Kandice VincentTired of the same old cheeseburger, pasta, or sushi? Well, ditch the dinner rut and get ready for a delicious adventure!
Imagine (drumroll please)—sizzling, juicy shawarma stacked high on fluffy pita bread, and creamy hummus so smooth it practically melts in your mouth. And don’t forget the juicy lamb kibbeh, a fragrant blend of spices and textures.
This, my friends, is the magic of Lebanese cuisine.
So, for newbies to Lebanese food and seasoned lovers alike, here are the top Lebanese restaurants in Toronto!
Jerusalem Restaurant
Website: http://www.jerusalemrestaurant.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerusalemrestaurantbuffet/
Address: 4777 Leslie St, North York
Hours:
- Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
- Wed – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Contact: (416) 490-7888
Jerusalem Restaurant has been around since 1971, which basically makes them Toronto’s Middle Eastern OG.
They’re all about sharing traditional Lebanese food, and they have a huge selection of dishes to choose from. Think kofta kebabs, shawarma—both meat and beef wraps—and tons more.
The portions are generous, and everything comes out hot and fresh—like, straight off the grill fresh. They even have vegan options and an open salad bar.
The space itself is pretty casual, and they even have take-out options. They also have some fun extras, like live music on Friday nights.
Heads-up: reservations at Jerusalem are recommended, especially since they do AYCE.
Pro Tip:
We tried Jerusalem Restaurant’s famous banana cake for dessert, and let me tell you, it was addictively good. Definitely save room!
Byblos Uptown
Website: https://byblosdowntown.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 delivers upscale Lebanese cuisine with a creative modern twist.
The vibe is perfect for both a romantic date night and a casual get-together with friends. It’s dimly lit and cozy, with comfy booths and candlelight on each table—very Instagrammable.
Note that their menu is a delicious mix of Lebanese, Turkish, and Mediterranean flavors. We tried a bunch of things, and everything was amazing: the lamb kebab, labneh, octopus, fried shrimp, and fried chicken are all so yummy.
And don’t skip dessert—we highly recommend their delicious cheesecake and lemon olive oil cake.
Keep in mind that the portions are meant for sharing, so come hungry and bring your friends!
Pro Tip:
Consider arriving early at Byblos Uptown since parking can be a pain. There’s street parking, but it can be expensive—in fact, ours cost $13 for just a couple of hours!
Paramount
Website: https://paramountfinefoods.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paramountfinefoodsofficial
Address: 253 Yonge St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 366-3600
Paramount is on a mission to share the love of Lebanon with the world, and we think it’s working!
They’re focused on authentic flavors and fresh ingredients, and you can taste the love in every bite. They even fly in international chefs to create the most authentic dishes possible.
We tried the falafel and hummus—classic Lebanese mezze—and it was perfect. The falafel was crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and the hummus was smooth and creamy, just like it should be.
For dessert, try their Arabic ice cream—soft, sweet, with a hint of rose water and orange, and topped with cotton candy.
As for parking, there are garages at both Dundas Square and the Eaton Center nearby.
Pro Tip:
If you’re going with a group, Paramount’s mixed grill is the way to go. It comes with a variety of grilled meats, hummus, pita, rice, and all the fixings—perfect for sharing!
Amal
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
Amal’s goal is to capture the spirit of Lebanon with a beautiful, modern space that feels both chic and inviting. Think calming blues, dusty rose accents, and terracotta tones—a feast for the eyes before you even dig in.
Now, their Lebanese dishes are incredible.
My personal favorites were the garlicky labneh (seriously, garlicky!) and the smoky muhammara pepper dip. The pistachio kebab was a splurge, but worth every penny—rich, fatty, with a nice crunch from the pistachios.
For dessert, think creamy rice pudding infused with the delicate sweetness of rose water, topped with walnuts and cinnamon—pure comfort food heaven!
They even have a landscaped outdoor patio if you want to soak up the summer weather.
Pro Tip:
Let your hair down and feel the groove at Amal—they have a DJ on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, turning your meal into a full-on party!
Tabule
Website: https://tabuleyonge.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tabulemiddleasterncuisine
Address: 2009 Yonge St
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
- Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 483-3747
Tabule has been around since 2005, serving up authentic Lebanese cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. We think they’ve definitely earned their reputation as a Toronto favorite.
They recently renovated the space, and it looks amazing. There’s even outdoor seating if you want to soak up the sunshine.
Now, the food is all about fresh, delicious flavors. We tried the mezze platter (perfect for sharing!), the grilled salmon kebab, and the falafel and eggplant entrees, and everything was fantastic.
Plus, the portions are super generous, so come hungry—or ready for leftovers! They also have a great cocktail menu, so you can turn your meal into a fun night out.
Pro Tip:
Want to experience something cool and different in the city? Check out Tabule’s amazing belly dancing shows on Saturday nights!
Lebanon Express
Website: https://www.lebanonexpress.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_lebanonexpress
Address: 439 Yonge St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 1 AM
Contact: (647) 351-0494
Lebanon Express is a family-run gem that’s been serving up authentic Lebanese food since 1992.
They’re all about bringing Lebanese culture and flavor to Toronto, and they do it in a big way, literally! The portions here are huge—in fact, one meal can easily turn into two for under $20, which is amazing value for the quality and quantity of food.
They have all the classics you crave, like baklava and chicken shawarma wraps. The kafta may take 10-15 minutes since it’s made fresh, but hey, who can argue with that?
The space itself is casual, and they don’t take reservations, so be prepared for a bit of a wait at peak times. They do have a kid’s menu, so it’s a great option for families.
Pro Tip:
If you’re bringing your own ride to Lebanon Express, better arrive early. Parking can be tricky since they’re located at the busy Yonge and College intersection.
Roman Zaman Damascene Cuisine
Website: https://www.romanzaman.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roman_zaman/
Address: 325 Central Pkwy W #8, Mississauga
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (905) 276-0101
Roman Zaman Damascene Cuisine offers Lebanese classics alongside other regional dishes, so it’s a great spot if you’re feeling adventurous.
We tried a bunch of things—shawarma, kebab, tabbouleh, plus some dishes I wasn’t familiar with, like mosakhan and arayes. Everything was delicious, and the portions were huge—seriously, you could probably share a plate between two people.
And the best part is that the warm bread they bring out to accompany everything is free!
The atmosphere is pretty swanky—antique furniture, intricate windows, and sparkling chandeliers. It felt very fancy but in a relaxed kind of way.
We went during a quiet time, but I hear it can get crowded during peak hours, so reservations are recommended.
Pro Tip:
Note that Roman Zaman Damascene Cuisine has a loyalty program—you earn 5% back when you order through their app!
Lebanese Garden
Website: https://lebanesegarden.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lebanesegardento/
Address: 366 College St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 551-1553
Lebanese Garden lives up to its name—it’s THE spot for fresh, healthy Lebanese food! They make everything in-house, from the pickles and dips to the marinades and falafel, and they use the highest quality ingredients.
We tried the falafel—massive and crispy, samosas, insanely fragrant rice, garlic potatoes, and tabbouleh. Everything was bursting with flavor and left us wanting more.
They have a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options, plus gluten-free and nut-free dishes, so there’s something for everyone. They even label everything with allergens listed, which is fantastic for people with dietary restrictions.
They also have amazing baklava and tea—perfect for ending your meal on a sweet note.
The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable.
Pro Tip:
Lebanese Garden offers catering services. So, if you’re planning an event, they’ll take care of everything, from the food to the supplies, so you can focus on having a good time!
Darna Middle Eastern Kitchen
Website: https://darnatoronto.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darnatoronto/
Address: 1613 Bayview Ave, East York
Hours:
- Monday: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Tue – Thurs: 12 PM – 9:30 PM
- Friday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sat – Sun: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Contact: (416) 482-1234
Darna Middle Eastern Kitchen celebrates all things Middle Eastern, offering a variety of unique dishes meant for sharing.
Their open kitchen adds to the fun atmosphere, and you can watch them work their magic with the wood-burning oven.
We started with some appetizers—smoky baba ghanoush and warak enab (stuffed grape leaves), and both were fantastic! For mains, we recommend the kufta tahini (tender lamb meatballs in a creamy tahini sauce) and the mixed grill platter.
Note that my date walnut pudding for dessert was a bit on the heavy side, so maybe share one or come extra hungry.
Their outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching when the weather’s nice! For parking, your best bet is to try the side streets, where you can find metered parking.
Pro Tip:
Darna Middle Eastern Kitchen offers chicken livers with pomegranate on the menu—a rare find in Toronto and a crowd-favorite appetizer! Definitely give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous.
Palmyra Mediterranean House
Website: https://www.palmyramediterraneanhouse.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palmyra_mediterranean_cuisine/
Address: 5555 Eglinton Ave W, Etobicoke
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 626-2345
Palmyra Mediterranean House serves dishes from all across the Levantine region, so you get a taste of flavors from Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and beyond. It’s a great option if you want to explore different cuisines while still enjoying some Lebanese classics.
We tried their chicken on the rocks— a healthy and delicious dish with perfectly cooked, crispy chicken and fluffy rice. Not greasy at all, just pure flavor.
They have a great selection of vegetarian options too, like mixed grilled vegetables, so there’s something for everyone. Even the pickiest eaters will love the chicken on fries—perfect for a kid’s meal.
The entrees were all huge portions, so be prepared for leftovers.
Pro Tip:
Since it’s located near the Toronto airport, Palmyra Mediterranean House is a fantastic option for a pre-flight meal. Fill up on fresh, delicious food before you jet off on your travels!
Laylak Lebanese Cuisine
Website: https://laylak.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laylakrestaurants/
Address: 25 Toronto St
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs, Sun: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Fri – Sat: 5 PM – 11 PM
Contact: (647) 368-8838
Laylak Lebanese Cuisine offers a modern twist on traditional Lebanese cuisine, located right in Toronto’s Financial District. The restaurant prides itself on using only the freshest ingredients, with a focus on locally sourced, sustainable produce and meat.
Start your meal with classic mezze plates like hummus, baba ghanouj, and tabbouleh. The hummus is very yummy, especially when paired with their must-try hummus tenderloin.
For heartier mains, the frikeh and grilled seafood are fantastic choices. The succulent Moghrabieh lamb shank is a highlight, and the exquisite date cake is the perfect way to end your meal.
End your meal with luscious Arabic ice cream.
Portions are perfect for sharing, allowing you to try a bit of everything. Laylak also has gluten-free and vegan options available.
Pro Tip:
Laylak features an extensive wine list that includes both Lebanese and international varietals. Plus, their knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer recommendations and help guests select the perfect wine to pair with their meal.
Restaurant Boustan
Website: https://boustan.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boustanrestaurant/
Address: 808 York Mills Rd Unit 18B, North York
Hours:
- Mon – Sat: 11 AM – 2 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 1 AM
Contact: (416) 449-4330
Once upon a shawarma, Boustan came to be and quickly became a staple of Montreal’s downtown scene. Starting from a single location on Crescent Street, Boustan has now expanded to over 65 stores across Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick.
Boustan is all about shawarma in every form imaginable. Pitas, bowls, salads, and sides—everything your heart desires, and more.
We highly recommend their beef shawarma bowls and wraps. The meat is incredibly tender and tasty, and the garlic sauce is just perfect.
All the food at Boustan is halal certified, and they’ve also taken measures to become green, from their packaging to locally sourcing their products.
Pro Tip:
Restaurant Boustan actually offers crafted vegan shawarmas made from shiitake mushrooms. We suggest sampling one and see if you can tell the difference!
La Grill
Website: http://lagrill.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lagrillevents/
Address: 7880 Keele St, Concord
Hours:
- Thursday: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday: 1 PM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM – 9 PM
Contact: (905) 761-7575
To capture a small dose of beautiful Lebanon, La Grill brings the most authentic Lebanese cuisine to Toronto.
Try their fantastic salads. The tabouli salad, in particular, is one of the best I’ve had.
Then, for starters, try the crispy and fresh falafel or the royal hummus.
Their lamb pieces, patties, hummus, and baba ganoush are all superb. We also tried the baklava and kunafa for dessert, and they were so delicious!
But if I had to choose one, then the filet mignon kabob is a must-try! The portions are generous, and everything is incredibly fresh and delicious.
Pro Tip:
La Grill is perfect for private functions, from bridal showers to birthdays. They guarantee you and your guests will leave happy, and their event planners even offer great corporate services.
