The Empire image

The Empire

Restaurant Middle eastern restaurant East african restaurant

👍👍 sheesh! time to finally write my review on my fav shawarma spot in the city!! yes the whole city!!! i don't f with that tired ole alibaba! used to be crispy now they're dusty!! anyways i've been eating here since last year when i found it and it's never let me down. fair warning this review is of th... People often mention shawarma, good, wrap, chicken, portions, friendly, fresh, meat,


Address

1018 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M2, Canada

Website

theempirerestaurant.godaddysites.com

Contact

+1 416-532-5511

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (285 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 11 am to 11 pm
  • Tuesday: 11 am to 11 pm
  • Wednesday: 11 am to 11 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am to 11 pm
  • Friday: 11 am to 12 pm
  • Saturday: 11 am to 12 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am to 11 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: shawarma (16) good (11) wrap (10) chicken (7) portions (7) friendly (7) fresh (7) meat (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Sterling D. 3 years ago on Google
    sheesh! time to finally write my review on my fav shawarma spot in the city!! yes the whole city!!! i don't f with that tired ole alibaba! used to be crispy now they're dusty!! anyways i've been eating here since last year when i found it and it's never let me down. fair warning this review is of the chicken shawarma wrap and the fries only because that's all i ever get. make sure you grab a mango nectar too they're the bomb. anyway the pics speak for themselves. so much meat. i only got onions lettuce and greens on mine with garlic sauce and hummus. meat ratio was easily 50% almost forgot to mention that i got the wrap, small fries with ketchup and garlic sauce, and a delish lime soda for $12.13!!!! are you crazy!!!! eat here or you're fooling around. stop it
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Samina K. 6 months ago on Google • 701 reviews
    We have had shawarmas at many places in thr GTA and in various cities in Canada. This shawarmas here are very, very good. Close to thr best we have had. The restaurant is a casual one, with limited seating and is not fancy. But the food is excellent quality, decent portions and authentic taste. Absolutely value for money.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Raner la B. 3 years ago on Google • 87 reviews
    The service is friendly and fast, and they load you up on the vegies I had the lamb shawarma wrap, the lamb was tender and flavorful. The toppings and sauces were fresh and tasty. Overall top tier shawarma
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashley A. 4 years ago on Google
    Located close to Ossington station, the Empire is an amazing place to try out some good Mediterranean food. Had a good experience at this restaurant. They offer wide variety of options to choose from. Amzing quality and good price. The lamb shank at this restaurant is a really good option. They two types of rice, salads, pita, meat, all blend well together for an satisfing meal. The server is a great guy, very generous and helpful. I would definitely recommend this place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sherifa C. 5 months ago on Google • 58 reviews
    Great service and friendly atmosphere it almost seemed like everyone that came in there was smiling and warm to each other even though none of us knew each other! The food was professionally and proficiently prepared, even for out large order. Sanitary standards were observed throughout, and presentation was conscientious. Quality is consistent as per my sister in law who is a regular. Worth visiting and making a regular party of your favs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 dina t. 8 months ago on Google • 13 reviews
    We were just walking down the street and find here. We really liked their shawarma. As they promised it was clean and fresh.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 farhad f. 8 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Nice little place with awesome service and delicious food. You can enjoy an original Shawarma here.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jen C in RGB (. 2 years ago on Google
    Super polite, lovely and GREAT tasting food. Items that always cost extra other places are included with the veggie platter!! Thrilled to have found them! New fave.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 L B. 2 years ago on Google
    Best tasting and fresh shawarmas and falafels. The wrap is full of meat and really fills you up, unlike other places. They also don't charge extra for tabouli salad or more cabbage on the wrap. Staff are friendly and wash hands / change gloves regularly, which I appreciate. I also saw the owner giving some food to a homeless man which really warmed my heart. I recommend this place to everyone i know. Fresh toppings, nice flavours.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fayaz S. 5 months ago on Google • 45 reviews
    Salmaan gives a special experience with his shawarmas that come with quality meat and fabulous taste! Service is another level here

  • 5/5 Joe G. 6 months ago on Google • 16 reviews
    Had a falafel and chicken shawarma. Wonderful. Lots of veggies and as the namesake says, it tastes FRESH.

  • 5/5 Craig A. 2 months ago on Google • 15 reviews New
    I walked past this place today and decided to stop in for a Chicken shawarma. Well wasn't that a good decision, best shawarma I have had in ages. Nice and thick, not stingy on the portions like other places. I recommend stopping in here if you are in the area, you won't be disappointed!!

  • 5/5 Fernando M. 2 months ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    The best Shawarma wraps! tastes amazing! Way better portions than its three closest competitors who I won’t even rate or acknowledge their existence. nice sized portions really fair prices, fresh veg, and no EXTRA charges for parsley or extra toppings. Ice cold soft drinks.. The most friendly and courteous staff… and fast service.. but most important

  • 5/5 kreemila p. 1 year ago on Google
    Like people said in the comments earlier, big portion for the cheap price and the taste of the food is pretty good too. What stood out for me at this place was interacting with Salman who works here on the weekends. I swear he made every customer feel welcomed. Definitely a place I would visit again for sure

  • 5/5 Matt G. 9 months ago on Google
    Got the falafel plate, amazing portion size and they were quite good rice was honestly really good too! Super friendly staff the only thing id suggest is to try to keep it a bit cleaner, but thats part of the charm. Either way id definitely go back!

  • 5/5 Yelena R. 1 year ago on Google
    My partner and I have become regulars here thanks to the consistently fresh food, friendly staff, and generous portions at much appreciated prices. Great option for a falafel plate, and their saffron rice is both gorgeous and delicious!!

  • 5/5 Jwan A. 1 year ago on Google
    Really great shawarma and falafel. The other veggie options are also great, such as the eggplant and okra. Prices are also incredibly affordable for the portions you get!

  • 5/5 Jeff Da S. 1 year ago on Google
    The shawarma tasted very good. Very affordable prices and diverse menu. plenty of space!

  • 3/5 isaura c. 1 year ago on Google
    Cold food, dry rice, cold pita bred but kind people. The shawarma is better than plates.

  • 4/5 Loren H. 8 months ago on Google
    Not a place that will wow you. BUT, it is worth visiting. Please do. Compared to other places that sell the similar food options, this place serves it best in my opinion. Also, if you are a sports fan they always have a loud TV showing some kind of sport.

  • 1/5 Omeed 8 months ago on Google
    My orders have been cancelled 3 times on 3 different days with UberEats. Do yourself a favour and close your restaurant if you don't know how you should operate a business.

  • 5/5 Grace M. 1 year ago on Google
    Best shawarma and falafel in the city hands down! Nicest staff. Been going for years and no other place compares!

  • 5/5 Amleset N. 1 year ago on Google
    Yum, flavor galore! Definitely hit my Mediterranean fix.

  • 5/5 deegsdiditagain 6 months ago on Google
    Easily the best shawarma in west downtown Toronto! Strong sense of community here aswell, definitely the type of spot that has regulars who have been coming for years !

  • 5/5 Brian S. 2 years ago on Google
    Always consistent….fresh chicken which is full of flavour. Great customer service and a lot of soul goes into the food

  • 5/5 Robert C. 2 years ago on Google
    Walked in the other day for lunch. The line went very quickly with only one person working. Also they were very friendly. I had a chicken shawarma and it was great. I will be back.

  • 5/5 Destinee C. 4 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    Came here the other night on a whim just looking for some dinner and thank god I did! The owner was very welcoming when I came in and as soon as he started i knew it was going to be a good meal. He fried up the chicken before adding to my wrap, also asked if i liked onion and added some to fry up with the meat!! Ended up wanting a little side of potatoes and he accommodated that while also giving the already cooked potatoes an extra fry to crispy them up😍 As he made my wrap, he asked if it was my first time here, I said yes & I could tell he was so excited for me to try. He also filled the wrap with everything i wanted then added some lettuce on top so the chicken wouldn’t rip the wrap👌🏾He did so many little things to improve my meal. I sat down in the restaurant, enjoyed, savoured and devoured every single bite of that chicken shawarma wrap. One of the best i’ve ever had Great portions too

  • 3/5 EDGAR 2 years ago on Google
    Ingredients seemed fresh but tasted bit salty. Portion does need to be much larger for the price. There are other better shawarma options out there 🤷🏻‍♂️🥙


Call +1 416-532-5511 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Restaurants nearby

PAI image
1
PAI
Thai restaurant
Nuit & Jeff Regular's casual Northern Thai spot serving dishes like salted crab & papaya salad.
$$ $$
4.60 (11.7K reviews)
Fairmont Royal York image
2
Fairmont Royal York
Hotel
Elegant period property featuring hand-painted ceilings, a spa & dining options, plus afternoon tea.
4.50 (10.9K reviews)
The Old Spaghetti Factory image
3
The Old Spaghetti Factory
Italian restaurant
Family-friendly chain eatery featuring traditional Italian entrees amid turn-of-the-century decor.
$$ $$
4.30 (8.4K reviews)
The Rec Room image
4
The Rec Room
Restaurant
Airy, spacious mini-chain for pub grub & craft beer plus arcade games, pool tables & live acts.
$$ $$
4.00 (7.8K reviews)
El Catrin Destileria image
5
El Catrin Destileria
Mexican restaurant
Trendy, stylish restaurant with elevated Mexican small plates, many tequilas & a heated patio.
$$$ $
4.20 (7.6K reviews)
Last updated:
()