Nothing beats a good shawarma enjoyed on the go in Montreal's pedestrian streets. Whether between festivals or after a summer evening out, this Middle Eastern classic has become one of the city's must-try culinary delights. Originating during the Ottoman Empire, shawarma takes its name from the Turkish word "çevirme," meaning "to turn," in reference to the meat that cooks slowly on a vertical spit.
Served as a mezze with hummus or rolled in saj or pita bread, shawarma checks all the boxes for comfort food. With its marinated meat, crisp vegetables, golden potatoes, and generous garlic sauce, shawarma remains a simple, delicious, and always satisfying classic.
From neighborhood stands to more upscale spots, here are a few places to add to your bucket list for an authentic shawarma in Montreal.
Lulu Épicerie
2507 Rue Notre-Dame O, Montreal, H3J 1N6
Read also:
14 Montreal Spots to Explore Middle Eastern Flavors
Head to this food counter for a hearty shawarma served with fattoush salad, and fries. The sandwiches are also worth a try: the chicken version combines lettuce, wild pickles, garlic sauce, and a touch of pomegranate molasses, while the beef version features tomatoes, onions, parsley, turnips, and a super-tasty tarator sauce.
Le Shawarman
4725A Boulevard Samson, Laval, H7W 2H8
Le Shawarman in Laval, winner of the 2026 Consumer Choice Award in the Middle Eastern category, with over 1,500 Google reviews, a 4.8 rating, and a reputation built around authentic shawarma. So we're heading to Laval to sample the generous and affordable shawarmas at this spot beloved by fans of Levantine cuisine. Whether you choose chicken or beef, served in a classic pita or a toasted saj bread, there's something to suit every taste. To round out the meal, the restaurant also offers several gourmet appetizers, such as beef-stuffed kebbe or crispy halloumi cheese rolls. A great option for a break featuring the flavors of the Middle East.
Shawarma Moods
Multiple locations
Made popular on TikTok, the crispy shawarma grabs attention for the textural contrast between the crispy grilled bread, tender meat, and creamy sauces. The concept is simple: the pita is brushed with sauce before being grilled until it's nice and crispy.
In Montreal, Shawarma Moods has made a name for itself thanks to this trend. The restaurant offers crispy versions with chicken, beef, or a mix of both.
Damas
1201 Avenue Van Horne, Montreal, H2V 1K4
Here, shawarma is served in a fancier version, perfect for a date night or a more upscale outing. Recommended by the Michelin Guide, this Syrian restaurant charms diners with both its warm atmosphere and its cuisine, in which lamb takes center stage. Among the available options is a lamb shawarma served as a mezze with hummus, to be paired with dishes to share such as spiced potatoes or fattoush salad.
Folfol
Multiple locations
Located in Outremont, Folfol is the casual version of Damas, showcasing Syrian street food classics. Among the must-try dishes is a plate of lamb shawarma served with fingerling potatoes and saffron basmati rice. Sandwich lovers can also choose a chicken version topped with pomegranate molasses, pickles, and garlic mayonnaise, or opt for the lamb.
TESFA
4520 Avenue Papineau, Montreal, H2H 1V3
Located on the Plateau Mont-Royal, Tesfa offers many must-try Middle Eastern dishes. Their chicken shawarma is prepared with a house-made spicy sauce and amba, a sweet-and-sour condiment made from green mango. They also serve sabich, an Iraqi-style sandwich topped with hard-boiled eggs and fried eggplant.
Sumac
3618 Rue Notre Dame O, Montreal, H4C 1P5
This spot celebrates Middle Eastern flavors with generous, affordable portions. People come here for the falafel, kefta, and sabich, and of course, the house specialty: shawarma. Special mention goes to the chicken shawarma sandwich and the generously filled plate with grilled pita, hummus, pickled turnips, and a choice of two salads.
Mezzmiz
1407 Rue Crescent, Montreal, H3G 2B2
Mezzmiz serves meals inspired by Lebanese flavors, perfect for grab-and-go or dining in. The menu features salad bowls served with falafel, beef shawarma, or kefta. The spot also makes sandwiches rolled in saj bread, topped with tomatoes, pickles, parsley, and sumac. A convenient option for a lunch break if you work downtown or are passing through the area.
Abu el Zulof
2125 Rue Crescent, Montreal, H3G 2C1
Located on Crescent Street, this restaurant showcases the flavors of the Levant in a warm and lively atmosphere. The place is renowned as much for its festive atmosphere as for its authentic decor. Among the must-try dishes, the shawarma served with hummus as a mezze is definitely worth a visit, best enjoyed alongside small dishes to share, such as cheese sambouseks.
Dunya
2 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montreal, H2X 1C2
This spot offers several must-try Middle Eastern street food classics, including its beef shawarma topped with parsley, onions, tomatoes, and tarator sauce. It's one of the restaurant's signature dishes, usually served with fries. A chicken version is also available, served with garlic sauce.
Bei - Beiroots
1460 Rue Mackay, Montreal, H3G 2W5
Whether served on a plate, in a pita, or wrapped in saj bread, this downtown fast-food spot offers several options to satisfy any shawarma craving. Known for its generous portions, the restaurant draws fans of Middle Eastern cuisine looking for a hearty meal. The menu features chicken or beef shawarma bowls served with vegetables, potatoes, and rice. For a quick meal, wraps in pita or saj bread are also a safe bet after a stroll through downtown.
Laffé Sandwicherie Libanaise
35 Avenue Mont-Royal E, Montreal, H2T 1N4
With a 5-star rating on Google, this gourmet spot quickly attracts attention. There may sometimes be a line, but plenty of regulars say it's well worth the wait. Among the house specialties is the shawarma arayes: a ground beef wrap topped with vegetables and flavored with mint and parsley.
Hayat
131 Rue De la Commune O, Montreal, H2Y 2C7
Located in Old Montreal, this restaurant features a Middle Eastern-inspired ambiance, blending modern touches with a warm atmosphere. The spot is perfect for brunch on the terrace on a sunny day or a more refined dinner in the evening. Here, the lamb shawarma takes center stage. It's served with hummus as a main course at brunch or as a mezze dish in the evening. The restaurant also offers a shawarma wrap on the brunch menu, rolled in saj bread and served with fries.
Ô Four
3452 Avenue du Parc, Montreal, H2X 2H5
This small counter specializing in Lebanese street food brings together several classics beloved by fans of Middle Eastern flavors, such as beef shawarma, grilled halloumi, and cheese keftas.
Kebeh Kabab
Multiple locations
Head to Kebeh Kabab to try a reinvented shawarma with a Quebec twist. This spot, known for its Middle Eastern flavors, offers several versions of the classic dish: served on a plate, wrapped in pita bread, or even as poutine. Among the popular options, the poutine topped with shawarma and spicy potatoes really stands out.
Shawarmaz
Multiple locations
Shawarma lovers are well acquainted with this now-iconic chain, which has nine locations throughout Montreal and the surrounding area. Among the menu's top favorites, it's hard to miss the Saj Bomb: a decadent combination of chicken shawarma, melted cheese, crispy fries, and pickles, all wrapped in a saj bread. Poutine lovers will also find something to their liking with an oriental-flavored version: garlic potatoes, a choice of meat, cheese curds, crispy bread pieces, parsley, nigella seeds, and sesame seeds reinventing this Quebec classic with a Middle Eastern twist.
