The Empire in Toronto

1018 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M2, Canada

★★★★★
(300 reviews)
Categories: Middle Eastern restaurant East African restaurant Restaurant

About

Join us for Fresh and Healthy meal!! With more than 20 years of experience in mid-eastern cuisine, our chef's garlic sauce is a must try. Our staffs are trained to serve the customers fast with no compromise in hospitality because we value our customers and their time. No matter what time of year, you can be sure you're eating the best of the season.

Website
theempirerestaurant.godaddysites.com
Address
1018 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M2, Canada
Plus Code
MH69+9H Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Sunday
11 AM–10 PM
Monday
11 AM–11 PM
Tuesday
11 AM–11 PM
Wednesday
11 AM–11 PM
Thursday
11 AM–11 PM
Friday
11 AM–12 AM
Saturday
11 AM–12 AM

Services

Service options
No-contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Offerings
Healthy options Late-night food Small plates Vegan options Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Dessert
Amenities
Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards

Photos

Reviews

4.7
★★★★★
300 reviews

Most Mentioned

falafel (25) wrap (11) chicken shawarma (9) rice (7) to go (6) plate (6) shank (4) tax (3) hands (3) parsley (2)
5 stars
233
4 stars
47
3 stars
11
2 stars
1
1 stars
8
★★★★★
November 24, 2024

Fantastic beef shawarma wrap! there is no deal for getting 2 anymore, all individually priced. Also got a chicken shawarma but couldn’t eat it, they give a big portions, usually I buy 2 wraps because they are usually so small, NOT HERE! Service was great, only waited 5 mins for it to be prepared. I got all toppings, next time I may ask for not as much parsley, all in all this place is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! 5 STARS!

★★★★★
November 22, 2024

Food was INCREDIBLE! So fresh and tasty, the chicken shawarma was so juicy (which is not always the case at shawarma places) and everything was so flavourful. 10/10 meal

★★★★★
July 20, 2024

Absolutely delicious food! I am Celiac and need to follow a strict gluten free diet, the owner was happy to go through safe options with me and there are so many yummy options to choose from! Falafel are naturally gluten free and these are in a fryer separate from flour - yay! My go to however is grilled chicken, rice, loads of veggies, pickles and smothered in tahini! Always tasty and a great value!

★★★★★
November 7, 2023

Came here the other night on a whim just looking for some dinner and thank god I did! The owner was very welcoming when I came in and as soon as he started i knew it was going to be a good meal. He fried up the chicken before adding to my wrap, also asked if i liked onion and added some to fry up with the meat!! Ended up wanting a little side of potatoes and he accommodated that while also giving the already cooked potatoes an extra fry to crispy them up😍 As he made my wrap, he asked if it was my first time here, I said yes & I could tell he was so excited for me to try. He also filled the wrap with everything i wanted then added some lettuce on top so the chicken wouldn’t rip the wrap👌🏾He did so many little things to improve my meal. I sat down in the restaurant, enjoyed, savoured and devoured every single bite of that chicken shawarma wrap. One of the best i’ve ever had Great portions too

★★★★★
September 4, 2023

We have had shawarmas at many places in thr GTA and in various cities in Canada. This shawarmas here are very, very good. Close to thr best we have had. The restaurant is a casual one, with limited seating and is not fancy. But the food is excellent quality, decent portions and authentic taste. Absolutely value for money.

★★★★★
October 6, 2020

The service is friendly and fast, and they load you up on the vegies I had the lamb shawarma wrap, the lamb was tender and flavorful. The toppings and sauces were fresh and tasty. Overall top tier shawarma

★★★★★
July 13, 2020

sheesh! time to finally write my review on my fav shawarma spot in the city!! yes the whole city!!! i don't f with that tired ole alibaba! used to be crispy now they're dusty!! anyways i've been eating here since last year when i found it and it's never let me down. fair warning this review is of the chicken shawarma wrap and the fries only because that's all i ever get. make sure you grab a mango nectar too they're the bomb. anyway the pics speak for themselves. so much meat. i only got onions lettuce and greens on mine with garlic sauce and hummus. meat ratio was easily 50% almost forgot to mention that i got the wrap, small fries with ketchup and garlic sauce, and a delish lime soda for $12.13!!!! are you crazy!!!! eat here or you're fooling around. stop it

★★★★★
February 10, 2020

Located close to Ossington station, the Empire is an amazing place to try out some good Mediterranean food. Had a good experience at this restaurant. They offer wide variety of options to choose from. Amzing quality and good price. The lamb shank at this restaurant is a really good option. They two types of rice, salads, pita, meat, all blend well together for an satisfing meal. The server is a great guy, very generous and helpful. I would definitely recommend this place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 24, 2024

Absolutely delicious

★★★★★
September 22, 2024

Amazing shawarma. Good customer service

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 22, 2024

Floors are sticky, decor is awful, questionable in every way. But the shawarma slaps so who cares.

★★★★★
August 22, 2024

I frequent this place. Its dishes may appear humble but reliably brim with a variety of pleasing flavours. A veritable Bloor West gem.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 22, 2024

Great food and service. Appreciated the slightly above average portions. Sitting area is decent. Would definitely recommend for a takeout.

★★★★★
June 22, 2024

Has been my favourite shawarma since I was a teen. No one has topped it. They re always so kind and it s affordable. Don t sleep on empire!

★★★★
June 22, 2024

Decent

★★★★★
May 22, 2024

The best lamb shak I ve ever tested just waw Salman best best thank for making this meals so great men Food

★★★★★
April 22, 2024

Great food and great value. Highly recommended.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

Best Shawarmas in town !!!

★★★★
Local Guide
March 22, 2024

My chicken shawarma wrap was really good and left me satisfied, but the interior of the restaurant had pretty clearly not been cleaned in a long time, which was a bit uncomfortable. The service was not particularly personable, but got the job done. If youre eating here, I recommend planning to take out.

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

I walked past this place today and decided to stop in for a Chicken shawarma. Well wasnt that a good decision, best shawarma I have had in ages. Nice and thick, not stingy on the portions like other places. I recommend stopping in here if you are in the area, you wont be disappointed!!

★★★★★
February 22, 2024

Amazing food and service. The prices are way cheaper than most places and the food is way better than the surrounding places.

★★★★★
January 22, 2024

The best Shawarma wraps! tastes amazing! Way better portions than its three closest competitors who I won t even rate or acknowledge their existence. nice sized portions really fair prices, fresh veg, and no EXTRA charges for parsley or extra toppings. Ice cold soft drinks.. The most friendly and courteous staff and fast service.. but most important

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Like people said in the comments earlier, big portion for the cheap price and the taste of the food is pretty good too. What stood out for me at this place was interacting with Salman who works here on the weekends. I swear he made every customer feel welcomed. Definitely a place I would visit again for sure

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

My partner and I have become regulars here thanks to the consistently fresh food, friendly staff, and generous portions at much appreciated prices. Great option for a falafel plate, and their saffron rice is both gorgeous and delicious!! Dietary restrictions: easy to get a vegan & gluten-free meal by choosing the falafel plate and opting out of garlic sauce

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Really great shawarma and falafel. The other veggie options are also great, such as the eggplant and okra. Prices are also incredibly affordable for the portions you get!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The best lamb shawarma you ll have! What a wonderful find and Sam at the store is such a nice guy.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Nice shawrma and food. My favorite place and food I always get my chicken sticks.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Excellent chicken shawarma

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Got the falafel plate, amazing portion size and they were quite good rice was honestly really good too! Super friendly staff the only thing id suggest is to try to keep it a bit cleaner, but thats part of the charm. Either way id definitely go back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great portion, fresh salad and big potatoes:) We ate a full portion at the park and left the rest for dinner. It was delicious with about 3 large slightly sweet potatoes hidden inside.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Fantastic taste and exceptional services!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

one of if not the best shawarma places around

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Not a place that will wow you. BUT, it is worth visiting. Please do. Compared to other places that sell the similar food options, this place serves it best in my opinion. Also, if you are a sports fan they always have a loud TV showing some kind of sport. Food

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Nice little place with awesome service and delicious food. You can enjoy an original Shawarma here. Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

We were just walking down the street and find here. We really liked their shawarma. As they promised it was clean and fresh.

Local Guide
December 22, 2023

My orders have been cancelled 3 times on 3 different days with UberEats. Do yourself a favour and close your restaurant if you dont know how you should operate a business.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Salam and lucky are the best people at this location. Loved their food and service

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Easily the best shawarma in west downtown Toronto! Strong sense of community here aswell, definitely the type of spot that has regulars who have been coming for years !

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

Had a falafel and chicken shawarma. Wonderful. Lots of veggies and as the namesake says, it tastes FRESH.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

The chicken shawarma was good!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Salmaan gives a special experience with his shawarmas that come with quality meat and fabulous taste! Service is another level here

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2023

Great service and friendly atmosphere it almost seemed like everyone that came in there was smiling and warm to each other even though none of us knew each other! The food was professionally and proficiently prepared, even for out large order. Sanitary standards were observed throughout, and presentation was conscientious. Quality is consistent as per my sister in law who is a regular. Worth visiting and making a regular party of your favs.

★★★★★
December 22, 2023

you know its good when cuisine is misspelled on the sign.

★★★★
December 22, 2023

I used to like the place,because it was good. My last visit was an okay experience. Spices were weak on the chicken. Chicken wasnt good this time. I got only a few pieces of chicken, and 3 of the pieces were fatty,probably chicken skin. Service is always good,friendly, and kind.

December 22, 2022

They cancel orders lol

December 22, 2022

They canceled my orders twice on UberEats, 2 different days. Get off the platform if you don t wanna work punks.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Ingredients seemed fresh but tasted bit salty. Portion does need to be much larger for the price. There are other better shawarma options out there

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Always consistent .fresh chicken which is full of flavour. Great customer service and a lot of soul goes into the food

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Your standard shawarma joint. Pretty fresh and quick.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Good Shawarma and great customer service

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Amazing

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

I think you could actually find me to have a rather large shwarma content level in my blood because of this place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Great food, thanks guys

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Excellent shawarma plate and falafel, large portion and a very good price. Bit gritty inside but the staff were super polite. Will definitely come back here again.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

The best middle eastern food I have found in this city hands down! You can tell it is made with love and care, everything is always fresh and delicious!!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Nice food

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Good taste , good quality of the food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Best shawarma in the city. So sad to be leaving this hood and moving to a hood without an empire.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Yum, flavor galore! Definitely hit my Mediterranean fix.

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

I love their beef shwarma so much I would get it in a wrap or a plate it was so delicious

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

Best shawarma and falafel in the city hands down! Nicest staff. Been going for years and no other place compares!

★★★★★
December 22, 2022

best felafel sandwich

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Cold food, dry rice, cold pita bred but kind people. The shawarma is better than plates.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

The shawarma tasted very good. Very affordable prices and diverse menu. plenty of space! Food : 5/5

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2022

Just a darn good falafel. Although there are a couple other falafel places close by, this one just tastes a little better to me and I dont know why. Maybe you will figure it out.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Had the chicken shawarma and beef shawarma sandwich really good food, fresh ingredients.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

10/10. The food is always flavourful and fresh.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Very good food and friendly staff. Delicious shawarma and falafel. Fresh:)

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Best authentic shwarma Ive had, the chicken shwarma wrap is stuffed full with delicious perfectly cooked chicken, all your typical toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, onion, pickled veggies but the tabbouleh was so amazing. The hummus, garlic mayo, tzatziki and hot sauce all taste homemade. 100% would recommend this place, food is super fresh & tasty & a huge portion for the price.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Amazing shawarma. Got the beef and I ve been getting it for years here. Only shawarma place I will EVER go to. Real talk famm.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Great pricing and even better flavors, also the toppings were fresh! Would recommend!

December 22, 2021

Yucky. Never again!

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

A hidden gem! Food is fantastic (highly recommend the lamb) and service is great.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Big portions for a cheap price and its always delicious. The owners are nice and the place is always open. Cant ask for anything more.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Walked in the other day for lunch. The line went very quickly with only one person working. Also they were very friendly. I had a chicken shawarma and it was great. I will be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Empire is great. Consistently fresh and served by very nice people

★★★★
December 22, 2021

Delicious. I have spoken.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Super polite, lovely and GREAT tasting food. Items that always cost extra other places are included with the veggie platter!! Thrilled to have found them! New fave.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Place is nice, been around for as long as I can remember. Place has not be updated according to modern trends. Food is okay and portions are generous. I go here from time to time and will recommend to others.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Amazing place.

★★★★★
December 22, 2021

Best tasting and fresh shawarmas and falafels. The wrap is full of meat and really fills you up, unlike other places. They also dont charge extra for tabouli salad or more cabbage on the wrap. Staff are friendly and wash hands / change gloves regularly, which I appreciate. I also saw the owner giving some food to a homeless man which really warmed my heart. I recommend this place to everyone i know. Fresh toppings, nice flavours.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Good Indian food and the best service

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Very tasty food and very friendly staff .

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2021

Super good fast service! Everything was so fresh and the hot sauce packs a really really good punch!

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Very nice place to sit down and enjoy your food and stay I do recommend it to everyone

★★★★
December 22, 2020

Agreed

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

I haven t gone in a while due to far distance, but there are incredible shawarmas here! Absolutely amazing!!! Workers are super warm as well! Definitely recommend!

Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Wow.... this is absolutely the worst shawarma beef or chicken I have ever had. Everything was just bad. I dont know how this is rated 4.7 probably becoz of the fake reviews or people not knowing what real shawarma taste like. Me and my wife both felt sick after eating it and threw out the rest of the food. Dont know go there its absolutely terrible.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Great food with taste

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

One of many excellent very affordable falafel/shawarma shops in the area

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

The food is amazing there

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

The lamb shank plate for 12.99 makes this place a must-visit for all foodies

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Friendly service and awesome food!

★★★★
December 22, 2020

foodie lover

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Best of best, so amazing place !!!! Good quality, reasonable price, healthy foods

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Shawarma was top notch

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Food is delicious!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Really like the falafels here.

Local Guide
December 22, 2020

I wonder how these guys earned good rating

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Best Shawarma ever!! Will visit again!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Fresh local food

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Amazing variety of flavours and large quantity of food on their combo plates for a great great price

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2020

Ordered the beef shawarma. Tasted pretty good but not amazing. Ambience was nice inside so giving it 5 stars. Would recommend for quick cheap eat.

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

Chicken shawarma plate with added falafel, delicious!

★★★★★
December 22, 2020

best

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Just stop by coz I was tooo hungry : ) turns out delicious shawarma. I like the beef the most.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Quality was good and quick! I would say equal to some Ali babas

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Wordless

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Dont let the appearance fool you. The food here is fantastic, the portions are large and the price is fair.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Very good food. Great customer service! In need of a paint job

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Good middle eastern food, love the shwarma.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

I really enjoy the schwarma s, and ful beans dish!

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Best falafel in town

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Good seasoning in the food, and their salad is always fresh

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

Great customer service. The food is always above satisfactory. One of my favourite places to eat at.

Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Flavourless and yuk

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

It is a delicious place to eat shawarma, grape leaves and Middle Eastern food. One of my favorites!! Super recommended, with good prices, good packages and you can pay by card.

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Came on a Tuesday night - friendly and quick service. Theres a few tables in the restaurant but tables werent really wiped down that well. Got 2 beef shawarma sandwiches for $11.49 + tax.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Awesome chicken shawarma wrap! Try adding eggplant to it! Salman is a great guy!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

real deal right here

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

I come here at least once a week! The food is amazing! And I HIGHLY recommend the chicken shawarma plate with the works!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Ive eaten falafel in Toronto for 20 years, and these are the best falafel I have ever had by a mile

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Great falafel and shawarma.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Got the chicken shwarm combo. 10/10. Fresh tasty hit the spot not too heavy but am full. Very tasty and used to go there 5 yrs ago - quality has stayed the same. Very friendly man served me today, probably an owner. I left happy. Place was not empty either but not too busy.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Nice place

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

Good fresh food cooked right in front of you.I leave this place with my belly always full.I love this place!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

often do i think of this majestic slice of Mediterranean paradise and how I ate there four times in the six days i was in Toronto

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

I use to work there and they have d best food in Toronto Canada there Sambousa is something to talk about and not to mention there Shawarma its to dead for its the BEST the owner is very nice.cant wait to go back to Canada for there FOOD!!!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

My go-to place for shawarma. Delicious food at a very good price. Try the Lamb dinner plate!!!

★★★★★
December 22, 2019

The quality and price are perfect

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

very good meat on the shishtauk, filling and relatively healthy.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

The food is amazing and friendly staff

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2019

My friend was excited to show me this place, and for good reason. Delicious, delicious food, and friendly service to boot.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Really good food and extremely friendly staff. Portion size could easily be split between two. The beef is extremely tasty and the jalapeno sauce that is made in house is absolutely delicious. My only issue is that they do not offer any chicken breast options, closest they offer is the boneless chicken thighs but I only eat chicken breast. Besides that, a great spot for lunch with some awesome food.

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

My personal favorite.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

The overall review of this place speaks volumes, I go there on near daily basis for the falafels 2 for 11:75 if Im not mistaken and they have a special every, day 2 falafel sandwiches before 7pm is like 9bucks . And my personal opinion is ;I prefer The Empire instead of Alibabas they are expensive the flavour is just not there its bland and what I dislike is that Alibabas charges extra 50 cents for tabuli The Empire does not charge you extra!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Great food at a good price.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Nice food & good price ..

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

Great food at great prices!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Great inexpensive food. I just wish they didnt use disposable cutlery, for the sake of sustainability, since theyre already washing the plates.

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

The best Falafel in the 6.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Great food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Best shawarma restaurant ever

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Absolutely delicious, fresh food, good prices, friendly staff. The tastiest shawarma in the city in my opinion!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Excellent beef shawarma sandwich at a great price!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Nice place to go to for Schwarma. Portion sizes are good and puts in the right amount of food in the schwarma sandwiches

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Best falafel Ive had in Toronto. Good price and a good drink selection.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Good food, fair prices - recommend

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Best falafel in the city !! Great value !!

Local Guide
December 22, 2018

My bf and I got food poisoning from their falafel wrap not sure how but it happened.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Great place to falafel and watch soccer

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Really yummy food! Staff is friendly. Portions are big and the price is good. Definitely a must try!

★★★★★
December 22, 2018

The best falafel in Toronto.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2018

Best shawarma in toronto!