The 6 Best Shawarma Spots in Toronto You Need to Try Right Now

Location: 1961 Lawrence Ave East, Scarborough Starting off with the GOAT, the undisputed champion of shawarma in Toronto… SUMAQ! This Iraqi charcoal grill in Scarborough deserves all the hype it gets. What makes Sumaq special is their commitment to traditional cooking methods – the charcoal grill gives their meat this smoky flavour that you just can’t replicate. Their shawarma is simply on another level, with perfectly seasoned meat that’s crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. The bread is always fresh, the toppings are always on point, and their signature sauces tie everything together beautifully. Every bite is a flavour explosion! If you’re serious about shawarma, you NEED to make the trip to Scarborough for this spot. It’s absolutely worth it!

Location: 598 Queen Street West, Toronto Coming in hot at number two, we’ve got Alphas Shawarma on Queen West. This place is INSANE! The moment you walk in, you’re hit with those incredible aromas from the spinning shawarma. Their chicken is incredibly juicy, and their beef shawarma is packed with flavour. What pushes Alphas to the number two spot is their perfect execution – everything from the meat to the pickled veggies to their sauces is done with precision. Their wrapping technique is next level too, giving you that ideal balance in every bite. Located in such a vibey area of the city makes this a must-visit spot when you’re downtown.

Location: 449 Danforth Ave, Toronto Bronze medal goes to Wanas Shawarma on the Danforth! This place brings serious Middle Eastern vibes with incredible flavour. Their shawarma is consistently on point – always fresh, always delicious. The meat here has this amazing char on the outside that adds another dimension to the flavour profile. Their garlic sauce is LEGENDARY, and they’re super generous with it if you ask (which you definitely should). The atmosphere adds to the experience too – it feels like you’re getting the real deal. Wanas deserves this spot in the top three for sure!

4120 Dixie Road, Mississauga Number four on our list is Lezzet Shawarma in Mississauga. This place brings serious heat to the shawarma game! Their meat is marinated to perfection with this blend of spices that keeps me coming back. What really sets Lezzet apart is their attention to detail – from the way they stack and slice the meat to their homemade sauces that complement everything so well. Their wraps are tight and compact, meaning you get the perfect ratio of meat, veggies, and sauce in every bite. Don’t sleep on their falafel either – it’s some of the best in the city!

Location: 1848 Lawrence Ave East, Scarborough Coming in at number five, we’ve got Ghadir in Scarborough. This place is a hidden gem that the real ones know about! What I love about Ghadir is how they nail the perfect balance of flavours. Their shawarma has that beautiful charred exterior while staying tender and juicy inside. The bread is always fresh, and they don’t skimp on the toppings. Their tahini sauce deserves a special shoutout – it’s creamy, nutty, and hits different compared to other spots. Definitely one to check out if you’re in the east end.

Location: 5030 Maingate Dr, Unit 5, Mississauga Rounding out our list at number six is Yaseen’s Shawarma out in Mississauga. Don’t let the ranking fool you – this spot is still fire! What makes Yaseen’s stand out is their commitment to authentic flavours. Their meat is always juicy and well-seasoned, and their garlic sauce? Absolutely bangin’! The portions here are super generous too, so you definitely get your money’s worth. If you’re in the Mississauga area, this is definitely worth hitting up for a quick shawarma fix that doesn’t disappoint.