Discover the best Lebanese restaurants in Ottawa with our top 10 irresistible picks
In case you missed it, Ottawa is basically a food lover’s dreamland, overflowing with mouth-watering dishes from every corner of the globe.
And if you find yourself wandering the streets of this city, it would be downright silly not to dive headfirst into its culinary delights. Trying out new dishes is practically my part-time job – and I’m always on the clock.
Once, I stumbled upon a hidden gem serving up Lebanese cuisine, which ignited my mission to track down the very best spots for shawarma, pies, kafta sandwiches, and more.
So, buckle up! Without leaving Ottawa’s cozy confines, let me whisk you away to the vibrant flavors of Lebanon!
1. Les Grillades
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Website: https://lesgrillades.ca/index.html
Address: 111 Colonnade Rd, Nepean
Contact details: +1 613-723-3224
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM
Les Grillades is a posh enclave brimming with mouth-watering Lebanese cuisine so delicious, they even made it to our list of best halal restaurants in Ottawa.
Barbecued meats and seafood plates steal the spotlight in this charming eatery, which is why the grilled sea bass is a favorite of many.
The crispy skin adds a delightful touch of salty and savory flavors, which perfectly complements its mild and sweet taste. It’s such a pleasant dish you’d want to order again and again.
Les Grillades is also a popular spot for hearty Lebanese breakfast, known for its fatteh – a comforting blend of pita, chickpeas, and yogurt.
2. Shawarma Chef
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/shawarmacheforleans/
Address: 2012 Tenth Line Rd, Orléans
Contact details: +1 613-834-4700
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Shawarma Chef is a hidden spot I’ve been gatekeeping for its garlic sauce. Yes, of course, the garlic sauce usually comes with something, but you know what – I don’t mind eating it on its own!
In fact, other people have been raving about it, saying how it’s the perfect way to elevate any of Shawarma Chef’s meals like falafel sandwich and beef sandwich.
Consider ordering the falafel platter if you’re in need of something really filling, as it comes with rice, hummus, tabbouleh, and vegetables.
3. Subtown Restaurant
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Website: https://subtown.ca/
Address: 1600 Walkley Rd
Contact details: +1 613-521-2122
Operating hours:
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 9 AM to 11 PM
- Tuesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 9 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Offering a relaxed, casual vibe where patrons can indulge in a homey ambiance, Subtown Restaurant is a popular restaurant for hearty Lebanese classics.
While they’re usually open until late, regulars are particularly keen on the breakfast menu. After all, I’d like to think that nothing’s better in the morning than a delicious variety of meals to choose from.
Fatteh yogurt is a personal favorite for its interesting layers of flavors and textures – the crunch of the fried pita chips, the creamy tang of marinated yogurt, the toasty taste of chickpeas, and the savory kick of garlic and cumin!
4. Jericho
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Website: https://jerichorestaurant.com/
Address: 840 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-235-1289
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Jericho’s art-filled space is what immediately sets it apart, adding to the delight of the experience. But of course, what steals the show in this Bank Street hotspot are the delicious sandwiches, which come in four different varieties.
The kafta sandwich is the one to look out for, especially on your first visit. This guaranteed bestseller wraps tender, spiced ground beef with fresh herbs and veggies in a warm pita, creating a flavorful concoction that’s irresistible to the taste buds.
5. Eddy Authentic Lebanese Cuisine
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HjA2JQ3aq4LjnB5L9
Address: 32 Byward Market Square
Contact details: +1 613-879-2552
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday, and Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Eddy is one of the hidden gems of ByWard Market Square, blending casual charm with exceptional cuisine that surprisingly, only a few get to discover.
Their Lebanese pies are all the rage with spinach & feta and meat & cheese being the top contenders in this foodie game. It’s a common practice to buy two at once – at least that’s how it is with my friends and me – because they’re that good!
Do note that because of its modest space, Eddy is more suitable for smaller groups.
6. Aladdin Bakery
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NkSNJTR1smDHfTSP8
Address: 1020 St Laurent Blvd
Contact details: +1 613-742-4244
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 8 PM
- Saturday – 7 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 7 AM to 5 PM
Renowned for its pies, Aladdin Bakery is a must-visit if you’re looking for one of Lebanese cuisine’s greatest hits.
The meat pie, a classic choice, is unsurprisingly one of the favorites. Despite its use of minimal ingredients, I love how the flavor and craftsmanship shine through with every indulgent bite.
On the other hand, those who want to try something more complex should go for potato & meat pie – a closed pastry filled with shredded potatoes and ground beef, along with tomato and onions to elevate the flavor.
7. Shawarma Palace
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Website: https://www.theworldsbestshawarma.com/
Address: 2440 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-739-9533
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 1 AM
Shawarma Palace is a laid-back culinary spot with a fast-food feel, which is considered a lot of locals’ go-to for Lebanese dishes for its undeniable popularity.
And of course, you can’t just go to Shawarma Palace without trying out the shawarma!
The beef shawarma sandwich definitely steals the show for its savory punch and generous servings, along with the irresistible blend of spiced beef and fresh toppings.
8. Boustan Restaurant
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Website: https://boustan.ca/
Address: 175 Rideau St
Contact details: +1 613-421-7772
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 3 AM
Boustan Restaurant is a popular Lebanese and Canadian gem hailing all the way from Quebec. This delicious counter-serve is usually the obvious choice for those who want to get something hot and quick.
With a menu teeming with a variety of options, you’d want to go back again and again to try something new. Or you could be like my co-worker Nicole, who sticks to the same order every time at Boustan!
I can’t blame her for her obsession with the mixed shawarma. After all, who could resist a mouthwatering blend of meats with fresh veggies and tangy sauce, all wrapped in a warm, soft pita? Sounds irresistible to me!
Now I’m starting to think Nicole might be onto something.
9. Al Jabal Bakery
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Website: https://aljabalbakery.com/
Address: 6469 Jeanne D’Arc Blvd N, Orléans
Contact details: +1 613-830-3400
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 7:30 AM to 4 PM
Al Jabal Bakery has been in the Orléans neighborhood for decades, and they’re well-loved among locals for their delicious cheese pies.
Look – I know cheese pies aren’t hard to love, as a cheese fiend myself. However, they manage to elevate the flavors and create a totally irresistible bite!
These fresh delights are made even better because of the tasty dough – perfectly crisp on the outside and wonderfully tender on the inside!
10. Yalla Yalla Bakery & Lebanese Food
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Website: https://www.yallayallabakery.com/
Address: 2010 Trim Rd, Orléans
Contact details: +1 613-837-6300
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Sunday – closed
Yalla Yalla Bakery & Lebanese Food offers authentic flavors, transporting you to the vibrant shores of the Western Asian country.
The falafel sandwich is an undeniable favorite of many, and I have to be honest – this one’s absolutely legendary, with its perfectly crispy exterior and flavorful interior.
If you like experiencing a variety of flavors and textures in just one bite, you’re going to obsess over this one!