Arbequina Restaurant in Toronto

325 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M6, Canada

★★★★★
(307 reviews)
Categories: Restaurant

About

Where the soul of the Levant meets the cutting-edge artistry of modern culinary innovation. Created by Chef Moeen and his wife. At Arbequina sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Our menu evolves with the seasons and local availability, featuring almost 100% locally sourced produce. We work hand-in-hand with our farmers and suppliers, and we cultivate our special herbs in our own garden. We prioritize whole utilization of fruits, vegetables, and proteins to minimize waste. Additionally, as a zero-proof establishment, we craft exquisite non-alcoholic beverages that complement our cuisine. We hope the space we created feels warm and beautiful, and that the dishes transport you to the Levant region.

Website
arbequinato.com
Address
325 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M6, Canada
Plus Code
JHX2+G3 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
5–10 PM
Thursday
5–10 PM
Friday
5–10 PM
Saturday
5–10 PM
Sunday
5–9:30 PM

Services

Service options
Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet Assistive hearing loop Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Halal food Healthy options Organic dishes Private dining room Small plates Vegan options Vegetarian options
Dining options
Dinner Counter service Dessert Seating
Amenities
Gender-neutral toilets Toilets
Atmosphere
Cosy
Crowd
Family friendly Groups LGBTQ+ friendly Transgender safe space
Planning
Reservations required Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Paid street parking Parking

Photos

Reviews

5.0
★★★★★
307 reviews

Most Mentioned

chef (136) short rib (29) halal (24) mocktails (15) kale salad (11) prix fixe (10) michelin (9) labneh (8) levantine (5) pomegranate (5)
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★★★★★
December 16, 2024

We came to Arbequina to celebrate my sisters birthday and were blown away, at the service, meal and atmosphere. The pre-fixe menu let you sample quite a bit of what they offer and I could go right back tomorrow for some more. Service was impeccable. We are looking forward to coming back and seeing Chef Moeens future vision for the restaurant.

★★★★★
November 17, 2024

Was absolutely blown away by the delicious quality of the food from this underrated spot!! This has already become my favourite spot in Toronto. We had the pre-fixed menu: the presentation of the food was stunning and the taste was to die for! Highly recommend the short ribs, they were so soft and melted in my mouth. The chef was also kind enough to visit each table and made sure we were enjoying the food.

★★★★★
October 18, 2024

This is the kind of restaurant I have been waiting for my whole life. Fine dining that is truly halal with zero alcohol or pork served. From the chef to the servers, everyone was super friendly. The chef also makes sure to visit and interact with all guests, adding a personal touch to the experience. A simple yet classic restaurant with delectable food. Cannot recommend enough. A true hidden gem!

★★★★★
October 1, 2024

This experience quite literally left me speechless. Everything from the carefully chosen Palestinian-influenced menu to the mocktails to the atmosphere in this place. The service was impeccable and the facility was pristine. I’ll come back to this post to comment my favourite dish when I can choose which dish was my favourite because EVERYTHING went above and beyond. We will be coming here again 💕 Thank you Arbequina for the best fine dining experience we’ve ever had!

★★★★★
September 27, 2024

What an amazing experience. Came for dinner with my dad and brother, and they were both super impressed as well (my dad is quite picky). The chef / owner makes you feel at home, he socializes with his guests and shares a bit of his story. The food was so flavourful, and presented in novel ways. Needless to say we will absolutely be back! This deserves more than 5 stars.

★★★★★
August 18, 2024

Amazingly delicious food. Can’t even begin to describe the flavors, it’s just all good. Staff are so kind, presentation on point, and the Chef took time to explain the dish preparations. We did tasting menu. All new food experience for me. The non-alcohol drinks were also great. Not sweet, perfectly balanced. Definitely coming back.

★★★★★
August 12, 2024

Came here with a friend for a birthday treat. The food here is truly outstanding! Simple ambience and limited menu but great attention to detail to food - both in taste and presentation. Great place for a special dinner date. This place may seem expensive, trust me it's worth it! The drinks (non alcoholic) are as exotic in its simplicity. Chef is very friendly and checks in often at every table... Speaks volumes about the attention and satisfaction of its patrons Can't wait to come back and try the winter menu! This is definitely one of my favorite places to come back to chef's kiss*

★★★★★
August 3, 2024

Arbequina is an amazing culinary experience from start to finish. The restaurant is absolutely beautiful, upscale and has an elegant ambiance. The staff is polite, attentive to details and friendly. The chef introduced himself to us and made sure we enjoyed everything. We did the prefix menu and every single item was delicious, 11/10. The food was bursting with flavors, the combination of spices and herbs and the tenderness of the meat was superb. There was depth and texture in every bite and very well balanced. There were 8 of us present and we spent most of the night raving about how excellent the food is. This is literally my new favorite place and I highly recommend everyone to check it out. I guarantee you won't be disappointed but will crave this experience again and again.

★★★★★
December 23, 2024

It was pleasure meeting Chef Moeen and learning about the dishes. Highly recommend the mushroom truffle pastry and lamb mandi Food : 5/5

★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2024

I came across this cozy restaurant on TikTok and was excited to try it after seeing so many positive reviews. The service was excellent, and the staff was very attentive. However, some of the dishes didn t quite meet our expectations. For example, the $60 short rib, which we hoped would be tender and flavorful, was a bit dry and less juicy than anticipated. The steak on the hummus also felt a bit overcooked and dry. The manti was tasty, but the portions were quite small, and despite ordering a variety of dishes, we left still feeling a bit hungry. Lastly, while the desserts were ok, they didn t quite wow us.

★★★★★
December 21, 2024

The food was unreal! Had a chance to speak with Chef Moeen who was so hospitable and kind not to mention incredibly talented. Can t wait to come back here again!

★★★★★
December 21, 2024

What an experience. If there is one Toronto restaurant I ll come back to time and time again, it s Arbequina. Not only because of the fact that the incredible Chef Moeen s talents allow him to creatively construct new and exclusive menus as the seasons change, but also because of the fact that the staff, and Chef himself, are clearly passionate about their craft. Absolutely delicious food, Palestinian owned, and fully halal. 10/10!

★★★★
December 20, 2024

I have no complaints about the food at this place. Everything they served was delicious, from the bread with the labneh and olive tapenade spread, to the delicious short rib plate. While the food was great, it is quite expensive, even by Toronto standards. I couldnt help wonder whether pricing reflected the fact that they dont serve alcohol, which is usually where restaurants compensate for the thin margins on food. Not to mention them charging $16 (!!!) for some of their mocktails. We enjoyed a great meal here but wont be rushing back on this basis.

★★★★★
December 19, 2024

Dietary restrictions: Halal Food

★★★★★
December 16, 2024

I loved this place and will definitely be back.

★★★★★
December 16, 2024

This was our second time dining here. The food is amazing here. The flavours are impeccable. Totally recommend this place!

★★★★★
December 16, 2024

The food was absolutely delicious. The chef was kind enough to come chat with every table. I would eat here every day if I could.

★★★★★
December 16, 2024

Absolutely delicious. We tried the prix fixe menu and every single bite was a party in my mouth. Spices were impeccably balanced and textures were a journey

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

I recently had the pleasure of dining here, and it was an exceptional experience! The food was absolutely delicious, with every dish crafted to perfection and bursting with flavor. From the appetizers to the desserts, each bite was a delight. The service was equally impressive. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made sure that every detail of our dining experience was taken care of. The ambiance was warm and inviting, creating the perfect setting for a memorable meal. I ll definitely be returning soon to try other seasonal menu dishes!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

Prepare to be mind-blown. The best restaurant in Toronto hands down. The menu is so creative, the food is flavorful and the portions are large. The staff were so knowledgable and the chef was so kind in offering our child some cucumbers and hummus to snack on. Truly one-of-a-kind experience!!!

★★★★★
December 16, 2024

I don t typically do reviews but this gem is a rare exception. From the ambience, to the service, to the absolutely divine food, this place was exceptional.We dined on the prix fixe menu and were absolutely blown away by the flavours, quality of ingredients and presentation. It was an absolute pleasure to meet the chef, who added to our wonderful experience, and made it a point to graciously check in with his guests.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

The food was out of this world. Would recommend the prefix it was so good. My partner couldnt stop talking about his drink. The pomegranate lime drink. We came to celebrate a birthday and they we so sweet and accommodating. The chef is so sweet and passionate you can tell he loves and cares for his customers and his craft. Cant wait to come back.

★★★★★
December 9, 2024

Absolutely fantastic meal. Service, food, presentation. 10/10 would recommend. The eggplant and cauliflower appetizers were excellent. And the apple toffee pudding dessert outstanding. Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

Everything was top-notch. The food, the service, and the atmosphere. We ordered from both a la carte and the prix fixe, and all the plates were cooked to perfection and had a special taste that left the place unforgettable. My most favorite was the short rib. Definitely recommend this place.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

Best restaurant in Toronto. Chef Moin is a superstar!

★★★★★
December 2, 2024

Chef Moeen personalized the whole experience for us. There were 8 of us celebrating a friend s Bday. He curated a menu for us and the food was incredibly delicious. We really appreciated the halal environment and Palestinian roots. ISA we will be there again soon! Abu Aydin

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 2, 2024

In my opinion one of if not the best restaurant in Toronto. Come with friends and order everything. I was not disappointed with any of the 9 dishes our group had. The head chef would come by every once in a while and chat with every single table to talk about the dishes and his inspirations. This restaurant makes me feel like the other restaurants in Toronto either don t try or are trying too hard.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 2, 2024

We had a wonderful dining experience last night. The dishes were vibrant and full of flavour. The service was friendly and attentive. We look forward to returning and trying different dishes!

★★★★★
December 2, 2024

Exceptional food and experience. The chef was very personable. I got the prix fixe menu and they went out of their way to accommodate my dietary restrictions without compromising taste. Dietary restrictions: Gluten free available

★★★★★
November 25, 2024

Beautiful cozy restaurant and delicious food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 25, 2024

Love this restaurant from the food to ambiance to the service. Chef Moeen gives his personal touch not only food but makes sure everyone has a great time at the restaurant. And it is good to support Palestinian restaurant. 100% reccomend it

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

I was born and raised in toronto and have been living here my entire life. That was the best fine dining experiance I have ever had. I wish i can give this place 6 stars instead of 5. The waitresses and chef/owner were amazing kept checking up on us talking to us asking us if we needed anything. Cleaning our tables changing our plates and utensils. Amazing owner and staff. Excellent food and customer service. The food was phenominal. 100% will be going back.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

I rarely write reviews, but wow.. Lovely experience. New flavours with a middle eastern touch, all while focusing on locally sourced food. Staffs and chef made the atmosphere welcoming and warm. Even the neighbourhood around the restaurant is lovely for a walk. Highly highly recommend!

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Chef Moeen and his team transform a meal into an intimate culinary adventure. Tucked into Roncesvalles is this tribute to the Levant with dishes that are truly inspired. The menu adapts to local seasonal availability, but if the sea bass is on the menu, definitely worth trying. Chef was so kind to our elderly mom, she felt right at home and well taken care of. All the staff elevated the dining experience. Thank you Arbequina.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Phenomenal service and food. 10/10

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Great food! The environment is a good homey vibe. The owner and chef actually comes out and chats with all the customers and makes you feel very welcomed. One of the best Arabic cuisines I have experienced in the city. 10/10

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Amazing quality of food. Phenomenal service, very unique and great flavour, texture and presentation for the pre-fix menu! Would definitely recommend for anyone who is looking for a cozy relaxing date night.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

One of the best meals I have ever had. Chef Moeen takes the time to talk to every customer and explains every dish. Every course was unique and the perfect balance of textures and flavours. Highly recommend for any special occasion. They were also very accommodating to my food allergies and offered delicious alternatives in the pre-fix tasting menu.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

An exceptional fine dining experience! The ambiance is elegant and inviting, with meticulous attention to detail. Service is outstanding attentive yet unobtrusive. Every dish is beautifully crafted, from the manti to the the short ribs, and the steak s pomegranate jam pairings is spot-on. Highly recommended for an unforgettable evening!

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Food is amazing, ambiance is wonderful. We loved how the chef/owner personally came out and greeted each table. Definitely will be back!

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

This was by far the best food I had during my visit to Toronto! Coming from NYC the dinning experience was exceptional. I opted for the Pre-Fix menu to try a little bit of everything and it was worth every penny. Even their mocktails were phenomenal. Highly recommend this place.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Essential dining if youre in Toronto. The food is impeccable, the staff is attentive, and the chef is a charming artist. Do not miss this amazing experience. Dietary restrictions: Dairy-friendly, just tell them in advance.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Chef Moeen never fails to deliver!! The food was OUTSTANDING and the service was impeccable. Even if you are only in Toronto for a short visit, make sure come here for some of the best food you will ever have!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

The food was amazing, the owner/chef and servers were wonderful and very attentive. Wonderful 100% halal fine dining restaurant!

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

I grew up with the majority of the menu cuisine, and the level of innovation and creativity here is outstanding. This restaurant was the main reason I visited Toronto From NY, and I can honestly say it was worth it. Id make the trip again.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Visiting chef Moeen s restaurant downtown was an absolute experience. From the moment we walked in we felt taken care of by the staff and chef himself. He visited our table (and every other table) in the restaurant multiple times to check in, make sure we were okay and make connections. The food itself was exquisite. Filled with flavour and variety, the food tasting was quite the experience. I would highly recommend this restaurant on all fronts. You won t be disappointed.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Did the prix fixe. Fantastic food and a really unique dining experience.

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

You can feel the passion of the Chef come through from the beautiful plating to the carefully executed exquisite taste of each dish. The servers were very attentive and polite. All these little details elevated the dining experience. Recommendation: in addition to the melt in your mouth short ribs, everyone should try their perfectly sweet Apple sukkar (apple sticky toffee cake) with cinnamon ice cream Will be coming back for every special occasion.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Incredible 10/10 experience. Best fine dining restaurant ever. The choices, the taste, everything was exquisite. Deserves a Michelin . Keep up the great work. Dietary restrictions: Halal and Vegetarian options

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Fantastic! A fantastic gastronomic experience, with striking seasonings and flavors. Simple but special menu from starters to desserts. The Service speaks for this evaluation, which if it werent exceptional it wouldnt be evaluating it so highly.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Delicious food, great attention to detail, from the ambience to the presentation and the flavor profile for everything. Took my Mom here for her birthday, they did not miss at all.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

I came here for my anniversary. Aaaaamaaazinggggg

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

One of the best meals Ive had in Toronto. Other than feeling representation from a Muslim owned business in the fine dining space, this was a really well thought-out menu, mixing complex flavors, textures, and then the table side explanation of each dish just elevated it. Wonderful service, Mark my words, they will get a Michelin star not very far from now

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Great food, great chef! He really went out of his way to accommodate my allergies! Dietary restrictions: Gluten free

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Overall Amazing. Every single dish we had was delicious and creative. Chef Moeen was very hospitable and his passion for culinary arts was represented in every bite. This place is a solid 10/10 and can t wait to visit again

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

The head chef is super friendly and has great stories about each dish!

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Fantastic food, they bring elements of elevated fine dining and make it feel homey.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Loved the burrata fattoush, lamb, and sea bass!

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Everything from service to flavour was on point. Chef Moeen took the time to visit each table and make us feel comfortable. Recommend everyone to try their food.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Everything is amazing definitely recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

A hidden gem! I truly enjoyed my evening at Arbequina. The main meat dishes were my favorite but it was the hospitality that stood out for me. At the end of the meal the chef came around to each table and introduced himself. He was welcoming and passionate about his business. I wish them lots of success and look forward to seeing what s on the fall / winter menu!

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Great flavors and textures. We had the prix fixe menu, which had a lot more food than we expected but it was nice to taste everything, we also got a smoked aubergine side and squash gnocchi for main.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Unbelievable dishes all around. The sea bass is a must try!!!

★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

We visited this 5-star rated restaurant for our anniversary, hoping for a memorable experience. While there were some highlights, our overall experience fell short of expectations. Positives: - Prompt seating upon arrival - Excellent fresh-baked bread - Phenomenal dishes: burrata salad, Manti, and Sea Bass - Great options for de-alcoholized wines and virgin cocktails - Chefs personal apology and attempt to make amends Negatives: - Extremely slow service (1-hour wait for bread, another hour for the second course) - Lack of communication about the restaurant being alcohol-free - Inconsistent food quality (fatty steak, dry chicken, lackluster desserts) The restaurant seemed overwhelmed on the night of our visit. While our waiter warned us about the busy evening, the extended wait times for food and drinks significantly impacted our anniversary celebration. Some dishes truly shined, showcasing the kitchens potential. However, others missed the mark, particularly the steak and chicken. We appreciated the chefs gesture of complimentary de-alcoholized wine, but a partial discount on our meal would have been more appropriate given the service issues. In conclusion, while this may not represent the restaurants usual standard, our experience didnt align with its 5-star rating. We hope the management addresses these service and consistency issues to match their reputation.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

A wonderful culinary experience that bridges farm fresh ingredients with delicious cuisine and a beautiful environment. Chef Moeen has really created a gem in the city! Only downside was service was slow and lacking a bit. We kept having to ask for water refills, etc. Otherwise a lovely experience and cant wait to visit again!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Everything was impeccable. We had the chicken, the sea bass, grilled octopus and a bread appetizer that had an amazing olive spread. Looking forward to our next visit.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Amazing overall experience. The food taste and selection are outstanding. The service is friendly and meticulous. Could not have asked for a better meal.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

This is the best bread I ve ever had. I didn t even get pictures of everything else. From dinner to dessert, everything tasted so good. Can t wait to come back

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Truly a magical experience. There are no words to describe how good this food was. The bread and labneh alone were nothing short of the most incredible shroom trip youve ever had. Ive never had a meal that gave me hope for humanity. You need to eat here, you have no idea how sad your life is until after youve tasted the passion and sensuality inherent in literally everything served here. This is truly a gem

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

I was truly impressed by the quality of the food. Every dish was outstanding, with the braised lamb chops and fattoush salad standing out as favorites! The staff was exceptionally polite, and Chef Moeen was kind and a delight to speak with. I highly recommend dining here. Looking forward to the Fall menu!

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

one of the best culinary experiences in Toronto. Chef Moeen s creations were breath taking. the atmosphere was delightfully relaxing and the food, nourishing to the soul. can t wait to go there again

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

If you looking for the perfect halal gourmet, you found it! It is simply, perfectly delicious! We ordered a full course and Striploin. What makes chief Moeen unique, that he took the traditional cuisine, upgraded it a bit with out losing its original identity, perfected it, and served it beautifully. It clearly shows his passion and care. Definitely recommend and definitely will come back again. Vegetarian options: The potato side with the corn and souce, fully vegetarian and fully delicious too!

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

It was our first time dining here, we came as a family, two adults and three children. We ordered based on Chef Moeens recommendations and it was appreciated! Everything was excellent. We will definitely come back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

I recently dined at this incredible restaurant in Toronto, and it was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by warm and attentive staff who made us feel right at home. The ambience was perfect beautifully decorated, relaxed, and friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for the evening. One of the highlights of the night was when the chef personally came out to check on us, showcasing not only his passion for food but also his genuine care for his guests. It was a lovely touch that made the experience even more special. The food was out of this world! The fattoush was the best I ve ever had each ingredient was bursting with flavor, and the watermelon added a refreshing twist that was just perfect. The lamb was perfectly seasoned and truly melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the chicken was unlike any I ve ever tasted, with flavors that were rich and unforgettable. The desserts were the perfect end to an already fantastic meal. Both light, decadent, and absolutely delicious, they were a treat for the senses. I ve never had a three-layer chocolate cake that managed to be so light yet so rich in flavor, and the kunafa? Hands down the best I ve ever had. But beyond the food, it was the service that truly set this place apart. It was, without a doubt, the best I ve ever received. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and made every effort to ensure our evening was perfect. I will absolutely be back, and I can t wait to bring my friends and family. This is easily the best restaurant in Toronto, and I can t recommend it enough. Vegetarian options: Plenty Dietary restrictions: They ask you for your dietary restrictions Parking: Green P street parking

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Amazing experience. Food is special and service is great.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Excellent Food. The creativity, innovation and elevation of dishes was unbelievable. The highlight for us was Owner/Chef stopping by a few times and explaining the dishes. I still cant get over the Lamb dish and its humble roots. I had it all my life but the way it was elevated and presented had me dumbstruck. I call it the de-constructed _ _ _ _ _ (I want it to be a mystery for the diners). I cant wait to go back and try more dishes and menus as they are offered. Arbequina needs to get on Michelin!!! Chef Moeen I cant stop enjoying your food.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

I recently dined at Arabequina and had a generally positive experience. The food was outstanding, with each dish crafted to perfection and full of flavor. The ambience was warm and inviting, making it a lovely setting for a pre set meal with my sibling. The service was attentive and friendly, which greatly enhanced our dining experience. The chef deserves special mention for not only delivering exceptional dishes but also for addressing a minor issue we encountered with professionalism and grace. Additionally, the owner followed up on our concerns, showing a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction. Overall, I appreciate the restaurant s efforts and the personal touch provided by the chef and owner. With some improvements in communication and billing clarity, they could easily transform a good experience into a great one. I look forward to returning back to the restaurant to try out the other menus.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

We had the pleasure of dining at Arbequina and were blown away by their rich flavours, beautiful presentation, and warm atmosphere. Chef Moeen and the staff were extremely friendly and welcoming too!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

If you want a halal fine dining experience this place is it! The food, ambiance and service are all outstanding. Chef Moeen has curated a fantastic menu and we were blown away by all the flavours. He took the time to greet us at the table and served us the short rib. The appetizers were fantastic and the mocktails were delicious too! Cant wait to come back here again.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

The food here is sublime. The detail that goes into each dish and DRINK is unbelievable. The chef is lovely, warm and ensured he spoke to the customers at each table. I would come here again any time.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Food was delicious and presented beautifully.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

We had dinner here as a group of 4 last week. The food is incredible, the restaurant is spacious and vibrant, and the staff are wonderful. We have been sharing our experience with all our friends and cannot wait to return!

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Out of all the restaurants . And I have been to many high end restaurants all over the world this is my favourite. EVERYTHING was delicious, fresh, and original. If you haven t yet leave the house now!

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Truly the best meal I ve ever had and I ve eaten at Michelin star restaurants across the world. Lovely chef and service staff. Every member of my family was amazed at how good it was even the non-foodies who don t typically eat this type of fare. Truly remarkable establishment!!

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Perfect chef and perfect service, plenty of delicious food. Great welcoming.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Amazing dining option for people looking for quality food. Contrary to the Toronto scene which is filled with pretty instagrammable restaurants but lacklustre food this restaurant has a perfect balance of atmosphere, vibes and fine dining choices. A bit pricier than I would ve enjoyed but completely worth it. The hospitality I received made me feel like I was having dinner at my relatives house; very warm personable and welcoming. The overall experience was amazing I cannot wait to dine here again.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Arbequina is an unmissable experience! We were visiting Toronto from Scotland and ate here on Sunday. Service staff were attentive and friendly, the environment was welcoming and Chef Moeen s dishes were outstanding, so flavourful, creative and with local ingredients. We ordered a range of dishes, all were truly delicious and like little works of art; we especially loved the corn zalabya, mutabbaq, lamb chops and tuna tartar. And the mocktails!!! Super fun time, beautiful food, thoughtful concept and all-out great experience. We left feeling our stomachs and souls equally nourished. Would highly recommend this restaurant.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Delicious food, fantastic staff, and the chef was amazingly accommodating of food sensitivities even creating a modified tasting menu.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

the service was the first thing i loved about this place. the owner and staff are very friendly and the food was delicious! the atmosphere as well was amazing and they are always there in a second in case you need anything. was also very modern and would 100% come back

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

The food was INSANELY FABULOUS absolutely amazing. The service was instant constant water refills and constant attention LIKE. A. KING. Although the price was high as we were 4 people and we only ordered 3 things AND we were barely full. Overall I 100% recomend this place

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Incredible restaurant - probably best one Ive been to in Toronto. The service is amazing, the food is full of flavour, the ambience is great and best of all, everything is halal, no alcohol is served here and they even have a prayer area available. I can see myself coming here multiple times; love that the owner is true to his culture and religion.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Absolutely amazing food and service!Totally worth it!

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

While passing through Toronto, we were recommended this restaurant. And what a surprise, the menu we chose was great. Good mix of flavors with good cooking. I recommend

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Alhumdulillah This place a must try , fully halal menu no alcohol , the mix drinks delightful, worth the drive to high park area , the lamb was slowly cooked for days from the chef sooo tender , Chicken is noting you ever tasted and ask for house hot sauce, You will be satisfied Also prayer room in back amazing what they can do with little space They have me hooked now

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Food and presentation is amazing beyond words, our waiter wasn t the friendliest but owner was really nice and welcoming. Definitely on the pricey side but the burst of flavour and freshness makes it worth it.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Amazing food and service! The staff and chef are friendly and explained the menu and ingredients of each item as they arrived. Great that they also don t serve alcohol. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

We just had the most amazing dinner at Arbequina. We are visiting Toronto from the Basque Country, Spain, and we decided to try Arbequina due to the great reviews it had. This is probably the best restaurant in Toronto and I m sure it will get a Michelin star soon. Everything was perfect, the food is so good, tasty, elaborated I can t even explain how much I liked it! The service was wonderful and the chef was very kind, taking the time to explain the details of every dish we ordered :-) We have been in award winning restaurants like Etxebarri and Mugaritz and Arbequina is even better!

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

We enjoyed a beautiful meal at Arbequina. The flavours were well balanced and inventive. Service was excellent. The lamb in particular was divine. We were particularly appreciative of the halal offerings.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

AMAZING EXPERIENCE!!!! The atmosphere and service was amazing but the food was TO DIE FOR! The MUST MUST TRYs are the muhammara, braised lamb! True restaurant gem! I don t drink so it was such a refreshing twist to have an alcohol free restaurant with GREAT MOCKTAILS! Definetly added to the weekly rotation!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

In the heart of the city a cozy place for a fancy meal with an excellent hospitality. Chef Moeen is not only good at making amazing dishes but also great at taking care of his customers. 100% Halal

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

The space is beautiful and the service is friendly and attentive but chef Moeens food is the star of the show here. The food is modern Levantine with a focus on sustainability and local ingredients, it feels familiar and new at the same time and is unlike anything else Ive had in the city! Highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Amazing food and service. Staff was extremely attentive. The owner/chef came out with every course and explained his concept behind the food. All local ingredients chosen by him the morning of. Food was delicious and the cocktails were great. Pricey but worth it with the care and attention given to plate of food and customer. Would definitely go back.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Incredible food, lovely and thoughtful staff and chef. The prix fixe menu was so so good, one of the best ones Ive ever had, and the food comes out all almost all at once which I really like rather than a drawn out tasting menu.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Amazing food and ambience! Had a great time here Food

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

All around amazing experience!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

The food is amazing and the atmosphere is great, Im definitely going back here next time.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Chef Moeen has put together a fresh farm to table menu with a modern twist.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Won t be surprised if this becomes a Michelin rated restaurant in the near future. So much quality and love in every dish. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Food is really delicious, mocktails are so nice, service is excellent. Will definitely come back again. Highly recommended

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Chef is amazing in the kitchen and outside of it. His food is amazing and service is just as nice. Highly recommend going on a date night here with your spouse or close friends. You all will leave happy and satisfied. Thank you Chef! And thank you to the servers as well.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

The food was an experience. We have found our new favorite restaurant... The chef was welcoming and the staff friendly. Cant wait to go back. Food : 5/5 |

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

I finally had the chance to visit Arbequina recently for my anniversary. Where do I begin? The presentation, flavours, ambience; you name it, everything was impeccable! I have never had a more satisfying meal and left nothing on the plate! I was scraping each bit of sauce because it was just that good! Everything we ordered was delicious and flavourful, I never had anything like this before. The cuisine is definitely unique and one of a kind! So much thought and attention has been placed on the food and service. There are so many options on the menu, I wanted to order everything. Cant wait to visit again so I can try the rest of the menu! If you have been looking for a new unique restaurant, look no further, you must try this place!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

I had an incredible time celebrating my friends graduation at Arbequina. The restaurant, including the private room we were in, was absolutely stunning. The food was so delicious, and the attentive staff and chef went above and beyond to ensure our evening was memorable. I would highly recommend it for any special occasion!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

I was lucky enough to have my birthday dinner here. The food and service were incredible, fresh ingredients and Chef Moeen put so much thought into every component of each dish and took the time to come to talk to every table. An amazing experience, we will definitely be back to try everything on the menu!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

The food options are too many to pick from. You d think portions are small but on the contrary they are sizable and filling. I love the ambiance, the music and the decor. The chef is an artist and will see to it you get the the tastiest portions there is. Chicken skewers are to die for. The braised beef shoulder has rendered me speechless The hummus and beef is out of this world. Arbequina is no a stable for every dinner with friends and loved ones. My go to spot. The drinks are something else.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Amazing food, and a very interesting and well thought out menu. Hands down one of the best meals ever had. Service was also top notch.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Had the pleasure of dining at Arbquina for our 20th Anniversary and I m so glad we chose it! Lovely atmosphere, amazing staff and the chef personally visits each table which I thought was nice. The food was delicious, we really loved the Burrata Fattoush (perfect balance of flavours, I would have loved to have had some crispy pita in there instead of croutons but it was still amazing!). The Manti was hands down our favourite, perfectly seasoned. The entrees were lovely as well, but we definitely preferred the appetizers/sharing plates so would go back for more of those! The chef was so kind to bring out a tasting plate for our anniversary of the desserts so we got to try a bit of everything, the chocolate cake was divine! Overall a wonderful experience, thank you!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

I considered pulling up my phone mid appetizers to leave a review because I was so impressed with the food like two plates in. How quick the food was coming out though kept me distracted and eating. I have never given any place 5 stars or bothered writing a review but Arbequina has knocked it out of the PARK. I can t think of a single bad thing to say no matter how critical I m tryna be. The salad was so fresh and bursting with flavour. The hummus was hands down, and I don t say this lightly, the best hummus in the gta. The rice was SOOOO good it was packed with flavour without feeling heavy or greasy idk how they struck that balance. I cannot decide which is better the beef or the chicken but the fried chicken is the EXACT texture I m looking for when craving fried chicken and I never found it till now. The chicken kebabs were so juicy too especially with the dips. The beef was so so SO tender it fell apart with a simple touch. I m not big on desserts but the selection and flavour profiles here is not anything you ll find anywhere else in the city. The chef here, chef Moeen, is genuinely so creative and dedicated to his craft and would come out and talk about the dishes with us. His attention to detail really shows in the taste and presentation. Everything is sourced locally and nothing is on the plate for no reason. Even the bread was phenomenal we ate it so fast I didn t get a picture of it. Also the mocktails were so fun and refreshing. The staff were also so sweet and accommodating. I m kicking myself for not having come here sooner and I can t wait to be back with more friends!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Best steak I ve ever had! Phenomenal service and such an amazing Chef! Each dish was unique and had a blend of flavours that left you wanting more. Glad to have dined here and will be back! Thanks Chef Moeen!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

The waitstaff and chef were exceptionally accommodating, answering our questions and explaining the menu. The food was absolutely amazing. We cant wait to return.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Amazing food! Chef Moeen came by, explained the menu to us and was very pleasant to speak with. Servers were on point and the food was incredible. High end, high quality, and very tasty! Will definitely bring the rest of my family here to enjoy this experience as well inshAllah!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

One of the best culinary experiences I have had. Not sure why theyre not Michelin rated -- but I am certain its on the horizon!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Arbequina offers an exquisite (and fully halal) dining experience hand crafted by Chef Moeen. Chef came by our table and indulged us with the background of each and every dish. It became very clear that a lot of thought has gone into the dining experience on offer. I look forward to visiting again. A wise choice to celebrate special moments.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Came here for my birthday dinner and had a lovely experience, from the mocktails to the entrees and even dessert. Its rare that all courses of a meal are great. Chef Moeen also came personally to our table to explain the food and how to eat it which was great. We had the red ruby (pictured) & lychee pink mocktails, zaatar bun, half chicken (pictured), and short ribs. Would recommend all! For dessert we had the mashabak and chocolate cake with labneh ice cream (pictured). Both were good but we prefer the mashabak. It was a further drive out and food is pricier, but worth it. Especially for an occasion.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

We went for brunch and food and service was outstanding! The chef even stopped by to say hello. We re definitely coming back!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

One of the most delicious meals with freshest ingredients in a well designed setting. Roncesvalles is lucky to have Chef Moeen and his attentive staff!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Incredible food experience, great service and an even better chef

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Loved the style and way everything is presented. It s not just a place where you eat and just go, it s a whole experience!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

One of the top halal restaurants in the city

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Easily one of the best meals I ve had in Toronto in a LONG LONG time - truly was blown away with every bite. You can tell every single item on the menu is so well thought out, and truly so unqiue. I cannot wait to go back - the short ribs were UNREAL and the mocktails (not something I would typically get) were stand outs for me - but truly EVERYTHing we had on the menu took my breath away. To me -this restaurant is a Michelin worthy one, dont pass on trying it out. The ambience is also amazing - the chef is extremely friendly and explained to us in detail every single meal , the history, the background and where the ingredients were sourced from. A gem!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Everything was so delicious! Presentation was wonderful. All fresh ingredients. You can really tell that Chef Moeen is passionate about the food he creates. Can t wait to see what he comes up with next!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Michelin star worthy. Our favorite was the Lima bean hummus, mutabbaq, chicken two ways, and short ribs.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

The best brunch we have ever had in our lives! The kale salad was out of this world (and vegan)!! Need more stars!!!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Went here for my birthday brunch and everything was amazing. I had the Crunchy pan de leche, Fried Chicken, Maple, Aioli which was absolutely phenomenal. It was a meal and dessert 2-in-1 and the mimosa was a good change. Definitely would come again and will need to try their dinner menu. Their dessert was really unique and special as well. Would definitely recommend and come again. Parking: There is ample parking but peak hours it may be difficult as usual in downtown. Kid-friendliness: Kids enjoyed and the staff catered to smaller portion sizes so to avoid food wasteage.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

The best restaurant Will come again soon Food

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Chef Moeens culinary expertise truly shines through in every dish! The flavours and combinations were absolutely delightful, from the appetizers to the main course, mocktails, and desserts. Im already looking forward to returning to sample more of his creations. The staff, ambiance, and decor all contributed to a warm and inviting atmosphere, with attention paid to every detail. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly meeting Chef Moeen himself, who graciously took the time to personally introduce and serve his masterpieces. Im eagerly anticipating my next visit!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Wow. The food here is incredible. Every dish was special with a touch of uniqueness. The staff are wonderful and overheard us talking about a birthday and brought our dessert out with a candle The chef came out to talk to us, and it is clear he creates with so much passion. The restaurant is zero waste and it was interesting to see how all parts of the food are incorporated. The squash skin was made into delicious chips! The mocktail was also delicious. Not just a juice, you could taste the balance of flavors and I really enjoyed it.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

This is one of the best restaurants in town. The food was exquisite, the atmosphere was chill and the service was impeccable. Chef Moeen offers dishes that are as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate. They also have delicious non alcoholic beverages. Can t recommend it highly enough!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

AMAZING food and ambience! Everything tasted wonderful. If I had to pick a few dishes to recommend, the Mutabbag was lovely, as well as the short ribs and the chocolate cake. I recommend sharing a number of dishes family style to try as much of the menu as possible! I must say as well the service was excellent, the food presentation was top notch and the chef was very welcoming and came to our table and explained more about the menu and restaurant. A truly great experience.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Had a wonderful experience here. Food is really unique and divine with really great service from the wait staff to the chef. Youre not gonna find this anywhere else.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Im not one to leave a review but when your blow away you have to. This place was picked by our friends. We had 1 of everything and it just kept getting better. The menu will take you places from the hummus to the short ribs. Cant wait to be back thank you for a memorable culinary experience.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

What a spectacular experience we had! The menu was amazing and the mix of complex flavors was on point. The owners have definitely done everything right at this restaurant. We will absolutely be back!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

What a delightful evening. The food was scrumptious and fresh, full of flavour. The chef was attentive to my allergies, and so was the weight staff. We, of course, ordered too much food, but that s great because now we have nibbles for later; the cocktails were beautiful, and there was no reason to have alcohol in them whatsoever. In fact, I think they would ve spoiled the taste. We will definitely be back. Run, don t walk to this beautiful restaurant and enjoy yourself! Dietary restrictions: Allergy to sumac

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Went for dinner on a sunday night at 8pm. Great environment. Music wasnt too loud, youre able to have a good conversation with whomever youre with, lights werent too bright and it was a calm environment. The service was great. Staff were super friendly and approachable. Gave their recommendations and explained the menu very well and answered any questions we had. We got the strawberry and lime mojito, forgot the actual names, but they were great and very refreshing. For the meal we got the 14oz steak and the half chicken. Both were great, 10/10, but the half chicken was absolutely the winner. Both meals were fresh, tasteful, seasoned, and cooked perfectly. Portions were also great, we could barely finish the meal and had no room left for dessert. The chef was very kind and talkative and explained his passion and vision which clearly translates very well into his work. Most definitely will be coming back soon. Parking: It is downtown so parking can be difficult at times, but we parked in the street in front of the houses which have free parking.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

This is the nicest restaurant I have been to in a long time. The chef made me a vegan eggplant dish that was simply out of this world and he created it on the spot. The mocktails were tasty and refreshing. I loved the art and ambiance, even the bathroom was decorated to perfection. We were told the summer menu would be plant forward so we will be back again soon.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Arbequina Restaurant in Roncesvalles is a true gem offering innovative cuisine from the Levant region. Owners Chef Moeen and his wife create a warm and memorable dining experience. We sampled the entire menu amongst our group of five and were blown away. Highlights included the House Labneh with Zaatar Bread, Mutabbaq, and Chicken Two Ways. For drinks, The Green Pristine mocktail was a standout. For desserts, the Tahini Cream Puff with Sesame Snap was mind blowing. It is so refreshing to find authentic Levantine dishes served with a focus on being halal and offering flavourful non-alcoholic drinks. Arbequinas dedication to quality and authenticity shines through in every dish. I would not be surprised to see this restaurant make it on the Michelin Guide at a minimum in the future. A must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy innovative, delicious, and high quality ingredients curated by a Palestinian-Jordanian chef. We have already been twice and cannot wait to return again!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Service was excellent, foods absolutely delicious, dessert awesome

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

The best service I ve ever had in Toronto! Amazing food, and wonderful staff! Such a sustainable, high quality gem. I highly recommend!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

My wife and I live in the neighborhood and were very pleased with the food and service at Arbequina. The starters and the sea bass were wonderful and the cream puff desert was delicious. We will be back.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

I have been visiting the restaurant 3 or 4 times now. Completely satisfied. Foods were amazingly good and surprised me. Each dish was finely made. When I tasted the foods, I could think of how much details Moeen, the Chef, has paid attention to. The decorations of the place were in line with the foods: beautiful in fine and innovative style and details. As I mentioned to Moeen, one thing I noted in his cooking style is he brings 2 opposite elements/ ingredients together and the conflict creates a whole new taste. My experience and my conversation with Moeen triggered my curiosity to visit their website and read through Moeens bio. Knowing a bit about his journey, everything in the cooking makes perfect sense. Definitely an innovation in Arabic cuisine. I am looking forward to try the brunch as well. I saw a few 3 stars reviews talking about the higher price range. I understand that the price isnt affordable for everyone and thats why I see usually other customers come in group. But there are more new restaurants recently joined this neighborhood. Many price their foods around the same range some even offer smaller portion at those prices..... I am not gonna say which restaurant it is..... Also, before the pandemic, on the other side of Roncesvalles, there was a great Italian restaurant around the same price range. It closed because of the pandemic, but as we are back to normal, do expect food price also back to normal as well..... The price is justified for the fine details and the dedication in the cooking. Maybe consider it for special occasion if cant afford it everyday. Kid-friendliness: I never thought about this till I see this section. But introducing a Kid menu would definitely be a great idea.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

We visited this establishment and it was their first Sunday brunch and all I can say is we were just blown away! From the moment we entered, we were greeted warmly and were seated right away. The ambiance was perfect. The music, the seating comfort and the colours of the restaurant felt as if we were at home; it was just perfect. The amazingly diverse and knowledgeable staff provided exceptional service from beginning to end. The head chef came out and greeted us a few times and his warm grace was noteworthy. Never experienced this before. All the menu items we ordered were so decadent. Every single bite was an experience! We wanted to order the whole menu but we at least did most of it and enjoyed it beyond words can describe - just melt in your mouth. We cannot wait to go back! We woke up in awe of the experience and were wishing we could to do it all over again. Thank you Arbequina family - you feel like just that. See you soon! Wheelchair accessibility: Has a ramp.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

I had a really great dining experience at this place. When a chef interacts with patrons, it has to be appreciated. It shows care. The food was AMAZING!!!!!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Absolutely incredible experience at Arbequina with my wife for her birthday. We started with the labneh with bread (warm, airy, slightly sweet), butternut squash (excellent texture and taste, beautiful presentation), and the muttabak (exquisitely chewy and cheesy). For our mains we had the angus short rib (delectable and melt in your mouth) and the half chicken (soft and well marinated). Highly recommend, the service is very attentive, and Chef Moeen makes it a point to engage with every table through the service. Great for a special occasion!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Our server Melanie was really warm and chef Moeen greeted us and made us feel welcome! The food was on point and everything the server recommended was amazing, especially the chocolate cake

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Cutting right to it - the food was exceptional and the service was amazing! From the moment you walk in, you re treated with warmth and kindness . The aesthetic of the restaurant is intensional , minimalistic, airy and beautiful . The presentation of the food is stunning , bursting with unique flavours , colours and texture . Chef Moeen graced my husband and I with his inviting and welcoming presence , walking us through the inspirations behind his dishes and his passion for cooking , community and bringing people together through the art and love of food . It was by far the best restaurant experience I ve had in Toronto , and I thoroughly enjoy dinning ! I can t wait to try the rest of their menu !

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

A phenomenal dining experience in every way. Will definitely be coming back. Love that everything is halal and all of the drink options are zero alcohol. So much thought, care, and mindfulness put into every aspect. Dietary restrictions: Everything is halal

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Went out for a Sunday brunch date with my wife and had a great meal with amazing service. Can t wait to try out the dinner menu. Have to try the Qatayef, exceptional !

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Absolutely amazing evening spent at Arbequina. Everything from the drinks to food to service was impeccable. The location is beautiful and lends itself to intimacy and great conversation. Highlight of the evening was a table side visit from Chef Moeen. Cannot wait to return!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Arbequina is a must-go. DELICIOUS food and really nice atmosphere. Chef Moeen went up to every table there and made everyone feel so welcome. Thank you so much for such a lovely evening! Will absolutely be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Incredible dining experience! Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious, you could taste the quality ingredients they use. The kale salad was surprisingly crispy with a lemon dressing, hummus was topped with pine nuts and sirloin, my favorite was the wild mashroom mutabbaq with cheese and truffle & the braised short ribs. There mocktail menu had a good selection, I enjoyed the pink lychee more than the pomegranate lime. The fried lamb chops was the only dish that didnt stand out and I would recommend trying the steak instead of this. Our waitress was great and very attentive, this makes or breaks the meal for me. Lastly the chef stopped by our table to introduce himself and the concept of his restaurant, it was a wonderful added touch. We didnt have room for dessert so I cant comment on that but will absolutely be back.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

this place is incredible on every count. we ordered a couple of prix fixe and a few extras to share and that was perfect for us - the muttabaq (not to be missed), the short ribs, the bread, the chicken, the squash the mashabek and the cream puff were highlights everyone was so lovely. will be thinking about this for a long time. can t wait to go back. Vegetarian options: the vegetation options aren t afterthoughts, they re incredible Wheelchair accessibility: there was a ramp - all on one level. doors and hallways should be wide enough but not sure

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Amazing food, amazing service, all led by a Michelin star chef. Best of all, its all halal. Will definitely be going back!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Amazing experience at this restaurant. Took my husband here for his 25th birthday dinner and as a Muslim this was by far one of the best fine dining weve ever had, HMA certified! The food is delicious and the owner Chef Moeen was extremely welcoming. This place also accommodated us with a prayer rug and a place to pray Maghrib salah. Highly recommend to check this place out!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Wonderful inviting ambience, fantastic food and great service! Came here for brunch and expectations were exceeded! Will definitely be back for dinner!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Absolutely loved having brunch here! The atmosphere was incredible, service was impeccable and the food was everything you wanted and more. I cannot recommend this place enough! This will be a staple for sure!

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

The service and food was impeccable! Highly recommend the preserved tomato muhammara. Had no idea a tomato could taste that good!

★★★
April 23, 2024

Some lovely flavours and a beautiful space, if a little small (noises bounced off surfaces with some harshness). Not sure about how the high-end price category fits with the neighbourhood vibe (more expensive than the Westerly was, for example), but for some, it may be worth it (especially judging by the other reviews that are almost entirely 5s - so unusual! - with the fancy pics!).

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

What a wonderful restaurant! The food is very tasty, incredibly fresh and changes seasonally based on the vegetables available. There is also a great selection of alcohol-free drinks that truly compliment the food. A must try in Toronto.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

An absolute must try. The food and atmosphere were incredible. There are so few restaurants these days I leave a meal already looking forward to coming back and this place did that for me. Our favourites were the short rib and fried lamb chop, and the desserts were divine. Chef Moeen came by to check on our table a few times throughout the evening and was truly the sweetest. It is clear this is his passion and the Toronto food scene is lucky to have this new gem!

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

The food was incredible! The kale salad was wonderful, the short ribs were phenomenal, and the tahini cream puff was perfect. I really had a great culinary experience and highly recommend this place to all. Can t wait to plan my next trip here!

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Party of seven was well attended to and while Chef was kept busy, he still made time to interact with patrons. A pleasure to experience the result culinary experimentation and expertise, in tapas style. The innovation is also evident in the mocktails. A great venue to meet as a group for conversation and reconnecting. Vegetarian options: Multiple options Parking: Street parking could be difficult depending on the time of day Wheelchair accessibility: accessible

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Arbequina restaurant is a tasting experience unique to Toronto/ GTA and I highly recommend going with the intention to eat very flavourful, fresh food! We went on a Saturday night with a group of friends and had a fantastic time experiencing all the flavours Chef Moeen prepared for each dish. The décor is very calm and inviting. This paired with a friendly & fun vibe to the restaurant without it feeling crowded or loud. Arbequina is a perfect place to share special moments with friends and family. I could enjoy conversations with my friends while truly savoring every bite of food. The Chef takes the time to come out meet with the guests which provides a personal touch and shows he truly puts his heart into each dish. It shows that the staff onsite enjoy the community they are serving. We tried the Winter menu, looking forward to going back for the Summer menu soon!

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

The best chicken I have ever had in my life!!

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Currently sitting down at the restaurant and I have to say this so far has been one of the greatest dining experiences I ve ever had. The staff are attentive and friendly and so knowledgeable of the menu. The food was so unique and delicious and presented so well. I would give this 6 stars if I could. Portion sizes are also perfect they may seem small but each dish is so rich and full of flavour you are full after your meal. (I m a big guy so I m being genuine). Atmosphere is lovely and cozy. I pray this establishment and this chef continue to find success. Will be back for sure!

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Beautiful restaurant. Wonderful ambiance. Fantastic service and an exquisite meal. Highly recommended.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Had an exceptional experience at Arbequina with friends. We tried almost everything on the menu and not only were the flavors phenomenal but the presentation as well. Our favourite dishes were the Djaj Mashwi (half chicken), Angus Short Ribs and Broccolini. Chef Moeen is a true culinary artist and was kind enough to check on us during our meal. His passion shines through. The decor was also beautiful and pays homage to the Levantine region. We cant wait to come back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

This was one of my best fine-dining experiences ever. The staff are super competent, caring for every detail of your experience. Chef Moeen personally came by to greet us and give recommendations on the mocktails - which were great btw. I tried the one with jalapeno. Everyone was happy with their selections. I went for the Ramadan Iftar set menu. The 2 items that really stood out to me were: - Beef (ribs, I think?) basically just fell apart as you picked at it from how tender and juicy was. Very flavourful. - Chicken breast was perfectly cooked. Juicy, not too stringy, and flavourful. I highly recommend this place for your next special night.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

You know it s going to be a good experience as soon as you walk in! The staff are kind, attentive and knowledgeable and the food is AS delicious as everyone says! Variety of options and everything is so purposefully put together and tastes unique but so good at the same time. The chef gave us a quick tour and you can just tell everyone that works there really cares about your experience - it s not for show.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Easily the best restaurant I ve tried in a while. Chef Mouein is attentive to every single one of his guests. The environment is dreamy. The food incredible. The drinks were fantastic. 10/10, not a single mistake. Try the short ribs - they re to die for!

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Chef Moeen has created a fantastic concept and restaurant. Authentic flavours that took us back home while adding a very modern touch to the food. The service and his attentiveness to each customer is something special! The muhammara and the short rib are amazing!

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. The ambience was phenomenal, the service was top tier and the chef was so warm and kind. The food was some of the best I ve ever day. Can t wait to return!

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Very rarely in Toronto will you have a dining experience that is intimate, inspirational and exceptional. The team is hyper talented showcasing their incredible skills in the most beautiful way. The atmosphere is modern while the service and food is intimate and inspired by the Chefs life growing up in the Levant. Beautiful food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Fantastic meal! We had the tasting platter and everything was delicious; which is saying a lot because there were more than a dozen dishes including desserts. Arbequina is alcohol free but the cocktail and Riesling we had were great. Definitely we will be back.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

This is easily the best fine dining restaurant in Toronto. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming and everyone we interacted with was extremely friendly and helpful with recommendations. Chef Moeen and his staff were so attentive to every single guest. In terms of food, everything we ate was flawless. My personal favourites was the mutabbaq and the short ribs, but everyone in my family had different favourites The menu was so diverse and had something for everyone. I absolutely loved that everything was locally sourced, you can taste how fresh the ingredients are. It s also a huge huge bonus that the menu is fully halal. My family has been here twice, and we cannot wait to keep returning! 10/10 experience in every single aspect. Dietary restrictions: halal

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

The service and food was impeccable The chef came up to the table to describe his special dish that made us feel great. The service is best I have had in some time. Try the butternut squash dish.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

We tried 3 appetizers, 3 mains and 2 desserts as a group of 5. Each and every dish was unique and delicious. We had also made a last minute reservation and had our infant with us who was less than cooperative; the staff were all incredibly understanding and accommodating. We easily found paid street parking on a Thursday night. I would definitely recommend this restaurant!

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

I think this might be the best halal food Ive tried in Toronto. I ordered the Iftar menu and Im not kidding when I say every appetizer and main dish was good. Even the dates to break the fast was the best date Ive ever had to date, period. 10/10 for both appetizers and main. The dessert was decent but my palate is not used to foods like that so it was more like a 8/10. I will definitely rewrite my review if I ever try different desserts. The service was impeccable and so was the atmosphere. Only small problem is that it felt a little bit cramped but it wasnt so bad. Dietary restrictions: Fully halal

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Amazing culinary experience!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Top notch service by chef Moeen, definitely our new favourite middle eastern restaurant in the city. From the Zaatar Bun to the 14oz Rib eye, everything on the menu is a hit. But don t skip out on the sea bass entree will definitely be coming back! Kid-friendliness: We had our 4 month old with us and despite her not being in the best mood, chef was very understanding and able to help how ever he could. We sincerely thank him for this

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Incredible Neighbourhood restaurant with a taste of the Middle East but sophisticated and complex flavours. The chef is incredibly warm and welcoming coming out and saying a hello explaining the food. This is going to be a staple for many years to come and everyone needs to try this spot. Delicious and reasonable priced and welcoming spot.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

This was an absolutely delightful experience. Everything from the service, to the ambiance, to the decor was amazing. The food is very very good, and displays great creativity. The chef was extremely friendly, and took great care in making all customers feel welcome and explained the inspiration behind his dishes. The food is flavourful and is not overwhelmingly heavy. This place is truly a gem - it is very rare to have this sort of memorable experience at a Toronto restaurant.

★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Came to enjoy a quiet evening with friends for dinner, greeted by friendly host who led me to my seat. The interior has a calm environment with green accent walls, neutral colour furniture. As it got darker outside, the ambiance inside became more intimate with mood lighting. The tables were spaced out so you had enough privacy. They also have a private dinning section in the back. There was only one bathroom but a sink outside to wash your hands. We tried a variety of dishes, starting with kale salad, this was crunchy which was surprising texture. It was actually very delicious. Their mocktails were also very unique in terms of flavours and taste. I really enjoyed the pomegranate lime. Onto the mains, whole chicken with potatoes, the chicken was seasoned very well, shared amongst the group. The short ribs was also delicious. The portions were smaller but since we had a variety of dishes, we were able to share them. It is on the pricey end. We ended the night with a 76% chocolate cake, this was very decadent and filling. The chef came by and spoke to almost every table that was very thoughtful in our opinion. Overall, it was a delightful experience. Wheelchair accessibility: No barriers

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

One of the best restaurant experiences I have had in Toronto! The service, food, drinks and ambience were all perfect. Chef Moeen is incredibly intentional and very thoughtful! Will be coming back again very soon.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

A lovely restaurant serving interesting twists on traditional Levantine dishes. Beautiful desgn and atmosphere with passionate staff & chef. Food

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

This is a fantastic restaurant with an owner-chef that cares about high quality ingredients and taste! His staff and himself provide excellent service and are dedicated to giving you the best dining experience possible. A wonderful new addition to the Toronto restaurant scene!

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

The food is to die for!

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

I dont even know where to begin...the food and service was spectacular. Every dish was expertly presented and had such unique and beautiful flavours. The non alcoholic drinks were well balanced and not overly sweet or syrupy tasting at all. Had a great conversation with chef Moe who exudes passion for his craft, describing in great detail the lengthy process much of his dishes go through (some measured in days!). And lastly, he believes in sustainability and zero waste, so we got to learn how they use every part of a chicken, turning often unused pieces into sauces and other deliciously edible creations. It was our first visit (we were celebrating our 5 year wedding anniversary) and it certainly wont be our last.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

My husband took me here for my birthday and we had a wonderful experience. I would definitely dine here again.

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

One of the best meals Ive ever had. Highly recommend! Everything we ordered was absolutely delicious. Refined flavours and execution while maintaining a comforting level of warmth and familiarity. The service was flawless and Chef Moeen was attentive, friendly and exuded care and love for his food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 23, 2024

One of the best halal upscale restaurants in town. The flavors of the dishes were top notch. The service was exceptional. I can confidently say that Chef Moeen has done exceptional job in creating dishes that are flawless. The service of this place is unbeatable.

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Chef was very personable. Came to every table to check in. Flavours were amazing. The beef, kale salad and desserts were amazing. Very intimate setting. Highly recommend