Olivia TaylorIt’s hard to stroll around the bustling Ottawan streets without being greeted by an irresistible aroma of spices, making your taste buds start tingling. Is it the scent of a sizzling barbecue, or perhaps the aromatic invitation of a tasty Tandoori chicken?
Actually, it’s neither. It’s the unmistakable fragrance of shawarma – a deliciously juicy concoction that graces Ottawa with its delectable goodness. And if you’ve been to the city, the abundance of shawarma spots is hard to ignore.
Hold on – there’s no need to traverse the streets, knock on every door, and sample every savory bite to unearth the true gems!
After all, we’re here as your culinary adventurers, to test out restaurants for our readers’ wonderful gastronomic adventure.
Let this list be your guide, ensuring you know the delicious spots to hit for a delectable shawarma.
1. Shawarma Palace
Website: https://www.theworldsbestshawarma.com
Address: 464 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5Z3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-789-9533
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, and Sunday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Shawarma Palace is a popular local chain with multiple locations spanning the city.
The shawarma plates are considered the standout choice, earning a rightful number one spot on the list of best sellers. We’re particularly drawn to their chicken shawarma because of its flavorful taste and juicy textures.
Additionally, the garlic sauce is like a cherry on top.
They’re known not only for their delectable taste but also for their generous portion sizes, never failing to wow the customers. With that in mind, we recommend coming here with an empty stomach if you want to finish your plate!
2. Shawarma Station
Website: https://ottawashawarmastation.ca
Address: 2446 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1V 1A4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-737-2121
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 7 AM to 1 AM
- Thursday to Saturday – 7 AM to 2 AM
Shawarma Station is a vibrant spot for Lebanese and Mediterranean classics, garnering popularity because of its cheese pie – a delicious buttery option.
Of course, their shawarma reigns supreme, especially for those seeking a tasty yet affordable meal. As expected from usual shawarma places, you can choose among three flavors: chicken, beef, or mixed.
While we have an affinity for chicken shawarma, we find ourselves leaning towards Shawarma Station’s beef shawarma more because the delightful blend of flavors really stands out.
3. Shawarma De Roza
Website: https://shawarmaderoza.ca
Address: 1896 Prince of Wales Dr, Nepean, ON K2C 3J7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-274-0404
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Tuesday to Friday – 11 AM to 8:30 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Managed by a Pakistani family, Shawarma De Roza is as authentic as it gets. We consider this as one of the lesser-known gems for a delicious shawarma fix.
While the place is often bustling, surprisingly, many shawarma aficionados in Ottawa are unaware of this hidden spot.
They have a lot of options under their shawarma wraps, including chicken shawarma wrap, beef kofta wrap, and falafel wrap – all of which are extremely delightful. The portions are also generous, perhaps enough to fill two people.
However, we wouldn’t be surprised if you’re able to finish it in one sitting – it’s that good! We won’t judge you for it either.
Oh, and we discovered that their garlic sauce and hummus are homemade so it’s always guaranteed fresh (and delicious!).
4. Osmo’s Shawarma
Website: https://osmows.com/shawarma-ottawa-dalhousie/
Address: 347 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 7G1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-562-4946
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 3 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Osmo’s Shawarma is a well-loved chain with multiple stores all over the country.
In fact, a lot of our staff members here have been going to Osmo’s for years. When we discussed its menu, we came to a collective conclusion that the lamb shawarma wrap is the ultimate crowd favorite.
The meat is perfectly seasoned, with a mouthwatering aromatic taste to it. The blend of flavors is exciting, making it a satisfying meal that truly packs a punch!
A word of caution: if you opt for a spicy sauce to accompany your meal, be prepared for an intense heat level that requires at least a gallon of water within arms’ reach!
On late Friday nights, it also stands as a popular option for a post-drinking meal as it’s open until late.
5. Shawarma Byte
Website: https://shawarmabyte.ca
Address: 4750 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1T 0K8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-822-1114
Operating hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday- 11 AM to 10 PM
- Wednesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 2 AM
Shawarma Byte is another lesser-known on our list today. Actually, we’re longtime customers of this joint and we can’t help but wonder why it’s not as hyped as it should be.
Anyway, we love this charming joint most especially for their shawarma chicken platter. The meat is extremely tender and flavorful, adding to the overall allure of the dish.
Additionally, the portions are simply insane. We haven’t ordered anything we devoured completely no matter how good it was.
They also have some shawarma bits and smaller shawarma sandwiches and poutines, ideal for those with smaller appetites.
6. Shawarma Garlic & Onion
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ShawarmaGARLICandONION/
Address: 1465 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2B 6R9, Canada
Contact details: +1 289-987-8700
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Shawarma Garlic & Onion lies in a small location, making it easily left undiscovered by passersby. However, the smell of the blends of spices might be hard to miss.
We consider ourselves lucky that we were able to discover this gem. Their chicken shawarma is the standout dish, a sentiment shared by many who have had the pleasure of dining here.
It’s well-loved specifically for the juicy meat.
Oh, and did we mention the generous portions? – yes, including the meat! It’s a great value for your money, for sure.
What particularly keeps us addicted to this joint is the secret sauce they use. It definitely gives their dishes an exciting twist that will make you keep coming back!
7. Ottawa Shawarma
Website: https://nepeanlebanesefood.ca
Address: 250 Greenbank Rd, Nepean, ON K2H 8X4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-422-8009
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Ottawa Shawarma is a casual joint with a welcoming and intimate neighborly feel. The warmth extends to their meticulously crafted meals, earning the hearts of many loyal customers, including us.
We find that their chicken and beef shawarma are equally delightful, so it might be up to the individual which one they prefer. That said, the chicken shawarma is considered more popular than the beef counterpart, mostly because of the meat’s smoky taste.
Their garlic sauce is also a standout addition to the meal.
8. Retaj Mediterranean Cuisine
Website: https://retaj.ca
Address: 4456 Limebank Rd unite 8, Ottawa, ON K1V 2N8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-822-3306
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 7 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 7:30 PM
- Sunday – closed
Retaj Mediterranean Cuisine is a cozy eatery that promises delectable dishes to anyone willing to go off the beaten path.
Their beef shawarma sandwich is the star of attraction without a doubt.
The meat is slow-roasted, making it even more tender and succulent. It packs a punch without overshadowing the delicious taste of the other inclusions.
Retaj Mediterranean Cuisine is perhaps one of Ottawa’s best-kept secrets.
9. Super Bite Shawarma
Website: https://m.facebook.com/superbiteshawarma?_rdr
Address: 1577 Alta Vista Dr, Ottawa, ON K1G 0E9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-248-8111
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Super Bite Shawarma is an intimate and unpretentious eatery that stays under the radar. Perhaps its unpopularity adds to its charm because it feels like a hidden treasure that can only be uncovered by those willing to go beyond the renowned spots.
The chicken shawarma is extremely popular here, which made it earn a rightful spot on the list of best sellers. The meat’s delicious and juicy, and the garlic sauce simply takes the cake.
The best part? The menu offerings aren’t only tasty, but they’re also affordable, with the added bonus of the generous portions.
10. Shawarma Prince
Website: https://www.shawarmaprince.com
Address: 1667 Merivale Rd, Nepean, ON K2G 3K2, Canada
Contact details: 1 613-224-0252
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Shawarma Prince is a small local chain, boasting a wide array of menu options to try.
The shawarma poutine is a particularly interesting choice, perfect for those who are seeking Middle Eastern flavors with a Canadian twist. It’s certainly a delicious fusion with a delightful blend of different flavors and textures.
Another thing worth noting about Shawarma Prince is the affordable pricing, making it an enticing option for those who want a delicious Lebanese dish without shelling out a significant sum.
11. Boustan Restaurant
Website: https://boustan.ca
Address: 175 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9P1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-7772
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 3 AM
Having been around since the late ‘80s, Boustan Restaurant is considered an established franchise with numerous stores spanning throughout Canada.
It’s situated along the bustling ByWard Market, adding to the allure of the neighborhood packed with delicious eateries and hip cafes.
If you’re looking to add an extra burst of diverse flavors, we recommend ordering the creation pita – an exciting concoction with chicken shawarma, omelet, hummus, cabbage, garlic potatoes, turnips, and their own signature sauce.
While the store has a fast-food ambiance, the taste stays true to its roots.
12. Laheeb Grill & Shawarma
Website: http://www.laheebrestaurants.com
Address: 947 Somerset St W, Ottawa, ON K1R 6R8, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-750-0707
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9:45 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11:30 PM
Laheeb Grill & Shawarma is a casual dining spot, offering a mouthwatering menu filled with classic Middle Eastern plates.
Among their wide variety of shawarma dishes, the beef shawarma sandwich certainly stands out, boasting an explosion of flavor in every bite. Additionally, it’s nestled inside a tasty pita with a perfectly soft and chewy texture that elevates the other flavors.
13. New King Shawarma Plus
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kihwc7vcqgeT3HCw5
Address: 205 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1W7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-232-4222
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – closed
New King Shawarma Plus is a take-out eatery with an unassuming facade along the busy Bank Street.
They’re experts in whipping up good shawarma, focusing on the succulently juicy meat that’s been marinated with an exciting blend of spices. Each bite brings an irresistible explosion of flavors, leaving you craving for more.
Their garlic sauce particularly stands out, adding to the burst of flavor. In fact, this flavorful sauce is considered a crowd favorite!
There’s also a spicy garlic flavor for those who want a more intense punch.
Moreover, they’re also known for their kebabs and curries, so be sure to check these out while you’re here if you’re curious about their other tasty offerings.
