10 Best Toronto Middle Eastern Restaurants
There are so many dishes to choose from when it comes to Middle-Eastern food. From Lebanese, to Persian, Turkish and Israeli restaurants - Toronto has them all. Since there are so many cuisines to choose from in the Middle East, you can almost lose your mind deciding where to go.
Shish kabobs and hummus can always hit the right spot, but there are so many other traditional Middle-Eastern dishes that are to-die-for in Toronto. We have compiled a list of Middle-Eastern restaurants for you to settle on, whether its for a quick bite or to dine for a night of fun with exotic Middle-Eastern cuisine and shows performed by belly dancers.
1. Me Va Me // 240 Queen St.W
A fast casual Middle-eastern restaurant located in the heart of Queen St.West. Their menu provides many healthy choices, offering food that is prepared to fit your everyday lifestyle, whether it’s lunch or dinner made specifically for your appetite. Pick up and catering services are available upon request.
Must try: Grilled lean chicken breast skewers, with a fresh and zesty greek salad, and potato wedges with dill & garlic.
2. Mideastro // 27 Yorkville Ave.
This fine dining restaurant offers a fusion of middle-eastern and mediterranean food. Mideastro has two locations one of which is situated in Yorkville and the other in Thornhill. Chef Benny Cohen uses his multicultural background on a daily basis to put forward Mideastro’s exquisite menu.
Must try: Wild halibut, served on camp fire vegetables, along with lebanese cream cheese and a amba vinaigrette.
3. Maha's // 226 Greenwood Ave.
One of the best breakfast and brunch Middle-Eastern restaurants in Toronto that specializes in Egyptian cuisine, and provides exceptional service to guarantee a great start to your day.
Must try: Basturma scramble - thinly sliced beef with fenugreek, garlic and egyptian spices mixed with an egg scramble.
Photo cred - @byblostoronto
4. Byblos // 11 Duncan St.
Byblos is an Eastern Mediterranean restaurant, which serves dishes with strong influences from both traditional and local ingredients. Their menu is truly coastal and culturally mosaic, putting together dishes with regional specific spices.
Must try: A vegetarian dish, made of sweet jewelled rice with carrot, saffron, barberries and almonds.
5. Sultan's Tent // 49 Front St.E
An all new French Moroccan restaurant, offering a 3-course meal or a la carte feast with an exotic belly dancing performance. It's elegant design and flavorful cuisine will transport you over to Morocco with just a bite of any item on the menu.
Must try: Maftoul chickpea falafel fritters and kefta meatballs.
6. Tabülè // 2009 Yonge St.
A best beloved local favorite located in the mid town Toronto. Many people favor this Middle-Eastern restaurant because of its hearty menu options, which present a unique flavor within their food. Guess what? They also have a BYOB permit, with no corkage fee! (bring your own booze)
Must try: Kefta, prepared with two juicy skewers of ground mixed lamb and beef with onions, parsley, garlic and spices.
7. Takht-e Tavoos // 1120 College St.
Takht-e Tavoos, translates from farsi to the Peacock Throne of the Persian realm.The Persian breakfast and lunch dining restaurant, serves traditional favorites from several regions in Iran.
Must try: Kalleh Pacheh, a true persian speciality, that is a soup made from sheep's head and hooves.
8. Anatolia // 5112 Dundas St. W.
This restaurant is known for its' speciality Turkish cuisine and its' ultimate show experience similar to a night in Istanbul. Anatolia puts forward authentic Turkish culinary escapade, using fresh ingredients, traditional Turkish recipes.
Must try: Baklava, an honoring Turkish pastry, filled with nuts and soaked in honey.
8. Jerusalem // 955 Eglinton Ave.
Jerusalem was the first Middle-Eastern restaurant in Toronto. There are two locations in the city, they are both family owned and operated. Guests are welcomed with a warm, casual ambiance and presented with a deluxe choice of traditional middle-eastern cuisine.
Must try: Shish Tawoo, one skewer of marinated cubes of chicken breast charcoal broiled to perfection.
9. Paramount Fine Foods // multiple locations
This restaurant prepares fresh and nutritious dishes from the Lebanese cuisine, sharing the most traditional recipes. They're known for their in house baked pita from wood burning ovens, charcoal barbeque Halal meats and various flat-bread style dishes. The design presents delicate lighting and chandeliers, with wall surface waterfalls, and a rich colour interior.
Must try: Labaneh strained yogurt, drizzled with virgin olive oil served with zaatar.
10. District Oven // 842 College St.
The name comes from the old tradition in the Middle-East, from people bringing their dough and other foods to public ovens, also called district ovens. You can find "delicious, authentic, innovative dishes that invite you to share, linger, and savour--meals to nourish your body and your soul: meals that celebrate good food and the people you're sharing your meal with."
Must try: Flatbread pizza, with halloumi, Mozzarella, Akkawi Cheese, Green Harissa.
