Is Open Sesame halal certified?

While we haven't seen a formal certificate, we have strong reasons to believe Open Sesame is fully halal. A food blogger recently recommended it as a 'good halal spot', and their menu is completely free of pork and alcohol. They serve authentic Middle Eastern food, which gives us high confidence in their halal practices.

Do they serve alcohol or pork?

No, they don't! Our analysis of their menu shows no pork products at all. Instead of alcohol, they offer a creative and delicious menu of mocktails for you to enjoy with your meal.

Is the meat hand slaughtered (zabihah)?

We haven't found specific information confirming if the meat is hand-slaughtered. This is quite common for restaurants in Australia. For absolute certainty, we recommend asking the staff at Open Sesame directly when you visit.

Are there prayer facilities nearby?

While there isn't a prayer room inside the restaurant or the East Village shopping centre, the Zetland Mosque is located nearby at 932 Bourke St. It's approximately a 10-12 minute walk (around 850m) from the restaurant.

Can they accommodate large Muslim family gatherings?

Open Sesame offers a welcoming atmosphere and has larger meal deals like the 'Family Deal' and 'Family Feast' which are perfect for groups. While they don't have separate family sections, the environment is generally family-friendly. For very large groups, it's always a good idea to call ahead and check with them.

Open Sesame

4.7Google

$Middle Eastern

Directions Call Website

Open Sesame

85% Confidence

4.7Google

Price

Cuisine

Middle Eastern • Lebanese

NEW: Souq by HalalHQ

Your Islamic Marketplace

About Open Sesame

Open Sesame in Zetland is your spot for authentic Middle Eastern food. A food blogger gave it a thumbs up as a great halal place, and the menu is packed with delicious options like shawarma and charcoal chicken. Plus, they serve a range of tasty mocktails instead of alcohol.

Did You Know?

Interesting facts about this restaurant

Fact 1:The Heart of Hospitality

Lebanese cuisine, like that served at Open Sesame, is deeply rooted in a culture of hospitality. Sharing a meal, especially a spread of 'mezze' (appetizers), is a cornerstone of social...

Halal Analysis

Evidence-based assessment

3 sources

JAN26JAN 26January 2026

Positive Indicators

Explicitly mentioned as a 'halal spot' in a video review
Menu analysis shows no pork or alcohol
Serves traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, which is often halal
Offers a variety of mocktails, indicating an alcohol-free approach

Points to Note

No specific concerns identified

Analysis performed: 2 months ago

Our Recommendation:

Everything points to this being a fully halal restaurant, which is fantastic! As always, suppliers and practices can change, so we recommend verifying with the restaurant directly for peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this restaurant

Atmosphere & Features

Restaurant Features

Family-Friendly

Outdoor Seating

Ambient Music

Service Options

Delivery

Takeaway

Dietary Options

Vegetarian

Gluten-Free

Location & Hours

Map

Explore nearby

Hours

Closed

Mon11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Tue11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Wed11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Thu11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Fri11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sat11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sun11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Contact & Location

Open Sesame

3/6 Defries Ave, Zetland NSW 2017, Australia

Zetland, 2017

Call0410 748 084 Website

Community Notes

No community notes yet.

Customers say

Customers frequently praise the authentic taste of the food, with many saying the shawarma reminds them of what you'd find in the Middle East. The service is often described as welcoming and friendly, contributing to a positive dining experience. Overall, diners find the food delicious and the atmosphere enjoyable.

AI-generated from online reviews

Popular dishes

Barbecue Mixed PlateChicken Shawarma WrapCharcoal ChickenVegetarian Mix PlatterLamb Shank Mansaf