It’s not uncommon to assume halal restaurants in Florence are few and far between, but in reality, you just need to know where to look.
In the past, I’ve taken people on food tours in Florence to try some stellar halal food options including casual kebab joints, stylish Indian eateries, and the list goes on.
To squash your assumptions, I’ve written this list of the best halal restaurants in Florence where you can dip your toes in and enjoy a truly authentic culinary experience.
Photo credit: Tehran Restaurant
Tehran was one of the first halal restaurants I visited in Florence, and boy, I still remember it like it was yesterday. It’s conveniently situated near both the Palazzo Vecchio and the Florence Cathedral. After several days of nothing but pizza and pasta, I decided to give it a try while I was in the area.
As you might have guessed from the name, Tehran is a Persian restaurant. Their decor is a mish-mash of Italian and Middle Eastern influences, which I found quite charming. Picture cave-like brick walls alongside colorful Arabian lanterns and patterned upholstery.
I quickly learned from the waitress that the kebab torsh is their signature dish. It didn’t take much convincing for me to try it, as the prospect of grilled beef with pomegranate and walnuts had me sold instantly! My hopes were high for this dish, and it didn’t disappoint.
This perfectly cooked kebab came with saffron-topped basmati rice. Initially, I thought the rice would be an afterthought for me, but the sweetness from the saffron complemented the bitter walnuts and sour pomegranate. Just as I’d hoped, the beef was oh-so-juicy, tender, and robust.
Tehran Restaurant (€€) – Via dei Cerchi, 25/R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every Wednesday to Monday from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, and closed every Tuesday
Photo credit: Restaurant Baghdad
On the outer edges of Santa Croce is Restaurant Baghdad, a popular spot for Iraqi-inspired halal food. I’d had a niggling craving for some falafel when I passed by, so I promptly headed inside as soon as I noticed some on the menu.
Modern, understated, and spotlessly clean, Restaurant Baghdad is all about excellent service and even better food. Although the decor was super simple, I loved how they added some Middle Eastern touches with their crockery and artwork.
All the staff members were so helpful from start to finish and provided me with a bunch of different recommendations. A little falafel to start was a given for me, but I followed my waiter’s suggestion and also added the grilled lamb cutlets to my order.
First up was the falafel I’d be longing for, and it was certainly worth the wait. These might just be the tastiest falafel I’ve found in Florence, with a gently crunchy exterior, herbaceous chickpea filling, and crumbly consistency.
Within minutes of finishing the falafel, the main course arrived. Lamb isn’t often a meat I’d go for, but these cutlets had a gorgeous, moist texture and were bursting with robust, grassy flavors. Adding zesty tomatoes, sharp red onion, and tart lemon juice gave it a deeper range of flavors.
Restaurant Baghdad (€€) – Via S. Pier Maggiore, 6R, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Closed every Monday, open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and every Thursday from 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Photo credit: Pak Halal Kebab
Pak Halal Kebab in San Lorenzo is among the best halal restaurants in Florence, yet it’s maintained its modest prices and low-key vibe. It’s a must-try spot for anyone looking for authentic Pakistani food, which, unsurprisingly, can be challenging to find.
I’d heard a couple of friends raving about the food here, and I promised myself I’d try it for myself the next time I’m in Florence. From the outside, it looked more like a typical grab-and-go type of establishment, but I spotted a few tables tucked away in the back.
Having mostly heard about their Pakistani offerings, the diversity of the menu took me aback. Though there were dozens of South Asian dishes, these guys also dished up plenty of alternatives, including burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. Despite this, the biryani was calling my name.
Packed with succulent chicken, aromatic herbs, and fluffy basmati rice, this was the biryani of dreams. The rice was almost floral in taste but subtle enough to let the earthy turmeric, citrussy cinnamon, and savory chicken take center stage.
Pak Halal Kebab (€€) – Piazza del Mercato Centrale, 6/R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open Saturday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm and every Friday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Istanbul Doner Kebap is many Santa Croce residents’ go-to kebab joint. This place is among the most recent halal-friendly eateries I’ve come across in Florence, and definitely one I’ll be returning to next time I’m in town.
Like many kebab joints, Istanbul Doner Kebap is a no-frills spot with minimal seating. However, a small patio area was set up outside, providing some respite from the sun. I imagine getting a table here is a gamble at lunch hour, but it was pretty quiet when I arrived mid-afternoon.
The menu is compact and to the point, boasting falafel, fries, and beef or chicken kebabs. When I saw how fresh and flavorful the chicken looked, I quickly made up my mind and even opted for the larger serving size. It’s a good thing I arrived hungry, as the portion was enormous!
Inside the soft pita were layers of lightly spicy, stringy chicken, refreshing lettuce, zingy tomatoes, and a handful of crispy salted fries. Something I love about kebabs is the contrast of textures and flavors, and the team here got it just right.
Istanbul Doner Kebap (€) – Via dei Benci, 18/red, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 4:00 am, every Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 5:00 am, and every Sunday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am
Photo credit: Al Noor Indian Restaurant
Another Santa Groce hotspot that serves delectable halal dishes is Al Noor Indian Restaurant. Both times I’ve visited, it’s been awash with locals and tourists, which is as good a reflection as any of the standard of food you’ll get here.
It’s an unimposing little haunt with just a cluster of tables. The last time I grabbed a bite to eat here, I arrived just as another table opened up, but snagging a seat here can sometimes require a wait.
Between curry, tikka masala, and korma, Al Noor’s menu is brimming with classic Indian favorites. Depending on your tolerance for spice, you can ask the staff to amp up the heat or just give your meal a gentle kick. On this occasion, I decided to play it safe and went for a moderately spicy dal tadka.
Simple but oh-so-tasty, the nourishing blend of mild lentils, pungent garlic, musky cumin, and rich ghee was such a comforting combination. I added a serving of butter naan, which was just as delicious thanks to its doughy texture and nutty tones.
Al Noor Indian Restaurant (€) – Borgo la Croce, 20/R, 50121 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every Saturday to Thursday from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm and every Friday from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Photo credit: Ayasofya Istanbul
The tempting flavors of Turkey, India, and Pakistan meet at Ayasofya Istanbul. Located in Florence’s San Lorenzo neighborhood, this is a favorite halal restaurant of mine. I was on my way to the Mercato Centrale when I first spotted this place and ended up dining here instead.
Even though I didn’t have much of a hankering for Middle Eastern or Asian food, the smell wafting outwards from the kitchen quickly lured me in. Ayasofya isn’t your typical sit-down restaurant, and most customers were getting their grub to go, but it had a lovely laid-back vibe inside.
My mind was torn between the panini-style kebab and the chicken tikka platter, but the latter won out, as it’d been a while since I’d had any Indian food. It came in minutes, with orange-tinted chicken skewers, a vibrant salad, and golden fries covering every inch of the plate.
While the salty fries, slightly acidic tomatoes, and cooling cucumbers beautifully balanced the meat, I could have easily eaten a plateful of just the skewers. I’m not sure if it’s the creamy, smoky taste of the sauce or the firmness of the chicken, but every bite was sensational.
Ayasofya Istanbul (€) – Via Panicale, 55 R, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy – Open every day from 10:00 am to 12:00 am
With a mix of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asia fare on offer, finding top-quality halal restaurants in Florence has never been easier.
Visiting Florence as a Muslim traveler can be understandably daunting, but thankfully, you’ll have plenty of choices now that these halal-friendly establishments are on your radar.
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