James AllenSome of my co-workers suggested that we go on a food tour themed around Turkish restaurants. As a big foodie, of course, I said yes, and thank goodness I did! Every time I bite into a Turkish dish, I get an explosion of flavor, making me want more!
If you’d like to treat yourself to delicious Turkish food in Toronto, here’s a list of restaurants we’ve tried and loved!
Pasaj
Address: 1100 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Thursday—11 am to 4:30 pm
- Friday—11 am to 11:30 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 11:30 pm
- Sunday—9 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +16473989010
Pasaj makes its patrons feel like they’re in Istanbul through food and design. The interior is colorful and charming, and the menu is filled with so many options.
I personally like coming here for brunch, and my favorite thing to order is köfte and piyaz, which are spiced lamb and beef meatballs with bean salad and lemon tahini.
Sometimes, I come here for dinner as well. My recommendation from the dinner menu is kuzu, which is smoked lamb shoulder. It has the smoky, savory flavor you expect, but it also has notes of sweetness, thanks to the persimmons and pomegranate.
| Pro Tip: Book your reservation beforehand to secure your spot. Keep in mind that the maximum party size is only six people, and if you’re a no-show on your scheduled date, you’ll be charged C$25. |
Meat Point
Address: 1021 Wilson Ave, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Wednesday to Friday—11 am to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14166386721
What I like about Meat Point is that tradition and modernity are blended seamlessly. You can see in the interior: parts of the old walls have been preserved, while modern decor has been added. The result is lovely to look at and perfect for your Instagram shots!
The food here is also great. I really like the pide (Turkish-style pizza) here; my favorite is the Kiymali Pide. It’s ground beef with peppers, onions, and tomatoes, and it tastes savory and earthy, with slight tartness as well thanks to the lemon.
For dessert, I can’t pass up on the baklava (layers of phyllo sheets with crushed pistachios) or the kunefe (layers of shredded wheat with white cheese in the center). Both are so decadent, and I can’t get enough of them!
| Pro Tip: Come here during breakfast because there’s an authentic Turkish breakfast buffet available during this time. Feasting here truly is a great way to start the day! |
Mustafa Restaurant
Address: 866 Wilson Ave, North York
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14166310300
If you’re specifically craving pide, then you should go to Mustafa Restaurant! Located in a strip mall, this restaurant is oftentimes referred to as the place to get Turkish Pizza in the Greater Toronto Area!
I recommend the Kusbasili Pide. It has your typical pide toppings (lamb and beef pieces, onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and parsley), but it also has a lot of spices, so prepare yourself for a strong kick of heat when you bite into this pizza.
Aside from the pide, I suggest trying Iskender, which is a dish made of long, flat meat strips slathered with a lot of tomato sauce and served with a side of plain yogurt. It’s tangy and mouthwatering, and eating it with bread is absolute perfection!
| Pro Tip: This is a popular spot, so if you want to secure your spot, I recommend coming here as soon as possible. Avoid peak hours (4 pm to 8 pm) as well. |
Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine
Address: 4205 Keele St #17, North York
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—12 to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16473488000
Named after the strait that cuts through the center of Istanbul, Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine is a casual spot that offers halal Turkish delights.
Kebab is the bestseller here, so be sure to grab one while you’re here. I recommend the pistachio Adana kebab, which is a beef skewer topped with crushed pistachios. It’s served with rice, salad, and bread, so you’ll feel full after eating.
Get yourself a slice of indulgent baklava or kunefe! Sutlac is another wonderful dessert you should try. It’s a rice pudding, so it has that silky, creamy texture and a toasted sugary top layer.
| Pro Tip: Come here before dinner hours to avoid getting stuck in a long queue. |
Best Istanbul Restaurant
Address: 2762 Keele St, North York
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16477486363
Another great halal Turkish spot you should check out is Best Istanbul Restaurant. This casual spot boasts an extensive menu of pide, kebabs, and more.
My go-to order here is the lamb chops, which are succulent and oozing with herby flavors. Sometimes, I get the chicken shish kebab; the tender chunks of chicken breast have a hint of spice that I like.
This restaurant serves dessert as well. Baklava and kunefe are the bestsellers, but I’ve also enjoyed kadayif (shredded phyllo pastry with sweet syrup). I like how crunchy and indulgently sweet it is.
| Pro Tip: If possible, visit here on a weekday instead because the restaurant tends to be packed on weekends. |
MADO
Address: 3300 Dufferin St Unit A, North York
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—10 am to 10 pm
- Friday—10 am to 5 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16475596236
MADO is more known as a dessert shop, but this place also serves delicious Turkish cuisine!
If you’re coming here for breakfast, I suggest ordering the menemen (Turkish-style scrambled eggs) with cheese. It’s savory, tangy, and incredibly cheesy, and scooping up spoonfuls onto a piece of bread makes for a filling breakfast.
I also recommend getting the mixed kebab platter, especially if you’re with another person. This platter comes with a variety of kebabs (lamb, beef, and chicken) and enough rice to satisfy up to four people!
Since MADO is a dessert shop, be sure to grab a pastry. You might like the chocolate acma (chocolate-flavored soft bagel) or the walnut baklava (which is my personal favorite.
| Pro Tips: If you’re coming for breakfast, you can actually build your own breakfast plate. Try it when you can! If you’re planning a party, you might be interested in booking their event space or their catering services. |
Kebab 49
Address: 5308 Dundas St W, Etobicoke
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—9 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—9 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16473484525
If you’re craving kebabs, then you should check out Kebab 49. This spot offers a lot of kebab options, and they all come in generous portions, so you’ll really get your fill.
I really like the butcher’s meatballs with mozzarella because the cheese pull is amazing and the meatballs are so juicy. Yogurt kebab is another one that I recommend because it has the perfect mix of savory and tangy.
Don’t miss out on their pide selections as well. I recommend getting the mixed pide because it comes with different flavors (ground veal, lamb sujuk or sausage, and minced lamb). It’s perfect if you’re struggling to choose which pide flavor to get.
| Pro Tip: If you’re dining with a group, get the family platter. It’s loaded with different kinds of kebabs and side dishes, and it can easily feed up to five people. |
Flame Kebab + Steakhouse
Address: 2197 Bloor St W
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—12 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14167626000
Flame Kebab + Steakhouse is inspired by the lively culture and cuisine of Anatolia, a large peninsula in Turkey. Most of the dishes here are crafted using traditional cooking techniques, but some are neo-Anatolian or Turkish-fusion cuisines.
My absolute favorite is the lamb-shanked that’s been slow-cooked sous-vide for 48 hours! The meat is incredibly tender (it falls off the bone so easily!), and the lamb jus adds so much savory goodness to every bite.
To wash everything down, get a glass of cocktail. I recommend the Constantinople, which tastes sour and sweet.
If you don’t like cocktails, there are other alcoholic options, such as beers, spirits, and even fancy wines.
| Pro Tip: If the weather is clear, choose a seat on the patio. The ambiance there is very cozy and cute, making it perfect for intimate dinners. |
Kismet Turkish Restaurant
Address: 782 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday—11 am to 11:30 pm
- Thursday—11 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14164628745
Kismet Turkish Restaurant is a humble restaurant on Queen Street that you shouldn’t overlook! This place offers tasty Turkish dishes at an affordable price, so it’s perfect for foodies on a budget.
I usually get the doner plate because it’s jam-packed with many things (slow-cooked marinated beef and lamb, rice, salad, and bread), so I’m full and satisfied in no time. It also helps that the meat is tender and savory, and I can’t get enough of it.
For your drinks, I recommend trying salgam, which is a fermented beverage made from pickled carrots and turnips. I know it sounds unusual, but don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! It tastes herby and a bit spicy, and it’s also said to be a cure against hangovers.
| Pro Tip: There’s a patio in the back with a great, cozy ambiance. Take a seat there if you want a quiet dining experience or if you’re on a date. |
Barans Turkish Cuisine and BBQ
Address: 2043 Eglinton Ave E, Scarborough
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday—10:45 am to 12 am
- Sunday—10:45 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +14167504545
Barans is a restaurant bursting with infectious energy, which is why I love coming here whenever I feel down or stressed. Sometimes, when I’m lucky, there’s live music when I’m dining, which lifts my spirits even further.
I like getting the mixed grill for two because I usually come here with a friend. Plus, this option is jam-packed with my favorites—chicken shish, beef shish, lamb chops, chicken wings, and Adana kebab—so I feel full and satisfied afterward.
To make my meals extra healthy, I would order any of their salads. So far, my favorite is Gavurdaği Salatasi, which has chopped tomatoes, onions, and green peppers. The dressing is made of lemon, oil, and pomegranate, so it tastes both sweet and sour.
| Pro Tip: From Tuesday to Friday (between 11:30 am and 3:30 pm), there’s a lunch buffet special. Try it out when you can. |
Galata Turkish Restaurant
Address: 940 Danforth Ave
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14164612278
If you’re in the Danforth area, you should look out for Galata Turkish Restaurant. This charming restaurant offers a wide variety of Turkish delights—from appetizers to desserts.
My go-to order is the Iskander Kebab because I love how the thinly sliced beef absorbs the tomato sauce and yogurt. So, every time I take a bite, an explosion of savory and tangy goodness occurs inside my mouth.
I also like to get Turkish-style tea here. This tea is so aromatic that I actually spend a few minutes just smelling my cup before taking a sip. As for the taste, it’s a bit bitter and sour, but I like to add several sugar lumps to balance out the flavors.
| Pro Tip: If you’re dining with a group, take advantage of the combo dishes. Depending on your choice, a combo meal can feed up to four people. |
Istanbul Shawarma
Address: 430 College St unit ½
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 1 am
- Thursday—11 am to 2 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 3 am
Contact Number: +16473487288
Are you in a hurry? Then you might like Istanbul Shawarma! This spot whips up your order in no time, so you can still get your hunger satisfied while speed-walking to your destination.
Wraps or sandwiches are your best bets here. My recommendation would be the beef kofta sandwich. It’s kind of like a meatball sub, but this one tastes fresher and zestier, thanks to the vegetables and yogurt piled on top of the meatballs.
For shawarma wraps, you can’t go wrong with the chicken option. It’s jam-packed with chicken chunks, cucumbers, pickled onions, and shredded cabbage, so it’s a filling snack. Plus, it packs quite a punch because of the hot sauce.
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, the restaurant sells tins of original Turkish coffee blends. If you’re a coffee lover, then you should buy one! |
Köz Bingöl Turkish Restaurant
Address: 6255 Bathurst St, North York
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14162256500
Köz originated from Bingöl before it made its way to Germany, and now it’s finally reached the shores of Canada! You can expect this spot to deliver authentic Turkish flavors, and the dishes are also halal, so Muslim foodies are welcome to dine here.
Try coming here for breakfast and order Serpme Kahvalti. It’s an exclusive authentic chef’s special Turkish breakfast, and it’s unlimited! So, feel free to stock your plate with menemen, eggs with sujuk, and different kinds of cheese.
If you’re coming for lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong with Antakya Kebab. The ground veal and lamb are incredibly juicy, savory, and a bit spicy; pair that with the marinated bread, and now you have a satisfying meal!
| Pro Tip: Do you have an event coming up? Then you might want to book their catering services. |
Chef Mustafa
Address: 516 Danforth Ave
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—11:30 am to 11:30 pm
Contact Number: +16475279292
Chef Mustafa is a casual spot with a lively vibe. Because of this, it’s the go-to destination for people celebrating a birthday or a milestone they achieved at work.
If you’re coming here, order the lamb shank. This meat is slow-cooked for several hours, making it mouthwateringly tender, and then it’s topped with mozzarella, so every bite comes with a satisfying cheese pull.
If you’re in the mood for Turkish-style pizza, get the lahmacun, which is technically flat dough topped with ground beef and minced vegetables, but it resembles pizza enough.
| Pro Tip: During spring and summer months, take advantage of the outdoor seating. That way, you can enjoy the cool breeze while eating your meals. |
