Pasta platters and brunch eats are delicious, but sometimes, our bodies crave for healthier fare. That’s where Mediterranean restaurants come in.
Imagine munching on fluffy hummus with warm pita bread, fresh salads drizzled with olive oil and tangy feta, or flavourful grilled skewers of chicken and vegetables. They’re not only delicious but also good for you!
As your resident foodie, I took it upon myself to sample Med eats from the top Mediterranean restaurants in Toronto. Let’s just say, it was a week of gorging myself on incredible food, and I don’t think I’ll be stopping myself anytime soon.
For those who love Mediterranean food or want to try something new, here are the top spots in Toronto that you need to try right now!
Mirage Mediterranean Restaurant
Website: https://miragemediterranean.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirage.mediterranean/
Address: 1620 Bayview Ave
Hours: Tue – Sun: 11:30 AM – 3 PM, 4:30 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 792-4380
Forget the plane ticket—Mirage Restaurant in Leaside is serving up a taste of the Mediterranean that’ll have you feeling like you’re on vacation (minus the jetlag).
Located at the crossroads of Bayview and Eglinton, stepping into Mirage is like stepping into a whole new world. They have beautiful Persian and Turkish décor that blends tradition with modern chic—seriously Instagram-worthy!
Now, onto the good stuff; they’ve got flavors from all over the Mediterranean, from Lebanon to Turkey to Persia. We had their Fattoush salad, which came served in a giant bread shell—so fun to break into!
For the main course, we opted for the grilled whole sea bass, smothered in garlic, herbs, and a sweet pomegranate sauce, and was served with fluffy saffron rice and roasted potatoes. And their walnut baklava is the perfect way to end your meal.
Pro Tip:
Mirage Mediterranean Restaurant has outdoor seating with flowers and plants that totally transport you to a sunny Mediterranean village. It’s the perfect spot for a summer night out!
Joso’s
Website: https://www.josos.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jososrestaurant/
Address: 202 Davenport Rd
Hours: Tue – Sat: 5 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 925-1903
If you’re looking for an insanely unique and delicious seafood experience, then Joso’s needs to be on your radar. In fact, they’ve catered to artists like Liberace, Joni Mitchell, Harry Belafonte, and more!
We tried the pescatora, a fisherman’s-style seafood stew with a light tomato base. Each bite was perfect—fresh mussels, clams, shrimp, and more, all swimming in a delicious broth.
Speaking of fresh, their fish is so good, they don’t need to drown it in fancy sauces. A squeeze of lemon, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and some good olive oil—that’s all it takes to unlock the natural flavor of the ocean.
Looking for something a little different? Try their Alla Siciliana—black sepia ink pasta; don’t be scared by the color—this was seriously the creamiest, most decadent pasta dish I’ve ever had.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a quieter experience at Joso’s, snag a table on the second floor. It’s a little more private and less noisy than their downstairs area—perfect for a cozy date or a heart-to-heart convo.
Petros82
Website: https://www.petros82.to/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petros82.to/
Address: 299 Adelaide St W
Hours:
- Monday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Friday: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 5 PM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 785-7400
Fans of fresh seafood, good vibes, and saying “Opa!” would love Petros82, a hidden gem serving up authentic Greek Mediterranean cuisine. They’ll make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to the Aegean Sea.
Nestled in the Entertainment District, Petros82 is owned by Peter (whose love for Greece runs deep!). The restaurant boasts a beautiful, authentic atmosphere; whitewashed walls and pops of blue that’ll make you feel like you’re on a Greek island.
And they’ve got an overflowing with fresh Mediterranean dishes, especially seafood. We’re talking daily fresh fish selections, perfectly grilled calamari, and a crowd-favorite grilled octopus that comes straight from their amazing seafood bar—yum!
If you’re planning a party, Petros82’s second-floor bar doubles as a private space. Plus, they have underground parking, so guests can ditch the car-hunting stress.
Pro Tip:
Make sure you save room for dessert—Petros82’s sugar-coated doughnuts paired with baklava ice cream are the perfect way to end your Greek culinary adventure. Sweet, creamy, and absolutely heavenly!
Montfort Mediterranean Fresh
Website: https://www.montfortfresh.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montfortfresh/
Address: 12 Richardson St
Hours: Mon – Sat: 11 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 366-5454
Montfort Mediterranean Fresh is a family-run spot that has been around for over 30 years, and you can totally taste the love (and quality!) in every bite. Bishara Arraf, the founder, is all about fresh, healthy food—none of that greasy, processed stuff here.
They make everything in-house from scratch, using authentic ingredients. As they say at Montfort, “Sahtain!” which basically means “enjoy your meal”—and enjoy it you will!
The menu is a Mediterranean dream, with all the classics like hummus, baba ganoush, and falafel. But we really love their chicken shawarma platter—juicy, flavorful chicken piled high on a bed of fluffy rice, with all the fixings.
They also have other delicious options like lamb shashlik (super flavorful!), homemade souvlaki, and spanakopita. And the atmosphere is casual and inviting, with a cute patio that’s perfect for a relaxing summer meal.
Pro Tip:
Avoid the lunch rush (or come prepared to chill for a bit) and your Montfort Mediterranean Fresh experience will be pure deliciousness. Service can be a bit slow around lunchtime, so maybe plan your visit earlier or later if you’re short on time.
CrowdedHouse Restaurant
Website: https://crowdedhouse.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crowdedhouserestaurant/
Address: 1161 Queen St E
Hours:
- Wed – Thurs: 5 PM – 9 PM
- Fri – Sun: 1 PM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 406-0400
CrowdedHouse in Leslieville offers a taste of the Mediterranean with a modern twist. These folks don’t mess around when it comes to quality—they source everything fresh from local farms, so you know you’re getting the good stuff.
First things first, we like their cool, open kitchen concept. We even got to see them prep the laffa bread, which by the way, is a whole experience in itself—this pillowy goodness gets proofed three times before hitting the tandoori-style oven!
The freshly baked laffa was perfect for scooping up creamy baba ganoush and smoky roasted eggplant. And the aged lamb chops were fall-off-the-bone tender and bursting with flavor.
All in all, their menu is a celebration of everything delicious from the Mediterranean. They also have options for meat lovers, veggie enthusiasts, and everyone in between.
Pro Tip:
Don’t even think about skipping CrowdedHouse’s laffa. It’s like a warm, fluffy cloud straight from heaven, and it goes with practically everything on their Mediterranean menu.
Zaad
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ZaadShawarma/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zaadto/
Address: 124 Danforth Ave
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 12 AM
Contact: (416) 465-5557
For delicious and affordable Mediterranean food, Zaad’s your pick. Inspired by the ancient Jordanian city of Jerash, this place has been serving up shawarma and kabob dreams for over 18 years.
First, they brought out this complimentary warm curry soup. Then, we tried both the lamb and beef, and both were perfectly cooked—with juicy meat and crispy fried pita bread that held everything together in a beautiful, messy (but oh-so-satisfying) way.
We also branched out and tried the chicken saj, which is basically a flatbread pizza loaded with deliciousness. The ingredients were fresh, the chicken was juicy and tender, and the whole thing was ridiculously filling.
And let’s not forget the hummus. This stuff is the real deal—creamy, flavorful, and perfect for dipping all the things; I’m pretty sure I could eat it every day!
Pro Tip:
Calling all soup lovers! We highly recommend Zaad’s lentil soup—it’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for warming you up on a chilly day.
Byblos Downtown
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
For a Mediterranean experience that’s equal parts delicious and trendy, Byblos Downtown is the spot. Forget your white tablecloth expectations—this place is all about modern vibes, creative cocktails, and top-rated Med food.
We started our meal with their beef tartare. It’s melt-in-your-mouth raw beef with a bunch of fun Mediterranean twists like toum (a garlicky sauce), capers, and a sprinkle of sumac (a tangy spice).
For the main course, we went for two must-tries: the black truffle rice with roasted mushrooms and creamy labneh and the wagyu beef kofta served with green chilies, peas, and a crispy shallot on top. Both dishes were insanely delicious!
Byblos also knows how to whip up a mean cocktail. We tried the “Sunrise at Sea” and it was like a tropical vacation in a glass—rum, elderflower liqueur, honey, and a splash of prosecco.
Pro Tip:
Those with a sweet tooth should definitely get dessert. The lemon olive oil cake with pistachio whipped ganache is pure heaven—light, flavorful, and the perfect way to end your Byblos feast.
Volos Greek Cuisine
Website: https://www.volos.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volos.ca/
Address: 133 Richmond St W
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 5 PM – 9:30 PM
- Sat: 5 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 861-1211
Volos Greek Cuisine is an upscale spot just steps from the subway and surrounded by fancy hotels. Their chefs take classic dishes and give them a fresh makeover, sometimes even incorporating local Canadian ingredients.
We started with their dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and these little flavor bombs were packed with rice, herbs, and raisins, and came with a dollop of creamy tzatziki for dipping. Perfection!
For the main course, we went with the braised lamb shank—it fell off the bone and melted in my mouth. The rosemary and root vegetables added a delicious depth of flavor, and the creamy whipped potatoes were the perfect creamy sidekick.
We couldn’t resist trying dessert, so we shared the saffron ice cream with pistachios and rose water. It was light, flavorful, and a refreshing way to end the meal.
Pro Tip:
Heads up—the gratuity at Volos is automatically added to your bill, so you don’t have to worry about math after all that delicious Greek food.
Mayrik
Website: http://www.mayrik.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayrikto
Address: 1580 Bayview Ave
Hours:
- Monday: 3 PM – 10 PM
- Tue – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 483-0922
Mayrik takes classic Armenian-Mediterranean recipes and gives them a modern twist. All of these are served in a super stylish space—exposed brick and comfy seating with a sprinkle of Armenian tradition.
You have to get the Trilogy—a hummus, baba ganoush, and muhammara party on a plate, all homemade and served with fresh pita bread straight out of the oven. Warning: extreme dip satisfaction will occur.
Now, if you’re a carnivore, their chicken kebab is a winner, but the real MVP is the Lula kebab. It comes on a special red pepper pita that adds a kick, and the meat itself is so juicy it practically melts in your mouth.
Mayrik’s got your back if you’re vegan, with offerings like their homey falafels or their comforting sarma. They also have a happy hour menu, as well as a kid’s menu!
Pro Tip:
End your meal on a high note with Mayrik’s must-try dessert, kunafa. Imagine crispy pastry filled with gooey cheese, drenched in sweet orange blossom syrup, and sprinkled with pistachios—yes, please!
Bar Reyna
Website: https://www.barreyna.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reynatoronto/
Address: 158 Cumberland St
Hours:
- Tue – Wed: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Thursday: 11 AM – 12 AM
- Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 2 AM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (647) 748-4464
Forget your mansion parties, Bar Reyna’s where it’s at for a night out in Yorkville! This spot is basically a hidden gem in a fancy two-story house, complete with a secret garden patio that’s perfect for soaking up the summer vibes.
The whole place is designed for good times, with a menu that’s like a choose-your-own-adventure across the Mediterranean. We’re talking small plates that are big on flavor—fancy tapas but without the tapas-sized price tag (at least during happy hour).
Speaking of happy hour, that’s where it’s at—we snagged some amazing deals on cocktails and snacks. And the lamb baklava was amazing—sweet and savory in all the right ways, it basically stole the show.
For dessert, we went with the pistachio “tiramisu.” Forget the coffee-soaked ladyfingers, this version is all light and fluffy phyllo dough layered with dreamy pistachio cream.
Pro Tip:
We noticed that the portions at Bar Reyna are on the smaller side, so maybe just order a bunch of happy hour goodies because #treatyourself.
Fat Pasha
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
Fat Pasha throws a Middle Eastern, Jewish, and European party on your plate, all served in a space that’s like farmhouse chic met Istanbul. We love their comfy seating, exposed brick, and enough greenery to make you feel like you’re outdoors.
If you’re going with a crew, get the Pasha Family Dinner, a Mediterranean feast fit for a king (or queen, or sultan!)—hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and a bunch of other delicious stuff, all served family-style. They even have a veggie version.
Now, we gotta talk about their amazing cauliflower steak, roasted to perfection and bursting with flavor. Just FYI, it comes with cheese, but they were super cool and took it off my order (and even discounted the price—major points for that!).
Drinks-wise, they’ve got everything from beer and wine to bubbly and soft drinks—perfect for washing down all that delicious food.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning a giant group dinner, check Fat Pasha’s catering options. They can deliver a whole Mediterranean feast straight to your door—perfect for a lazy night in with friends.
Azkadenya Restaurant
Website: https://www.azkadenya.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azkadenya.ca/
Address: 235 Queen St W
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Contact: (905) 475-1222
Hummus and shawarma lovers would love Azkadenya—a go-to spot for a taste of the Mediterranean that’s anything but ordinary. The atmosphere is chill and friendly, perfect for a casual lunch with friends or a cozy dinner with family.
What wowed us were their huge portions—we’re talking bang for your buck city! Try their chicken shawarma; the chicken is so tender it practically melts in your mouth, and the flavors are out of this world.
If you’re with your crew, try their falafel platter. Fresh, flavorful falafel, creamy hummus, crispy fries, and warm pita bread—this platter is a falafel lover’s dream; they even offer olive oil to drizzle if needed!
Speaking of platters, their family platters are not only delicious but also perfect for sharing with the whole fam. Don’t hesitate to ask for a high chair if you’re bringing your toddler with you.
Pro Tip:
Azkadenya serves fresh pita bread with every order, which is dangerous because it’s SO good with the hummus (and pretty much everything else on the menu). Pace yourself!
Laziza Mediterranean Cuisine
Website: https://lazizamediterraneancuisine.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laziza.shawarma/
Address: 950 Bloor St W
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 2 AM
Contact: (647) 748-8999
Craving some seriously good Mediterranean food? Then head on over to Laziza! This spot is all about fresh, authentic flavors, and portions that could feed a small army.
They offer traditional Middle Eastern fare, with a focus on shawarma, falafel, and all the delicious fixings. We also like their casual vibe, mostly takeout, but you can dine in too—perfect for a quick lunch, late-night bite, or post-party cravings.
Try their shawarma plate—crispy, juicy chicken, fluffy rice, a rainbow of fresh veggies, and creamy sauces. It’s guaranteed to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
Don’t underestimate the salads here—they’re packed with flavor and freshness, the perfect complement to any dish. Everything tastes like it just came straight from the garden and comes in generous portions; you won’t leave hungry, that’s for sure.
Pro Tip:
Note that parking near Laziza can be a bit of a challenge, so factor that in if you’re planning a visit.
Constantine
Website: https://constantineto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constantine_toronto/
Address: 15 Charles St E
Hours:
- Mon – Wed: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Thurs – Fri: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (647) 475-4436
Constantine is like a love letter to all things Mediterranean, brought to you by the same people behind Toronto gems like La Palma and Bar Prima. Get ready for an explosion of flavor in a stylish setting that’s perfect for a special occasion or just a night out.
The vibe is intimate and inviting, with an open kitchen where you can watch the culinary magic happen. It’s all about fresh, seasonal ingredients and dishes that are as creative as they are delicious.
Forget the boring old Caesar salad; their radicchio Caesar is all about bold flavors and unexpected textures. Their lamb burger is also juicy, perfectly cooked patty nestled in a sesame seed-speckled brioche bun.
And don’t be fooled by the focus on meat and seafood—the veggie options here are just as amazing, perfect for sharing with your crew. Plus, they’ve got a curated selection of wines from around the world, so you’re sure to find the perfect pairing for your meal.
Pro Tip:
Constantine has a private room with a patio that’s perfect for a special occasion. We recommend enjoying their incredible food with your closest friends, under the stars.