Despite the diversity and popularity of Middle Eastern restaurants in the city, it still feels as though it's one of the most underrated cuisines in the city. Middle Eastern cuisine spans over a dozen different countries and carries influences from neighbouring regions as well. The various blending of cultures is evident from the mixture of different spices, meats, grains, herbs and more. Luckily for us, there is a vast array of restaurants that help to satisfy any craving across the city and the GTA.
Here are some of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Toronto.
96 Ossington Ave
Azhar Kitchen & Bar
From Janet Zuccarini, chef Stuart Cameron and the Gusto 54, Azhar is a marketplace and restaurant nestled on the Ossington strip and offers authentic and mouthwatering Middle Eastern fare.
11 Duncan St
Byblos
This elegant Lebanese-inspired restaurant offers some of the city's best Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fare. Braised lamb shoulder, Syrian eggplant and Manti Dumplings are just some of the best dishes they offer. They just opened an uptown location recently that is just as incredible as its flagship location.
810 Queen St E
Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine - Queen
This group of family restaurants started in 2005 and has expanded across the city with four locations. They serve Middle Eastern fare with hip, exotic cocktails and award-winning hummus.
131 Bloor St W 2nd Floor
Amal Toronto
This Lebanese restaurant is perhaps the most stylish entrant on the list, with platters, meze, and skewers to accompany their beautiful backdrop and decor.
217 Geary Ave
Parallel
This Middle Eastern joint offers hummus, falafel, chicken musakhan and braised sea bream. Along with the popularity of the restaurant, their claim to local fame is their sesame butter which they make on-site.
414 Dupont St
Fat Pasha
This restaurant near Casa Loma specializes in Israeli and Middle Eastern fare. Popular dishes include labneh, hummus, whole roasted cauliflower and Linda's famous brisket.
226 Greenwood Ave
Maha's Restaurant
This tiny restaurant on the east end serves Egyptian-style brunch. Eating here feels like you're eating at the Chef's home with dishes made from scratch and served with exotic drinks like their coffees and teas.
3115 Winston Churchill Blvd
East Tea Can
One of the coolest restaurants on this list is located out in Mississauga. The decor is funky chic, while the food being offered is a blend of different regions.
Aga Khan Museum
Diwan
From executive chef Shen Ousmand comes this incredible restaurant located at the Aga Khan Museum. They've launched many dishes inspired by the Middle East, Turkey and India.
676 Queen St W
Soufi's
Considered Toronto's first Syrian restaurant, this spot is popular for their Manaeesh and Knafeh with wonderful drinks to boot.
1580 Bayview Ave
Mayrik
This Armenian restaurant in Leaside offers traditional fare in a more upscale comfort setting. Dishes are meant to be shared family-style and their cocktails are incredible too.
955 Eglinton Ave W
Jerusalem Restaurant
Having served Middle Eastern fare since 1971, this restaurant has two locations serving up all the classics like kebabs, shawarmas and even whole roasted lamb. There are buffet options as well.
494 Front St E
Souk Tabule
Located in the Canary District, this fast-casual Middle Eastern spot focuses on healthier plates with all-day brunch options.
5112 Dundas St W
Anatolia
Authentic Turkish cuisine can be found in this small strip mall in Etobicoke. Along with classic Turkish dishes like kebabs and beyti, they also do belly dancing nights.
4 Manor Rd E
Zezafoun Syrian Cuisine
Run by a mother-daughter duo offering comfort Syrian fare in a cozy cafe setting. They serve a variety of classics, including fatteh, kebbeh and lamb shanks.
1846-1848 Lawrence Ave E
Ghadir Meat
This spot is basically a Scarborough institution serving up shawarma and bbq platters. They occupy an entire plaza with a grocer, meat and fish market on the corner as well.
Despite the diversity and popularity of Middle Eastern restaurants in the city, it still feels as though it's one of the most underrated cuisines in the city. Middle Eastern cuisine spans over a dozen different countries and carries influences from neighbouring regions as well. The various blending of cultures is evident from the mixture of different spices, meats, grains, herbs and more. Luckily for us, there is a vast array of restaurants that help to satisfy any craving across the city and the GTA.
Here are some of the best Middle Eastern restaurants in Toronto.
96 Ossington Ave
Azhar Kitchen & Bar
From Janet Zuccarini, chef Stuart Cameron and the Gusto 54, Azhar is a marketplace and restaurant nestled on the Ossington strip and offers authentic and mouthwatering Middle Eastern fare.
11 Duncan St
Byblos
This elegant Lebanese-inspired restaurant offers some of the city's best Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fare. Braised lamb shoulder, Syrian eggplant and Manti Dumplings are just some of the best dishes they offer. They just opened an uptown location recently that is just as incredible as its flagship location.
810 Queen St E
Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine - Queen
This group of family restaurants started in 2005 and has expanded across the city with four locations. They serve Middle Eastern fare with hip, exotic cocktails and award-winning hummus.
131 Bloor St W 2nd Floor
Amal Toronto
This Lebanese restaurant is perhaps the most stylish entrant on the list, with platters, meze, and skewers to accompany their beautiful backdrop and decor.
217 Geary Ave
Parallel
This Middle Eastern joint offers hummus, falafel, chicken musakhan and braised sea bream. Along with the popularity of the restaurant, their claim to local fame is their sesame butter which they make on-site.
414 Dupont St
Fat Pasha
This restaurant near Casa Loma specializes in Israeli and Middle Eastern fare. Popular dishes include labneh, hummus, whole roasted cauliflower and Linda's famous brisket.
226 Greenwood Ave
Maha's Restaurant
This tiny restaurant on the east end serves Egyptian-style brunch. Eating here feels like you're eating at the Chef's home with dishes made from scratch and served with exotic drinks like their coffees and teas.
3115 Winston Churchill Blvd
East Tea Can
One of the coolest restaurants on this list is located out in Mississauga. The decor is funky chic, while the food being offered is a blend of different regions.
Aga Khan Museum
Diwan
From executive chef Shen Ousmand comes this incredible restaurant located at the Aga Khan Museum. They've launched many dishes inspired by the Middle East, Turkey and India.
676 Queen St W
Soufi's
Considered Toronto's first Syrian restaurant, this spot is popular for their Manaeesh and Knafeh with wonderful drinks to boot.
1580 Bayview Ave
Mayrik
This Armenian restaurant in Leaside offers traditional fare in a more upscale comfort setting. Dishes are meant to be shared family-style and their cocktails are incredible too.
955 Eglinton Ave W
Jerusalem Restaurant
Having served Middle Eastern fare since 1971, this restaurant has two locations serving up all the classics like kebabs, shawarmas and even whole roasted lamb. There are buffet options as well.
494 Front St E
Souk Tabule
Located in the Canary District, this fast-casual Middle Eastern spot focuses on healthier plates with all-day brunch options.
5112 Dundas St W
Anatolia
Authentic Turkish cuisine can be found in this small strip mall in Etobicoke. Along with classic Turkish dishes like kebabs and beyti, they also do belly dancing nights.
4 Manor Rd E
Zezafoun Syrian Cuisine
Run by a mother-daughter duo offering comfort Syrian fare in a cozy cafe setting. They serve a variety of classics, including fatteh, kebbeh and lamb shanks.
1846-1848 Lawrence Ave E
Ghadir Meat
This spot is basically a Scarborough institution serving up shawarma and bbq platters. They occupy an entire plaza with a grocer, meat and fish market on the corner as well.
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