The 8 Best Syrian Restaurants in Toronto [2022]

Best Syrian Restaurants in Toronto

Toronto is home to a vibrant Syrian community, and its restaurants reflect the diverse culture and cuisine of the Syrian people. If you’re looking for a taste of Syria, these are the 8 best Syrian restaurants in Toronto.

From kebabs to falafel, these restaurants offer a wide variety of delicious food that is sure to please any palate. Here we chose restaurants based on their food quality, atmosphere, and service. Additionally, we will also be going over some popular Syrian dishes so you know what to order when you visit one of these restaurants!

So if you’re in the mood for some Middle Eastern cuisine, be sure to check out one of these eight amazing Syrian restaurants in Toronto. You won’t be disappointed.

If you’re craving more than just Syrian food, we also have a list of the 12 best Lebanese restaurants in Toronto that you wouldn’t want to miss out!

Summary

What are Some Popular Syrian Dishes to Order in Toronto?

When we think of Syrian food, the first dish that comes to mind is definitely falafel. Falafel is a fried ball or patty made from ground chickpeas, fava beans, or both. It is a popular street food in Syria and is often served as a sandwich filling or on its own as a appetizer. 

Other popular dishes include shawarma, kebabs, and hummus. Shawarma is thinly sliced meat, usually lamb or chicken, that is cooked on a rotating spit and served as a sandwich or wrap. Kebabs are skewers of meat that are grilled or roasted. Lastly, hummus is a dip or spread made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.

For dessert, you can’t go wrong with baklava. Baklava is a sweet pastry made from layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts and sweetness. It is often drenched in syrup or honey, making it a delicious and decadent treat.

If you’re new to Syrian food, we recommend ordering a variety of dishes to share so you can get a taste of everything!

The Best Syrian Restaurants in Toronto

Now that you know what some of the popular Syrian dishes are, let’s take a look at the best Syrian restaurants in Toronto!

1. Marine Shawarma

Marine Shawarma

Marine Shawarma is a tiny Middle Eastern restaurant on Marine Parade, right in the midst of the lakeshore. It has more to offer than only Shawarma, since it also features a mixed grill with vegetables, real spices, and other trademark Middle Eastern food. The price here can range from $4 to $15+.

We recommend trying the beef shawarma  where it is made with thinly sliced chicken shawarma wrapped in traditional SAJ bread. They have some of the best shawarma here that’s always prepared with the heart and passion of a hardworking mother. 

When you walk into Marine Shawarma, you’re walking into a home away from home, ready to feed and satisfy your Syrian cravings.

Business Information:

Address: 160 Marine Parade Dr, Etobicoke, ON M8V 4G1
Phone: (416) 255-8787
Website: marineshawarma.com

Customer Review Highlight:

“We love this place! Been there three times and every time the food is beyond good. I had a chance to talk to the person preparing the order today. First, they are authentic Syrian/Lebanese. Second, they make everything from scratch - the pickles, the fresh herbs, the turnip, all of the sauces, the marinated chicken and beef - everything! It is SO good. I'm in love with this place…”
“My first visit was to try the poutine but I ended up getting some chicken shawarma also. Then we never regret coz their poutine and shawarma are so delicious. The poutine is way better than any poutine in town. Must try. You won’t regret it. From then we keep on coming back here.”

Pros

  • Offers a variety of food options from appetizers, wraps, poutine etc.
  • Offers family platters to share

Cons

  • Some reviewers stated that the chicken shawarma was dry.

2. Zezafoun

Zezafoun

Zezafoun shares a part of Syrian culture by introducing us with their Syrian dishes to us in Toronto. Here you’ll see an amazing variety of chef’s choices, lunch special packages, brunch menu, soup and salad menu, wraps, platters, desserts and much more! The price can range from $6 to $17+. 

We recommend trying the kabab karaz which is a beef kabab combined with unique ingredients where it’s marinated in cherry and berries sauce that is topped with almonds and parsley. It is served with bread and side salad.

Don’t forget to finish off your dinner here without trying the ghazli ice cream! It is topped with Mediterranean cotton candy and showered with pistachios!

Business Information:

Address: 4 Manor Rd E, Toronto, ON M4S 1P8
Phone: (416) 322-7707
Website: zezafoun.ca

Customer Review Highlight:

“This Syrian restaurant was incredible! I loved the cherry and beef dish so much, it was sweet but not too overpowering. The appetizer was also incredible, there was so much flavour and was so enjoyable. The cheese slices also were lovely! The atmosphere was also so nice and comfortable. An amazing restaurant!”
“You enter Zezafoun and immediately feel welcome! A cozy little space with some of the best Syrian cuisine I’ve eaten. The people who run it are wonderful and the service is very good. Looking forward to visiting again!”

Pros

  • Offers catering services
  • Offers gift card
  • Vegan and vegetarian options available

Cons

  • Some reviewers stated the food was cold.

3. Chamsine

Chamsine
Google/ Tanya Vyonh

With this bright red eye-catching restaurant, you should enter in and try out some delicious falafel, shawarma and enjoy the sides! The prices range from $4 to $17+. You’ll be amazed by their mountain of fresh colourful vegetables and meat piled on the ingredients counter and offering many sauces to top off your meal!

Give their shawarma beef plate a try where this flavourful beef is marinated and cooked on a slowly revolving rotisserie. What’s awesome is that it’s served with rice, salad, hummus, pita bread and tahini sauce!

If you have more room in your belly, try out their shish taouk plate where it is served with grilled chicken breast which is served with rice, salad, hummus, pita bread and even garlic sauce!

Business Information:

Address: 235 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M5A 1S5
Phone: N/A
Website: N/A

Customer Review Highlight:

“Local delicious Syrian food! The salad bar is always fresh and the meals are tasty. The salad dressing is a perfect balance of sweet and sour. The shawarmas, Sheesh tawok and the Beef kebobs are very good. The falafels are a pleasant surprise, perfectly cooked- crunchy outer layer and moist inside; not dry. Yum…”
“Authentic Syrian food in the heart of Toronto. The menu is on point, compact, and always fresh. Meats are juicy and veggies crisp. Treat yourself to the eggplant, it's well worth the extra charge. Don't let the area discourage you, Chamsine is a hidden gem.”

Pros

  • One more location at St Clair West
  • Offes great portion of food!

Cons

  • Some reviewers stated the chicken was burnt and dry.

4. Aleppo Kebab

Aleppo Kebab

Aleppo is a must visit if you want to try some flavourful dishes that just melt in your mouth. Especially their group platters that are wonderful to enjoy with family and friends!

The group platters include grilled veggies, pickles, turnip, garlic cream, hummus and spicy bread. Also, don’t forget trying the cheese rolls and the sujuk! The price ranges from $3 to $20+. 

We also recommend trying the chicken shish taouk that comes with perfectly grilled moist cubes of chicken breast, grilled onion, salad, tomato, hot pepper, pita slices with tomato sauces and fresh mint. Also, with pita crisps with garlic dip, fries and rice. This sounds like heaven! 

Business Information:

Address: 1960 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1R 2Z1
Phone: (416) 701-9191
Website: aleppokebab.business.site

Customer Review Highlight:

“I was looking for good restaurants to visit and this Syrian restaurant with 4.8 stars out of more than 1100 people. This means the food has to be great right? It’s mind blowing. The garlic sauce, hummus with the rice and meat made a great combo. I’d definitely go back again”
“As a Syrian, I can say that this restaurant provides Syrian dishes the original authentic way. Side dishes are as good as the main dishes. We ordered the mix plate and it was just amazing. For a moment I forgot I was in Toronto. I can say it is one of the best Syrian restaurants in Toronto.”

Pros

  • Offers catering services
  • Amazing group platter options

Cons

  • Some reviewers stated that uber eats delivery was not satisfactory

5. Mishwar Restaurant

Mishwar Restaurant

If you want to try some authentic Syrian food visit Mishwar Restaurant. The interior is very bright and designed like you’re dining in the Middle East! The prices here range from $8 to $25+. 

Enjoy their combinations of shawarma, manakeesh, wrap and grilled dishes. We recommend trying the shish tawook which comes with two grilled marinated chicken skewers breasts that are served with rice, fries, pickles and garlic sauce!

Another favourite is their toshka which is bread stuffed with kebabs and white cheese served with fried or rice and hummus.  They aslo flavourful vegan options include falafel sandwiches with tahini sauce, salad, pickles, onions and garlic. 

Business Information:

Address: 513 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1P5
Phone: (416) 461-7323
Website: mishwar.ca

Customer Review Highlight:

“"Authentic Syrian food ! Shawarma and falafel are delicious. Great hospitality and Arabic vibes."

Pros

  • Vegan options are available
  • Offers daily specials that are 20% off
  • Has an outdoor patio

Cons

  • Some reviewers state the service can take longer

6. Damas Grill House & Juice Bar

Damas Grill House & Juice Bar
Google/ tim wilkinson

If you want a taste of dining in Syria, then you definitely need to visit Damas! The furniture appears to be constructed from tree stumps, and the interior design has an unique Syrian wood vibe.

They offer a great variety of your favourite chicken shawarma, shish kebab plate, falafel plate and even salmon plate in great portions, keeping you fulfilled all day! 

The price can range from $8 to $20+. They even offer a salad bar that offer tabouli salad, greek salad, fattoush salad and even humus salad. Be sure to check this place out today to try out some flavourful dishes with fresh grapefruit juice on the side!

Business Information:

Address: 1795 Victoria Park Ave, Scarborough, ON M1R 1T2
Phone: (647) 346-6424
Website: N/A

Customer Review Highlight:

“This place is really unique for a number of reasons. Firstly, their chairs and tables are made of carved wood. You have to see it to believe it. Second, there's a wooden sink for hand-washing right in the ordering area which is super convenient! Lastly, the food is delicious Syrian cuisine. Although the prices are up there, still a must try!
“I love this place. I have been going here for so long and I love their Syrian food. The place is ok I guess, it's not fancy but it's still nice. But the food is just amazing. You can get shawarma, rice with taboula and meat or whatever you desire. This is one of the best Mediterranean food places you can find in Toronto.”

Pros

  • Offers a variety of shawarma plates from beef, chicken to shrimp, salmon and veggie
  • Opens until 12am

Cons

  • Some reviewers state that customer service is not satisfactory

7. Mooring Eats

Mooring Eats

Want to try authentic Syrian dishes with a modern twist? Then you definitely need to visit Mooring Eats. You will also love their stunning interior with bright grey wooded interior, bikes on the wall, and a nice touch of blue to this lively restaurant.

The Syrian owners of Mooring Eats started the business in 2019. They were able to construct a reflection of their original food with the help of numerous expert chefs brought in from the Middle East.

The prices can range from $6 to $16+. They offer an all day menu from shawarma, falafel, grills, fajitas, salad and much more! We recommend trying the Syrian style chicken shawarma wrap that comes with garlic and pickles. 

Business Information:

Address: 2481 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON M8V 1C5
Phone: (416) 253-7171
Website: mooringeats.com

Customer Review Highlight:

“Ever eat something so satisfying that it’s got you saying moooore!? 😋 At Mooring Eats, they’ve got delicious Syrian dishes that are authentic and halal. Satisfy your hunger with their shawarma, falafel, fajitas, or salads! We especially loved their chicken shawarma plate which came with 2 sides (we chose basmati rice and garlic potatoes), hummus, and garlic sauce. So delicious and full of flavour with a nice kick!”
“If you are ever in Etobicoke and craving some Syrian shawarma or some Syrian food in general stop by this store. Everything tastes very fresh and the staff are friendly. Recommended as a foodie living in Toronto. Try their daily special meals.”

Pros

  • Catering services offered
  • Offers an all day menu and family meal kits
  • Offers a levantine dipping kit
  • Vegetarian and vegan options available

Cons

  • Some reviewers stated that portion sizes are small

8. Chef Harwash

Chef Harwash

Chef Harwash’s chefs come from a family that has been in the food business for over 100 years. They’re all devoted to the meticulous attention to detail and unique cooking procedures that go into creating their delectable cuisine. The prices range from $3 to $11+.

They make their Juicy meat with special lamb fats, make a small batch of garlic mayo fresh every day, and use spices that have been passed down through generations.

What’s unique about this place is that they serve Middle Eastern style quesadillas where you should try the classic damascus cheese. This is made with mozzarella cheese, mixed with fresh parsley, extra virgin olive oil, and secret spices served with two layers of some crispy saj bread!

Business Information:

Address: 707 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5T 2W6
Phone:  (647) 809-1334
Website: chefharwash.com

Customer Review Highlight:

“Delicious Syrian food. Sou Jeck sandwich is amazing. The owner is friendlyReasonable prices And great opportunity to taste Syrian food and flavours.”
“I love Chef Harwash. The chicken shawarma is amazing, but so are their saj sandwiches. Today they gave me a Syrian spiced drink to try and it was amazing. Very thoughtful of them to provide while I waited in the cold air for my food. Definitely worth a try!”

Pros

  • Offers vegan options
  • Offers unique food options from crazy fire cheese to toshka

Cons

  • Closed on Sundays

FAQs About Syrian Food

Yes absolutely they provide many, for example the falafel vegan sandwich with a mixture of chickpeas and spices topped with fresh veggies, turnip, pickles, pomegranate sauce, tahini that is wrapped in crispy saj bread!
In Syrian cuisine, eggplant, zucchini, garlic, sesame seeds, rice, chickpeas, fava beans, lentils, cabbage, cauliflower, vine leaves, pickled turnips, cucumbers, tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, mint, pistachios, honey, and fruits are commonly used.
Syrian cuisine and the rest of the Middle East, is not too spicy. If you’re looking for hot, spicy meals, India and the Far East are the places to go. Many herbs, garlic, and fresh veggies are used!
Although both cuisines are similar, there are some key differences between Lebanese and Syrian food. One of the biggest differences is the use of spices. In general, Syrian cuisine uses more spices than Lebanese cuisine. This results in a more robust and flavourful taste. Additionally, Syrian cuisine often incorporates sweet flavours into savoury dishes, whereas Lebanese cuisine tends to keep these flavours separate.

Conclusion

Syrian food is a delicious and unique cuisine that is often underrated. If you’re looking for an amazing culinary experience, be sure to check out one of Toronto’s many Syrian restaurants. From shawarma to falafel, there’s something for everyone on this list.

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