not your average steakhouse”. They cook and serve a very good steak and there is an extensive menu. Located at a 3-minute walk from Kings Cross tube station, The Meat House offers both deliveries and grab-and-go options too. The staff are friendly and helpful with on-point service and background music provides a relaxed ambience. Their offerings are expertly spiced and seasoned, something a lot of restaurants get wrong. Their burgers and steak are superb.
Lokkum – South Woodford (East London)
An upmarket Turkish bar and grill which serves thick juicy steaks aged on-site. The interior is stylishly appointed in marble and suede and the kitchen is central to the venue so one can watch the chefs at work. There is terrace seating and Lokkum has been voted one of the best for diners for 2020, 2021 and 2022 by OpenTable. Fillet is £35, Tomahawk is £39 and Rib-Eye £35. Australian Wagyu is £75. A 12.5 service charge is added. Wine is around £7 per glass and bottles start at £29 and upwards. You will find Lokkum at the top of Fullers Road.
Christina’s Steaks – Barking, (East London)
Describing itself as a casual steakhouse, Christina’s is all about steaks and burgers, all served in a simple unpretentious interior with friendly and knowledgeable staff. The joint has an extensive menu, (including halal) so there is bound to be something for the kids and grandma. A place to enjoy a good wholesome steak with families and friends. The menu is well-priced, and reasonable with generous portions.
Fredo’s – Romford Road (East London)
A fully halal (no alcohol) restaurant located on Romford Road in Manor Park. Said to have impressive food. Lamb steak is a speciality and servings of steak are generous. Accompaniments include green beans, cherry toms, coleslaw, and chips at a very reasonable price. Steaks range from £22- under £30. Chicken, Seafood, burgers and wood-fired pizza are also available. Great for kids too with a good menu for the youngsters and a diner-inspired interior.
Mr Whites English Chophouse (Whitechapel/East London)
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Located in Whitechapel, all steaks are aged for more than 20 days and grass-fed. Their steak nights are very popular at around £22 for a good steak with extras or sides costing £8. This is a great restaurant for large groupings. There is a good kid’s menu so it’s family-friendly as well. The interior is well-appointed and fairly plush and there is free high-speed Wi-Fi.
Aubaine – Selfridge’s (Central London)
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All their chicken, beef and lamb dishes are halal. The pretty French-inspired interior is a notable feature that attracts many visitors keen on a good halal meal. A wagyu burger will set you back £22 while a beef fillet £38. Wine by the glass starts at £11. Beers start around £6.50. They organise and cater for birthdays, special events and small parties at their numerous venues across London.
Goodman – Canary Wharf, Mayfair and City
Known for their well-prepared cuts, Goodman offers both Canadian rib-eye and fillet steaks which are both halal. No pre-ordering or notice is needed. They work hard for these guys. They age their beef on-site, around 6 tonnes of it, they claim. Steaks are cut daily and on request. They source their meat from the UK, US, Spain and elsewhere. Wine is sourced from more than 20 reputable suppliers. There are 3 locations in London – Mayfair, City and Canary Wharf. They host private events and small groups too. Steaks start at £30-£50. Burgers are £20 and glasses of wine start at £8 and bottles start around £46.
Next time you’re in the city for business or pleasure, treat yourself to a superb halal steak London has to offer at one of these establishments. Many have special steak nights and offer good deals so keep an eye on those websites.
Bon appetit!
Jump To a Section Below
- What Is Halal And Why Is It Important?
- Know Your Cuts
- 10 Best Halal Steaks In London
- The Banc – (North London)
- Guanabana (North-West London)
- Zelman Meats – Knightsbridge, (West/Central London)
- The Meat House – Kings Cross – (Central London)
- Lokkum – South Woodford (East London)
- Christina’s Steaks – Barking, (East London)
- Fredo’s – Romford Road (East London)
- Mr Whites English Chophouse (Whitechapel/East London)
- Aubaine – Selfridge’s (Central London)
- Goodman – Canary Wharf, Mayfair and City