Best of Ottawa 2020: Best Shawarma

After over 20-years writing about life in Ottawa, we think we have a pretty good idea of the best of what this city has to offer. In this weekly series, we share our picks with you — our top hotels, live music venues, local brews, bands and more. Check, share and discuss #OLMBest every week!

 Shawarma Palace  — (Downtown) 464 Rideau Street

We love all four Ottawa area locations of Shawarma Palace that have been serving up Lebanese comfort food for just over a decade. We think the downtown on Rideau (near Chapel) location has the best garlic sauce and it's open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights (1 a.m. Monday-Friday). Drop by to dine in, takeout and hit them up for delivery.
photo: Shawarma Palace Facebook

Shawarma King — 395 Bank Street

Head to Shawarma King on Bank at Waverley for their delicious chicken or beef shawarma sandwiches that are available in small, large or xtra large. For something different, try their chicken salad . . . so good!
Photo: Shawarma King  Abhinav Sukumar via google maps

Shawarma Station — 2446 Bank Street

If you are in the Bank and Hunt club area, stop in at Shawarma Station in the Towngate Plaza. The self described no-frill eatery is a great spot for a shawarma sandwich or one of their delicious pies.
Photo: Yelp

3 Brothers Shawarma — three locations

With three uOttawa-area locations — one for each brother? —  3 Brothers Shawarma is popular with the university crowd. Whether you are looking for a late-night shawarma, their famous poutine, or one of their pies, the shawarma-fusion menu is sure to satisfy.
Photo: 3 Brothers Shawarma via google maps

Yalla Yalla Bakery & Lebanese Food — 2010 Trim Road, Ottawa

Nest time you are in the east end, drop in to Yalla Yalla for one of their great Lebanese pies — baked fresh daily!  The restaurant also offers a full complement of Lebanese salads and sandwiches made from only the freshest ingredients. 

Cedar Valley Restaurant — 1615 Orléans Blvd, Orleans

The name Cedar Valley doesn't make you think of Shawarma but make no mistake this Lebanese restaurant is well known for it! Cedar Valley also has a reputation for having the best beef, tahini and homemade baklava!
Photo: Cedar Valley via Facebook

Guava's Shawarma — 3161 Strandherd Drive, Nepean  

Fear not Barrhavener's, Guava's Shawarma on Strandherd near Woodroffe will take care of your shawarma cravings. The service is always friendly and the portions always generous. Make sure to try their garlic sauce!
Photo: Zomato

Lebanese Palace — 919 Industrial Avenue

Any doubt that shawarma is on the menu is dispelled by the giant-size word plastered on the side of the Lebanese Palace. Well known for their sit-down restaurant and Middle Eastern entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, they also have a fast-food side to the business. Pop in for a shawarma any day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Photo: Lebanese Palace 

Classic Shawarma — 1110 Carp Rd #145, Stittsville

Classic Shawarma is well know in Kanata for it's friendly service and mouth-watering shawarma along with other classic Middle Eastern fare. Make sure to get a side of their delicious roasted potatoes. Did you know that they also cater? 
Photo: Alex Comtois via USA Restaurants

Shawarma House — 836 March Road, Kanata

Shawarma House may offer perfectly seasoned meats and some of the best hummus and garlic sauce in town, but it is also winner of Hospitality Excellence Award for making every customer feel like family! In addition, the restaurant prides itself on having using only the best ingredients. 

Photo: Ahmad Nagib, Facebook