Oriental Shawarma

What is Oriental Shawarma? Occupying a storefront at 1549 Bayview Avenue in Leaside, Oriental Shawarma is a family-run counter spot offering authentic Middle Eastern comfort food. The space is stripped of pretension, featuring brightly lit ordering counters, clean dine-in seating tables, and vertical roasting spits turning all day. It operates as an essential neighbourhood pitstop for East York and Leaside locals craving generous portions without downtown markups.

Oriental Shawarma Menu & What to Order The kitchen specializes in halal meats carved fresh off the spit, served tightly rolled in thin saj flatbread or piled high over seasoned yellow rice with garlic sauce and pickled turnips. Standouts include the spiced chicken shawarma plate, freshly fried chickpea falafel with tahini, and the Toshka meal—a pita stuffed with spiced minced meat and melted cheese, griddled until crisp. For heavier cravings, the beef shawarma poutine layers shaved beef and gravy over hot fries, pairing well with a cold yogurt drink or soda.

Know Before You Go This is strictly a walk-in counter operation where wraps and plates are assembled rapidly, making takeout and casual counter dining seamless. Metered street parking is available along Bayview Avenue, and the TTC 11 Bayview bus stops directly nearby. The restaurant is open seven days a week, running from 11:00 a.m. through late evening.