10 Best Shawarma Spots Around Toronto For Cheap Eats & Juicy Wraps, According To Local Foodies

Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill

What Local Foodies Say: Marcello Varacalli, who goes by @marcelloeats on Instagram and TikTok, has had his fair share of shawarma in Toronto, and not only does he show just how juicy and delicious they are, but he also shares what makes each one so special. Varacalli is a guy who loves food and sharing hidden gems with his audience, and Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill was his first pick for wraps in the city.

He said they have fresh meat, which is cooked daily.

Also, the "bread [is] baked on the spot, they use a tandoor oven, which just brings the wrap to the next level. And the toum (garlic sauce) is savoury and it pairs perfectly with the pomegranate molasses," Marcello shared.

Another Toronto foodie that we interviewed for this article, who shares her thoughts later in the article, also said this spot is one of her favourites.

Tasmia Chowdhury, also known as TTCeats on social media, told Narcity that the fresh bread "makes the shawarma 10x better."

She also said, "Make sure you order it with chicken, fries, lettuce and all the sauces. They also add pomegranate molasses[...]They roast their Shawarmas on the grill making it smoky."

Address: 1961 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough

Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill Menu

Alpha's Shawarma

What Local Foodies Say: Alpha's Shawarma is a trending and popular joint in Toronto that people are constantly raving about on social media.

Varacalli said, "They absolutely stuff the wraps, the chickens always juicy and tender, if you ask for it for there, they even top your wrap with extra chicken and sauce."

So, if you love a loaded and juicy shawarma wrap, Alpha has got you covered — also, the garlic sauce looks so creamy!

Address: 598 Queen St W, Toronto

Alpha's Shawarma Menu

Wanas Shawarma

What Local Foodies Say: This shawarma joint serves Syrian-styled wraps and they add pomegranate molasses that just makes the sandwich taste sweet and savoury at the same time.

Varacalli said you can easily "swap this for Ghadir." If you have been eating shawarma for a while, you'd know that one of the most famous wraps is inside the Ghadir grocery store. So saying this place is an easy swap is a big deal.

The Toronto foodie shares that Wanas Shawarma's "quality is a 10/10," and if you choose to dine at the restaurant, they'll add extra chicken and sauce to your wrap.

Address: 449 Danforth Ave, Toronto

Wanas Shawarma Menu

Shawarma Moose

What Local Foodies Say: Tasmia Chowdhury is the content creator behind TTCeats on Instagram and TikTok. She has a Bangladeshi background and a lot of experience trying different foods around the city. From sharing fun date ideas to halal spots around the city, you can find many new and exciting things on her page — and she recommended Shawarma Moose.

Unlike the other shawarma spots mentioned in this article, this Toronto restaurant brings new ingredients to the game.

Chowdhury said she likes their wraps because they are "made with a secret tomato sauce which has a unique taste! They are also loaded with the crispest fries! While you are there, don't forget to try their shawarma poutine."

Now, shawarma poutine may sound odd to some, but from the looks of it, it might be something you should try because why not?

Also, their wraps are very customizable, which could be a plus for any picky eaters out there.

Address: 898 College St, Toronto

Shawarma Moose Menu

Shawarma Royale

What Local Foodies Say: There are 13 Shawarma Royale locations in the GTA and Chowdhury said they have one of their favourite shawarmas.

She said, "Their meat is so juicy and flavourful. You won't find another spot like this, it doesn't even need any sauces, it's THAT good!"

Shawarma Royale is a Syrian shawarma joint serving Canadians for 30 years.

The founder, Mohammed Roumia, said he "spent over 20 years perfecting the art of creating authentic Syrian shawarma, and he knew that he had something exceptional to share."

Address: Various locations

Shawarma Royale Menu

Tahini's

What Local Foodies Say: Alk, who is a foodie on Instagram and TikTok shares his honest opinions about food from restaurants in front of the owners. When we asked him to share his best shawarma spots in the city, he said that he has not yet found that and believes it's tough to beat his mom's wraps. Instead, he wanted to share what he enjoyed about three other spots.

Tahini's is a shawarma restaurant with many locations in the GTA, and that's why Alk likes it.

He told Narcity that if he were to visit a shawarma spot, it would be Tahini's because it's the "most convenient" option for him.

Also, it closes late on most nights, has quick service and is a "quiet spot."

Tahnini's offers customers a lot more than just shawarma so if you wanted to try new things with Middle Eastern flavours, this would be a great place to go.

Address: Various locations.

Tahini's Menu

Ghadir Meat & Restaurant

What Local Foodies Say: Ghadir doesn't only serve one of the best shawarmas in the GTA, but it's also a grocery store filled with delicious Middle Eastern foods.

Alk said that Ghadir is the most authentic. The foodie said that the "flavourful, portions and the food hits like back home style."

Address: 1848 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough

Ghadir Meat & Restaurant Website

Shawarma Empire

What Local Foodies Say: Hussein believes this shawarma restaurant is the "most slept on." He chose it to be one of his three options because it's a "low-key spot with a good 2 for 1 deal, and their breads [are] also unique."

So if you were looking for something quick, Hussein said there are "never huge lines" and it's "very delicious."

Address: 1823 Lawrence Ave. E., Toronto

Shawarma Empire Menu

Shawarma Alzaeem

What Local Foodies Say: As a food writer for Narcity who has reviewed many Toronto restaurants, I can't go without listing my own top picks. I am an Arab who grew up in the Middle East her whole life and I have had my fair share of shawarma in the city, especially when I'm homesick. While some may seem like the best, they are the farthest from being the most authentic. So I wanted to come here and share two of my favourite shawarma spots in the city too.

Shawarma Alzaeem serves authentic Syrian-style shawarma, and it's so good you'll want to keep going back for more.

When I go, I love going with friends and getting one of their family platters because cut-up pieces of shawarma taste so much better than biting into a massive wrap. It's also more affordable.

The platter comes with fries, garlic sauce and extra pickles, which is always a plus. So, if you're in Mississauga and craving shawarma, I would strongly recommend Shawarma Alzaeem.

Address: 1018 Eglinton Ave. E., Mississauga

Shawarma Alzaeem Menu

Yaseen's Shawarma

What Local Foodies Say: Yaseen's Shawarma is very popular in the Arab community because it is so good and very authentic.

The shawarma at Yaseen's is massive and worth every penny. Even though I typically get chicken shawarma at Yaseen's, the beef one took me by complete surprise.

The meat is juicy and so flavourful. Also, you won't want to miss out on the fries; they are Costco-level goods.

Address: 5030 Maingate Dr., Mississauga

Yaseen's Shawarma Menu