Papyrus

What is Papyrus? Situated at 337 Danforth Avenue just west of Chester station, Papyrus brings traditional, plant-forward Egyptian homestyle cooking to the Danforth. Founded by Cairo native Amr Elimam, this unpretentious Riverdale dining room celebrates regional culinary heritage with warm lighting, hieroglyphic art, and Rosetta Stone motifs. The compact interior accommodates a handful of cozy tables, supplemented by a sidewalk patio during the summer months.

Papyrus Menu & What to Order Built largely around garlic, lemon, fava beans, and olive oil, the menu caters exceptionally well to vegans and omnivores alike. The essential order is the koshari—Egypt's national comfort food layered with rice, lentils, macaroni, and chickpeas beneath a tangy spiced tomato sauce and crispy onions. Pair it with a plate of fresh-fried tameya (fava bean falafel), the aromatic sesame-and-herb dokka dip with warm Egyptian bread, or a baked beef hawawshi flatbread. Finish with aromatic mastic ice cream dusted with pistachios.

Know Before You Go Given the intimate room size, indoor tables turn over quickly during weekend dinner rushes, though walk-ins and phone takeout orders are accommodated smoothly. Located a two-minute walk from Chester subway station, transit is your best bet, though Green P lots and Danforth street parking are available nearby. Papyrus is open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner service, and remains closed on Mondays.