Can Muslims eat at non-halal restaurants?

What you can usually order

Islam's starting point is that food is permitted unless something makes it haram (forbidden):

• Vegetarian and vegan dishes: pasta with tomato sauce, falafel, curries, salads, pizza margherita.
• Fish and seafood: no slaughter needed, so most scholars allow it. The Hanafi school allows only fish. See Can I eat shrimp and other seafood?
• Drinks: soft drinks, juice, tea and coffee.

What to avoid

• Pork in any form, including bacon bits, lard and ham-based stocks.
• Dishes with wine, beer or spirits, such as some sauces, risottos and desserts. See Can I cook with wine as a Muslim if the alcohol burns off?
• Meat that isn't halal. Some scholars accept beef or chicken in Christian or Jewish countries based on Quran 5:5, but many say to avoid it unless the restaurant is halal-certified. Big chains are a common example. See Can I still eat at McDonald's as a Muslim?

Cross-contamination

A vegetarian dish can still be a problem if it's fried in the same oil as bacon or grilled on the same surface as pork. You're not expected to inspect the kitchen, but it's fine to ask:

• "Is the fryer shared with meat?"
• "Is there any wine or pork in the sauce or stock?"
• "Could you cook this on a clean pan?"

The Prophet ﷺ taught that between the clearly halal and the clearly haram are doubtful matters, and whoever avoids them protects his religion (Sahih al-Bukhari 52). If an answer leaves you unsure, choose something simpler. The same tips work in shared dining halls. See Can I eat at the university cafeteria as a Muslim?

Restaurants that serve alcohol

Many restaurants in the West serve wine or beer. Most scholars allow eating at a regular restaurant where alcohol is on the menu, since you aren't drinking or serving it. Many advise against sitting at a table where alcohol is actually being drunk, though, and some say to avoid places where drinking is the main focus, like bars. Choose what you're comfortable with, and don't judge others harshly.