Time Out Lists Spotlight London’s Halal and Barbecue Dining Scenes
Two new rankings highlight borough diversity in London’s restaurant culture, with 21 venues across 12 areas
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London’s restaurant landscape has gained two new snapshots after Time Out London published separate lists of the capital’s best barbecue and halal venues on 30 July 2026. The selections name 21 restaurants across 12 boroughs, with no single area claiming more than two entries on either list.
The barbecue ranking includes 12 venues, from Walthamstow’s Black Cactus at Burnt Faith Brandy House to Notting Hill’s Cue Point. Time Out London described Cue Point’s Wagyu brisket steak as "maybe the best barbeque we’ve ever eaten on UK soil." The list spans Texan, Afghan, Japanese and Caribbean styles, with Hackney, Haringey and the City of London all represented.
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Halal List Reflects London’s Cultural Breadth
The halal list features nine restaurants, including Mayfair’s double-Michelin-starred Gymkhana and Walthamstow’s Uyghur-run Etles. Time Out London noted Gymkhana’s tandoori broccoli starter and chicken biryani as standout dishes, while Etles was praised for its lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles. The list also includes Islington’s alcohol-free fine-dining spot The Great Chase, which offers a prayer room for diners.
Three venues appear on both lists: Cue Point, Burnt Smokehouse in Tower Hamlets, and Coqfighter, which has five sites including Soho and King’s Cross. Time Out London recommended Coqfighter’s green chilli cheeseburger and loaded fries with sambal mayo.
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Boroughs Shape Dining Identity
The lists reveal how local communities influence London’s food culture. Walthamstow hosts two entries: Black Cactus and Etles, the latter run by a Uyghur couple serving Xinjiang cuisine. Hackney’s Five Points Courtyard is home to From The Ashes, a barbecue pop-up that has secured a permanent space. In contrast, Mayfair’s Gymkhana and Berenjak’s Mayfair branch cater to a high-end clientele.
Brick Lane’s Babel Grill House, painted tangerine, was highlighted for its Lebanese dishes, while Queensway Market’s Normah’s serves Malaysian laksa to a loyal local crowd. Time Out London described Grounded in Whitechapel as a popular brunch spot where diners often work remotely.
No Clear Borough Leader
The lists show no borough dominating either category. Tower Hamlets has two entries (Burnt Smokehouse and Babel Grill House), as does Waltham Forest (Black Cactus and Etles). The remaining venues are spread across 10 boroughs, including Haringey, Islington and the City of London. Westminster appears only once, with Berenjak’s Soho branch.
It is unclear whether Time Out London plans to update the lists or publish similar rankings for other cuisines. The outlet has not responded to requests for comment.
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