1823 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M1R 2Y3, Canada
Unassuming spot for pitas stuffed with roasted meat & other quick-serve Middle Eastern dishes.
Insanely good shawarma, and even better pricing. It's extremely comparable to out west in Calgary. This definitely hits the spot after a night out of drinking, or when you're hungover the next day lmao.
Ive been here 3 times. Solid solid shawarma! Always the same, very good consistency! Great pricing, and great taste! Not too spicy, not too sweet and good veggie to meat portion! Yes it always busy, and yes the place is small but for a good shawarma its worth it.
I recently tried the shawarma from this place, and while the taste was decent, it reminded me more of shawarma from Kerala, India, rather than an authentic Arabic flavor. If you're a fan of Kerala-style shawarma, you might enjoy it, but if you're looking for something more traditional, you might be a bit disappointed. The biggest downside, though, was the size. For the price they charge, the portion was surprisingly small and not worth it. Overall, it's okay if you're craving Kerala-style shawarma, but the value for money isn't quite there.
Going with 4 stars because I felt the chicken was a bit on the dry side, have said that I'm no expert and maybe the is de rigeur for chicken shawarma. Service was excellent; french fries were straight out of the deep fryer so also excellent. The small chicken shawarma was the perfect size. Would definitely return. BTW 3 adults dined for under $30.
I got a mixed shawarma plate, chicken shawarma sandwich, and a beef shawarma sandwich for takeout. Everything tasted delicious! The sandwiches and plate were packed with meat. For the price your paying, it's definitely great value for what your getting. I paid about $34 tax in for everything. This place also only takes cash or debit. The service is also great This, everyone is so nice. This place is definitely one of my favorite shawarma spots.
Decent spot if your in the east end and want to grab a bit. It's a bit of a old school place needing some updating, but honestly not bad. I mean it works. The food is decent for the price but not very filling (we had to go get food after having food) The staff is friendly and polite. They only accept cash and debit
This place does a nice chicken and beef shawarma sandwich. The flavors are very bold and robust. The atmosphere is a family hole in the wall type of spot. Very clean and nice. The counter is kept in spotless condition. The price is also very cheap for the quality of food. Highly recommend. A lot of locals come to visit this spot on the daily for a quick bite or an intimate sit down as part of the neighborhood.
Shawarma Empire is always consistent with their offerings and we have been going for years. Loads of juicy, flavourful chicken and beef and the first bite always hits the spot. Never skimpy with ingredients and even puts in the end tips of the pita in your wrap. Service is fast and staff are friendly and efficient with special instructions. Keep up the great work!
I have yet to find a better shawarma in Toronto
Another very tasty experience at shawarma empire!
Was very good it was the first time I visited there ,fast and very friendly.
The best shawarma in town! Simply amazing!! Sauce is to die for. Great pickled veggies. Great marinade on the chicken. Great service. Casual place. Ok for dine in. Small parking lot. Limited space but most get take-out. Lentil rice with onions in the shawarma plate is a nice extra. Must try Parking: Limited parking but I ve never had a problem getting a good spot. People are in and out mostly
Very delicious and very friendly staff.
This restaurant increase the prices at very first day of tax free. What a shame poor and greedy
One of the Best Shawarma in the GTA
Great food and service! Everyone is welcoming and nice when you speak to them. Got a chicken wrap and a plate and both were great. Will for-sure recommend to others and come back again!
Their shawarmas are huge!
Ordered 4 falafel sandwiches and a beef shawarma plate. All very good. Staff are nice and welcoming. The only downside side is they didnt relay my order correctly, and I found out after I paid, so it was a hassle to get it corrected. But good food. And still good food
This is a grab and go place although there are some seats available and hence my 3 star for atmosphere. Food is top notch and easily one of the best shawarmas I ve had in Toronto
I have taken the beef shawarma and my wife took chicken shawarma and considering other places like Ghadir and even Shelbi shawarma I like theirs better but if I compare it to Sumac
Great shawarma but the beef is far superior to the chicken, Went on Wednesday and got 2 shawarma for $12. Very friendly and accommodating staff Kid-friendliness: Open to public
Best shawarma in Scarborough
10/10 must try this
Delicious!!! Thats all I can say. Highly recommend this place.
Amazing food with generous portions and friendly people!
Great service, at times very crowded. Food was delicious. Parking could be a tricky matter unless you are lucky.
Masallah after I smoke it was extra delicious very good. Great price for huge shawurma.I highly recommend baklavas
First time here and the food was amazing. I will be back again.
Best Falafel I have ever had.
Hands down, the best shawarma in the city! The flavors are incredible, with perfectly seasoned meat thats juicy and tender, and the fresh toppings and sauces elevate it to another level. The portions are generous, and everything is always made fresh. Whether youre grabbing a quick lunch or a late-night bite, Empire never disappoints. Highly recommend to all shawarma lovers!
Proper shawarma flavours without all the hype & fair pricepoint.
Amazing food !!
I have been coming to this establishment for the past 2 years, weekly. This place is the best shawarma joint in Toronto, IMHO. I love how simple it looks, but how tasty it is. Great food, the hard-working, yet, always friendly staff. They always serve with a smile and I love their efforts. Ill say it again, I love these guys! Chukran, Habibbis!!!
Overall a good sandwich, wish they had better quality condiments particularly the pickles and turnips. They taste a little off.
Delicious. We devoured our sandwiches and plates.
100 Stars ...100% Dinafied so so good....I love the falafel I order 2 dozen to go and we grab shwarmeh sandwiches or plates . Everything is excellent!!!!
I was letdown by my dining experience here. I only gave the place a go due to it being listed in lists of best shawarma places in Toronto. My order of the beef shawarma was underwhelming. The meat was not juicy, and it was dry. Sometimes, in other shawarma places, this setup was intentional because the sauce was meant to fill that role. That was also not the case here. If there was even any sauce applied at all, it would not matter. It was not anything special to remember. The setup of the place was also very dull. You just have the bare essentials. A generic everyday chair and table to seat guests. That is all.
Very good Falafel!
Had the chicken and tried the beef sandwich, very well seasoned and fresh veggies with a tasty garlic sauce. Will definitely come back!
Mix shawarma 10/10.
Very unique shawrama. Arguably the best shawarma period! Always busy. Hard to find a place to park. Ask to make it extra spicy for you.
These guys make a great Shawarma and their hot sauce is amazing!
Definitely a take out place. The food is fantastic and the price is really fair. Definitely worth a try.
Delicious shawarma and friendly staff Parking: Not a ton of spots but not difficult either Food : 5/5 |
Small place with few tables. Needs a bit of updating, but quite clean. There is someone at the cash taking your order, and three people behind the counter preparing your order. They are quite busy but the line moves quite fast. They serve one of the best chicken shawarmas sandwiches in the city. A large amount of seasoned chicken with very fresh toppings at a very low price of $7.49. The falafel sandwich had freshly prepared falafel balls topped up with the same fresh toppings ($6.49). The service is very friendly.
Came by on a whim today. I ordered a chicken plate, a mixed plate, thus came with a lentil rice with crispy onions on top and a salad. I also got a mixed chicken and beef wrap, a chicken wrap and falafels. The price was close to $60. The mixed plate that was my order, was phenomenal! The ingredients were fresh the beef melted in your mouth and this was the best place I have been to in a while for shawarmas!! The staff was friendly, place was clean and this unassuming restaurant should be on your favourite places to go when craving authentic middle eastern food !
Great food
One of the best places for shawarma in Scarborough
The best shawarma ever
Best shawarma in Scarborough Good amount of food and nice service, very cost efficient Food
I ordered from this place 2 chicken shawarma sandwiches and I have to say the sandwiches today were NOT good. The older/NOT fresh meat from yesterday was mixed with the newer meat and the meat was dry and harder to chew in the sandwich. So my elderly mother did not enjoy it as it was not fresh and threw it out. Please dont mix the remaining shavings of the last of the seekh with the meat from the new seekh for a fresh and better taste. We will NOT be coming again, Thanks. Please let your mom know about this.
Dietary restrictions: Halal Food
Too much hype go try it yourself
Shawarma gem in scarborough. My go to spot for shawarmas. Reasonable prices with the amount of food they put in. Flavourful, the hummus tastes home made, the meat is well seasoned, the garlic sauce is not too strong, the rest of the ingredients were fresh. Generous portions, they will pack your dinner plate or your sandwich with the toppings of your choice. The dinner plate even comes with a warm pita on the side. The rice in the dinner plate however is, what i would describe it as a little wet (for me), it comes with some type of beanlike (sorry i do not know what it is), but i love how it is. It blends well with the chicken/beef. The quality of the meats here are great. Friendly service. Its a small place, but you can dine in. It does get busy especially during dinner time. Vegetarian options: Falafels and salads
It s popular for a reason.. incredible falafel sandwich and great prices.
You cant beat it. Incredible flavor their homemade hot sauce is divine.
The GOAT
Best shawarma in the town
Great place for shawarma. Mouth watering taste and reasonable price.
Great local place with a pretty good shawarma. The portion is small, but its cheap - so just get 2 shawarma :)
Great meat portions looks like double most places for the sandwiches, also great prices aswell! Would recommend
Very delicious
We run a program and the kids requested chicken shawarma. We knew just the place to go for value, price and deliciousness. Took a 25 minute drive just to get them from here (with many shawarma places near us). They were not mad/upset as we had experienced about a really large order. Instead they provided the same service we are used to and appreciated the business. Will definitely continue to order from here.
Shawarma very dry they mixed the vegetables together tomato was dry and turnip was sour and also the bread was a turn off it was so small and had bad texture to it it didn t seem like a shawarma at first the only good thing was the chicken.
The shawarma here is amazing. It s a hidden gem in Scarborough. Serving authentic shawarma. The staff there are respectful and kind. Love that they use harrisa sauce. Its a game changer.
Tried this place for the first time, me and my bf wanted to try this place for a long time and I can t believe I m saying this but that was the worst shawarma place I ve ever been to. Absolutely no flavour! Like is that even possible!? The chicken had no seasoning, garlic sauce? I can t taste the garlic lol. I asked for hot sauce it was non existent. NO FLAVOUR! Who s giving this place 5 stars??? The people are nice but man I paid $35 for 2 chicken Shawarma plates. That was the worst $35 I ve ever spent on shawarma. SMH LAZEEZ is better
Bro best best best best shawarma ever, super flavourful, like I can always order from here and feel satisfied.
good food, recommend the chicken plate or sandwich
First time my son is trying Shawarma and he is giving me the Gen Alpha lingo he said it s got rizz daddy . It was indeed excellent.
Straight up God tier food. Never misses. Give this place a Michelin star right now. Long live the king
Best shawarmas in GTA!
Tty one you will love it
A ordered three chicken shawarmas and loved it!
Best shawarma in the city, always fresh ingredients. And the space is clean.
Great value for money!! Got the combo 1 and chicken platter and it was so much food it fed 4 people. People who worked there were really nice and this place is always busy with lots of customers. Food : 5/5
Best Shawarma place in Scarborough
Amazing spot
One of my favorite shawarma stores
Terrible experience. Wont be going back.
First time trying thanks to YouTube video. Wont be my last. One of the best places around, so close to Sumak which will make my decisions way harder Vegetarian options: Falafel is an excellent vegetarian option
After hearing a good amount about this place online, I had to come try it immediately after having Ghadir across the road- doing a mini shawarma comparison. Very different shawarmas, both solid. I think Empire would be so much better if they used a different type of bread, vs. their standard pita pockets. A nice thin pita wrap would be so much better. Went for the mixed shawarma- it was seasoned nicely, but a little less juicy than Id like. What I really enjoyed was their hot sauce, which had an almost hickory type smoke to it- Ive actually never had that style hot sauce anywhere else on a shawarma. Very good. My main issue is the bread... which especially when just taken out of the plastic is very stiff/dense, and goes down hard... Overall, a very decent shawarma, but definitely not anything Id go out of my way for.
Best shwarma in town
The food is very good
One of the best in the area. If a restaurant has a line up, you know its good. Edit: Still the King.
One of the best Shawarma, and a great price
Best shawarma in toronto.
A hidden gem indeed. We happened to be in the area after visiting the Costco Business Centre. My wife remembered someone at work raving about Shawarma Empire as being the best theyve tried in the city. They had four rotisseries going and a constant stream of customers when we arrived after 4:30pm. The staff are all friendly and very polite. We ordered chicken shawarma sandwiches and plates to go. You can ask for spicy or non-spicy for the sandwiches, and choose your toppings. We didnt have a chance to take photos as we were very hungry and ended up eating it in the car before we could leave the parking lot. Absolutely delicious and very authentic sauces. The only challenge we had was finding parking in this strip mall off Lawrence Avenue. If youre in the area, stop by and grab a bite here if you love shawarma. Were so glad we did.
Consistently great.
Best Shawarma in Toronto eaily .......
You can feel the love and care in everything they do!
Hands down the best chicken shawarma! Very highly recommended!
Great place for 10PM takeout!
This place is great. The people are very friendly. The food is prepared fresh and fast. I have tried many shwarma stores in Toronto. Hands down, this is my favorite. Even if there is a long lineup, it moves quick. These folks really know what theyre doing and their food is delicious. Im a fan of the beef schwarma wrap. Parking: Lots of free parking. Just like any where else it depends when you come.
Just fine. The chicken and the spicy falvohr is good. But i dint like the sour taste in the vegetable. I dont kbow what they using. As a southasian, i dont knw their dressings. I enjoyed the chicken. It was delicious. But non of these shawarma cant beat what i tried in backhome. Am still looking other shawarma stores
Been a loyal customer for almost 2 years but they have lost my business. All the people working here have too much attitude and don t listen to when you request light spice on the shawarma and they put too much onion. The last time I went in they were very rude and not accommodating. One of the guys started arguing and getting loud for no reason. They have no customer service skills and could care less if you stop coming here or not.
Best shawarma in the GTA, hands down. Also very friendly and generous portions. We drive across the city from the west end to come here (it s that good).
Amazing food. Quality and taste was incredible. Will certainly be ordering dinner here again!
One of the best shawarma shops in the city and always the best customer service. Shawarma s are very filling and tasty and made with the ultimate care. Parking can be a little difficult and shop can be a bit busy but, more than worth it!
Sure, here is the revised text: Living in the Detroit/Windsor area has set a high standard for Mediterranean food, especially Lebanese cuisine. The Lebanese food in Windsor and Dearborn is exceptional, thanks to the large Lebanese community in the area. In comparison, Torontos shawarma, falafel, and Mexican food have always seemed bland and uninspiring. However, I recently found the best falafel in Toronto so far. The falafel was freshly made, not reheated, and it was evident that the food was fresh due to the quick turnover. The staff were friendly, the eatery had seating areas, but I opted for takeout. The prices were reasonable, with two falafel for under 6 dollars. This place is definitely worth a visit and is probably one of the better dining options in Scarborough. *CASH ONLY*
Whenever Im in the area I always try to get their chicken shawarma plate and falafels. One of the best shawarmas in Toronto. The only struggle is with parking. Sometimes I have to go up and down a couple of times before getting a place to park.
Overall the food was bland. It could be that I just did not have the proper experience but the shawarma sandwich was not as good as the hype
The best mixed shawarma sandwich for me Very fresh, flavourful, and the spicy sauce? Oh my gosh. Its something you wouldnt fail to like! Quick service too but the place is cramped. But its tolerable.
Want the best falafels in town? This is where its at. Falafels here are phenomenal.
Wonderful
Great food and great customer service. Staff was kind and friendly! Shawarma itself not as big as other shawarma places but the lower price balances it out and you can still get full from it! Food : 5/5
Great spice on the chicken shawarma, amazing flavor. In my top 5 Shawarma in the city. Will definitely go back again
Hands down the best falafel I have had WORLDWIDE. Fresh vegetables, innovative spicy sauce and piping hot falafels made in house. To boot, I believe this is a family owned spot with the mom at the helm. We ve been frequenting Shawarma Empire for years and it s a regular on our rotation. Bonus : the fries are a no brainer add on item that hits !
The best quick eats in Scarborough
I bought a wrap from them and I find little pieces of metal in the food and they wouldn t even give me a refund u guys be careful
Best falafels ever! We got Shawarma plates and meat was extremely delicious and fresh, the rice however was really gross and definitely not Shawarma rice but perhaps this is a different culture of Shawarma rice so therefore it was still OK. I added on falafels to my order and they were the best felafel ever.I know they re known for Shawarma wraps so next time we go, we will try them out. We were really surprised by how fresh and delicious this place was definitely will try out other items
You can go wrong with shawarma Empire...the beef shawarma is beyond amazing and the prices are so affordable.
Food is okay. Service is fast enough as they are busy. Place needs cleaning and upgrade.
I drive from Mississauga to eat here. Best shawarma and falafel outside of the Middle East.
Extremely disappointed. I drove from young and Eglinton to Victoria and Lawrence for their shawarma unfortunately in 2024 they didnt accept credit card. Only debit and cash. I am so disappointed.
Kid-friendliness: Dont know Wheelchair accessibility: No Food : 5/5 |
Bad.
IMy family and I cant get enough.! Sooo delicious 9
Legendary for a reason! Best falafels in the city.
One of the best Shawarmas in Ontario. The meat is delicious and juicy. Would recommend Shawarma and Beef mix. Food : 5/5
Update: the shawarma I had yesterday was extremely extremely dry. It tasted entirely different compared to the first time I came here. I would reccomend to dine here in the afternoon. I came 2.5 hours before closing and It was not good. I couldn t finish it. Even the pita tasted stale around the edges. The customer service was good but inconsistent food Surprisingly really good
The wrap is good. Just it needs to be easy for eating. The way the wrap is prepared is making it difficult to eat it. Otherwise, it s really good.
One of my favourite shawarma spots in the city I highly recommend the beef shawarma sandwich and the felafel sandwich is one of the best by far in the city! Prices are also affordable! And its authentic spot
The dollar to meat ratio is good. And the meat itself is good too. Its a different style of shawarma from wraps Ive had but if Im in the area I make sure to stop there because you cant go wrong with 7.49 for a loaded wrap like that. I hope they never change.
A true hidden gem. Comfort food for sure. Value to quality of food is excellent. Parking: A bit crowded for parking and tight spaces, not recommended for dine in options.
Great shawarma place in Toronto. Their chicken shawarma is really good.
Best place to be.very welcoming and delicious food.
Best shawarma on Lawerence
Great customer service. Delicious food!
Naah. Just 1 time eat. Nothing special. I have tried many shwarma places . LULU shwarma and Vida la Pita Hamilton are far better than the Shwarma Empire.
Love it Been going there since 2009
Food
For Gods sake, excellent food
Food was fabulous!
Brother, you give me a cold chicken and I told you don t put the cold chicken in my shawarma and you told me it s Okay I won t and I told you don t surprise me and you did So next time if you see me feel shame and don t do it again cuz I will come back and throw it in your face and I will get my money back
The absolute best!!!
Very delicious and fresh food
Authentic, FLAVOURFUL, and inexpensive. I got a chicken plate and my girlfriend got a chicken pita for $24. Amazing staff too. Will definitely be back.
Wow! Best shawarma in the city. Please keep it this way, prices on point, service quick and feels like its made by a friend. Take my money.
Best Shawarma around
Really filling and tasty
One of the best shawarmas in the GTA. Food is always fresh and the meat is tender and juicy. Must try.
Vegetarian options: Amazing ! Can t have enough and always have to come back for more ! Food
Always fresh and delicious. Be prepared to wait a bit for your food as they are always super busy .
Empire Shawarma serves up the best bread for their shawarmas, hands down. My favorites are the chicken wrap and the falafels those falafels are just too yummy to resist. The food is always fresh, and they manage to keep up with the flavor even when there are long lines during lunchtime. The staff are super friendly and sweet, which makes each visit a pleasure, especially when Im craving falafels. Vegetarian options: Falafels are the best! Parking: Can be really busy during rush hours like lunch time.
This place sells the best beef shawarma
Great quality. They make fresh bread, and their taste is great. Should try for sure
Consistently delicious chicken shawarmas!!! Best in the GTA for sure!
The best shawarma in Scarborough!
Tried their falafel and chicken plate. It was ok overall nothing special. Shop definitely need some renovation. Food : 4/5
Very congested place and it was too hot to sut inside. Ordered two Chicken shawarma sandwiches which tastes like tomato sauce. All the veggies were pickled which make shawarma worst and too sour. Garlic sauce was worst and it was too dry after putting extra garlic sauce.
Chicken is well seasoned, Salad is nicely dressed with a vinaigrette. Rice is soft with Lentils and Parsley. Overall excellent flavor, hard to stop eating it, nice portion size also. This is now my go to :) Food
Satisfied when I get any of the chicken, beef, or mix shawarma plates. Sometimes there is a bit of a wait, but the food is worth it. Also, try their falafels - really tasty!
I came here with a friend who is a frequent visitor. We ordered the chicken shawarma and tabouli salad. It was all delicious. This place is the classic hole in the wall gem everyone wishes they knew about. But, only a few tables so likely plan on takeout.
Best spot for falafel!! This is place has been around and their food hasnt changed. Prices are decent and theres food for every dietary restrictions
Excellent shawarma. Portions are fair for the price and without competition the best hummus I have ever had. Their chicken was better and definitely ask for extra sauce and hummus on the side.
Had a lunch in Shawarma Empire, this chicken shawarma is really tasty and the staff are nice. I like this place and I will come back to try the beef shawarma.
Amazing Shawarma
Very good sharwama