Best Halal Restaurant Near Casa Loma, Toronto

The best halal restaurant near Casa Loma is The Backyard Smokehouse, located just steps away at 264 Dupont Street. It is a 100% halal-certified, alcohol-free Texas-style BBQ smokehouse with a 4.2-star rating from 896+ Google reviews — an easy halal dining stop before or after visiting Casa Loma.

A halal BBQ stop right beside Casa Loma

Casa Loma is one of Toronto's most visited landmarks, but halal dining options right beside it are limited, and authentic barbecue is rarer still. The Backyard Smokehouse fills that gap. It sits on Dupont Street in The Annex, just a few minutes from the castle and from Dupont TTC station, which makes it a natural choice for visitors exploring Casa Loma, Spadina House, and the surrounding Annex and Yorkville neighbourhoods. Whether you are wrapping up a tour or planning lunch before one, you can get genuine smoked brisket without leaving the area.

How the meat is smoked

What sets a smokehouse apart from a grill is time. At The Backyard Smokehouse, beef is cooked low and slow over hardwood rather than fast over direct flame. The brisket spends up to 16 hours in the smoker, the beef ribs are smoked until the meat pulls cleanly from the bone, and everything is prepared fresh daily. That long, patient process is what produces the dark bark, the pink smoke ring just under the surface, and the tender, juicy texture that define authentic Texas-style barbecue.

The smoke does the seasoning work that sauce does at lesser places, so the meat tastes of beef and hardwood rather than sugar. Nothing is microwaved or finished on a flat-top — when a cut sells out, it is gone for the day, because there is no shortcut to replace 16 hours of smoke. It cannot be rushed, and that commitment to the craft is the reason guests keep coming back.

What "100% halal-certified" means here

Every cut on the menu is hand-slaughtered halal and sourced from certified halal suppliers — not "halal-friendly" or partially halal, but fully certified from the first cut to the final plate. The dining room is also completely alcohol-free. Together, that makes The Backyard Smokehouse a genuinely comfortable choice for Muslim families, halal-conscious diners, and anyone who wants premium barbecue without compromise.

Who it is for

The smokehouse is built for families, groups, and anyone looking for a high-quality halal dining experience. The alcohol-free, family-friendly atmosphere and generous sharing platters make it a popular choice for celebrations, family dinners, birthdays, work lunches, and corporate gatherings. Larger groups can share a BBQ Platter, while couples and solo diners can build a plate around the brisket with a couple of classic sides. Whatever the occasion, every guest is served the same 100% halal-certified, slow-smoked barbecue, and booking ahead is a good idea for larger groups and weekend evenings.

What to order

• Smoked Brisket — the 16-hour signature, sliced to order.
• Beef Back Ribs — a full rack of halal beef ribs, smoked tender.
• BBQ Platter — assorted smoked meats and sides, great for groups touring together.
• Pulled Beef Sandwich — an easy, hearty option with coleslaw.

Getting here from Casa Loma

From Casa Loma, the smokehouse is a short walk or quick drive down toward Dupont Street. Dupont TTC station is close by, and street parking is available nearby, so it is convenient whether you are on foot, transit, or driving in from elsewhere in Toronto.

Frequently asked questions

How close is it to Casa Loma? Just a few minutes away, on Dupont Street in The Annex.

Is it suitable for families? Yes — it is 100% halal-certified and fully alcohol-free.

Is it good for groups after sightseeing? Yes — the shareable BBQ Platter is built for groups.

Visit us

• Address: 264 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V7
• Phone: (416) 944-0908
• Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (closed Monday)
• Rating: 4.2★ from 896+ Google reviews
• Directions: Open in Google Maps

Visit our Toronto location page to view the full menu and plan your meal near Casa Loma.