Aliu IsaEvery now and then, I like to shake things up and bring my crew to one of the best Moroccan restaurants in the 6ix.
Why? I mean, who couldn’t resist a comforting plate of couscous royale, loaded with fluffy couscous, tender chunks of meat, and veggies? Or, a delicious pot of chicken tagine—tender and juicy chicken simmered with saffron, lemons, and olives—yum!
Everyone knows I’m not one to gatekeep, so here’s a complete guide to the most amazing Moroccan restaurants in TO. Book ahead since they fill up fast!
Byblos Downtown
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Website: https://byblosdowntown.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byblostoronto
Address: 11 Duncan St
Hours:
- Mon – Wed, Sun: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Thurs – Sat: 5 PM – 11 PM
Contact: (647) 660-0909
Must-Order: Lamb Ribs w/ Razel Hanout
Byblos believes in using a mix of traditional and modern techniques to provide delicious Eastern Mediterranean and Moroccan eats.
One must-have is their tender lamb ribs, with raz el hanout, a classic Moroccan spice blend, and paired with yogurt and red chili schug. Very filling, and very delicious!
Another Moroccan-inspired dish is their whole-grilled branzino, served with chermoula— a North African marinade with herbs, garlic, and Moroccan spices. Pair these dishes with their sweet jeweled rice (saffron, barberries, and almonds), and you’re all set.
Wait, I almost forgot the dessert–make sure to get their yummy lemon olive oil cake!
Pro Tip:
We recommend pairing your Moroccan food with one of their yummy cocktails. Our fave is The Sultan’s Nightcap, a memorable combo of bitter and sweet flavors.
Souk Tabule
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Website: https://souktabule.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabulemiddleasterncuisine
Address: 494 Front St E
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Sat – Sun: 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 583-5914
Must-Order: Kefta Burger
Souk Tabule, located in Toronto’s Canary District, offers Lebanese and Moroccan dishes. Souk means “market,” and it reflects the restaurant having many conceptual “stalls”—part cafe, part bakery, and part fast casual eatery.
We always start with their Batata Harra—spiced fried potatoes seasoned with cumin, paprika, and herbs. It’s a great appetizer that would certainly whet your appetite.
But our main fave here is the Kefta Burger, a modern twist on the Moroccan kefta. Imagine biting into a juicy ground lamb and beef patty, with cumin, paprika, and garlic.
As for the spot itself, we love its bustling vibe—much like a real souk—from the lovely patio to the front section. However, if you need more privacy, there’s a charming spot at the back with a communal table and a vintage chandelier.
Pro Tip:
While you’re there, grab versatile staples so that you can whip up delicious Moroccan dishes at home. We recommend the za’atar, harissa hot sauce, and of course, their extra virgin olive oil—great for drizzling over salads or dipping fresh bread!
Diwan
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Website: https://agakhanmuseum.org/diwan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agakhanmuseum/
Address: Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr, North York
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs, Sun: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 8 PM
Contact: (416) 646-4670
Must-Order: Green Harissa Shrimp Kebab
If you want mouthwatering food after looking at gorgeous Islamic art, then Diwan is the place for you. Located in the Aga Khan Museum, it offers Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian cuisines, which include Moroccan dishes.
This is not your run-of-the-mill museum eatery either. This gorgeous Insta-worthy spot is helmed by Chef Mark McEwan, the youngest ever Executive Chef at the Sutton Place Hotel, who later founded The McEwan Group.
We definitely recommend the Green Harissa Shrimp Kebab. Harissa is a paste, typically used in Moroccan cooking, giving the shrimp skewers a bold, smoky heat that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Another yummy must-order is their Braised Lamb Shank. This ultra-tender, slow-braised lamb with spiced chickpeas is simply fantastic, especially if you’re looking for comforting, hearty fare.
Pro Tip:
Want to know a secret? During mid-May until September, secure a spot at Diwan’s patio—it’s deemed one of TO’s prettiest patios by Now Magazine and the LA Times!
The Sultan’s Tent and Cafe Moroc
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Website: https://www.thesultanstent.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesultanstent
Address: 49 Front St E
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs, Sun: 5 PM – 9:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 5 PM – 11:30 PM
Contact: (416) 961-0601
Must-Order: Moroccan Crab Cakes
French-Moroccan cuisine, jewel-toned tents, and belly dancers—these can all be found at The Sultan’s Tent and Café Moroc. For over 30 years, they’ve been the go-to spot for those craving Moroccan food served in a quaint Casablanca-inspired setting.
Start with the Harira Soup, a Moroccan classic with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and spices. This homey and hearty bowl is ideal when you want to ward off the Toronto cold.
Another scrumptious offering is their Moroccan Crab Cakes, seasoned with chermoula and served with chipotle aioli—a perfect fusion of French and Moroccan cuisine.
One thing we love is that their lovely staff are more than happy to recommend wine and cocktail pairings. This just shows how passionate they are about their offerings.
Pro Tip:
Here’s a nifty, money-saving tip: From Sunday to Thursday, you can grab a two-course dinner at Sultan’s Tent for only $58 or three courses for $68. Yay!
Avant Gout
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Website: https://www.avantgoutrestaurant.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avantgout/
Address: 1108 Yonge St
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs, Sun: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 5:30 PM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 916-3681
Must-Order: Moroccan Spiced Slow Braised Lamb Shank
Nestled in Rosedale, Avant Goût is a low-key bistro offering French-Moroccan fare.
Right away, you’ll notice its charming French-inspired decor. Meaning, gorgeous exposed brick walls, plush leather chairs, dim lighting, and dark wooden floors—definitely ideal for a cozy date or intimate dinner.
As for food, a crowd pleaser is the Moroccan Spiced Slow Braised Lamb Shank, slow-cooked with warm fragrant spices until it practically melts off the bone.
Another dish they’re known for is their Tagine-style Fresh Atlantic Salmon, a cool French-Moroccan fusion dish with hints of saffron and other earthy spices.
Pro Tip:
To complement your Moroccan dish, pair it with wine from their wide selection imported from wineries in Italy, France, Chile, and California, just to name a few. And if you don’t speak wine, no worries—their servers are more than happy to help!
Fat Pasha
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Website: https://fatpasha.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatpasha
Address: 414 Dupont St
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Sat – Sun: 11 AM – 3 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (647) 646-1698
Must-Order: Chopped Lamb & Beef Kefta
For a full-on flavor fiesta, check out the whimsically named Fat Pasha, which roughly translates to ‘big boss.’ Well, only a boss could serve Middle Eastern, Moroccan, Jewish, and European-inspired cuisine and get away with it—with flying colors!
Try their classic Moroccan fare, Chopped Lamb & Beef Kefta—chunks of juicy, spiced meat served in a rich, smoky, eggplant and tomato stew. We recommend just getting in there (don’t be shy!) and scooping up every last drop of sauce with their pillowy pita.
Now, if you want a veggie-forward dish, try the Charred Chunky Za’aluk. This is another powerful eggplant and tomato combo that’s so good you might not want to share.
If you want to be a big boss at home, work, or a special event, then go for their Grateful Catering service. You can order a full Moroccan-inspired feast and sides with no fuss.
Pro Tip:
Don’t skip dessert! Fat Pasha has an amazing Baklava Cheesecake—it’s a Moroccan-inspired masterpiece with rose syrup, walnuts, and honey.
Amal
Media credit: amaltoronto
Website: http://www.amaltoronto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaltoronto/
Address: 131 Bloor St W 2nd Floor
Hours:
- Monday: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Tue – Wed: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Thurs – Fri: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 551-9929
Must-Order: Kefta Burger
If you’re craving Lebanese and Moroccan-inspired food, then Amal is the perfect dining spot for you. Named as one of OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants, not only is their food delicious, their exquisite interiors are seriously so gorgeous.
Their Kefta Burger is one of our all-time favorites. Who wouldn’t want a gourmet burger made of Ontario minced beef and lamb, with tangy preserved lemons and silky aioli?
Another must-try is their Pita Arrayes. This modern Moroccan-inspired offering is packed with spiced minced beef and lamb, combined with radish, bell peppers, and—of course—pomegranate molasses.
A heads up for party people—go on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Here, you can dance to live DJ beats on their dance floor; it’s a great way to welcome the weekend!
Pro Tip:
Want to work on your tan? Then, snag a seat at Amal’s outdoor patio and enjoy your mouthwatering Moroccan meal with a side of fresh air.
