9 restaurants with Ramadan-friendly food in Charlotte
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A spread from Curry Gate. Photo: Danielle Chemtob
It’s the month of Ramadan — a time of prayer, reflection and fasting for Muslims.
Why it matters: During the holy month, Muslims who are able will fast every day from dawn to sunset. Then, they’ll break their fast with an evening meal of halal foods known as iftar.
Driving the news: Ramadan began Feb. 17 and is expected to end Mar. 18 or 19, 2026.
From iftar buffets to fully halal menus, we’ve rounded up nine Ramadan-friendly places to break your fast during the holy month in Charlotte.
- Halal is a term to describe what’s permissible under Islamic law. In terms of food and drink, vegan food is almost always considered halal, whereas alcohol and certain meats like pork are not.
- Even if you’re not observing Ramadan, this guide can be used to explore some of Charlotte’s Asian and Middle Eastern eateries.
Editor’s note: This isn’t an exhaustive list, and it’s not in any particular order.
Halal Street Food
This fast-casual Halal restaurant is the team behind the popular Halal food cart in Uptown and has two brick-and-mortar locations, one in MoRa and another in Camp North End.
Stop by: 701 Keswick Ave (Camp North End); 4044 Connection Point Blvd. (MoRa)
Roz Grill
Expect modern Mediterranean dishes at this locally owned Halal restaurant in the Arboretum.
If you go: They're offering an Iftar buffet for $35 per person. Reservations are recommended.
Stop by: 8200 Providence Road
Retaj
A Halal restaurant and lounge in east Charlotte, focused on Yemeni and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Stop by: 3145 N Sharon Amity Road
Botiwalla Indian Street Grille
Optimist Hall's Botiwalla is known for its Indian street foods like masala smashed potatoes and Gobi 65, plus a range of curry dishes and skewers.
- The meats, including lamb and chicken, are halal, according to Botiwalla’s website.
Stop by: 1115 N Brevard St.
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Dave’s Hot Chicken
The popular Nashville-style hot chicken chain is certified halal.
- Dave’s is known for its combinations of chicken tenders, sliders and fries — and its long lines — so plan your trip accordingly.
Stop by: Dave’s Hot Chicken has four Charlotte-area locations, including Plaza Midwood, University City, Northlake and Rock Hill, South Carolina.
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Curry Gate
A Charlotte classic, Curry Gate offers a fully halal menu of Indian and Nepalese fare, including curries, biryani, tandoori, samosas and naan.
Stop by: Curry Gate has four Charlotte locations and one in Matthews.
- The OG Curry Gate (near Camp North End) is mainly for takeout.
Related Axios Article: Charlotte’s beloved Curry Gate restaurant is now open on South Boulevard
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La Shish Kabob
The local halal spot serves authentic Middle Eastern foods, like falafel, shawarma and kabobs.
If you go: La Shish Kabob offers an all-you-can-eat Iftar buffet for $29.99 that’ll run nightly starting at sundown.
- Make a reservation by calling the restaurant at (704) 567-7900.
Stop by: La Shish Kabob is located in Sheffield Park at 3117 N Sharon Amity Road.
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Zafran Kabab Palace
You’ll find traditional Indian and Pakistani cuisine at this University City restaurant, including clay oven BBQ, rice dishes and nine types of naan.
If you go: Zafran Kabab Palace is celebrating Ramadan with an Iftar and dinner buffet Friday through Sunday, and full menu service Monday through Thursday.
- Call 980-258-0651 to secure a table.
Stop by: 230 E W.T. Harris Blvd. (in McCullough Commons).
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Jasmine Grill and Kabab
Located on Central Avenue in Plaza Midwood, this Middle Eastern restaurant has a menu spanning from hummus plates and baba ganoush to family-style kabab meals.
If you go: Their Iftar buffet is $30 for adults and $15 for kids.
- There's also a Jasmine Grill on South Boulevard — the two restaurants share ownership and similar menus, but you'll only find the buffet at Jasmine Grill and Kebab on Central.
Stop by: 2920 Central Ave.
Other resources
Charlotte's Halal scene extends beyond restaurants; it encompasses caterers, grocery stores, and local resources, including:
Halal International: A Middle Eastern grocery store located near La Shish Kabob at 3120 N Sharon Amity Road.
Cedarland Halal Foods: A Halal restaurant with an attached grocery store on Central Avenue.
Zaytuna Halal Market: A Middle Eastern grocery store in University City.
Charlotte Halal Food Guide: An Instagram account that highlights and reviews local Halal restaurants.
Haraz: Apopular Yemeni coffee chain with locations in South End, Plaza Midwood, Ballantyne and University. Events may vary by location — the Ballantyne cafe, in particular, has hosted Ramadan night celebrations.
Adrika Lazarus (@adrikalazarus) is a Charlotte content creator who highlights the diversity in Charlotte's food scene, including Asian and Middle Eastern eateries.
The Flavors of Dhaka: A local caterer specializing in Bangladeshi cuisine. You can place an order by phone at 929-218-8341.