The Empire 1

What is The Empire 1? Set along Bloor Street West just west of Ossington in Dovercourt Village, The Empire 1 operates as an unpretentious, counter-service diner bridging East African and Middle Eastern comforts. Inside, the space is strictly no-frills, anchored by basic dining tables, bright overhead lighting, and an open prep counter where meat is shaved fresh from vertical spits. It is designed for straightforward neighborhood refueling, whether you pull up a chair for a quick sit-down meal or grab takeaway on the move.

The Empire 1 Menu & What to Order The kitchen turns out generous portions of spiced rotisserie meats and braises served alongside fragrant seasoned rice, garlicky tahini sauces, and crisp side salads. The standout order is the Empire Combo Plate, which delivers a substantial spread of both marinated chicken and shaved beef shawarma over rice. For heartier appetites, the tender Lamb Shank Plate falls off the bone with minimal resistance, while the freshly fried, herbaceous falafel provides a crisp, satisfying vegetarian alternative wrapped in flatbread or plated with pickled turnips.

Know Before You Go Seating is exclusively walk-in with zero reservation requirements, and tables turn over quickly during lunch and dinner rushes. Located midway between Ossington and Dufferin subway stations, it is effortlessly accessible via the Line 2 subway, with metered street parking lining Bloor. While daily hours have historically run until midnight, the kitchen has experienced periodic operational pauses, so verifying status online prior to making the trip is recommended.