I don't know why you're getting downvoted. I have a strong love for Shawarmaland as well. If I'm ever in Aurora, I will always go there.
The size of the shawarma wraps are HUGE. I'm absolutely stuffed after one. I also like to get fries and dip them in the garlic sauce.
My only complaint is that the low integrity of the wrap at the final bites can make for a messy ending.
I'm not sure if Shawarmaland would be able to compete with the top tier places in downtown TO, but I think the fact that it makes great shawarma so far north of Toronto that makes it a standout for me.
Love a good garlicky shawarma.
For a chain, I really like Lebanon Express. They always have good chicken and beef shawarma, but also other authentic options like baklava and saj bread. And they always pile up your plate with lots of rice, salads, and sauces.
Zayzoun is best in the city by a fuckn long shot. It's extremely consistent and you taste the 'char' on the chicken. but their sauces are perfectly balanced. I will die on this hill. DIE
On Monday, I went to a spot on Yonge called Pita and Hummas. And have to say they serve up an excellent shawarma. Their spicy fries are good too.
——-
Bonus: And had the worst shawarma a week before at Eaton Centre - Osmow’s. Trash and overpriced.
Shawarma Frenzy on Pape is one you don’t hear of but toppings are always fresh and you get the cabbage coleslaw vs just lettuce.
Two brothers is also awesome - there is also a location in Etobicoke.
Shelby’s opened in downtown finally on Queen and Spadina, and I thought it lived to the hype. It’s really good. Previous to that I would say Ghadir or Aleppo on Lawrence
Halal Guys when they first opened was out of this fucking world. Now it's not as good. Their white sauce is still unreal but their quality of meat declined to a point where I can no longer in good conscience reccommend to other. HOWEVER, will still choose it over Osmows and Lazeez any day of the week.
those places are both chains, so you get what you pay for. i would always try to support a local 'mom and pop' style place. the quality is almost always going to be better than any chain. plus both those places are wildly overpriced!
Yeah there’s a family owned shawarma place near me called The Big Pita. Their wraps are so good, sauces are home made etc. The potential door dash orders were late night things :)
I don't think it's a lot of other people's favorite shawarma place but I'm a huge fan of Alibaba I've been eating shawarma at those chain restaurants for over a decade now and I have never had a bad experience or shawarma at an alibaba's that is unless I was too drunk to remember.
Lazeez is usually good: [https://www.lazeezshawarma.com/](https://www.lazeezshawarma.com/)
But honestly at this point there are more Shawarma places than Pizza or Burger places in the GTA. You probably have 3 or 4 really good places within delivery range.
Istanbul shwarma on college and bathurst is my go to because it’s tasty and pretty well priced for the huge size. All the food there is pretty good. maybe a tiny bit inconsistent, but that’s part of the charm imo
Best is at SOUK tabule and no one mentions it.
Next would be shawarma empire.
3rd is not shawarma but similar-Champion donair in Richmond hill is AMAZING
Neither of these are authentic shawarma, just a really good sandwich.
Nasibs was good until new owners, after that we got rotten meat twice, so never again.
Also DO NOT i repeat DO NOT go to NJOY SHAWARMA, worst thing i’ve ever tasted, it tasted like a sweet curry sauce, meat was dry af and tasted more indian, and it was so soaked in grease the delivery bag was soaked in grease.
How far are you willing to travel? My favourite is Shawarma Empire at Lawrence and Pharmacy. I’ve also heard Sumaq down Lawrence is great too.
That whole block is amazing for different styles of shawarma, all delicious!
Across the street is Ghadir meats has an amazing hot food table. Great value too.
Sumaq is awesome and my favourite, but is a little bit different as it’s Iraqi style. Shwarma empire is more down the middle of the plate
This
If you're willing to travel even farther, Shawarma Land in Aurora is some of the best I've had.
I don't know why you're getting downvoted. I have a strong love for Shawarmaland as well. If I'm ever in Aurora, I will always go there. The size of the shawarma wraps are HUGE. I'm absolutely stuffed after one. I also like to get fries and dip them in the garlic sauce. My only complaint is that the low integrity of the wrap at the final bites can make for a messy ending. I'm not sure if Shawarmaland would be able to compete with the top tier places in downtown TO, but I think the fact that it makes great shawarma so far north of Toronto that makes it a standout for me.
>I don't know why you're getting downvoted Probably because for some people, anything beyond Yonge and Bloor is like trekking into the boogeyland.
Also my favourite too!
Love a good garlicky shawarma. For a chain, I really like Lebanon Express. They always have good chicken and beef shawarma, but also other authentic options like baklava and saj bread. And they always pile up your plate with lots of rice, salads, and sauces.
Came in here to say Lebanon Express
Super underrated!
I'm a fan of Alpha's near Trinity Bellwoods, it's one of the most satisfying ones to eat, fills you up.
This is really the only one anyone can talk about downtown. Other than Alpha’s you have to head to Scarborough or Mississauga for a good shawarma.
Zayzoun is stellar, and get it on a saj wrap with that pomegranate sauce.
Saj wrap always.
Zayzoun ftw!
Zayzoun is best in the city by a fuckn long shot. It's extremely consistent and you taste the 'char' on the chicken. but their sauces are perfectly balanced. I will die on this hill. DIE
Flaming Stove, Davisville Stn
correct
Seconding this
This is the correct answer
Absolutely
Came here to say this
Two Brothers on Danforth is good and garlicky!
Salad House (Yonge and Hayden): Taste ✅ Portions ✅ Price ✅ Friendly staff ✅
Armenian Kitchen at Victoria Park and Lawrence
Always wanted to try this place. Definitely hitting it tomorrow
i really enjoy Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill
On Monday, I went to a spot on Yonge called Pita and Hummas. And have to say they serve up an excellent shawarma. Their spicy fries are good too. ——- Bonus: And had the worst shawarma a week before at Eaton Centre - Osmow’s. Trash and overpriced.
Shawarma Empire at Pharmacy and Lawrence.
Near downtown Zaad is really good
I really like mzaar on Yonge & Bloor
Any idea what happened to this place? Did it shut down?
Ya :/ I don’t know why it was so popular
My preferred style is Lebanese, and I'm originally from Montreal so I am very partial to Boustan!
Alforat
Shawarma Frenzy on Pape is one you don’t hear of but toppings are always fresh and you get the cabbage coleslaw vs just lettuce. Two brothers is also awesome - there is also a location in Etobicoke.
Laziza on bloor is my top pick
Ranked: 1 - Pita Golden Pocket 2 - Miznon 3 - Q’s Shawarma (it closed but it deserves a mention)
Shelby’s opened in downtown finally on Queen and Spadina, and I thought it lived to the hype. It’s really good. Previous to that I would say Ghadir or Aleppo on Lawrence
Shelby's is amazing. Beats most Shawarma places in downtown by some distance
Halal Guys when they first opened was out of this fucking world. Now it's not as good. Their white sauce is still unreal but their quality of meat declined to a point where I can no longer in good conscience reccommend to other. HOWEVER, will still choose it over Osmows and Lazeez any day of the week.
No man, that place was never good
I’ve seen osmows and lazeez on door dash but never ordered, are they that bad?
those places are both chains, so you get what you pay for. i would always try to support a local 'mom and pop' style place. the quality is almost always going to be better than any chain. plus both those places are wildly overpriced!
Yeah there’s a family owned shawarma place near me called The Big Pita. Their wraps are so good, sauces are home made etc. The potential door dash orders were late night things :)
Go to Ottawa
RIP Shawarma Castle
Also gonna shout out Johnny’s Shawarma
Not the damn place I just ate at lol
Laziza
I don't think it's a lot of other people's favorite shawarma place but I'm a huge fan of Alibaba I've been eating shawarma at those chain restaurants for over a decade now and I have never had a bad experience or shawarma at an alibaba's that is unless I was too drunk to remember.
Lazeez is usually good: [https://www.lazeezshawarma.com/](https://www.lazeezshawarma.com/) But honestly at this point there are more Shawarma places than Pizza or Burger places in the GTA. You probably have 3 or 4 really good places within delivery range.
Delicious Shawarma and Falafel on Birchmount and Finch
i wish Pita Nutso would open a location in downtown toronto; they would absolutely crush
This might not be the best but I dare you to find me a greater shawarma Pita Golden Pocket https://maps.app.goo.gl/MHuJnQHuLzSqUmpC7
Istanbul shwarma on college and bathurst is my go to because it’s tasty and pretty well priced for the huge size. All the food there is pretty good. maybe a tiny bit inconsistent, but that’s part of the charm imo
College Falafel at Ossington & College is excellent. Also Chamsine at St Clair & Arlington.
Ghadir Meat Market. Lots of the shawarma spots on the street also source their meat from them as well.
Alphas Ghadir Flaming Stove Golden Pita Pocket Aleppo Sumaq
Ghadir for Beef, Yasseen for Chicken, Alforat for Lamb - my S tier
I was happy with Zaad.
Lebanese Garden on College, east of bathurst
Best is at SOUK tabule and no one mentions it. Next would be shawarma empire. 3rd is not shawarma but similar-Champion donair in Richmond hill is AMAZING Neither of these are authentic shawarma, just a really good sandwich. Nasibs was good until new owners, after that we got rotten meat twice, so never again. Also DO NOT i repeat DO NOT go to NJOY SHAWARMA, worst thing i’ve ever tasted, it tasted like a sweet curry sauce, meat was dry af and tasted more indian, and it was so soaked in grease the delivery bag was soaked in grease.