Shawarma Empire in Toronto

1823 Lawrence Ave., Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Toronto

Overview

Cuisine
  • Fast Food
  • Middle Eastern
  • Lebanese
  • Mediterranean
  • Halal
Features
  • Takeout
  • Seating
Good for
  • Families witd children

Restaurant Hours

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:00 am

Thursday

11:00 am

Saturday

11:00 am

Hands down one of the best! There is a reason why the lineup is long during lunch - its because the food is so good! From the perfectly seasoned and cooked beef / chicken to the tasty garnishes and sauces, everything comes together perfectly.

They have a secret Palestinian recipes. So good taste

Amazing shawarma... i live in Chicago and i have had shawarma in the past but this is by far is the best one i have had. Staff are hard workers and very friendly

The best shawarma in T.O. There is always a line forming to buy items from the moment they open till they close. The store is very clean and the staff are friendly. Once a regular, you feel like eating in your kitchen. The soup is great, the dinner plates are ample. Just amazing!!!

Is it Halal?

Yes

Review

Add rating restaurant:
Shawarma Empire
SF
Steven Factorman
google
03.28.2024
5/5

This place lives up to its name! I really like that they light toast the pita on the grill BEFORE they open it up and Generously stuff it with meat and toppings. In addition to spreading the meat on the top and bottom of the pita while the vegetables all remain crunchy. I bought there two chicken shawarma sandwich special for $10.99+tax. I must say this place is the “King of Shawarma”. Best shawarmas I ever had period!! Excellent Job “Shawarma Empire”!

Shawarma Empire
AM
Aziz M
google
11.05.2018
1/5

Price gouging, is an understatement. For the last 10years the prices have been fantastic 5.99 for two sandwiches. The prices have increased dramatically 13.99 what?!? Portion sizes have decreased. Whatup with that? Super disappointed. Same great taste, but today was my last visit. I can get a shawarma anywhere.

Shawarma Empire
SI
Shireen Isam
google
10.15.2018
5/5

This place sells the best falafel sandwich in this part of the city, however they only accept cash or debit, parking is hard to find and the shop is small and fully packed most of the time, it's totally worth it though 😍😍 love itThey also have the best Baklava

Shawarma Empire
JQ
J Q
google
10.12.2018
5/5

Hands down the best falafel wrap I’ve had in the entire GTA, by far, and i live downtown, and am aaaaaall over the GTA for work and grab lunch out daily. Also prices are amazing, you get TWO wraps for like $12. Had a laugh when i saw people complaining they had doubled their prices, sorry guys but I’m sorry that was a drastic jump in price for you, but there is no way those prices could have been profitable for them lol as this is still an amazing price (also giving a local restaurant 1 star because you don’t like their prices is so wrong).

Shawarma Empire
RJ
Rob J
google
08.12.2018
5/5

They’ve been around for awhile and they’ve been named one of the BEST shawarma places in TO and I have to agree!! It’s not that easy to find shawarma places that are scratch making their sauces, but when you do... you can tell the difference and why it tastes so much better! Shawarma Empire is scratch making all of their food and condiments! Their portion sizes are generous and their prices are low. You can’t beat the value. They are very busy... all the time, but they move the line along quickly! I sampled the beef, chicken and falafel and they are all very tasty! It’s definitely a hidden gem that I recommend. I will be back again when I’m in the area!

Shawarma Empire
HD
HYDENSIQ DIGITAL
google
07.15.2018
5/5

Great tasting place. Our team loved it.

Shawarma Empire
JB
Joel Bolingbroke
google
07.06.2018
5/5

The food is always great here. Head ups, they put a lot of dressing on the salad.

Shawarma Empire
AV
Atique Virani
google
06.16.2018
5/5

The two sandwich combo is the best deal on shawarma in Toronto, I think. Great quality ingredients, the hot sauce is especially good. Make sure to get garlic sauce as well.

Shawarma Empire
if24
google
04.04.2018
4/5

Visited for first time in May 2019.Shawarma Empire sandwiches are very tasty as other reviewers have said, and it is created with a good sauce mixture that leaves you very satisfied. The pita bread used to make the sandwich is a little small compared to other places. However, it is a thick pita bread which doesn't easily break, and the staff stuff it up with meat and sides.Deal for sandwiches is 2 (chicken or beef) for $8.99 at time of writing.Shawarma plate is $8.99 and it is a giant serving and will leave you very satisfied too.It gets very busy at dinner time between 630-745pm (expect lineups), especially on Friday.Limited wheelchair parking, and no wheelchair entrance, can enter with assistance help.Cash and debit only for payment.

Shawarma Empire
SR
Sir Roy
google
03.21.2018
1/5

Been coming here for 15 years.....sadly today was the last. Prices have doubled, literally; and portions have not. Shwarma plate was $8 now is $ 16 !!!!!! . Quality is good, but not for that price and to eat in a parking lot plaza in Scarborough. Where is closest Paramount Restaurant?!

Shawarma Empire
GR
Greg R
google
02.11.2018
5/5

The hype is real and they did not disappoint. This is a small, busy, and fast working shawarma place that pumps out phenomenal food. Everything tastes amazing, I wish I lived closer!

Shawarma Empire
MN
Milana N
google
01.26.2018
5/5

Most fire shawarma place in all of toronto hands down. Gets pretty busy in there but regardless it’s worth the wait. I love the beef with spicy and everything. So juicy and the perfect flavours. Not super dried out meat like 90% of the shawarma places in Toronto. This place is the bomb. Can’t wait till corona is over and they open again!!!

Shawarma Empire
VS
Victoria Stepanova
google
01.15.2018
5/5

First time trying this place out today. Got a chicken shawarma plate. Meat was juicy, salad was fresh, dressing was delicious. The line up of people speaks for itself that it's the place to be. Definitely will be back.

Shawarma Empire
IJ
Imad Jawadi
google
01.02.2018
5/5

I heard about Shawarma Empire on CBC radio as the best Shawarma in Greater Toronto Area so I decided to pay them a visit and oh boy, I was impressed. The place is old and looks run down, tables and chairs seem a old and overall the place is a bit messy but the great, tasty, fresh food compensates for lack of fanciness, and decor. Unbelievably low price but simply good food!

Shawarma Empire
AO
Abdulla Ouda
google
10.25.2017
4/5

Great place! Staff are kind and helpful. Food was very tasty. Make sure to bring cash though, that is the method of payment here. All in all a solid place.

Shawarma Empire
AT
Ann. T
google
10.22.2017
2/5

Good food, however I gave it 2 stars because they did not follow Covid safety. Customers were allowed to enter without masks. There's a sign posted saying no more than 5 ppl allow in store, but there were more than 5 in the store. Other restaurants take it seriously and will not allow you to enter and mask is mandatory to enter.

Shawarma Empire
MA
Mohammad Amiri
google
10.20.2017
4/5

Based on the price everything was good.

Shawarma Empire
RV
Rajasimhan Varadharajan
google
06.04.2017
5/5

Falafel is too good. Will be back. Thank you guys.

Shawarma Empire
AN
Ash Nallawangsa
google
06.02.2017
5/5

Best shawarma for years! Quality is always top notch!

Shawarma Empire
DB
David Beckles
google
05.04.2017
5/5

Very good food. I was impressed. 💯

Shawarma Empire
AH
Aly Hirji
google
05.01.2017
4/5

Delicious shawarmas and plates. Call ahead to avoid the lineups. Prices are a bit more than the nearby locations but worth it. Great service and hospitality.

Shawarma Empire
ST
Shabi T
google
04.03.2017
5/5

I eat a lot of middle eastern food and this by far stands ahead of the crowd. The chicken was flavorful. The rice itself, it was just yellow rice. They had out lentils in it to make it healthy and it added flavour to it. The sauces were all flavorful. The veggies that was part of the plate was fresh. It had it's own vinaigrette sauce for the veggies. Hummus was fresh and they added a little olive oil to the top of it. Came with pita as well. Portion was good as you can tell. Definitely worth the price. I would come back for sure! The restaurant itself is a small restaurant. Not too many places to sit but just enough that they can focus strictly on the food.

Shawarma Empire
MB
Moira Beckett
google
03.15.2017
4/5

good shawarma, very filling! place is a little run down tho and the beef shawarma is a rip off

Shawarma Empire
RA
Raad Al-Husban
google
03.11.2017
5/5

Best Shawerma in North America! Take it from a Jordanian Shawerma critic!

Shawarma Empire
RP
Ravi Patel
google
03.03.2017
5/5

Tried the chicken shawarma platter and it was awsome. Good taste and great value for money. The platter comes with lentil rice, chicken and choice of veggies topped with hummus, tzatziki sauce and hot sauce.

Shawarma Empire
KS
Kapil S
google
02.24.2017
5/5

I have never been disappointed with this place, I have been going here for almost 16 years. TBH they have the best and I mean the best mixed Shawarma dinner plate. I had their Shawarmas also which is good.If your wonder what to get , go for the mixed Shawarma plate- comes with rice, mixed beef/chicken, your usual vegs and a small pita.#shawarmaempire

Shawarma Empire
ZL
Zvonko Lelas
google
02.22.2017
5/5

Amazing family run business. Top quality food at reasonable prices.Best shawarmas in the city by far!

Shawarma Empire
SR
Sam Rifaat
google
02.18.2017
4/5

Always good, been going there since 2002. Only issue they still have is they dont mix meat and toppings so when you eat first you taste vegi and sauce then chicken then chicken then vegi again, not everything together. Price is still not bad still now after 18 years not much of an increase. Their sauce is good.

Shawarma Empire
MM
Mustafa Mohaned
google
02.17.2017
4/5

It’s so good I like chicken than beef

Shawarma Empire
AS
Amit Saini
google
02.17.2017
5/5

Have ordered the chicken shwarma and falafels on several occasions and they're always amazing.

Shawarma Empire
AL
Andrew Lachica
google
01.16.2017
5/5

The best shawarma very similar to the middle east!

Shawarma Empire
YS
Yuri S
google
01.10.2017
5/5

Hands down the best shawarma in the city. They layer their meats and veggies so you have a bit of everything with each bite. The baklava is fire. They accept cash and debit only. Only problem is its impossible to find parking since the lot is small and always busy.

Shawarma Empire
JB
Junk BuBBa
google
01.06.2017
5/5

The are a ton of shawarma places in this neighborhood, but this place is too good to pass up. Social distancing measures are in place. Although there is that bottleneck to get to where one orders. Glad they're finally back open!

Shawarma Empire
TF
Toronto's Finest Villain
google
09.17.2016
3/5

They didn't have beef available. Chicken was decent. Although the time I went wasn't that good, I'll be sure to give it another try.

Shawarma Empire
MA
Michael Ampuero
google
09.13.2016
5/5

The best shawarma I’ve had in Toronto (coming from a contractor that drives all over Toronto looking for good value lunches)Seriously, the food and staff are amazing. They’re always taking orders every time I’ve been in there and even when they’re swamped, they’ve produced great food and service. Can’t recommend them enough

Shawarma Empire
KL
K Lim
google
06.20.2016
5/5

Over 40 years ago in downtown Toronto there was a shawarma place with the best homemade hot sauce. He moved to the corner, then moved to Kensington Market. Years later he moved to Lawrence Avenue East. He retired. Now a relative has the recipe and YES it was just like I remember it. Located in a busy strip plaza means very little parking. The huge spits of tender juicy chicken or beef just mouth-watering. I drove all the way from Mississauga to Scarborough and I was not disappointed. Old school pita pocket filled with meat, your choice of vegetables and topped with more meat, hot sauce and garlic sauce and the piece of pita that was sliced off. Shawarma in the form of wraps/burritos are not the real thing. This is the shawarma I know and love. I know you will love it too.

Shawarma Empire
JS
JAIDEEP SINGH SACHDEV
google
06.19.2016
5/5

Amazing place for authentic shawarma and easy on the pocket too. Service is quick and great. Very friendly staff.

Shawarma Empire
KJ
Kamil Jozwiak
google
06.06.2016
5/5

I've been here a few times and never leave disappointed. Food is always solid at a great price! One of my favourite places for a quick solid lunch 👍

Shawarma Empire
nh
navjot heer
google
05.25.2016
5/5

MUST TRY chicken shawarma sandwich , best pita and juicy chicken, came all the way from Brampton, chicken platter is also amazing but quantity is bit compromising but thats ok when taste is great ! Keep up the good work guys

Shawarma Empire
MS
Mahmoud Shoblaq
google
05.20.2016
5/5

Never disappoints I’ve been eating at this restaurant for almost 20 years. My personal best choice for shawarma in Ontario!

Shawarma Empire
NN
Nush N
google
05.14.2016
5/5

Best shawarma in Toronto!! Anyone interested in going down here just a little heads up they are closed on Mondays.

Shawarma Empire
SC
Sam Chao
google
04.24.2016
4/5

It's a hole in the wall but i must say they make a great shawarma!

Shawarma Empire
LF
Looking For Justice
google
04.18.2016
5/5

Real Israeli shawarma.Same taste like I used to eat in Jerusalem👍

Shawarma Empire
MS
May S
google
04.03.2016
3/5

I have very high standards when it comes to middle eastern food as an Arab. So Not understanding what the hype is all about. Their shawarma is mediocre and the taste of the food is ok. I would not rate it as the best shawarma in Toronto. I will give them credit tho that the sandwiches are loaded! So they don’t cheap out on the meats. Also staff are very friendly and the service is fast.

Shawarma Empire
MA
Moayad Aiash
google
03.26.2016
5/5

Great service and always good food ... Falafel is the best in town

Shawarma Empire
FB
Fud Bae
google
03.22.2016
5/5

Love this place...pretty unique flavors..love the spicy chicken shavarma and the kunafe...

Shawarma Empire
FA
Farzana Assadzada
google
02.21.2016
4/5

Great food and good price, don't take credit though

Shawarma Empire
RA
Rashid Al-Saffar
google
02.04.2016
5/5

There are many places offer Shawarma and Falafel in Toronto. I have mostly tried all of them. The only one I liked and enjoy is the one made by Empire Shawarma. First the test is off the chart in terms of meat quality, spices, the way it’s built and structure. It is a multi layer of the seven heaven. Layer of meat then the filling top by another layer of meat then crowned with their special home made hot sauce. I’m a Falafel lovers, their Falafel is out of this world crispy on outside soft on inside topped with Tahini sauce. I’d recommend to try it by itself to enjoy the taste of heaven. They open from 11am to 9pm, closed on Monday. I would advice not to go late go in middle of day. The owner is very friendly, I have been going there for last 13 years.

Shawarma Empire
MA
Mohamed Ajmal Sheriff
google
01.15.2016
5/5

Most Amazing Shawarma sandwich you can buy in Toronto. The Shawarma is very filling and tastes amazing. Highly recommended. Very tasty. Very pleasant and kind people working here. By far the most tastiest sandwich here is the Beef Shawarma Sandwich. It is full of flavour and you will always want to come back here for more. Highly recommended.

Shawarma Empire
mi
mahisha ivan
google
01.10.2016
5/5

I brought their chicken shawarma plate for the first time and I loved it , the rice was soft and had a unique taste and the chicken was well cooked . Thank you so much for making such a delicious dish

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