Aliu IsaNot many people are familiar with Turkish food, but I certainly am—I love delicious kebabs, flavorful mezes, and sweet, flaky baklava. Pair them with rich Turkish coffee, and you’ve got yourself an unbelievable meal.
And another thing—Turkey is home to over 140 types of dishes that use eggplant as a key ingredient! Meaning a lot of these yummy eggplant dishes are great for vegetarians and vegans—cool, huh?
So, as a self-appointed ambassador of all things delicious, I made it my goal to let everyone know the yummy offerings Turkey has to offer. Without further ado, here are the best Turkish restaurants in Toronto that you simply must try!
Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine
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Website: http://www.thebosphorus.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bosphorustoronto/
Address: 4205 Keele St #17, North York
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Sat – Sun: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (647) 348-8000
Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine offers authentic Turkish food that totally transports you to Turkey with its classic Ottoman dishes. The chefs have been whipping up culinary magic for over 20 years, and it definitely shows.
From fresh salads and tasty appetizers to mouthwatering pies and perfectly grilled meats, Bosphorus has it all. We also love their bread—it’s fresh, hot, and seriously yummy—and their kofta, very flavorful without being spicy.
Bonus points for using fresh, halal meat and importing a ton of ingredients straight from Turkey. Whether you’re coming with the whole family for wraps and dips or planning a leisurely meal with friends, Bosphorus has got you covered.
Pro Tip:
The only thing missing at Bosphorus is alcohol. But don’t worry, we think their Kabak Tatlisi (yummy pumpkin dessert) and decadent Turkish ice cream are seriously good alternatives.
Flame Food + Design
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Website: https://flame.plus/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flame.plus
Address: 2197 Bloor St W
Hours: Tue – Sun: 12 PM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 762-6000
Flame Food + Design is this super cool spot that’s like three awesome places in one. You’ve got a cafe upstairs with great coffee and a chill vibe, a design store to check out, and then downstairs? A total Turkish food dream!
Run by a husband and wife team, a professor and a chef, Flame is basically their creative playground. The food is a modern take on Anatolian flavors, but they cook it on an Argentinian grill, which is a pretty cool combo.
As for food, they offer juicy grilled meats and mezze dishes. We’re totally obsessed with their lamb rack, marinated in coconut milk—tender and flavorful.
And if you’re into veal, order the Delicioso—it’s slow-cooked to perfection with a sweet and savory sauce.
Pro Tip:
Good news—before your food arrives, Flame Food + Design offers guests a free plate called “Nice To Meet You.” It’s got this amazing Turkish bread with a killer olive oil mix—the perfect starter to your Turkish adventure.
Mustafa
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Website: http://mustafarestaurant.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustafarestaurant/
Address: 866 Wilson Ave, North York
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact Details: (416) 631-0300
If you’re looking for the ultimate Turkish pizza experience in Toronto, Mustafa is the place to be. Their pide, which is basically a Turkish pizza, is out of this world—it’s this long, flat boat-shaped bread stuffed with all sorts of deliciousness.
Their most popular one is super simple but insanely good: ground beef with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and herbs. The dough is thin and crispy, and they cut it into big slices—seriously addictive.
Before you dive into your pizza, you gotta try their Turkish tea (typically served before your meal). It’s strong, a little bitter, and super refreshing—served in these tiny glasses—and it’s a total taste adventure.
Pro Tip:
If you’re feeling adventurous, try Mustafa’s Iskender—a crazy good meat dish with a ton of sauce and yogurt. It comes covered in a metal dome, so when they lift it off, it’s like a mini-explosion of deliciousness; plus, the bread they serve with it is amazing!
Kismet Turkish Restaurant
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Website: https://order.online/store/kismet-turkish-restaurant-toronto-24795578/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kismetturkishrestaurant/
Address: 782 Queen St E
Hours:
- Tue – Wed, Fri, Sun: 11 AM – 11:30 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 12 AM
Contact: (416) 462-8745
Nestled in the Riverside neighborhood, Kismet is easy to spot with its “Chicken, Kebab, Doner” signage, signaling its expertise in these delicious specialties.
Their whole roast chicken is insanely juicy and satisfying. But if you’re more of a kebab person, they’ve got five different kinds, all served up with tasty rice, veggies, and bread.
I’m a big fan of their Adana kebab—it comes with this spicy tomato dip that’s super flavorful. The kebab itself is fresh and the whole meal is super filling.
As a cherry on top, the staff is super friendly!
Pro Tip:
Definitely take advantage of Kismet’s outdoor seating. The back patio is beautifully decorated, calm, and intimate, and they also offer free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected while you dine.
Pasaj
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Website: https://pasajtoronto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pasajtoronto/
Address: 1100 Queen St E
Hours:
- Mon, Thurs: 11 AM – 4:30 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 5 PM
- Sat – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Contact Details: (647) 398-9010
Pasaj is this cool spot in Leslieville that’s owned by a husband and wife duo who totally get Turkish food. The name actually means “passage” in Turkish, which is like a little shopping or eating area in Istanbul.
The place is bright and airy, and it feels like you’re actually transported to a little corner of Istanbul. Their menu focuses on brunch, and their Turkish-inspired dishes are definitely next level.
You gotta try their Break-Feast, a Turkish breakfast feast with all the good stuff: meats, cheeses, olives, jams, and a killer bread basket. The bread alone is worth the trip—they’ve got everything from classic Turkish rye to cornbread with a Turkish twist.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for something sweet, Pasaj‘s Grandma’s Pancakes are a must-try. It’s a totally unique take on a classic brunch dish—fluffy pancakes with sour cherry jam, creamy yogurt cheese, and crunchy pistachio.
Byblos Uptown
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Website: https://byblosuptown.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/byblostoronto/
Address: 2537 Yonge St
Hours:
- Mon – Wed, Sun: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Thurs – Sat: 5 PM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 487-4897
Byblos Uptown is the fancy sibling of the original Byblos Downtown. This place is seriously stylish, with lush, gorgeous tapestries and rugs; it’s like dining in a chic, grown-up living room.
For appetizers, you have to try their Turkish manti dumplings stuffed with eggplant and covered in molasses and chives. Trust me, they’re way richer than they sound.
For your main course, the slow-roasted lamb shoulder is a must—it’s this huge, tender piece of lamb that’s been slow-cooked to perfection. You basically pull off chunks and wrap them in their homemade flatbread—sounds like fun!
Pro Tip:
If you want to kick things up a notch, we recommend heading upstairs to Byblos Uptown’s fun little cocktail bar. They’ve got some seriously creative drinks—for instance, the Uptown Girl is amazing!
Meat Point
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Website: https://www.meatpoint.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meatpointca/
Address: 1021 Wilson Ave, North York
Hours:
- Mon, Wed – Fri: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Sat – Sun: 9 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 638-6721
Meat Point isn’t just about kebabs (though they’re amazing!)—they’ve got this killer Turkish breakfast game that’s totally worth checking out. And don’t worry, everything is certified halal, so it’s perfect for everyone.
Instead of your usual breakfast, imagine a plate filled with all sorts of delicious Turkish goodies—eggs cooked with sujuk and this spicy Turkish sausage. To soak up every last drop with their homemade flatbread—fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try their Paca soup; it’s made from tongue, and I know it sounds weird, but it’s actually very rich and flavorful. Think of it as a Turkish comfort food kind of thing, and you’d enjoy it—we promise!
Pro Tip:
Fancy an authentic Turkish beverage? Pair your meal with bitter-but-fragrant Turkish tea, served from a special charcoal-burning samovar that keeps the teapot warm throughout your meal.
Galata Cafe
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Website: https://www.galatacafe.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galata.cafe/
Address: 5122 Dundas St W, Etobicoke
Hours:
- Monday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Tuesday: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Wed – Sun: 9 AM – 8 PM
Contact: (647) 351-4888
Galata Cafe is like a little slice of Turkey right here in the city. It’s run by the same folks behind Anatolia, so you know the food is gonna be good.
They focus on breakfast, pastries, and amazing Turkish coffee and tea.
Their Turkish breakfast is basically a bunch of little dishes that come together to make a perfect morning meal. You get cheese, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a bunch of other goodies—just like a Turkish tapas spread!
We also love their traditional coffee—grainy, strong, and flavorful, just like real Turkish coffee should be. As a bonus, there’s a tempting pastry case at the far end of the store filled with baked goods and other ready-made items.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a bagel fan, you gotta try Galata Cafe’s simit. It’s bigger and flatter than a regular bagel, and it’s super fresh.
You can even get it with feta and tomatoes for a quick and easy lunch.
Barans
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Website: https://barans.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baransrestaurant
Address: 2043 Eglinton Ave E, Scarborough
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Saturday” 10:45 AM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 10:45 AM – 10:30 PM
Contact Details: (416) 750-4545
Barans is an awesome Turkish spot in Scarborough that’s all about kebabs and mezze. The owner, Polat, is super passionate about the food and it totally shows—everything here is straight from Turkey, and you can watch the magic happen in their open kitchen.
You gotta start with their mezze—they’ve got a million different options, but we’re obsessed with their hummus, smoky baba ghanoush, and haydari (a garlicky yogurt dip). The pilaki (saucy beans) are also a must-try.
For the main event, you can’t go wrong with the beyti kebap; it’s an insanely delicious wrap filled with tender meat, topped with tomato sauce, butter, and yogurt. The side of rice and yogurt is the perfect cooling counterpoint to all the flavors.
Pro Tip:
Try Barans’ Turkish vodka—it’s super strong at 75% alcohol, but it’s mellowed out with premium Turkish spring water. They serve it in metal cups with solid ice to keep it extra cold, plus some ice cubes and a glass of spring water on the side!
Kebab 49
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Website: https://kebab49.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kebab.49
Address: 5308 Dundas St W, Etobicoke
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 11 AM – 10 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (647) 348-4525
If you’re craving a massive plate of Turkish goodness, Kebab 49 is your spot! The Solmaz family knows their stuff.
Fayik, the dad, is a butcher legend with over 50 years of experience, and he and his son, Oguzhan, work their magic in the kitchen.
First off, their pides are straight outta the oven at a scorching 700 degrees, and they load ’em up with all sorts of delicious meats, veggies, and cheese. You gotta try one!
And don’t even get me started on their lamb doner—juicy, flavorful, and comes with a side of rice and a crispy fried jalapeño. Trust me, this is a dish you wouldn’t want to miss, especially if you love rice and spicy food!
Pro Tip:
At Kebab49, you can chill out and watch some classic Turkish movies while you eat, or grab your food to go. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
