The 7 Best Shawarmas in Toronto [2022]

Best Shawarmas in Toronto

Nothing says “comfort food” quite like a warm, fluffy shawarma wrap stuffed with your favourite fillings. This Middle Eastern dish has become a popular lunch and dinner option for Toronto foodies, and for good reason! Shawarma wraps are typically made with either chicken, lamb, beef, or turkey, and are served with fresh veggies and a dollop of tzatziki sauce

Traditionally, shawarmas are cooked on a rotating spit, which means they’re always nice and juicy. Similar to a doner kebab, shawarmas are then wrapped up in pita or flatbread and can be enjoyed plain or with additional toppings.

In Toronto, there are countless places to get your shawarma fix, with many restaurants putting their own spin on the dish. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 best shawarmas in Toronto. Here we chose shawarma spots that are not only delicious, and affordable but also offer a great variety of toppings and sides.

Whether it’s midnight or 3 pm, these Toronto shawarma spots will surely satisfy your cravings!

And if you’re craving more than just shawarma, make sure to also check out our list of the best falafels in Toronto.

Summary

What are the Different Types of Shawarma?

There are many types of shawarma, but some of the most popular include chicken, lamb, and beef.  Shawarmas can also be made with vegetables, such as eggplant or zucchini, for a vegetarian option. The meat and vegetables are cooked on a spit and thinly sliced, then wrapped in flatbread with various sauces and condiments.

Chicken Shawarma: 

Chicken shawarma is one of the most popular types of shawarma. It is made with chicken that has been marinated in spices and then cooked on a spit. The chicken is thinly sliced and served in a wrap with various sauces and condiments.

Lamb Shawarma: 

Lamb shawarma is made with seasoned lamb, grilled on a spit and shaved to order. It is traditionally eaten with tabbouleh, fattoush, taboon bread, tomato, and cucumber.

Beef Shawarma:  

Beef Shawarma is typically made with thinly sliced beef that has been marinated in a mixture of spices such as cumin, paprika, and garlic. The beef is then cooked on a rotating spit and shaved off in thin slices. It is often served on a pita or flatbread with vegetables and tahini sauce.

Also, don’t forget about the delicious sauces and toppings that can take your shawarma wrap to the next level! Some of the best toppings include tzatziki sauce, hummus, crispy onions, and pickled vegetables.

The Best Shawarmas in Toronto

Now that you know a little bit more about shawarma, it’s time to start exploring all the delicious options that Toronto has to offer!

1. Taste of Shawarma

Taste of Shawarma

Taste of Shawarma is known as one of the best shawarma and for good reason. Located in upper Toronto on Dufferin St, the restaurant offers mouth-watering shawarma, falafel and other Middle Eastern cuisine in the Toronto area. 

They offer a selection of wraps, plates, sides and beverages. Their shawarma wraps include meat options of chicken, gyro, beef and falafel. Their plates also offer the same meats and are bound to leave a memorable taste.

We recommend their chicken Shawarma plate where the meat is crispy and juicy, served with white rice, various toppings of your choice (veggies) and topped with sauces!

The prices on their menu range from $9 for their chicken and fries options around $11 for their plates and wrap options.

Business Information:

Address: 2488 Dufferin St, York, ON M6B 3R1
Phone: (416)-783-5444
Website: tasteofshawarma.com

Customer Review Highlights:

“It's the iconic place for the shawarma staff from the best team. Everything from the topping to fresh meat. No one can beat their quantity and quality.”
“This place has delicious Middle Eastern food and is one of the best in the whole city of Toronto. They also have amazing hours of operation and provide service with a smile! Definitely worth the trip!”

Pros

  • Big portion
  • Variety of toppings

Cons

  • Might not get expected quality of ordered from Doordash or ubereats based on customers review.

2. Lebanon Express

Lebanon Express

Lebanon Express is another great choice if you want to try high-quality shawarma. They offer a number of lebanese-inspired dishes for those near the College area. 

They offer shawarma wraps including chicken, beef, falafel, veggie and fish fillet options, as well as fresh salads featuring chickpeas, tabbouleh, fattoush, lentils, kale apple and beets. They even have combo options including fresh rice and potatoes. 

This place’s most loved food is their chicken shawarma plate ($12.99) which is served with fresh chicken, rice and choice of two items. Their delicious wraps go from $8 to $15. They also have two kids combo options offering chicken Shawarma bowl, rice, three falafel balls, pita and juice box.

Their hours are as suited for those that want a late-night meal, as they are open past 1am, on every day of the week. They offer delivery options through services including Uber Eats, Skip The Dishes, Doordash and Foodara.

Business Information:

Address: 439 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1L2
Phone: (647)-351-0494
Website: lebanonexpress.ca

Customer Review Highlights:

“Quantity often compromises with quality and taste , but this place in Toronto got it all under one roof #halal #food friendly staff and the place is maintained pretty well too! Kudos to team #lebanon its a great place to dine in with family and friends# must try 😀”
“Never had shawarma before, didn't know what to expect $20 for a HUGE plate full of chicken, veggies, and rice.. way too much food for one person! Great value!!”

Pros

  • Huge serving size worth the price

Cons

  • Wrap might fall apart easily so watch out!

3. Mzaar Restaurant

Mzaar Restaurant

Mzaar Restaurant serves classic Lebanese food, including shawarma, by using fresh ingredients. They are best known for their large portions of food at a good price, their great customer service and flavourful food. They offer shawarma wraps, fresh salads and signature dishes. 

Some of their unique food options are their “Caramelized Onion Chicken Shawarma Plate”, which is a marinated chicken shawarma that is grilled with a caramelized onion and their “Fries Beiruti Shawarma Wrap” which is a seasoned chicken shawarma with crispy fires, garlic and pickles all wrapped in a pita. They offer curbside pickup and delivery.

The pricing varies from $5 to $20 depending on what is ordered. Their famous caramelized chicken shawarma goes for $16.99 and if you’re looking for a family platter, it ranges from $79.99 to $84.99.

Business Information:

Address: 668 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2A6
Phone: (647)-350-0666
Website: ritual.co

Customer Review Highlights:

“Very Authentic Shawarmaa!!!! A shawarmaa that you must try in Toronto!!! The staff were friendly and nice!!! Hope to come back for sure !”
“Just had shawarma on a salad. It was delicious! fresh and not too heavy but totally filling. It had all of the flavours of Lebanon I was looking for. I have no idea why I haven't come to this restaurant sooner. Fantastic!!”

Pros

  • Variety of options
  • Reasonable pricing

Cons

  • Customers recommend not to order through delivery due to long wait time and missing items.

4. Falafel World

Falafel World

Falafel World is a family-owned Lebanese based eatery that offers falafel, shawarma and other Middle Eastern dishes. Located in Bloor West Village, they freshly make all of their shawarmas and falafel in house and offer friendly customer service. 

Some of their highly rated foods include their Falafel Plate, Meat Pie Plate, Beef Shawarma Sandwich and Hummus Dip Sandwich. You can’t go wrong with any of their menu options. 

Their popular chicken, beef and falafel plates are served with chickpeas, hummus, tabbouleh (which is a salad mainly mixed with parsley, tomato, onion, olive oil, lemon, salt and bulgur), pita round flatbread, tahini sauce and hot sauce. 

If you’re wondering, the chicken shawarma plate is $14.35 and sandwich wrap is $8.00. You definitely got to visit this place to taste the fresh ingredients that will satisfy your belly!

Business Information:

Address: 2396 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S 1P5
Phone: (416)-769-9336
Website: ubereats.com

Customer Review Highlights:

“Have been to this family run local spot multiple times. Chicken shawarma plate, chicken pita and falafel are delicious. Large portions. Welcoming staff and a clean spot. Would recommend!”
“I could come here every day! Best food ever! Friendly staff, excellent flavours and options for your lunch or dinner. Dine in or take out. Either way, you will have the most amazing meal you could wish for! Real food, real experience!”

Pros

  • Huge portion size of food
  • Variety of options

Cons

  • Closes early at 8pm

5. Johnny’s Shawarma

Johnny’s Shawarma

Johnny’s Shawarma has been in business since 1995 by Johnny and Ani. With their Middle Eastern background, they incorporated fresh flavours and were passionate about making great tasting food and top notch service. They have been providing its customers with quality food in the heart of Scarborough. 

It is best known for its delicious shawarma and falafel, as well as the friendly staff. Some of the favourites here are their wraps and plates as their meat is always tender and their vegetables are fresh, resulting in a great-tasting meal. Their chicken shawarma dinner is $13.99 and pita wraps as well!

Business Information:

Address: 1904 Kennedy Rd, Scarborough, ON M1P 2L8
Phone: (416)-298-7917
Website:  johnnysshawarma.net

Customer Review Highlights:

“One of the best places I've been to in the city for shawarma. I had falafel, eggplant and beef and they were both amazing. Delicious food and great service I'll definitely be back again.”
“BEST Shawarma place I have found in Toronto! Moved from Ottawa which has the best Shawarma in the Country and this is what I get when I am craving a little bit of home!♡ LOVE this place!”

Pros

  • Open until 11pm
  • Offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten free options
  • Variety of options

Cons

  • Portions may be small

6. Pita Land

Pita Land

Pita Land has serviced the GTA with fresh and affordable shawarma, kebabs, souvlaki, falafel, gyro, salads and wraps, since 2003. They’ve made it their mission to bring their family’s table to yours, to share the healthy, fresh foods that they enjoy at home and at gatherings with their family, friends, and community.

They offer a large variety of food selections from wraps, poutine bowls, plates, potato bowls, burgers, pitabox and more. Their wraps including chicken shawarma, gyro and falafel will give you a delicious taste for a reasonable price.

The popular items we recommend are the chicken shawarma and falafel which are $22.64 and $20.64 as they serve large portions!

Business Information:

Address: 102 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5B 1G9
Phone: (416)-340-1991
Website: pitaland.ca

Customer Review Highlights:

“I know shawarma since my mum used to do it when I was a little kid. This shawarma is one of the few very best in Toronto. You will love it. Plus the staff is friendly 😃”
“At first I thought the price was outrageous! Then I got the large Shawarma, and understood the difference between a large and a regular. Great flavours combine to make it a satisfying place for a quick bite.”

Pros

  • Open very late until 4am which is awesome if you have late night food cravings!
  • Many locations in Toronto
  • Variety of options

Cons

  • Longer wait time (10-15 minutes)

7. Lazeez Shawarma

Lazeez Shawarma

Lazeez first opened in 2013 with the middle eastern founders having  strong connections over their common love for their Middle Eastern food. They cook authentic fresh flavours of food where they have the meat to be perfectly marinated and they add fresh vegetables with the addition of their signature sauces that will satisfy your taste buds!

We recommend trying their chicken shawarma platter that is finely cut chicken shawarma, roasted to perfection, served with plain or lentil rice, fresh crisp salad, savoury potatoes and gravy, or crispy fries. Topped with Lazeez’s signature garlic sauce, tahini, and your preferred degree of spiciness. 

Also, one of their famous dishes is called lazeez on the sticks (fries) which offer beef or chicken where the meat is tender and juicy! It is cooked with herbs, sauteed tomatoes, mouth watering garlic sauce, tahini, spices, onions and choice of spice level. 

You can buy it from $9.69 to $15.60 depending on the size you prefer (small, regular and large). Also, their shawarma wraps range from  $6.99 to $10.69(regular or large) depending on the type whether shawarma, donair , sandwich, souvlaki etc.

Business Information:

Address: 66 Overlea Blvd #17, Toronto, ON M4H 1C4
Phone: (647)-350-1777
Website: lazeezshawarma.com

Customer Review Highlights:

“I go to this lazeez so many times a month. Whenever I order from my workplace during lunch they always have it ready for pickup on time unlike other places that make me wait. Hands down, I recommend this location.”
“It's the best shawarma wrap I've tried in Toronto...just this location. Number 1”

Pros

  • Amazing big portions
  • Variety of options

Cons

  • Service can be slow

FAQs About Shawarmas

Shawarma, gyro, and donair are all similar dishes that are made with thinly sliced meat that’s been cooked on a rotating spit. The main difference between the three is the type of meat that’s used. Shawarma is typically made with chicken, lamb, beef, or turkey, while gyro is made with pork or lamb and donair is made with beef.

Typically, yes. Shawarma is a dish that’s traditionally made with halal meat, meaning the meat has been slaughtered in accordance with Islamic law. However, it’s always best to double-check with the restaurant to make sure the meat they’re using is halal.

This is a difficult question to answer as it depends on the ingredients that are used to make the shawarma. For example, a chicken shawarma wrap made with fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce is going to be healthier than one that’s made with fried chicken and covered in mayonnaise. In general, shawarmas are not considered to be a healthy food, but there are definitely healthier options available.

There’s no wrong way to eat shawarma, but the most common way is to simply wrap it up in a pita or flatbread and enjoy! Some people also like to add additional toppings or dipping sauces, while others prefer to eat it plain.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for delicious shawarma in Toronto, you can’t go wrong with any of these seven spots. Whether you want to try a classic or something more unique, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start trying some of the best shawarmas Toronto has to offer!

You might also like...

Toronto Blogs - Toronto Local News

Business Listings

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Sitemap