This list has compiled the best, authentic halal places in Austin, with Mediterranean, Indian and Moroccan restaurants for every palate. They’re even vegan and vegetarian-friendly!

Story by Rochelle Friedewald

Phoenician Resto Cafe

Located on the eclectic Rainey Street, Phoenician Resto offers a variety of traditional sharmas, gyros and kebabs. The cafe is a family-owned establishment and Chef Abdo credits the delicious phoenician flavors to his Lebanese background. The food is best enjoyed with a large group of friends – the restaurant’s popular Maza (a Middle Eastern appetizer plate) has enough baba ghannouj, labneh, shanklish, hummus, sujok and fried libbi for an entire family.

Troy Restaurant

At first glance, Troy restaurant might not exactly be the place you picture when it comes to a nice, sit-down meal. Nestled behind a Valero gas station, you might miss this Turkish joint if you’re not really looking for it. But what the restaurant lacks in a first impression, it makes up for in flavor and personality. The business has been a family affair for generations. The owners came to Austin from Turkey years ago and brought authentic recipes with them.

Ohran, the restaurant’s server, is a friendly face customers love to see, while his father, the cook, has a colorful personality that could put a smile on anyone’s face. He just might belt out a Turkish folk song if you ask nicely. The meat platters are hearty and the Turkish coffee is a must-try. On top of that,  the atmosphere is delightfully laid back – the restaurant’s alcohol policy is BYOB and on occasion, a live band performs.

The Flying Carpet

If you’re looking for something other than the usual Austin taco stands, consider a halal Moroccan meal from the Flying Carpet. Not only is this place loved for its flavorful vegan and vegetarian options, but the owner Abdu is known for his friendly disposition and organic ingredient list. If you’re unfamiliar with the cuisine, try their Le Dajaj Maghrebia, a chicken wrap, or their eggplant wrap, the Sleek Vegan.

Caspian Grill

If you’re in the mood for Middle Eastern food that’s a mixture between Arabic and Indian flavors, consider sampling Persian food from Caspian Grill. Complete with fresh Persian herbs, all of the restaurant’s dishes are marked on the menu with their Garmi and Sardi classifications, the traditional Persian system for categorizing food’s effect on the body. This family-owned restaurant offers a myriad of vegan stews and gluten-free kebabs, so even those with dietary restrictions can get a taste of traditional Persian fare.

Asiana Indian Cuisine

A neighborhood favorite, Asiana is the perfect spot for a lunchtime feast. The buffet features a wide range of curries, paneer and fresh naan, all for a reasonable price. The family-owned restaurant does well when it comes to popular dishes like chicken tikka masala and lamb vindaloo, but also throws in some lesser-known authentic dishes that are sure to  impress. The place tends to get pretty crowded during the weekends, but makes up for it with excellent servers and rich flavors.