A decade ago, a Muslim in Sacramento might not have had as many options for dining out. Fast forward to 2022 and the city has seen a variety of Halal certified restaurants, cafes, and eateries popping up all around.
There has been an increase in the number of refugees and immigrants from Muslim countries coming to California, and the current generation's demand for American-style Halal food has driven the demand for many Halal food places. Even previously-existing restaurants are now moving towards offering Halal-friendly options and catering to the Muslims in the city.
That's why there's been no better time for a Halal travel to California! If you're looking to find Halal restaurants near you in Sacramento, we've got you covered. Here are some of the best Halal food places in Sacramento for your dining pleasure.
The owner of Orange Oven, Ateeq Rahman, is a student of Sacramento State where he studies nursing, but the second part of his double life is spent frying Samosa, flipping Chicken Wraps, Gyro, and even Halal burgers. And let's not forget the Fruit Freeze either, which is the perfect way to beat the heat during the summer. The Tzatziki Tacos is a dish that is much talked about, so give them a try!
It's the taste and incredibly affordable prices that keep their patrons coming back for more, but the community that gathers here that includes Muslims and non-Muslims from all religions and races is what makes it extra special.
Address: 2790 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
Halal Status: Halal-Certified, Muslim-Owned
Price Range: $
Contact: +1 916-533-7727
Website: www.facebook.com/Orange-Oven
Who doesn't love a good crispy fried chicken? Nobody! That's why we're glad Muslim Sacramenteons are getting to enjoy delicious Halal fried chicken at Rancho Cordova. Tender, juicy, crispy pieces of freshly-prepared chicken that you can order by the bucket because the prices are amazingly cheap!
But, fried chicken isn't all you get. From your Milkshakes, Burgers, Mac and Cheese, Chicken and Waffles, and Onion Rings, to many other American fast food favorites - they've got it all!
Address: 10899 Olson Dr., Rancho Cordova.
Halal Status: Halal (confirmed by owners), Muslim-Owned
Price Range: $
Contact: 916-852-8533
Website: www.halalfriedchickenrestaurant.com
They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and that couldn't be truer in the case of Darna Mediterranean Kitchen. The outside might look scruffy and unkempt, but the restaurant is a hidden gem.
Decorated with tiles, arches and Arab-style motifs, this quaint bistro is a popular Halal lunching spot that serves tasty and unpretentious food. Their menu consists of a mix of American and Mediterranean dishes from BBQ Ribs and burgers to Kabobs, Shawarma, and Falafel platters.
Eggplant stews that pack a punch, Lentil soup, and a spectacular Baba Ghanoush make is a great place for vegetarians as well. If you're feeling particularly hungry, you might want to try their buffet, which offers a good variety of delicious food and is quite popular among their customers.
Address: 925 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814, USA.
Halal Status: Halal (confirmed by owners), Muslim-Owned
Price Range: $$
Contact: +1 916-447-7500
Website: www.sacmedkitchen.com
Every city needs a good pizza place, and for Muslims in Sacramento, they have California Express Pizza. Owned by a Muslim, this pizzeria is clean and follows Islamic methods in preparing their food. You'll get everything you'd want in a good pizza place, including thin and thick crust pizzas, fries, wings, garlic bread, and more.
You're even given the choice to build your ultimate pizza, picking your choice of base, sauce, and every topping that goes on (including half-and-half pizzas). The store is quite small and more suited for takeouts or delivery, but they do have a couple small tables for dine-in as well.
Address: 1950 Douglas Blvd, Roseville, CA 95661, USA
Halal Status: Halal Certified, Muslim-Owned
Price Range: $$
Contact: (916) 788-4444
Website: www.californiaexpresspizza.net
The bustling Babylon City Market is home to several stores that specialize in serving only Halal food, including fast food joints and takeout places. There is also a butcher's shop that sells Halal meat, and a deli counter that sees the most number of customers. You can pick up a range of meats, Kebabs, Shawarmas.
The smell of freshly baked bread is another thing that will draw you in, and the impressive range includes a unique diamond-shaped Iraqi bread called Samoon. Another unique feature of the deli is the Lamb Shank, a cooked half-lamb that is served on a bed of a yellow rice.
A feast fit for a king if there ever was one! You might also have a stroll through the aisles and pick up things like Middle Eastern sweets, spice, drinks, and other specialties.
Address: 1745 Watt Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825, USA.
Halal Status: Serves only Halal
Price Range: $-$$
Contact: 916-486-7777
Website: babyloncitymarket.eat24hour.com
And if you're looking for a casual cafe/bakery type place where you can hang out with friends and family, grab a cup of coffee and sink your teeth into delicious sweets and snacks this is your ideal place to be. If it's the sweets you're interested in, you've got a wide variety to choose from, including dates, cookies, Baklava, and more.
On the savory side of things, you might pick up a bottle of hot sauce, grab some hot-out-of-the-fryer crunchy Falafel or their famous Beef Shawarma. They also offer a variety of specialty bread like Samoon, pita, Lahmajoon, and flatbreads flavored with Za'tar.
Address: 1547 Fulton Ave C, Sacramento, CA 95825, USA.
Halal Status: Halal Certified
Price Range: $
Contact: (916) 333-5788
Website: www.facebook.com/MediterraneanBakeryandCuisine
The Halal Guys have made a name for themselves in many cities around the world and in America. But despite the name, their food trucks and storefronts see lines that stretch for blocks containing not just Muslims, but those who don't care about Halal at all either.
That is a true testament to the taste and quality of food that these guys pump out. From Chicken and Falafel over rice to Gyro platters, Shawarma and more - get your fix of delicious fresh fast food at The Halal Guys! They are currently at one location in Sacramento (Davis), but two more are set to open this year in another Davis location and downtown Ice Blocks.
Address: 500 1st St #7, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Halal Status: Halal Certified
Price Range: $$
Contact: (530) 746-2283
Website: https://thehalalguys.com/
If you're looking for a place that is a bit more on the fancy side of things, Kasbah is a lesser-known lounge-style restaurant that offers Muslim-friendly options to its patrons. Although they do serve alcoholic cocktails, their website states that they “offer traditional and modern Middle Eastern cuisine with gluten-free, vegetarian, and Halal options”.
They serve all of the Middle Eastern classics like Pita, Shawarma, Gyro, Hummus, etc. but also offer unique options like Harissa Chili Chicken Wings, Fried Blue Cheese Stuffed Dates, and the “Not Today seitan” burger which is fully vegan.
Address: 2115 J St, Sacramento, CA 95816, USA.
Halal Status: Halal-friendly (Halal food but also serves alcohol)
Price Range: $$-$$$
Contact: +1 916-442-4388
Website: www.kasbahlounge.com
No trip to America would be complete without trying the iconic Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich. But, it can be challenging finding a place that serves a Halal version of them. So, you'll be glad to hear that Cheese Steak Restaurant is Halal and does a pretty good version of this American classic!
You can get a variety of Philly Cheese Steaks, specialty sandwiches, sides, salads, beverages, kids meals, and so much more.
Address: 1774, 8555 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624, United States.
Halal Status: Halal (confirmed by owners), Muslim-Owned
Price Range: Mid
Contact: +1 916-686-7454
Website: www.cheesesteakelkgrove.com
While the majority of Halal food in Sacramento revolves around Middle Eastern and Indian food, Chang's Thai Cuisine offers something a little different by offering delicious and light Thai food in Sacramento. Their food is prepared using fresh ingredients, and they say that serving nutritious food is important to them.
The friendly atmosphere and ambiance will make you feel warm and the delicious aromas wafting from the kitchen will leave you drooling. Try authentic Thai dishes like Thai Papaya Salad, Tom Yum Soup, Tofu Rolls, Pineapple Fried Rice, and more.
Address: 3020 North Freeway Blvd., Unit 310, Sacramento, CA 95834.
Halal Status: Halal (verbally confirmed by staff)
Price Range: Mid
Contact: (916) 333-2978
Website: www.changsthaicuisine.com
Tanoor Halal is a small eatery where you will have to go up to the register to place an order. But, the restaurant serves up some really good Middle Eastern food at incredibly affordable prices, that we doubt you'll care much about all the extra bells and whistles. If meat is what you're looking for, Tanoor Halal doesn't play around.
They serve up some mighty Kebabs, Chicken Tikka, and even seafood options. Side dishes like Lentil Soup, Hummus, and their freshly-baked Iraqi bread get rave reviews, and it's a good thing that these are included in most combo and platter options!
Address: 2212 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95825, USA.
Halal Status: Halal (Verbally certified by staff)
Price Range: $
Contact: +1 916-646-6437
Website: https://tanoorhalalfood.com/
The owner of Falafel Corner, a Pakistani-immigrant whose been in the US since the 1970s, opened shop a couple years ago "as an act of service" to the Muslim community hungry for delicious Halal food. And serve he does!
The theme of the restaurant is fusion, and you'll get dishes like lamb Quesadilla and Halal “Hamburgers”, but you'll find classics like Gyro and Falafel as well. The Badmaash burger is a particularly over-the-top and scrumptious burger that consists of meat, cheese, a “bomb sauce”, and beef “bacon”, to name a few of the ingredients.
At Falafel Corner, they say they are committed to sourcing good quality ingredients and that quality is the key to everything they do. Their first restaurant in Natomas was opened only in 2016, but they've already expanded to 4 more locations as of now.
Address: 3620 N. Freeway Blvd., Sacramento. 916-891-0375.
Halal Status: Halal Certified, Muslim-Owned
Price Range: $
Contact: (916) 891-0375
Website: https://falafelcorner.us/
Shalimar has been open in a few locations including the Bay Area and Natomas for some time now, serving their customers with delicious Indian and Pakistani fare.
So, if you're looking for Halal restaurants in Sacramento, make sure to give them a try. Among their dishes, some of the most popular ones include Pakistani BBQ, creamy curries, Kebabs, and more.
Address: 3654 North Freeway Blvd., Unit 320, Sacramento, CA 95834.
Halal Status: Halal (confirmed by owners), Muslim-Owned
Price Range: $$
Contact: +1 916-515-1919
Website: www.shalimarnatomas.com/
House of Shah sprung out of a family's love for food, each other, and the community. Run by a young couple, the restaurant serves up modern Afghani food, but all of it is rooted in traditional flavors. Everything has to be approved by Selmon (one of the owners)'s mother and grandmother, who's traditional recipes are often the inspiration behind House of Shah's dishes.
Some of the dishes that get rave reviews include Mantu (an Afghani stuffed dumpling), Chicken Kabuli, and the Shah's Burger. Their Spicy Beef Chapli kabob packs a punch and is a crowd favorite (but definitely not for the mild-hearted).
Address: 538 Main St, Woodland, CA 95695, USA.
Halal Status: Halal Certified
Price Range: $$-$$$
Contact: +1 530-665-6516
Website: https://houseofshah.com/
Just like the name would have you guessing, this Kabob joint in Fulton is quite popular among those looking for Halal dining options in Sacramento. But, it's popularity reaches far beyond its Muslim clientele, making it one of the most well-known and loved restaurants along the Fulton corridor.
Persian dishes like the Sabzee Khordan, Kabob Koobeedeh, Doog, Ghaymey and more have always gotten raving reviews from their customers.
Address: 1290 Fulton Ave #1219, Sacramento, CA 95825, USA
Halal Status: Halal-Friendly (reported by customers), serves alcohol
Price Range: $$-$$$
Contact: +1 916-483-1700
Website: www.famouskabob.com
