EDIT: This article has been updated to include notes referencing the sources on the Muslim community in Las Vegas, chiefly from a chapter written by Dr Aslam Abdullah. Last updated 23 February 2018.
The words ‘Halal’ and ‘Las Vegas’ probably don’t come together in one's mind, so one may be surprised to know that Las Vegas houses an estimated 18, 000 Muslim population of multiple ethnicities1. Some are the families of political refugees, while others are immigrants seeking opportunities as doctors, students, cab drivers, businessmen and entertainers2. The city itself happens to be surrounded by majestic mountains, lakes, rivers, valleys and parks, the most famous of them being the Grand Canyon.
Also, while 9/11 and the Las Vegas shootings have increased scrutiny on the Las Vegas Muslim community, the city's Muslims have worked hard with the local communities to forge strong ties and expand its outreach efforts in raising awareness about Islam. There are now five mosques in Las Vegas, the fifth one functioning also as an Islamic Information Centre.
Muslim-friendly travel to Las Vegas is thus plausible in spite of the city's reputation, and it is now possible to find Halal food spots in Las Vegas on The Strip, food courts across malls, and private establishments. Mediterranean cuisine is what is mostly available, with a number of Indian and Pakistani joints coming in a close second. Here is our list of what we think are the 7 Best Halal restaurants in Las Vegas:
Find a Halal Restaurant near you in Las Vegas
Image Credit: www.mazalv.com
As far as Turkish food goes, this is about as authentic as you can get. Some Turks recommend it as the best Turkish restaurant in the area, with some patrons even going so far as to say it is the best Turkish restaurant in the country. If the dishes seem a bit pricier than other places, be assured that they have the best quality. They have spot-on flavours from appetisers to main grills, breads, and side dishes, to desserts and coffee. A portion is more than enough for one person, and platters are available to share as well. Good food and great service makes this a must-visit restaurant.
Cuisine: Mediterranean & Turkish Halal Grill
Address: 2550 South Rainbow Blvd Ste W1, Las Vegas, NV 89146-5180
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 11am to 11pm
Contact: (702) 912-0050
Website: www.mazalv.com
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From the streets of New York come The Halal Guys, finally bringing their famous gyro to Las Vegas. A definite upgrade from the food truck where extra-long lines are constantly visible, The Halal Guys have set down some roots in the brick and mortar structure in Las Vegas. Typically serving Arabic food, The Halal Guys are the fast-food version of a proper Arabic restaurant. A Combo Platter with mixed meats is your best bet if you are unsure of what to order, and you can mix in their speciality sauces to your satisfaction to any dish to achieve flavourful perfection. They might not be as cheap as their roadside establishments in New York, but their outlet off The Strip is cheaper than the one found at Caesar’s. They also offer vegan-friendly dishes.
Cuisine: American Halal Food
Address: 3755 Spring Mountain Rd, Suite 101, Las Vegas, NV 89102-8662
Opening Hours: Sun - Wed 10am to 12am / Thursday - Saturday 10am to 2am
Contact: (702) 848-6162
Website: fomoeats.com
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For food that tastes like it came straight out of Punjab, Pakistan, head to Shalimar Restaurant. Owned by a delightful couple, the simple restaurant focuses more on taste than décor. Their Chicken Biryani is recommended, as is their Chicken Jalfrezi. If you want food that tastes like authentic Pakistani cuisine, request for it to be made spicy. While the service is nothing to write home about, it is definitely made up for in terms of food. If you want to feel like you are being fed a home-cooked meal, head straight to Shalimar Restaurant.
Cuisine: Indian and Pakistani
Address: 4001 S Decatur Blvd, Ste 31 & 32, Las Vegas, NV 8910
Opening Hours: Tue - Fri (11:30 AM to 10:00 PM) / Sat - Sun (12:00 PM to 10:00 PM), Closed on Mondays
Last Order for both Take-out & Dine-in: 9:30 PM
Contact: tel: 702 202 0333 / mobile: 702 327 5895
Website: http://www.shalimarlasvegas.com/index.html
Image Credit: www.lazeezgrill.org
A pleasant enough restaurant for Indian food, they offer a good selection of vegetarian and meat dishes, as well as a good lunch buffet. Take away and delivery are most patrons' choice as the best thing about this restaurant is the food. Service is moderate depending on the time of day you visit, but they are accommodating and receptive to suggestions and complaints. Chicken Tandoori, Mutton Biryani, and the Chicken Samosas are some of the most recommended dishes at Lazeez Indian Mediterranean Grill.
Cuisine: Mediterranean & the Indian-Pakistan Sub-continent with many Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten free options
Address: 8560 W Desert Inn Rd, Ste 3, Las Vegas, NV 89117-4408
Opening Hours: 11am to 9pm daily
Contact: 702-778-1613
Website: www.lazeezgrill.org
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A great little café owned by a couple serving Greek and Mediterranean food. The cafe has been a delight to those who frequent it often. And if Greek food does anything to your taste buds, you WILL be frequenting this place. Even though the café is self-service, the owners always deliver with a smile. This really casual place will leave you licking your lips and wanting more, because they are one of the best places that do Mediterranean food. Their simple dishes boast quality and authenticity. Try the Shawarma, Gyros, Falafel and Moussaka. The portion sizes are perfect for the price you pay.
Cuisine: Greek and Mediterranean
Address: Lone Mountain Plaza, 4872 W Lone Mountain Rd, Las Vegas, NV 89130
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 8am to 8pm / Sun: Closed
Contact: (702) 658 0024
Website: baladiecafelv.com
Looking for a Halal pizza place? Well, you’ve found it! Sorrento Pizza has a great array of Halal pizzas so you don’t have to stick with the seafood, cheese or vegetarian options – although those are pretty good too. Appetisers include flavoured breadsticks, mac-and-cheese bites, mozzarella sticks, chicken wings and more, and the menu also sports hot and cold submarines, pastas and salads, and Halal burger in Las Vegas.
Cuisine: Pizza, Pasta, Burgers
Address: 860 N Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107-1103
Opening Hours:
Contact: 702-870-1205
Website: https://www.sorrentopizzamenu.com/
Image Credit: Island Malaysian Cuisine on Facebook
Recommended by Malaysians and Singaporeans, Island Malaysian Cuisine has some of the best Malaysian food around. Located on the second floor of the Las Vegas Chinatown strip mall, it is a little haven of Malaysia. The owner and chef hails from Penang Island and he knows how to delight his diners’ taste buds whether they are looking for a piece of home or it’s their first time. Staples like Beef Rendang, Roti Canai, Nasi Lemak and more can be found here. The place is well worth the price with their quality and portion sizes. A pool table and dart board give the diners something to do while they wait. Island Malaysian Cuisine will get you warm and fuzzy feelings like you’re devouring home cooked food. This is the closest you can get to Halal Chinese restaurant in Las Vegas.
Cuisine: Malaysian and Singaporean
Address: 5115 Spring Mountain Rd Ste 217, Las Vegas, NV 89146-8720
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun 10am to 11pm
Contact: (702) 898 3388
Website: http://www.islandmalaysian.com/
With all these delectable delights, you are spoilt for choice if you are a Muslim traveller in Las Vegas. There are plenty of grilled meat options available as well as a few other cuisines. Be sure to use to our Halal Trip App to find Halal food near you in Las Vegas, and leave reviews so that your fellow travellers can enjoy it, too!
Notes
1. Most of the information on Las Vegas' Muslim community was retrieved from the following book chapter by Aslam Abdullah:
Aslam Abdullah, "The Muslims," in More Peoples of Las Vegas: One City, Many Faces, eds. Jerry L. Simich and Thomas C. Wright (Nevada: University of Nevada Press), 2010
2. Peter King, “Islam in Las Vegas,” Los Angeles Times, August 7, 2004.
Halaltrip
Wow! Thank you for the suggestions! @Tarikp , we definitely will check them out!
Tarikp
Thanks for sharing the info. I found out that new Halal Places opened in the Vegas and they are pretty good also. I wanted to share them. **Istanbul Mediterranean (Halal) is on the Strip between Eiffel Tower and Flamingo near the Grand Bazaar shops. They have many outstanding kabobs and deserts. **Laila Turkish & Mediterranean Grill is one of them and it is right on the strip between MGM Grand and Planet Hollywood
Halaltrip
Thank you for sharing with us and we are glad to hear your kind words!
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