Niku Shiki isn't officially halal certified. While some people in the community have mentioned they might be, our research shows they have pork items like pork gyoza and katsu on their menu. This means that while their Wagyu beef might be sourced from a halal supplier, the restaurant as a whole is not pork-free.

Yes, Niku Shiki serves both pork and alcohol. We found pork dumplings and pork cutlets on their delivery menus, and their in-store butcher also sells sake, which is a Japanese rice wine.

We couldn't find any specific information about their meat being hand-slaughtered (zabihah). Given they are a mainstream Japanese restaurant, it's unlikely to be their standard practice unless they state it. For peace of mind, it's always best to ask the staff directly about their meat suppliers.

The restaurant does not have its own prayer room, but it is located inside Melbourne Central shopping centre, which provides prayer and quiet rooms for public use. Additionally, there are several mosques within a short walking distance, including the Queen St Musallah and the RMIT Multifaith and Wellbeing Centre, both approximately 600m away.

The restaurant has a modern, open-plan design that can be great for groups. However, since they serve pork and alcohol, it might not be the most comfortable environment for all Muslim families. We recommend calling ahead to discuss your group's needs and to ensure you're comfortable with the setting.