Best Shawarma in Ottawa: Top Spots in the Shawarma Capital

Ottawa isn't just Canada's political capital—it's officially the nation's Shawarma Capital. On April 3, 2024, Ottawa City Council unanimously declared the city the "Shawarma Capital of Canada," putting on the record what locals have argued about over garlic sauce for decades.

The motion counted nearly 200 shawarma restaurants in the city in 2024, spread from downtown Ottawa to the suburbs of Orleans and Kanata, so choosing where to get your next wrap can be overwhelming. Whether you're craving a quick lunch wrap, a family platter for dinner, or post-bar fuel after midnight, Ottawa's shawarma scene has you covered.

The spots below start with the names Ottawa argues about most—Shawarma Palace, Shawarma Station, Shawarma's King and 3 Brothers—and then move to neighbourhood counters in Vanier, Orléans, Kanata, Barrhaven and downtown, plus a bakery, a food truck and a vegan falafel stop. Each one was checked against its own website or a current listing in October 2026, and they are organized by location, specialty and budget.

Key Highlights

TL;DR: Shawarma Palace is Ottawa's best-known chain, with 10 locations listed on its website. For late-night cravings, The Shawarma Place on Dalhousie Street is open until 4 AM on Friday and Saturday, and Shawarma Station on Bank Street at Hunt Club stays open until 2 AM Thursday to Saturday. 3 Brothers built its name on shawarma poutine, and Lebanese Palace on Industrial Avenue serves a full Lebanese menu beyond the wrap.

Why Ottawa is the Shawarma Capital

Ottawa's shawarma legacy spans over 40 years of delicious tradition

A Brief History of Shawarma in Ottawa

Ottawa's love affair with shawarma is usually traced to spring 1984, when Moustafa al Hajjar co-founded Marroush on Elgin Street—widely considered the city's first dedicated shawarma establishment. The timing coincided with Lebanese immigration during Lebanon's civil war, which brought family recipes and the know-how that still shapes Ottawa shawarma. Marroush has since closed.

The Hanna-Nesrallah family played a crucial role by introducing pita bread to Ottawa in the 1960s. That foundational ingredient was already on local shelves when the shawarma shops arrived, setting the stage for the boom that followed.

Timeline of Ottawa's Shawarma Rise:

What Sets Ottawa Shawarma Apart

Ask anyone who moved here from Toronto or Montreal and they will tell you Ottawa shawarma tastes different. A few things shape the local style:

1. Meat and Preparation:

• Chicken and beef marinated in each shop's own spice blend
• Slow-roasted on vertical spits for even cooking and crispy edges
• Shaved off the spit as the wraps and plates are built

2. The Garlic Sauce (Toum): Ottawa's garlic sauce has achieved legendary status. This creamy, pungent emulsion of garlic, lemon juice and oil is the part locals argue about most, and each shop guards its recipe:

• Creamy texture from proper emulsification
• Balance of garlic heat with lemon brightness
• Some shops sell it by the tub to take home (ask)

3. The Fixings:

• Lettuce, tomatoes and onions
• Pita from local Lebanese bakeries
• Pink pickled turnips and hot peppers

4. The Late-Night Culture: Staying open into the early morning captured the post-bar crowd, and shawarma became Ottawa's signature late-night food:

• Several shops stay open past midnight, some until 2 AM or even 4 AM later in the week
• Perfect fuel after a night on Elgin Street or the ByWard Market
• The "post-bar shawarma" has become an Ottawa rite of passage

Shawarma vs. Similar Foods

New to shawarma? Here's how Ottawa's signature dish compares to similar foods:

The Official Declaration

On April 3, 2024, Ottawa City Council unanimously passed a motion declaring Ottawa the "Shawarma Capital of Canada." Orléans West-Innes Councillor Laura Dudas moved the motion.

The motion cited nearly 200 shawarma restaurants across the city in 2024.

Top Shawarma Restaurants in Ottawa

Fresh shawarma wraps are Ottawa's signature street food

1. Shawarma Palace — The Ottawa Icon

Locations: 464 Rideau St and the Rideau Centre food court (ByWard Market area), 464 Bank St, 2440 Bank St, 2961 Carling Ave, St. Laurent Centre (1200 St. Laurent Blvd), 2910 Woodroffe Ave (Barrhaven), 4230 Innes Rd (Orleans), Carleton University's Nideyinàn food court, and 994 Notre-Dame St in Embrun Price: Not posted on the menu page; see the online ordering site Hours: Vary by location; the Rideau Street flagship stays open latest. Check the locations page before a late run Phone: Varies by location (464 Rideau St: 613-789-9533) | Ordering: Online for pickup and delivery

Shawarma Palace is the name most Ottawa residents say first when the shawarma argument starts. Its website lists 10 locations, from downtown Ottawa to Barrhaven, Orleans and Embrun, and the chain is a sponsor of the Ottawa Redblacks. Eater has included it in its list of the best restaurants in Ottawa.

The draw is consistency. Whether you visit the flagship Rideau Street location near the ByWard Market or the Innes Road store in Orleans, you get the same garlic sauce and the same generous portions.

The Menu:

What Makes Shawarma Palace King:

• Consistency across locations—no matter which you visit
• Generous portions—you're paying for shawarma, not bread
• The garlic sauce that most people order extra of
• Late hours at the Rideau Street flagship for post-bar cravings

Pro Tips:

• The Rideau Street location is busiest—try Bank Street or Carling for shorter waits
• Order extra garlic sauce (they'll give it to you) and take some home
• Order online ahead of a late run to skip the counter line

Best For: Reliable quality, late-night cravings, visitors who want the Ottawa classic Dietary Notes: Falafel and a vegetarian plate on the menu; ask your location about halal sourcing

2. Shawarma Station — Late-Night Legend

Address: 2446 Bank Street (Bank Street at Hunt Club, South Keys) Price: Check the online menu for current prices Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 7:00 AM - 1:00 AM | Thursday-Saturday 7:00 AM - 2:00 AM Phone: (613) 737-2121

Shawarma Station has built its name on late-night shawarma at the south end of Bank Street. When the bars close and you're craving something substantial, this is where a lot of Ottawa goes, and Ottawa Tourism lists it for its large portions and vegetarian options.

The location near South Keys is well known to the late-night crowd, and the line after midnight on a Saturday tells you everything you need to know about its reputation.

The Menu:

What Makes Shawarma Station Legendary:

• Open until 2 AM Thursday to Saturday, and until 1 AM the rest of the week
• The garlic sauce is tangy and creamy—some say the best in Ottawa
• Large portions, which Ottawa Tourism singles out
• Early opening (7 AM) with fresh pies and manakish for breakfast

Pro Tips:

• Arrive before 1:30 AM on weekends to beat the post-bar rush
• Ask for extra pickled turnips—they add crucial flavour

Best For: Late-night cravings, bar crowd, night owls, early risers Dietary Notes: Vegetarian options on the menu; ask at the counter about halal sourcing

3. Shawarma's King — Bank Street Royalty

Address: 395 Bank Street, Centretown (near Gladstone Avenue) Price: Not published online; ask at the counter Hours: Open past midnight most nights; listings disagree on exact closing times, so call ahead for a very late visit Phone: (613) 233-1282

Shawarma's King is a Centretown fixture on Bank Street, a short walk from the office towers and the Elgin Street bars. It draws a lunch crowd from nearby offices during the day and a post-bar crowd at night.

It is also one of the downtown shops listed as fully halal by the halal restaurant guide Zabihah.

The Menu:

What Makes Shawarma's King Stand Out:

• Fully halal, per Zabihah's listing
• Central location—easy for downtown lunch crowds
• Late hours for the Bank Street and Elgin Street bar crowd

Pro Tips:

• The Mixed Plate is the best way to sample both meats
• Arrive early for lunch (11:30 AM) to beat the office rush
• Ask for extra hummus with your plate

Best For: Downtown lunch, late-night cravings, halal diners Dietary Notes: Fully halal, per Zabihah; ask at the counter about vegetarian options

4. 3 Brothers Shawarma & Poutine — Fusion Pioneer

Locations: 160 Rideau St and 530 Rideau St (ByWard Market area), 124 Osgoode St (Sandy Hill), 931 Bank St (the Glebe), 1775 Carling Ave, 5055 Innovation Dr (Kanata), 6505 Jeanne-d'Arc Blvd N (Orleans), and 70 Montcalm St in Gatineau Price: See the 3 Brothers website for current prices and online-order discounts Hours: Vary by location Phone: Varies by location (931 Bank St: 613-231-4444)

3 Brothers built its name on a simple idea: put shawarma on poutine. The combination caught on, and the chain now lists eight locations across Ottawa and Gatineau on its website.

Their fusion of Middle Eastern shawarma with Quebec's beloved poutine feels uniquely Ottawa, and it sits on a menu that still covers the classic wraps and plates.

The Menu:

What Makes 3 Brothers Revolutionary:

• Shawarma poutine that became its signature
• Eight locations across Ottawa and Gatineau, from Kanata to Orleans
• Online ordering, with a discount on orders placed through its website

Pro Tips:

• The shawarma poutine is the star—don't skip it on your first visit
• Get the garlic sauce on the side if you're sharing
• Check the website for the current online-order discount

Best For: Fusion lovers, students, families, budget dining Dietary Notes: Ask your location about halal sourcing and vegetarian options

Shawarma by Neighbourhood

Find the best shawarma near you across Ottawa—every neighbourhood has options

One of the best things about Ottawa's shawarma culture is how spread out it is. With nearly 200 shawarma restaurants counted in 2024, most neighbourhoods have a counter close by. Here's where the spots in this guide sit:

Downtown/Centretown Shawarma

For those working or living downtown, options abound:

1. Shawarma Palace (Rideau St and Bank St) — Visitor-friendly, consistent
2. Shawarma's King (Bank St) — Halal, open late
3. 3 Brothers (Rideau St and Osgoode St) — Fusion and poutine
4. The Shawarma Place (Dalhousie St) — Late hours on weekends
5. Mr. Fez (Bank St) — Saj-style shawarma

Suburban Shawarma Excellence

You don't have to drive downtown for a good wrap:

Orleans:

• 3 Brothers (6505 Jeanne-d'Arc Blvd N)
• Shawarma Palace (4230 Innes Rd)
• Chez Shawarma (3848 Innes Rd)
• Grilled Shawarma (2288 Tenth Line Rd)

Kanata:

• 3 Brothers (5055 Innovation Dr, Kanata North)
• Shawarma House (836 March Rd)

Barrhaven and Nepean:

• Shawarma Palace (2910 Woodroffe Ave)
• Shawarma Prince (1667 Merivale Rd)
• Shawarma Heaven (129 RioCan Ave)
• Shawarma Prince (3101 Strandherd Dr)

Vanier:

• Oscar Shawarma (287 Montréal Rd)
• Mont Liban Bakery & Shawarma (351 Montréal Rd)

More Excellent Shawarma Spots

A fully loaded shawarma platter with all the traditional fixings

5. Shawarma Prince — Budget Champion

Address: 1667 Merivale Road, Nepean Price: Small chicken shawarma sandwich $8.99, large $13.95; beef shawarma plate $21.99 (all plus HST, per the Shawarma Prince website) Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM | Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 12:00 AM Phone: (613) 224-0252

Shawarma Prince is one of the few shops in this guide that posts its prices, and they are among the friendliest to a lunch budget. It's a halal-certified counter on Merivale Road that works for anyone who wants to stretch their lunch dollar without settling for fast food.

Why Budget Hunters Love Shawarma Prince:

• Small chicken shawarma sandwich at $8.99 plus HST—genuinely affordable
• Halal-certified, as its website states
• Donair sandwiches and poutine alongside the shawarma
• Combos for one or for a group, from $15.91 to $41.49 plus HST

Best For: Budget meals, quick lunch, halal diners, cheap eats in Ottawa

6. Aladdin Bakery — Fresh Pita Perfection

Address: 1020 St. Laurent Blvd, Unit 7 Price: See the Aladdin Bakery website for the current menu Phone: (613) 742-4244

Aladdin is a Lebanese bakery rather than a shawarma counter, and it earns its place here because so much of Ottawa's shawarma culture runs on Lebanese bread and pies. It has been baking in Ottawa since 1996, turning out stone-baked manakish and hand-folded fatayer.

What Sets Aladdin Apart:

• Stone-baked manakish — Flatbreads fired on hot stone every day
• Hand-folded fatayer — Filled turnovers for a quick lunch
• Certified halal food, as the bakery's website states
• Delivery — Through Uber Eats and SkipTheDishes in the Ottawa area

Best For: Fresh bread enthusiasts, east-end residents, a Lebanese breakfast before a shawarma lunch

7. Lebanese Palace — Traditional Experience

Address: 919 Industrial Avenue Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Phone: (613) 739-2929 Ordering: Online through the Lebanese Palace website, which offers a discount on a first online order

For those seeking a more traditional Lebanese meal beyond just a wrap, Lebanese Palace serves shawarma platters alongside a full Lebanese menu, with dine-in seating and takeout.

Best For: Full Lebanese meals, shawarma platters, east-end takeout

8. The Shawarma Place — Weekend Nights Until 4 AM

Address: 284 Dalhousie Street (ByWard Market area) Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM | Friday-Saturday 11:00 AM - 4:00 AM | Sunday closed Ordering: Pickup and delivery through the Shawarma Place website

The Shawarma Place earns its spot on its Friday and Saturday hours: the kitchen stays open until 4 AM, later than any closing time this guide could confirm elsewhere. The online menu lists sandwich combos with rice or potatoes and a pop, a mixed platter with chicken and beef, and a vegetarian platter built around falafel, eggplant and cauliflower.

Best For: Late-night weekend runs near the ByWard Market, takeout and delivery

9. Mr. Fez — Saj Shawarma Downtown

Address: 129 Bank Street Ordering: Pickup through the Mr. Fez online menu

Mr. Fez builds its shawarma on saj, a thin flatbread baked on a domed griddle. The online menu lists a Classic Saj Shawarma, an Arabic Platter (the saj shawarma cut into pieces and served with fries, salad and a drink), a classic platter over rice with garlic potatoes, dynamite fries and çiğ köfte.

Best For: A downtown lunch that is not the usual wrap, saj-bread fans

10. Shawarma Al Mouna — Wellington West Dine-In

Address: 1266 Wellington Street West Hours: Yelp lists 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday to Thursday; call for the rest of the week Phone: (613) 725-3030

Shawarma Al Mouna describes itself as a Mediterranean restaurant that does dine-in and catering. It gives the west end its own shawarma stop on Wellington Street West, away from the Bank Street and Rideau Street crowds, and the phone number on its website is the quickest way to ask about a catering order.

Best For: West-end dine-in, catering enquiries

11. Jericho Lebanese Food — Sit-Down Lebanese in the Glebe

Address: 840 Bank Street (the Glebe) Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Saturday 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Sunday 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (per its Yelp listing) Phone: (613) 235-1289

Jericho is a sit-down Lebanese restaurant rather than a quick counter. Its website lists appetizers, sandwich plates, house specials, combination platters and salads, and Yelp reviewers mention chicken and beef shawarma plates alongside kibbeh, stuffed grape leaves and falafel.

Best For: A longer Lebanese meal on Bank Street, groups who want more than a wrap

12. Oscar Shawarma — Vanier Wraps and Broasted Chicken

Address: 287 Montréal Road (Vanier) Ordering: Pickup and delivery through the Oscar Shawarma ordering page, which shows online ordering from 11:00 AM to 8:40 PM

Oscar Shawarma sells chicken, beef and mixed shawarma as wraps, plates and meals, along with a falafel wrap, fried and grilled kubba, burgers and broasted (fried) chicken. It also lists chicken and mixed shawarma family meals for groups.

Best For: Vanier takeout, family meals, broasted chicken alongside the shawarma

13. Mont Liban Bakery & Shawarma — Vanier Bakery Counter

Address: 351 Montréal Road (Vanier) Phone: (613) 288-1333 Ordering: Takeout and delivery through the Mont Liban online menu

Mont Liban is a bakery and shawarma shop on the same stretch of Montréal Road as Oscar Shawarma. Its ordering page lists shawarma, subs, pasta and salads, and describes the menu as Lebanese, Italian and Canadian.

Best For: Bakery items with a shawarma order, Vanier delivery

14. Grilled Shawarma — Flame-Grilled in Orléans

Address: 2288 Tenth Line Road (Orléans) Phone: (613) 590-1643 Ordering: Online through the Grilled Shawarma website

Grilled Shawarma cooks over flame and says on its website that every meat it serves is halal. The site lists three locations (Vanier, Embrun and Orléans), and its signature items include a chicken shawarma platter and sandwich, a crispy soujouk sandwich and a mixed shawarma platter. It also offers family platters and catering.

Best For: Halal diners in the east end, family platters

15. Chez Shawarma — Innes Road Platters and Trays

Address: 3848 Innes Road (Orléans) Ordering: Pickup and delivery through SkipTheDishes

Chez Shawarma sits on Innes Road, the same road as Shawarma Palace's Orléans location. Its menu covers chicken, beef and mixed shawarma as sandwiches and platters (platters come with rice or potatoes, fattoush and pita), plus donair and falafel sandwiches. It also lists family shawarma trays for groups and low-carb (keto) sandwiches and chicken fattoush salads.

Best For: Family trays, low-carb shawarma, an east-end alternative to the chains

16. Shawarma House — Kanata March Road Counter

Address: 836 March Road (Kanata) Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily, per its Halal Restaurants listing Phone: (613) 366-4000

Shawarma House is a Kanata counter on March Road with dine-in and delivery, and listings describe a menu of shawarma sandwiches, grilled chicken and falafel. Its own website was not loading when this guide was checked in October 2026, so call or confirm hours on a delivery app before you drive out.

Best For: Kanata North lunches, dine-in or delivery

17. Shawarma Heaven — Barrhaven's RioCan Avenue Spot

Address: 129 RioCan Avenue (Barrhaven) Phone: (613) 825-2333 Ordering: Eat-in, take-out or online through the Shawarma Heaven website

Shawarma Heaven opened in June 2016 with a new chef and team, according to the Barrhaven BIA's business directory, and serves traditional Middle Eastern food. It offers eat-in, take-out and delivery, which makes it an easy family stop on Barrhaven's RioCan Avenue.

Best For: Barrhaven family dinners, delivery

18. Shawarma Prince (Barrhaven) — Strandherd Drive

Address: 3101 Strandherd Drive (Barrhaven) Phone: (613) 843-0003 Price: Posted on the Shawarma Prince Barrhaven website; check there for current prices

This Shawarma Prince has its own website, separate from the Merivale Road shop above. The menu lists chicken, beef, mix and shish taouk, each as a plate, a small sandwich or a large sandwich, and the prices are posted online.

Best For: Barrhaven lunches, shawarma plates

Hidden Gems

Beyond the counters above, two less obvious stops are worth knowing about: a Lebanese food truck you can book for a party, and a vegan falafel counter in the Train Yards.

19. Ozzy Food Market — Lebanese Catering and Food Truck

Phone: (613) 739-7020 Booking: Through the Ozzy Food Market website

Ozzy Food Market is a Lebanese and Middle Eastern food business that caters events and runs a food truck you can book, and it turns up around Ottawa when the truck is out. Its website does not list a storefront address or hours, so call or book through the site.

What Makes Ozzy's Different:

• Bookable food truck for parties and office events
• Catering for larger groups
• Donair that customers mention in reviews on its website

Best For: Parties, office events, catching the truck when it's around

20. Chickpeas — Vegan Middle Eastern

Address: 500 Terminal Avenue, Unit A-05 (Train Yards)

The go-to for vegan and vegetarian Middle Eastern food in Ottawa. Chickpeas doesn't serve meat shawarma; it's a fully plant-based counter built around fresh falafel and hummus, served in sandwiches, bowls and salads.

What Vegans Love:

• Fully vegan menu—no meat on the premises
• Fresh homemade falafel — Crispy, flavourful, satisfying
• Hummus, bowls and salads, plus falafel waffles
• Train Yards location with other shops nearby

Best For: Vegans, vegetarians, plant-based eaters

Best Shawarma by Category

Different occasions call for different shawarma experiences. Here's how to choose based on what you're looking for:

Best Garlic Sauce

The infamous Ottawa garlic sauce (toum) varies between shops—some are creamier, some more potent, some tangier. Here's how the main contenders stack up:

Pro Tip: Some shops sell garlic sauce by the tub to take home. Ask at the counter for the current price.

Best Vegetarian/Falafel Options

For those avoiding meat, Ottawa's shawarma shops have you covered:

1. Chickpeas (Train Yards) — Fully vegan menu built around fresh falafel
2. Shawarma Palace — Falafel and a vegetarian plate at every location
3. Shawarma Station — Vegetarian options and breakfast pies

Vegetarian Ordering Tips:

• Ask if the falafel is fried in dedicated oil (prevents cross-contamination)
• Most garlic sauce is vegan, but confirm tahini ingredients
• Request extra vegetables to bulk up your wrap

Best for Groups/Families

Feeding a crowd? These options are built for groups:

Group Ordering Tips:

• Call ahead for large orders on busy nights (weekends)
• Ask for extra pita—it's usually free or cheap
• Request sauces on the side so everyone can customize
• Most shops can go easy on the hot sauce for kids

Best Late-Night (After Midnight)

When the bars close and hunger strikes, these shops have your back:

Late-Night Strategy:

• Arrive before 1:30 AM on weekends to beat peak rush
• The line at Shawarma Station after midnight looks long but moves quickly
• Order ahead online at Shawarma Palace to skip the counter line

Best for Pre-Event/Post-Event Dining

Heading to a game or concert? These locations work with Ottawa's event venues:

Near TD Place (Lansdowne):

• 3 Brothers (931 Bank Street, the Glebe) — A short walk up Bank Street
• Shawarma Palace and Shawarma's King (464 and 395 Bank Street) — Further north in Centretown

Near Canadian Tire Centre (Kanata):

• Nothing in this guide is walkable from the arena; Shawarma Palace (2961 Carling Ave) and 3 Brothers (5055 Innovation Dr) are both a drive away

Near ByWard Market:

• Shawarma Palace (464 Rideau St and the Rideau Centre food court)
• 3 Brothers (160 Rideau St)
• The Shawarma Place (284 Dalhousie St), open until 4 AM Friday and Saturday

Price Comparison Guide

Shawarma prices across Ottawa restaurants

Most Ottawa shawarma shops don't post prices on their own websites, and prices change often, so the most reliable place to check is each shop's online ordering page. Here's where to find them:

Best Value Analysis:

• Best Budget: Shawarma Prince's small chicken shawarma sandwich at $8.99 plus HST is among the lowest posted prices in this guide
• Best Quality-to-Price: Shawarma Palace delivers consistent quality across 10 locations
• Best Group Value: Shawarma Prince's combos run from $15.91 to $41.49 plus HST

Saving Money:

• Order through a restaurant's own website when it offers a discount
• Combo deals usually beat ordering items separately
• Delivery apps add fees and tip on top of menu prices

Tips for Ordering Shawarma in Ottawa

Make the most of your Ottawa shawarma experience

Know Your Terminology

New to shawarma? Here's the vocabulary you need:

Customization Options

Most Ottawa shawarma shops offer these customizations—don't be afraid to ask:

Vegetables (usually included):

• Lettuce, tomatoes, onions
• Pickles, turnips (lift/beet-pickled, pink colour)
• Hot peppers (optional)
• Cucumber, cabbage (at some shops)

Sauces (standard options):

• Garlic (toum) — The Ottawa essential, creamy and potent
• Tahini — Sesame-based, milder and nuttier
• Hummus — Chickpea spread, adds creaminess
• Hot sauce — For spice lovers, varies by shop

Sauce Combinations:

• "Everything" = Garlic + Tahini + Hummus
• "Just garlic" = Pure toum experience
• "On the side" = For dipping and controlling portions

Best Times to Visit

Peak Hours to Avoid

• Friday/Saturday 12:00 AM - 2:00 AM (post-bar rush at Shawarma Station)
• Weekday lunch 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (government workers)
• After Ottawa Senators games (west-end locations)
• After TD Place events (Bank Street locations)

Shawarma Etiquette

Do:

• Order efficiently—know what you want before reaching the counter
• Have payment ready (cash speeds things up late-night)
• Ask for extra garlic sauce—they're usually generous
• Tip if you receive exceptional service

Don't:

• Expect gourmet restaurant service—this is fast-casual
• Complain about garlic breath—you knew what you signed up for
• Block the line while deciding—step aside if unsure
• Eat in your car with the windows up—the smell lingers

Making Shawarma at Home

While restaurant shawarma is hard to replicate at home (vertical spit, anyone?), Ottawa has resources for those wanting to try:

Where to Buy Shawarma Ingredients in Ottawa

Meat and Spices:

• Mid-East Food Centre (Belfast Road) — Butcher counter, spices and Middle Eastern groceries
• Loblaws/Superstore — Pre-marinated shawarma in the meat section
• Adonis (St. Laurent) — Lebanese and Mediterranean groceries

Fresh Pita:

• Aladdin Bakery — Stone-baked Lebanese bread and pies
• Superstore/Metro — Decent packaged options

Garlic Sauce:

• Some shawarma shops sell it by the tub—ask at the counter
• Grocery stores — Packaged toum in the refrigerated section at many supermarkets
• Homemade — Garlic + lemon juice + oil + salt (blended until emulsified)

Home Shawarma Tips

1. Marinade is key — At least 12 hours for proper flavour
2. Slice thin — The thinner the meat, the more surface area for crispiness
3. High heat — Cast iron or grill for proper char
4. Warm the pita — Cold pita breaks, warm pita wraps
5. Don't skimp on garlic sauce — More is almost always better

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best shawarma restaurant in Ottawa?

Shawarma Palace is the name most locals give first, with 10 locations listed on its website and a consistent menu across them. Its Rideau Street flagship is the busiest, so the neighbourhood branches are better for shorter waits.

Q: Why is Ottawa called the Shawarma Capital of Canada?

Ottawa City Council unanimously declared the city the "Shawarma Capital of Canada" on April 3, 2024, on a motion from Councillor Laura Dudas. The motion cited nearly 200 shawarma restaurants in the city, and the local shawarma story is usually traced back to Marroush on Elgin Street in 1984.

Q: What makes Ottawa shawarma different from other cities?

Locals point to the garlic sauce (toum) first: creamy, potent and different at every counter. Add marinated meat shaved straight off the spit, pink pickled turnips, and a late-night culture that keeps several shops open past midnight for the post-bar crowd.

Q: How much does shawarma cost in Ottawa?

Few shops post prices online. At Shawarma Prince, one that does, a small chicken shawarma sandwich is $8.99 and a large is $13.95, while a beef shawarma plate is $21.99 and a mixed plate $22.99, all plus HST. Check each shop's ordering page for current prices.

Q: Where can I get shawarma late at night in Ottawa?

The Shawarma Place on Dalhousie Street is open until 4 AM on Friday and Saturday, per its website. Shawarma Station on Bank Street at Hunt Club closes at 2 AM Thursday to Saturday and 1 AM otherwise. Shawarma's King and Shawarma Palace's Rideau Street flagship also stay open past midnight; call ahead.

Q: What is the best vegetarian option at shawarma restaurants?

Most shops offer falafel as the vegetarian option, and Shawarma Palace has both falafel and a vegetarian plate on its menu. Chickpeas in the Train Yards is fully vegan, built around fresh falafel and hummus. Ask about the garlic sauce ingredients before ordering.

Q: Is Ottawa shawarma halal?

Many shawarma restaurants in Ottawa serve halal meat, but always confirm with the specific location. Shawarma Prince describes its shawarma as halal-certified, Grilled Shawarma says every meat it serves is halal, and Zabihah lists Shawarma's King as fully halal.

Q: What is garlic sauce (toum)?

Toum is a Lebanese garlic sauce made from garlic, lemon juice, oil, and salt. Ottawa's version is creamy, potent, and slightly tangy—it's become so iconic that some shops sell it by the tub to take home.

Q: Can I get shawarma delivered in Ottawa?

Yes, many shawarma restaurants work with delivery apps such as Uber Eats, DoorDash and SkipTheDishes. Shawarma Palace, 3 Brothers, Lebanese Palace, Grilled Shawarma and The Shawarma Place also take orders through their own websites.

Q: What should I order at a shawarma restaurant for the first time?

Start with a chicken shawarma wrap with everything (vegetables, garlic sauce, tahini) and a side of garlic potatoes. This gives you the full Ottawa shawarma experience. Add hot sauce if you like spice.

Q: Which shawarma restaurant has the best chicken?

Shawarma Palace is the most common answer for chicken shawarma, and its chicken is on the menu at all 10 locations. For a budget chicken sandwich, Shawarma Prince on Merivale Road posts one of the lowest prices in this guide.

Q: Which shawarma restaurant has the best beef?

Shawarma's King on Bank Street is a long-standing downtown pick for beef shawarma plates. Shawarma Station's beef is also a favourite for late-night cravings when you want something substantial.

Q: Can I buy garlic sauce (toum) to take home?

Often, yes. Some shawarma shops sell their garlic sauce by the tub, so ask at the counter for the size and price. Packaged toum is also sold at grocery stores, but most people find the restaurant versions better.

Q: Are there shawarma options for kids?

Absolutely. Shawarma Prince sells a small chicken shawarma sandwich, and most shops will make a smaller wrap on request. Ask for milder sauce or no hot peppers for younger taste buds, and poutine or rice usually goes over well as a side.

Q: What's the difference between a wrap and a plate?

A wrap is shawarma meat rolled in pita bread with vegetables and sauces—portable and handheld. A plate includes the same meat served over rice with sides like hummus, tabouleh, garlic potatoes, and salad—more food, requires utensils.

Q: Do shawarma restaurants cater events?

Yes, many offer catering for parties, corporate events, and gatherings. Shawarma Station caters, and Ozzy Food Market will bring its food truck to an event. Order in advance for best results—call a day or two ahead for large orders.

Q: Is shawarma healthy?

Shawarma can be a relatively healthy option. The meat is lean (especially chicken), vegetables are fresh, and pita is a simple carbohydrate. The main caloric additions are sauces—garlic sauce is oil-based and higher in calories. Request light sauce or sauce on the side for a healthier option.

Q: What's the best day to get shawarma?

Any day works, but timing matters. Avoid peak hours (12-1 PM on weekdays, and midnight to 2 AM later in the week) for faster service, and go just after the lunch rush if you want meat freshly shaved off a busy spit.

Q: Can I customize my shawarma order?

Most shops are happy to customize. Common requests include: extra meat, no onions, extra garlic sauce, sauce on the side, no hot peppers, extra pickles, light on the vegetables. Don't be shy—they make hundreds of wraps daily and are used to requests.

Shawarma Delivery in Ottawa

For those times when you can't make it to the shop, Ottawa's shawarma restaurants offer multiple delivery options:

Delivery App Comparison

Delivery fees, service fees and times change by app, distance and time of day, so check the total at checkout.

Tips for Shawarma Delivery

Timing Matters:

• Weekday lunch (11 AM - 12 PM) often has faster delivery than peak hours
• Late-night delivery takes longer due to high demand
• Order 10-15 minutes earlier than you think you need

Quality Preservation:

• Shawarma travels reasonably well, but eat within 30 minutes of arrival
• Request extra garlic sauce on the side (it can make wraps soggy in transit)
• Plates travel better than wraps—consider this for longer deliveries
• Garlic potatoes often arrive cooler; microwave briefly to restore crispiness

Restaurants With Their Own Online Ordering:

1. Shawarma Palace — order.shawarmapalace.ca
2. 3 Brothers — Online ordering with a discount on its website
3. Lebanese Palace — Online ordering with a first-order discount on its website
4. Grilled Shawarma — Online ordering through its website
5. The Shawarma Place — Pickup and delivery ordering on its website

Cost Comparison:

• In-store: the menu price plus HST
• Delivery apps: the menu price plus HST, delivery and service fees, and a tip
• Direct ordering: often the cheapest way to get delivery or pickup when the restaurant offers it

Ottawa Shawarma Culture

Shawarma has become woven into Ottawa's cultural fabric in ways that extend beyond just food:

The Post-Bar Tradition

The ritual of ending a night out with shawarma has become an Ottawa rite of passage, and late-night shawarma runs have connected generations of Ottawa residents:

• University students from Carleton and uOttawa discover shawarma in their first weeks on campus
• Young professionals continue the tradition after ByWard Market bar nights
• Senators fans fuel up after games at Canadian Tire Centre

Shawarma in Ottawa Media

Ottawa's shawarma culture has gained national attention:

• CTV News Ottawa and blogTO covered the April 2024 "Shawarma Capital" declaration
• Eater has included Shawarma Palace in its list of the best restaurants in Ottawa
• Ottawa Tourism features local shawarma shops, including Shawarma Station, in its food coverage
• r/ottawa on Reddit argues about the city's best shawarma on a regular basis

Community Connections

Many shawarma shops serve as community gathering places:

• Office lunches downtown often mean a shawarma run
• Late-night study sessions are fuelled by wraps
• First dates sometimes include a casual shawarma stop
• Family dinners regularly feature shared platters

The Garlic Breath Badge

Ottawa residents wear their garlic breath as a badge of honour. The city has normalized toum to the point where:

• Coworkers rarely blink at garlic breath after lunch
• First-date garlic breath is forgiven (both parties usually partake)
• "Did you have shawarma for lunch?" is a common Ottawa question

Related Ottawa Food Guides

Love shawarma? Explore more of Ottawa's food scene:

Middle Eastern & Mediterranean

• Best Dim Sum in Ottawa — Another cuisine with Ottawa excellence
• Best Indian Food in Ottawa — Spice lovers unite

Budget-Friendly Options

• Best Cheap Eats in Ottawa — More affordable dining options
• Best Patios in Ottawa — Summer outdoor dining

Neighbourhood Dining Guides

• ByWard Market Guide — Downtown dining central
• Chinatown Ottawa Guide — Asian cuisine hub
• Little Italy Guide — Italian dining options
• Westboro Guide — Trendy west-end dining
• Orleans Guide — East-end food scene
• Kanata Guide — Suburban dining options
• Glebe Guide — Bank Street south

Special Occasion Dining

• Best Date Night Restaurants — Romantic dining
• Best Pizza in Ottawa — Another Ottawa favourite
• Best Sushi in Ottawa — Japanese cuisine options
• Best Ramen in Ottawa — Noodle bowl specialists
• Best Brunch in Ottawa — Weekend morning feasts

Final Summary

Ottawa earned its title as Canada's Shawarma Capital through four decades of dedication to the craft. From the pioneering Marroush in 1984 to the nearly 200 shawarma restaurants counted in 2024, the city offers everything from an $8.99 (plus HST) chicken sandwich to a full Lebanese spread.

For reliability, stick with Shawarma Palace's 10 locations. For late-night cravings, Shawarma Station on Bank Street won't disappoint, and The Shawarma Place on Dalhousie Street stays open until 4 AM on weekends. For something different, try 3 Brothers' shawarma poutine—a uniquely Ottawa fusion.

Whether you're a lifelong resident or visiting the capital for the first time, no Ottawa experience is complete without sampling the city's signature dish. Grab extra garlic sauce—you'll thank us later.

Last Updated: October 2026. Sources: Shawarma Palace, 3 Brothers Shawarma & Poutine, Shawarma Prince, Shawarma Station, Lebanese Palace, Aladdin Bakery, Ozzy Food Market, The Shawarma Place, Mr. Fez, Shawarma Al Mouna, Jericho, Mont Liban, Grilled Shawarma, Shawarma Heaven, Shawarma Prince Barrhaven. Hours and prices change; check with each restaurant before you go.