By Omar Al-Fayed on June 19, 2026 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

If you are buying your "shawarma" from a trendy, minimalist franchise in the downtown core where they scoop dry, pre-cut meat out of a stainless-steel warming tray and charge you extra for a splash of generic garlic mayo, your culinary layout is fundamentally compromised. You are paying a premium for real estate aesthetics rather than flavor asset allocation.

Shawarma Empire, anchoring a strip mall at Lawrence and Warden in Scarborough, is an uncompromising, zero-fluff tactical outpost of authentic Levantine street food. It completely rejects modern corporate design in favor of raw, high-velocity flavor density.

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By Rick Silver on December 21, 2022 Verified by Google

One of the best Shawarma spots in the city.

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By TDot Sal on April 28, 2026 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

Just the best. I've been going here since 2008. It's my go-to place and I can't say enough about how good their food is and how consistent their quality of food has been over so many years. All the staff is super friendly and approachable! Give them a try if you haven't already!

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By Charlene Palapuz on March 15, 2026 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

Not sure if she was the owner but the lady that made our food was so sweet. The portions and amount of meat given were pretty generous for both the plate and the sandwich. Very yummy and would definitely recommend if you’re ever in the area.

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By Jabroni #11 on March 9, 2026 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

You know its a good shawarma place when both the beef and chicken are delicious. You can not beat the price either. It's at least $7 cheaper than Euro Shawarma and the portions proteins are way more generous. I bought a beef and a chicken shawarma wrap. It came up to about $18. The beef was well marinated that it didn't really need much garlic sauce and or hot sauce. That was my mistake. I thought the chicken needed a little more acidity but the missus was content with it so no complaints there. We'll definitely come back. Thank you!

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By T. on December 31, 2025 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

Tried the beef shawarma here and quite enjoyed this style of shawarma instead of the Lebanese style I'm used to. The wrap was in a fluffy pita pocket and the sauce had more spices that reminded me of Indian food. The wrap was generous and wrapped well with layers of beef and vegetables for well rounded bites. Nice folks too.

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By Karim Attia on December 7, 2025 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

Came right as they opened and both chicken and beef spits looked mouth watering. We obviously got both a chicken and beef shawarma. Both meats were packed with flavour and specifically for the beef, it is definitely in the top for me. I like the idea of a shawarma sandwich in the circular pita. Definitely coming back next time I’m in town.

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By Zane Maguet on November 13, 2025 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

We wanted to get some delicious shawarma while visiting Toronto and this spot in Scarborough definitely hit the spot! The portions were generous for a reasonable price.

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By Eric on October 12, 2025 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

Best Shawarma sandwich I have ever had! Love the hot sauce. It elevates the shawarma without being overpowering. Have not been here since before Covid. Price has risen but still worth it for what you get. Be sure to get 2 sandwiches, 1 just isn't enough!

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By Jordan Mcintyre-mars on September 30, 2025 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

Every time I place an order, it is prepared incorrectly. When I call to address the issue, I receive repeated apologies, but the same mistakes continue to happen.

I always provide simple and clear instructions—both through the app and by phone—yet the orders are not followed properly. Ingredients that I specifically request to be excluded are still added, which is especially concerning as I have allergies. On top of this, the food often arrives soggy and unappetizing.

This is not acceptable or fair to customers. I strongly urge improvements in order accuracy and food preparation, especially when health and safety are at risk.

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By Raiyan Khair on June 27, 2025 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

I can see why this place is iconic in the area! Their prices are amazing and the portion sizes are very generous. I really enjoyed all the fresh toppings they provide with the shawarmas. I found the chicken shawarma to be juicy, but it was a little short on flavour for me. Tried their lentil soup as well and found it to be decent. I still recommend this shop for good value meals.

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By 996rylieb on June 20, 2025 Verified by Email Shawarma Empire

The food was great and we really enjoyed the service! The restaurant is a little crammed as well as the parking lot. They also only take cash or Canadian debit.

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By Jasman T on June 15, 2025 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

Neighborhood has a lot of shawarma options making my lunch decision very hard. I ended up choosing Shawarma Empire, and I have no regrets. The pita bread is soft, and their approach is unique. You can get one wrap for $8 or two for $15—one is definitely enough to fill you up. They really pack in the protein (see my second picture). I’ll definitely be back!

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By Mohamed Shimran on May 22, 2025 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

Saw Shawarma Empire listed as one of the top shawarma spots in the GTA, so my friend and I decided to check it out. First time trying the pita pocket style shawarma. I got the beef shawarma, while my friend went for the chicken, and both were pretty solid. The portions were great for the price, and you definitely get your money's worth.

That said, I found the beef a little dry, especially compared to the juicy, flavorful chicken, which was hands down the better pick. If I go back, I'll be grabbing the chicken for sure! Overall, it's a solid spot, good value, and worth trying if you're in the area.

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By Vincent Chow on May 12, 2025 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

Visited recently as one of the highly rated shawarma spots in the Lawrence West/Scarborough area. Shawarma Empire is one of the many Middle Eastern spots along Lawrence, and best known for their shawarma wraps and shawarma plates.

Their shawarma plates come fully packed in a takeout box, fully filled to the top with rice (or fries), salad, hummus, garlic sauce and choice of meat along with a pita on the side. What was great was the rice, which was a marinated rice dish that paired very well with the meat chosen as part of the shawarma plate. The value alone for this is well worth it given the quantity provided in a single takeout box. If you are looking to try their shawarma plates, getting the Mix Sharwarma is a good way to try both of their meat offerings at the same time.

Highly recommended just for the portion size and value alone. Note that they mainly take cash or debit, and seating is limited inside their restaurant so expect to take any orders to-go.

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By Ramin on May 10, 2025 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

If you’re craving authentic shawarma, this place is a must-visit! The food is consistently amazing — perfectly spiced shawarma, fresh, pillowy bread, and some of the best falafel I’ve ever had. But what really sets this place apart is the people. The staff is genuinely warm, welcoming, and incredibly attentive. It’s the kind of place that keeps you coming back, not just for the food but also for the experience. Highly recommend and big than you to people working here 👏

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By Stephanie N on April 16, 2025 Verified by Google Shawarma Empire

I got a mixed shawarma sandwich and my sister got the mixed plate. This was the best dinner!! The salad is super fresh, rice was so flavourful, and the protein portions are generous. I also really liked their hot sauce. Highly recommend!!!

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By Abdul S on April 14, 2025 Verified by Guest

Best in Scarborough

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By Stan B on April 14, 2025 Verified by Guest

the best chicken shawarma plate in town.

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By Alexander Arseneau on March 15, 2025 Verified by Google Shawama Empire

I don’t know why I haven’t written a review for this restaurant. I’ve been here hundreds of times over a decade and not only is it hands down still the best shawarma and falafel, but don’t sleep on the lentil soup! Liquid gold I tell you. I’ve probably tried every lentil soup in the city at this point in my life and nothing - NOTHING compares. I come here regularly after work and pick up 6 soups to bring home and freeze. They’re gone that week. You just can’t beat it. Do yourself a favour and run - don’t walk!

Treat yourself to a mixed plate with beef and chicken and a lentil soup today. Don’t forget the Vimto!

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By ADLbh on March 5, 2025 Verified by Google Shawama Empire

Delicious shawarma wraps at a reasonable price. The falafel are great!
Service is quick and friendly.

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By Rick Silver on December 21, 2022 Verified by Google

One of the best Shawarma spots in the city.

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By Abdul S on April 14, 2025 Verified by Guest

Best in Scarborough

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By Stan B on April 14, 2025 Verified by Guest

the best chicken shawarma plate in town.

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