Top shawarma shops in Ottawa
The city’s capital-sized hunger for spit-roasted lamb, chicken and beef is well served by a plethora of Middle Eastern restaurants. Popularly known as shawarma shops, these eateries serve fast food for the health conscious. Their signature shawarma meats, as well as beef donair and vegetarian-friendly falafel, are served both in pita-wrapped sandwich form and as platter-style entrees.
Shawarma Palace
2440 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 8S1Family friendly and lightly upscale, this South Keys establishment features a large patio and a chic, air-conditioned dining area. It’s a popular take-out spot with the lunch crowd and area families. Choose from chicken, lamb or beef shawarma platters and sandwiches. Also try the shop’s tasty whiting fish dish served with deep-fried pita chips, a squirt of fresh lemon and homemade sesame or garlic dipping sauce. You won’t regret it.
Kabab Prince
374 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7G3A converted bookshop turned Middle-Eastern restaurant and bakery, this restaurant specializes in authentic Mediterranean and Iraqi cuisine. Serving grilled chicken, lamb and beef shawarma dishes, Kabab Prince’s falafel sandwiches and platters are also highly recommended. Also try its royally delicious homemade zaatar herb flatbread as well as meat- or cheese-filled fatayer pastries. Clean, spacious and reasonably priced, this busy eatery is located in ByWard Market.
African Kitchen
81 Holland Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Y 0Y1In the heart of Wellington Village near the cluster of government buildings in Tunney’s Pasture, this shawarma house is a casual lunchtime hotspot. Choose eat-in or take-out chicken shawarma sandwiches and platters as well as donair and falafel sandwiches. Try the restaurant’s signature platters, including beef kabobs, shish taouk (grilled chicken) or kafta (spiced ground beef). Ask about free delivery and barbecue halal meat options.
Shawarma Station
2446 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 1A4Located in a former diner, Shawarma Station’s 1950s decor is pretty awesome. In contrast with its time-warp atmosphere, the restaurant serves (mostly) contemporary Lebanese food. A healthy selection of platters includes chicken, beef and mixed shawarma as well as beef kabob, falafel and more. Most platters are available as pita sandwiches. As a nod to its ’50s diner digs, Shawarma Station also offers burger combos and poutine.
Shawarma Express
119 Slater St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5H2This family-run shawarma shop located downtown serves food that’s nicely priced. Easy to miss on bustling Slater Street, don’t be turned off by its hole-in-the-wall appearance. Choose from falafel as well as chicken, beef or mixed shawarma sandwiches or platters. Counter service is quick and courteous. Do say yes to the deep-fried potato side dish with homemade garlic sauce. Roasted to perfection with an herb mix, it’s amazing!
