Editorial Standards
How we verify restaurants, what our halal labels mean, and how to ask us to change a listing.
Last reviewed: May 1, 2026
What our two halal labels mean
Halal Certified — the operator has told us, in their own channels (website, on-site signage, or directly), that their kitchen sources from halal-certified suppliers and runs a halal-only program. We cross-check at least one independent listing.
Halal Friendly — the operator publishes a clearly labelled halal menu, but the kitchen also serves non-halal items. Confirm the specific dish you order, especially for delivery.
We do not publish a third-party certification body's name unless the operator publishes it themselves. If you are looking for a specific certifier (HMA, HFCC, etc.) please confirm with the restaurant.
How we verify a listing
- Identity check. We confirm the restaurant exists at the published address through the operator's own website or social channels.
- Independent corroboration. We cross-check name, address and phone against at least one independent listing (Ottawa Tourism, Google Business Profile, a city food publication, or a recognised directory).
- Halal claim review. We document the halal claim from the operator's own materials. We never label a restaurant Halal-Certified based on a third-party review alone.
- Per-listing source links. Where available, we publish the source link on the restaurant page so any reader can check our work.
- Annual re-verification. Every listing is re-checked at least once a year. Listings flagged by readers are re-checked within five business days.
What we do not publish
- Aggregate star ratings or review counts we have not independently verified.
- Visit anecdotes from staff members who did not personally visit the restaurant.
- Photos of dishes that are not from the operator's own materials, our team, or a verified press kit.
- Telephone numbers in fictional formats (e.g. 555-XXXX). All numbers are real Ottawa 613 / 343 area codes.
Corrections policy
If you are an operator and a detail is wrong — address, phone, hours, halal status, photo, or anything else — email us at tips@halalrestaurantsottawa.ca or use the contact form.
We aim to verify and update every flagged listing within five business days. Material corrections include a "Last verified" date stamp on the listing.
Independence and disclosures
Halal Restaurants Ottawa is an independent local guide. We accept paid premium listings from operators (see For Restaurateurs), but paid placement does not influence whether a restaurant is included in the directory or which halal label it receives.
Editorial decisions sit with our editorial team. Sponsorships, where they exist, are clearly labelled.
Talk to the editorial team
116 Albert St, Suite 600, Ottawa, ON K1P 5G3