The 8 Best Shawarma Spots in Toronto [2023]

  • Last updated: August 1, 2023
Best Shawarmas in Toronto

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food – warm, fluffy shawarma wraps filled with your favorite ingredients. A beloved Middle Eastern dish, shawarmas have become a hit among Toronto foodies. Made with chicken, lamb, beef, or turkey, and topped with fresh veggies and tzatziki sauce, these juicy delights are sure to satisfy your cravings.

To make your choice easier, we’ve handpicked the 8 best shawarmas in Toronto. From affordability to deliciousness and a variety of toppings, these spots have it all!

And if you’re craving more than just shawarma, don’t miss our list of the best falafels, the best burgers, or the best pizza spots in Toronto for even more mouthwatering options!

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 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!

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 is a top choice for high-quality shawarma near the College area. Their menu includes a variety of Lebanese-inspired dishes, such as shawarma wraps with options like chicken, beef, falafel, veggie, and fish fillet. They also offer fresh salads, combo options with rice and potatoes, and two kids’ combo choices.

With prices ranging from $10.99 to $15.49, Lebanon Express caters to all budgets. Plus, they stay open past 1 am every day, making it a perfect spot for a late-night meal. You can also enjoy their delicious offerings through convenient delivery options via Uber Eats, Skip The Dishes, Doordash, and Foodara. Don’t miss out on this delightful shawarma destination!

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

At Mzaar Restaurant, you’ll find classic Lebanese cuisine, including shawarma, made with fresh ingredients. Known for generous portions at great prices, they offer shawarma wraps, fresh salads, and signature dishes.

Their unique options include the “Caramelized Onion Chicken Shawarma Plate,” featuring marinated chicken shawarma grilled with caramelized onions, and the “Fries Beiruti Shawarma Wrap,” a seasoned chicken shawarma with crispy fries, garlic, and pickles wrapped in a pita.

With pricing ranging from $5.50 to $20, their famous Saj caramelized chicken shawarma goes for $18.99. Enjoy the flavors of Lebanon through curbside pickup and delivery. Mzaar Restaurant is your go-to destination for delightful Lebanese cuisine!

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

Discover the flavors of Lebanon at Falafel World, a family-owned eatery in Bloor West Village. Indulge in freshly made shawarmas, falafel, and other delectable Middle Eastern dishes, all served with friendly customer service.

Highly rated items like their Falafel Plate, Meat Pie Plate, Beef Shawarma Sandwich, and Hummus Dip Sandwich promise a delightful dining experience. Their popular chicken, beef, and falafel plates come with chickpeas, hummus, tabbouleh, pita round flatbread, tahini sauce, and hot sauce.

With the chicken shawarma plate at $15.93 and the sandwich wrap at $8.63, you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of fresh ingredients that will leave your belly happy. Don’t miss out on this Lebanese gem – visit Falafel World for an unforgettable culinary journey!

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 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 $15.99 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 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, established in 2013 by Middle Eastern founders who share a passion for authentic flavors, offers mouthwatering dishes with perfectly marinated meat, fresh veggies, and signature sauces.

Try their chicken shawarma platter, featuring finely cut roasted chicken shawarma served with rice, salad, potatoes, and gravy or fries, all topped with Lazeez’s signature garlic sauce and tahini.

Prices range from $8.99 to $13.99 for their shawarma wraps and $8.99 to $16.99 for Lazeez on the Sticks, depending on your preferred size and type. Get ready to savor the authentic Middle Eastern flavors at Lazeez!

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

8. Shawarma Empire

At Shawarma Empire, you’ll discover one of the best shawarmas in the city. Indulge in generous portions of well-seasoned chicken paired with tasty garlic sauce, and don’t forget the side of bread for the hummus – a delightful touch.

Be prepared for a bustling lunch crowd, as this popular spot offers great customer service and friendly staff. Their phenomenal and healthy food features juicy meat and fresh vegetables, making the plates and sandwiches a satisfying delight.

Shawarma Empire is known for its generous portions, offering more meat compared to other shawarma spots in the GTA, all at very affordable prices – the best bang for your buck.

Business Information:

Address: 1823 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R 2Y3, Canada
Phone: +14162851337
Website: shawarmaempire.com

Customer Review Highlights:

“My husband and I come here frequently. We usually go for either the chicken shawarma pita and/or the plate. The chicken is flavourful and they are generous with the toppings. It is always delicious and it is reasonably priced. We love it here.”
“My most favourite place for shawarma . Definitely a must try. I love their falafel and chicken shawarma . And you can easily eat 2 if you’re hungry . Everything is under $15. Plates are about $15 and some come with fries . I prefer sandwiches and you can add extra sauce or make it hot”

Pros

  • Generous portions
  • Juicy meat and fresh vegetables
  • Affordable Prices

Cons

  • The place can get busy

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

When it comes to delicious shawarma in Toronto, these eight spots have got you covered. Whether you crave a classic rendition or something more unique, each place promises a mouthwatering experience. 

So don’t hesitate any longer – venture out and savor some of the best shawarmas Toronto has to offer! Your taste buds will thank you for the culinary adventure. Enjoy!

Veronika Zotova

Veronika Zotova

Veronika Zotova is marketing manager at Local View Tech. She was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine. Learn More About Veronika Zotova

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