The Hidden Gem, Zaytoun Halal Grill

In the heart of Mississauga, minutes away from Square One and the 403, is one of GTA’s hottest new restaurants; Zaytoun Halal Grill serving up both class and great cuisine.

After hearing it was only open for about a month and no one I knew had visited, I was worried it may be another disappointment. I’m glad I can say that I was proven wrong!

Zaytoun Halal Grill has fashionable appeal from the inside-out. The menu also has a lot to offer with majority of Italian and Middle Eastern dishes and a few modern staples as well.

As you walk in you feel this may be where halal meets fusion. Zaytoun Halal Grill is a spacious restaurant with a relaxed but modern style and an obvious appreciation for Arabic calligraphy. A large prayer area is also available and is reserved for only that. The outdoor patio is quite small but still allows you to enjoy the short, sweet summer.

I don’t like talking about bathrooms – but that was my first stop and I was blown away by the bidet spray (no pun intended!) Hard to come across in the western world and after all, this is a restaurant review. Plus who doesn’t love an amazing, clean, technologically advanced bathroom?

Shortly after we entered Zaytoun Halal Grill, our friendly server guided us to our candle lit table for two. We kicked off our evening with an enticing hurricane glass of ice-cold and sweet strawberry daiquiri ($3.95). We also ordered 3 mini cheeseburgers ($9.95); handmade mini patties topped with caramelized onions and cheese inside warm, toasted bite sized buns. The sliders were appealing, flavourful and only took a few minutes to disappear.

Italian lovers won’t be disappointed as the chicken parmigiana ($13.95) was saucy, fresh and crisp. Topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese, seasoned breadcrumbs dredged the tender chicken. The aromatic scent of the marina sauce kissed with parsley was mouth-watering. The portion was quite satisfying and was served with a bowl of spaghettini mixed with marinara sauce. The side of pasta was quite bland on its own and had to mix it with the extra marinara sauce that accompanied the chicken. Overall, the chicken parmigiana was delectable. The expectations of this classic dish were definitely fulfilled.

The rib eye steak ($23.95) came with the rest of the food within an excellent time frame. The meal was accompanied by a host of sides such as seasoned potatoes, eggplant, red bell peppers and a stuffed tomato. The 14 oz. steak was tender and juicy in the middle; each bite exploding with an array of spices. The edges though, were a little too dry for my liking. The lightly seasoned potatoes were a perfect side for the dish. However – the eggplant, I wasn’t quite drawn to. It is a different choice for a side and not on the top of my list as a typical accompaniment for steak. I would love to see this dish in the future with more side options to choose from such as sautéed mushrooms or wild rice.

After dinner, we enjoyed a cup of tea along with Basbousa. A sweet cake made from semolina soaked in syrup topped with almonds and served with vanilla ice cream, bedazzled with raspberry sauce. This dessert is common within Eastern Mediterranean cuisine and has quite a variety of names. Some may be more familiar with Harissa (Arabic), Revani (Turkish) or Ravani (Greek). I was unsure about ordering this, but biting into the Basbousa was a unique experience and it was better than I had expected. The ice cream was perfect choice to scale back the warmth of the cake.

Zaytoun Halal Grill is perfect for both a romantic dinner for two and a good evening out with friends/family. The perfect setting, pot lights and modern touch that you’ll enjoy here was quite impressive and tough to come across with halal restaurants. The convenient location makes Zaytoun Halal Grill the perfect place to stop and refuel after a long day of shopping. I look forward to going back to try the Lasagna Rouge and Filet Mignon. The menu is extensive so there will always be something new to try!

Even though you want to go and enjoy all the halal meat options available, the seafood selection was exceptional. I couldn’t help but coming back to the section where I repeatedly read: the red snapper and kept doubting my original choice.

Their halal status and suppliers are clearly indicated on their website which makes it much easier to do your research. I encourage you to visit Zaytoun Halal Grill and enjoy their menu which is already limited in our city, without the painfully long wait times.

Sumaiya is a restaurant reviewer for Halal Foodie, follow her on twitter at @Jeds_wife

Zaytoun Halal Grill Restaurant
4230 Sherwoodtowne Boulevard  Mississauga, ON L4Z 2G6
(905) 272-5357