Finding halal food in central London shouldn’t feel like detective work, but if you’ve ever wandered around Soho looking for somewhere you can eat without worry, you’ll know it often does. You’re surrounded by restaurants, yet figuring out which ones are actually, genuinely halal certified can be surprisingly difficult.
Soho’s food scene is brilliant in many ways, diverse, creative, constantly evolving, but it hasn’t always been the most accommodating for Muslim diners. That’s changing, slowly but surely, and it’s worth knowing where you can eat with complete confidence.
Why Halal Options Matter in Soho
Soho sits right in the heart of London. It’s where people come for theatre, shopping, work meetings, nights out, and everything in between. It’s also one of the busiest areas in the UK, which means Muslims living in, working in, or visiting London will inevitably end up here at some point.
The frustration comes when you’re hungry, you’re surrounded by food, but you can’t easily find something that meets your dietary requirements. You end up playing it safe with the same vegetarian options, or worse, skipping the meal entirely.
Having proper halal options isn’t just convenient, it’s about inclusion. It means everyone gets to enjoy what Soho has to offer without compromise.
What to Look for in Halal Restaurants
Not all restaurants advertising halal are created equal. Some offer halal chicken but not halal pepperoni. Others might have halal meat but cook it on the same equipment as non-halal items. If you’re serious about eating halal, these details matter.
The gold standard is restaurants with full halal certification, where every ingredient is halal and there’s no cross-contamination. These places understand that halal isn’t just a preference, it’s a requirement.
ICCO Pizza on Greek Street is one of the few spots in Soho that runs a 100% halal menu. Everything, from the pepperoni to the chicken, is halal certified. There’s no picking around ingredients or asking awkward questions. You can order anything off the menu and know you’re covered.
Halal Pizza That Actually Tastes Good
Let’s address the elephant in the room: some halal alternatives don’t quite hit the mark. The pepperoni tastes different, the texture’s off, and you end up wishing you’d just ordered the Margherita.
ICCO’s managed to avoid that trap. Their halal pepperoni actually has flavour and a proper bite to it. The chicken on pizzas like the BBQ Chicken is tender and well-seasoned. You’re not making a compromise on taste just to eat halal, and that makes all the difference.
The menu’s varied enough that you won’t get bored. The Margherita and Pepperoni are classics, but if you want something different, the Fantasia loads on the toppings, while the Fiorentina brings spinach, black olives, and egg into the mix.
Beyond Pizza: The Bigger Picture
While ICCO specialises in pizza, it’s worth noting other halal-friendly spots in the area. Soho does have a handful of Middle Eastern, Turkish, and South Asian restaurants where halal is standard. The trick is knowing where to look.
That said, when you want something quick, affordable, and unmistakably halal, pizza’s hard to beat. It’s universally loved, it’s fast, and when it’s done right (fresh dough, quality ingredients, proper seasoning), it’s genuinely satisfying.
Late-Night Halal Food
Here’s where ICCO really stands out: they’re open until 3.30 AM from Wednesday to Saturday. Finding halal food in Soho at 2 AM? Nearly impossible. Finding halal food that’s actually freshly made at 2 AM? That’s virtually unheard of.
Whether you’re finishing a late shift, coming back from an event, or just experiencing one of those nights where hunger strikes at midnight, knowing there’s a proper halal option available makes a real difference.
Eating Halal in Soho Shouldn’t Be Hard
The reality is that Soho still has a long way to go in terms of halal accessibility. But places like ICCO prove it’s entirely possible to offer great food that’s inclusive, affordable, and certified halal without making it feel like a niche offering.
You shouldn’t have to trek across London or settle for limited options just because you eat halal. Soho’s got the space, the demand, and the diversity to do better, and slowly, it is.
For now, if you’re in the area and need somewhere reliable, ICCO’s your safest bet. Fully halal, centrally located, and open late when you need it most. Looking for halal pizza in Soho? ICCO serves a 100% halal menu with fresh dough made daily. Visit us at 23-24 Greek Street.
