What a lovely local gem. Run by the kindest elderly man you'll ever meet, you instantly feel like a guest in his home when you walk in. If you're lucky or stay long enough, you'll be serenaded by his bird. I ordered a coffee to stay, and was given a complementary baklava to munch on. Every table had a newspaper on it, so even if you're not much of a reader, you likely can't help yourself but browse through it anyways. Coffee was delicious and came in a teacup which was quite the vintage touch. The baklava was not too sweet, which was great. I ended up ordering a box to share with my friends later that evening. Will be going back to try their sandwiches next time! Quite a few people came by for a quick bite. read more

Arabesque Middle Eastern Foods - Coffee and baklava - Middle Eastern Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This place is so charming! It feels like a hidden gem, from another time and place. Food is good and the ambiance is amazing. Highly recommend. Hours in September 2025 are listed as Wednesday to Saturday, 11-4. read more

We were looking for a light meal and decided to check out Arabesque Cafe. They're a Middle Eastern (Lebanese/Turkish) cafe run by one man. We dropped in on a Thursday (around 12:30pm). Service is friendly and warm. Cute touch with newspapers on the tables, relaxing music and a pet bird chirping in the background. The menu is short with sandwiches (vegetable and meat options), dessert and drinks. Prices are extremely reasonable with sandwiches in the $4.50 to $7.50 price range. - Falafel ($4.50) - all their sandwiches are stuffed with mixed green salad, hommos and olives. Falafel was a touch dry but can't complain too much for the price. - Shish kebab ($7.50) - hommos was tasty and really liked the addition of the sumac onions. Solid. - Namoura ($1.50) - good bite and not too sweet. The owner threw in two baklava pieces of mini fingers. Arabesque was a nice neighbourhood find. Come for the cheap, tasty food. read more

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Authentic Levantine casual food in Downtown Toronto (edge of Little Italy) for cheap. Very large and very tasty falafel for only $4.50 (2022 dollars!) which is unbelievable value for Downtown Toronto area. Had lots of fresh tasting and varied vegetables including olives and had no dry/over-fried taste (cooked properly; not sure if baked or not since there is no fryer visible.). Its unique in town for having greens and olives in the mix (as opposed to just cheap lettuce). "Eat Nabati" in Kensington Market is good alternative for contemporary Egyptian-style falafel, but it is $7.99. Also has varied Levantine goods (olive oils, canned beans, Palestinian Co-op (Zatoun brand) goods like soap, zaatar, olive oil; Lebanese, Turkish, and Armenian packaged food/goods. Don't pay more than $5.00 for falafel in Toronto when authentic product is here! read more

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It sometimes happens that you stumble into a place and know it's special without needing to know what specifically makes it so. An ensemble of details, energies, and impressions leave you with a feeling, and that's enough. That was very much my experience here. Arabesque emanates love. The owner and only staff member, Hakim, is a wonderful presence. I felt as though the man and the place were one and the same - his business an extension of himself. You feel like a guest, not a customer. I tasted the care he puts into his food - fresh ingredients, authentic touches, and completely unpretentious presentation. I also haven't had Arabic coffee this good since Lebanon, and thrilled I don't have to fly all the way back to have it again. The piece of baklava he served with it was delicious, and the perfect accompaniment. Will definitely be back. Often. Oh, and his pet bird Lucky is adorable. read more

Arabesque Middle Eastern Foods - Middle Eastern Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Ray Desmond is very high on Arabesque! $8 for a delicious wrap made with tender love, and a chewy gooey piece of baklava to cleanse the palette? All while reading the NY Times? Tell me more! read more

I have been living a less than five-minute walk from this place for over four years, but missed out on it for about half of that time. It is no secret that Toronto has an abundance of Middle-Eastern cuisine, but that is no excuse to have waited so long to go and have a falafel at Arabesque. And unfortunately, that is pretty much all I have had. Blame the convenient nature of the dish itself, or the delicious nature of the way that he makes it, but whenever I get in there, it (my need for a falafel) overcomes me. The sauce has a particular tang to it, which is unique from most others I've tried, and I think is the result of a lemon-infused hummus. It also has black olives on it, which I'm pretty sure are not typical of every falafel joint, but I can't even remember, because I haven't- seriously- had one from anywhere else in so long. Oh, and did I mention that they are only $3.50? To get so full on less than five dollars is nothing short of miraculous. The first time I went in there, the very kind and gracious owner offered me a free piece of Baklava with my meal; it was also delicious (ok, so I have also tried that), and I was won over by the taste and the gesture. The coffee is also exceptional, flavoured with Cardamom and always longed-for at that time of morning when Starbucks is the only place open. read more

Arabesque Middle Eastern Foods - Middle Eastern Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

This cozy middle eastern cafe is a hidden gem. The kind and gentle owner along with the calm ambience and the authentic cuisine makes this place a must visit. Try the sheesh kabab sandwich with honey tea. The owner also threw in a baklava for good measure read more

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I love lunch. I love lunch more than anyone I know, and I'll be willing to risk my life for a delicious yet cheap lunch for as long as I shall live. That is my solemn vow. Good luck finding a better deal to taste ratio at another lunch spot in Toronto. For $7 I got one of the best falafel wraps and a small fizzy water. Olives, fresh veggies and clean tasting falafel make this sandwich really remarkable, add hot sauce and you have a winner. Nay, The winner. The place itself is so cute, too. Each little table with a newspaper to make your stay more enjoyable and a lovely mural outside. Beauty. PEPPER PROPS to Kent P! Thank you for showing me the light. You're a true Pepper Pal. I can't even imagine how much me saying Pepper Pal is annoying you. Pepper hair don't care. read more

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This is my favourite place to come for a coffee and falafel sandwich. I always want to try something new from the menu but I can resist the falafel...it's the best! I recommend getting the Arabesque coffee which is made with cardamom. It comes on a cute little tray and they will give you a sweet treat with whatever you order..the owner is so kind and generous. It's very relaxing inside..the tables have little sections of the newspaper carefully laid out for your reading pleasure and there is always soft instrumental music playing. Everyone speaks quietly in here, even the cute yellow songbird In the cage on top of the drink fridge. Feels like an escape from busy College street....a perfect little oasis. read more

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Just got back from having a chicken kebob wrap. It was so fresh and so clean, clean. I just realized all their menu items are taxes in. 5 bucks for a deliciously sort of healthy meaty wrap? yes plulease. read more

Have been walking by this place every day on my way to work but it was always either closed or looked like it was closed from the outside. On the suggestion of a friend I decided to check it out today for lunch. What a lovely experience! Walking in you no longer feel like you're in Toronto, but a cute and homey cafe off the beaten path in Beirut (I've never been to Beirut but I imagine that's where I might find a place like this lol!). The decor is pretty and tasteful, and there are little tables to have your coffee and read the newspaper or catch up with a friend. There's also a lovebird parrot in the cafe which I thought was delightful :) For food and drink, I ordered a kibbeh sandwich (minced meat with bulgur, salad, pickles and hummus in a warm pita) and a pomegranate and orange flavoured San Pellegrino (a flavour I hadn't seen before). Both were great together. The sandwich was huge also. He also snuck a little extra baklava into my bag which was a nice touch. The whole thing was only $8. They also sell lots of meat and veggie pies, and Middle Eastern sweets and preserves which I imagine are also tasty. The owner, an old charming Middle Eastern man who served and prepared the food, was a pleasure to chat with. Recommend this place! read more

I've walked by this place a million times and finally popped in to try it. Warm and inviting environment, filled with obvious regulars at lunch time. I ordered a falafel which was insanely cheap, only $4 (tax included)! I assumed this meant it would be quite small, so I got one of their sumptuous looking $3 caramel baklava from their dessert display. To my surprise the falafel was quite large! Fresh falafel patties, lettuce, tomato, black olives and garlicky tzatziki. The best part was that there were no raw onions like so many places have. It was perfectly balanced with the salty black olives. Probably the best falafel I've ever had! The baklava was fantastic too, next time I will probably get the bite sized ones they sell for just $1. Safe to say I will be back to try the rest of the menu, if I can resist another falafel! read more

Arabesque Middle Eastern Foods - Caramel Baklava - Middle Eastern Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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Great little place. The owner is super friendly, and the food is fantastic. They l have lots of pastries both savory and sweet that you can grab and go. Great for breakfast and in the go lunches. Lots of baklava options as well. I'll be returning often! read more

Amazing owner and amazing affordable food. The guy does this just for the love of it, and you can tell. Just pay a visit and feel at home.

This is a nice little cafe with tasty falafel and nice selection of Middle Eastern desserts. However, what I appreciated the most was the hospitality of the owner. Very few places like this these days! read more

The falafel is great, especially for its price, and it feels more healthy and homemade than the usual deep fried and filled with sauce falafel from other places. Like the difference between a healthy salad and a caesar salad drenched in salad dressing and croutons. If you want a small after dessert snack, get the turkish delight sandwiched between two biscuits. The baklava is average, brought from Arz, but the fact that I can buy it so near me is a plus. It'll fill my cravings in between my trips to the good stuff in Scarborough. read more

Easiest 5 stars ever! I used to live in the area and had lunch at Arabesque at least once a week. Now I'm a bit further away but try to stop in when I can to have their amazing falafel. Ingredients are so fresh and the flavours blend nicely together. There's just enough of everything in the sandwich. The tea and coffee are both great. Friendly staff. Get there! It's one of the city's best kept little gems! read more

Local charm, big windows with natural light snuggle up with their pigeon blood (tea) and snack on a Turkish sandwich or pastry baklava. No hipsters or wifi in this charming spot, your greeted with the smile of the owner, the newspaper and classical / jazz music. I can wait to come back and read a book here on a rainy day. read more

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Great sandwiches and tea. A good quiet place to read the paper and contemplate life. I ask him to go easy on the olives with my falafel. He has a lot of veggie options and a delicious Turkish beef sandwich. There are also pidza's for 2.50 a nice cheap snack, similar to a lachmajen. read more

Fresh, tasty dishes and pastries in a relaxed environment, and friendly conversations with the owner, who is a very pleasant gentleman. I would have lunch here everyday if I could. It's just too bad they're not open into the evenings otherwise I would come here far more often than I already do. The prices are very reasonable, and very much distinguishes itself from the hectic fast food-type Middle-Eastern places we so often see in Toronto. read more

Great little spot. Looks unassuming from the outside, but worth the visit. Extremely reasonably priced and authentic. Falafel was one of the freshest I've ever had. Baklava and spinach pie were also great. I also had a cardamom latte which i highly recommend. The owner is really kind and sweet. There are tables to eat at, not just a take out place. read more

I am also guilty of living in this neighbourhood for 4 years and checking out Arabesque for the first time last month. But there is no looking back! This place is awesome. Prices are amazing, and they clearly take their time to cook, prepare, and deliver your food to your table - and if you order a app, sandwich, and dessert, they bring them out one after the other! Adorable. All the sandwiches are fresh, healthy tasting, and delicious. Complete with a cool older behind the counter who stopped me when I tried to order both a chicken shawarma and a Turkish style pizza - "That's too much food for you" (haha! and he was right, I was full after the sandwich). If you live in the area, get there! Support! read more

Hakim is just the sweetest! Thanks for being so kind to us in your café today! Your food is fantastic and you make the experience so special! Shookran! read more

Very nice unique place - a good place to relax. For a small cafe they have a very wide variety of treats and middle eastern snacks also a very small "grocery" section (ie- a few shelves) with some decent finds (ie-good place to get zataar). The prices are really low and the owner and staff are super friendly and helpful. kebobs are solid and healthy. The "blood of pigeon" is also pretty cool and different. As far as cafes go, this place scores high. read more

We stopped in for a quick Sunday lunch and were pleasantly surprised by the array of menu and bakery options at this quaint and small cafe. We ordered the beef shish kebab and kippeh wraps and both were excellent and only $6.50 each. The owner was so sweet and even gave us little desserts at the end of our meal- mini baklava and a Turkish delight. We also ordered a baklava and several savoury pastries to go. The baklava is to die for and not too sweet- delicious. From reading the other reviews, we'll have to return again for the falafel and chicken wraps. Definitely a quaint place with an authentic, small-town feel... we'll be back! read more

Delightful place serving wholesome, delicious middle eastern food. There is something unique about the falafel and chicken wraps that I have yet to experience at any other Toronto restaurant. The mint tea was also amazing. Definitely coming back to try the whole menu. read more

Best affordable fresh falafel in town quiet and peaceful a good spot to read love it

Friendly service with a tasty "Blood of the Pigeon" tea and a cozy living room style environment. Baklava is very tasty. Excellent prices for very filling sandwiches. read more

My favourite place for falafel sandwich. Fresh ingredients prepared with care. Highly recommended.

Simply the best falafel in town. The place is not big but is very cozy. The owner is a nice gent, too.

I haven't had much luck with Middle East food in Toronto, but this place restored my faith. The sandwich was delicious, the service was awesome, and the folded news papers on the table made me wish I could stay longer and relax. This place was the most pleasant surprise I have had in a while. read more

This place is an oasis in the city. It's got a chill vibe and quality food at an amazing price. The owner is a gem and you can tell he cares about his food and his service. I usually get the falafel. For $4 it's a steal and easily one of the best falafel sandwiches in the city. Their espresso is amazing, and their sweets counter is to die for. The baklavas makes a tasty dessert and are a must try- especially the caramel baklava. If you are in the hood check this place out, but make sure you check the hours first. read more

This little cafe has an excellent vibe emanating from the gracious owner which pairs nicely with the delicious and reasonably-priced food. Drink a "blood of the pigeon", sweetened bedouin-style tea with your meal. My favourite wrap option is the "manuche ma'a khudra", a zaatar pie stuffed with vegetables. The baba ghanouge wrap is to die for -- he puts the right amount of lemon and garlic in his mix. The falafel is also great. For something small, try the various mini pies in the display window especially, #3 (cheese triangle). Can't recommend this place enough! read more