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    Azkadenya - Mezza Diner

    4.1 (52 reviews)

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    AZKADENYA - MEZZA DINER ATMOSPHERE

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    Shish Tavouk on Rice
    Rajat G.

    Ordered delivery, first time trying this restaurant and I am happy to say that they did not disappoint . Got Shish Tavook platter as well as Chicken Shawarma platter , both were delicious, tasteful and plenty !!! They were kind enough to substitute Fattoush salad for one of the dishes. It's fairly new at the Queen west location, a definite must try

    The Jerusalem platter.
    Justin M.

    Oh very nice. A great plate of hummus, slaw, meat, pita, and rice. I had a bottle of barbican on the side. The tables are nicely laid out with oil & hot sauce and cutlery. The slaw is nice and tangy, an the pita are fresh & fluffy. The washroom is very nice as well, although I can't recall if it had a changing station. I'll be back here again.

    Don't eat here. Service is bad.
    Gayan P.

    So, I gave this place a second chance, and they lost a star. First review was 2 stars. Restaurant reached out with an offer. I said no thank you, I'll give it a second chance sometime on my own dime so I can give it an honest review. The reason for the 1 star is that they would not build the plate that I actually wanted to have. I proposed multiple ways in which we could potentially achieve the outcome that I was looking for. Do a build-it-your own and add an extra protein, or take a preconfigured item off the menu and make a substitution. All I wanted was the equivalent of the mama's choice plate, but with lamb and not chicken. I would have paid any price to have that. Money was no object. The server wouldn't do it. She went back and spoke to the manager. He wouldn't do it either. Appalling customer service. Never ever ever will be coming back here at any cost and I don't recommend you do either. There are much better places for the same kind of food, if you are willing to travel a bit. The lamb was not very good either. Much smaller than in the pictures on the menu. The hot sauce really lacked in flavour. There's really nothing good about this place other than the fact that it is clean and presented well in comparison to some of it's counterparts.

    Kurt G.

    Azkadenya is great ! Their hummus is incredible, paired perfectly with freshly baked pita from their massive oven. The atmosphere is inviting, and the staff are incredibly friendly. A must-visit for food lovers!

    Jerusalem Street Style
    Samantha B.

    I ordered the Jerusalem Street Style as it has beef & chicken plus humus and the shepherds salad. I used to live in the Middle East so I'm very familiar with what this should taste like plus I read the menu to see what they include. I was actually really looking forward to the Shepherds salad with the cucumber and tomato per their menu. Well it was more like coleslaw but with lemon and vinegar and not any cucumber or tomato, mostly cabbage and a few strands of carrot. Very disappointing. The shawarma meat was ok but could do with a lot more seasoning. The bread & humus were good. I should have taken a look before I left, if I hadn't been travelling all day and already back at my hotel, I would have taken it back to at least get the right salad.

    Patricia J.

    I only tried the falafel so take this review with a grain of salt but I often asses based on the quality of falafel anyway! Very well done. Crunchy and dipped in sesame seed but soft on the inside. Was not "tough" like some places or falling apart like others. A perfect falafel. Nice blend of spices and herbs. The toum (garlic sauce) is fantastic and I had fun dipping each piece into it. Tahini is generally not my thing but theirs I could manage. On my return I'll try their other veggie sides and will opt for the platter when I have a bigger appetite. Just across from Planta on queen st W , this place is perfect for a fresh, home cooked lunch run if you're working along the university ave strip. Will most certainly be back as their baba ghanoush is next on my hit list!

    The Sheesh
    Levi J.

    ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! No joke, the food was so so delicious and everything came out quickly for how much quality was in the food. The pita was fresh and warm throughout the entire meal! The meat was seasoned perfectly and the hummus was to die for (great flavor, this is not bland hummus)! The workers were extremely friendly as well and I really appreciate all their hard work. My boyfriend really liked the atmosphere of the restaurant as well and all the cute detailing they had! Will be back for more when I'm in town! (Edit: GET THE GARLIC SAUCE!! It's so yummy!)

    $14 - Tawook lamb with fries and baba ghanoush
    Andrei A.

    This place is ok. Friendly staff. Reasonable prices for reasonably sized portions of food. With an abundance of options on Queen St, I'd most likely end up going elsewhere next time I'm in the area, but I had a good meal and the lamb was juicy, just like I had asked for. Their coleslaw salad, on the other hand, was terrible. Too sour. The mini pita bread was delicious. All 4 were freshly baked on the spot. My biggest disappointment was a lack of kebab options with chunks of meat - lamb, beef tenderloin and chicken thigh meat. They only have minced lamb and chicken breast. I don't like either of those. The owner of this place should raise prices and introduce lamb kebab, beef kebab, and chicken thigh meat kebab to appeal to a wider demographic who enjoy a proper kebab skewer.

    Chicken Shawarma with side cabbage slaw and fattoush salad
    David Y.

    My head is on a swivel! Azkadenya turned out to be a cacophonic celebration of big dishes, bold flavors and bombastic colours! My wife and I went to this newly opened Middle Eastern / Mediterranean restaurant on Queen West. We entered and were greeted with a counter to order at before sitting. Ok, I guess it was going to be that type of staid-diner experience. Except, it wasn't. After placing an order for the mezze sampler and 2 build-your-own platters, we turned around and made our way to our table... and were introduced to this world of blaring music, multi-graphic walls, newspaper-print tablecloths, cushion strewn seats, and an array of bottled sauces, each one sounding more enticing than the next. Moments after sitting down, a server whizzed by with pita from a basket. Apparently, the bread was unlimited. Some were piping hot, some cold and hard, but you could always request for the freshly made ones. Azkadenya is new, and the servers gave off a frenzied disorganization that was surprisingly charming - you know they're trying, and silently root that they'll improve once they get their feet set. We helped ourselves to pita, sat back, and watched the energetic chaos of kitchen-to-server-to-table play out in front of us. I popped open my can of Vimto, took a sip, and a sickeningly sweet bubblegum flavour exploded in my mouth. Ahhhhhh, I thought, I guess we're in for some fun. The mezze sampler was the first to arrive. Mounds of hummus, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, beet tahini and walnut muhamarra were plopped in a circle. We eagerly scooped each one with our pita, savouring the different flavours. The hummus, tabbouleh and baba ganoush were standard stuff I've tasted many times over elsewhere. It was the tahini and the muhamarra that really stood out with how creamy they were. A server dropped by with more bread, and we continued to destroy the mezze platter. Great start to the meal. Then our 2 build-your-own platters arrived. We chose the chicken and beef shawarma with a bunch of sides. Both meats were tender and spicy (not from a 'heat' perspective, but from a 'flavour' one). The side cabbage slaw and fries were limp and meh, but the fattoush salad and tomato sizzler freshened up the shawarmas. And the portion sizes were HUUUUGE. We got through the platters with full bellies and satisfied tastebuds. But wait, we were here anyway so why not try dessert? After much deliberation, we got the sticky date cake which ended up being a slab of moist date cake smothered in way-too-much caramel sauce. This looked like it could easily be shared by 4 people. Nothing against the cake, but after the full meal, it sat like a brick in my (greedily happy) belly. As we were leaving, we noticed for the first time the sign at the entrance. Apparently, 'aska' means delicious, and 'denya' means world. Whatever your tastes are in life and tolerance levels are with startup inefficiencies, I think we can all appreciate Azkadenya's unique view of the world. It's one full of big dishes, bold flavours, and bombastic colours - a delicious experience just waiting to be had!

    The mezza platter with pita
    Tania L.

    Love this place! So happy that this gem has opened up on Queen Street. My friend and I came here the other day (I had serious cravings for Mediterranean food), and we both really enjoyed the food! Azkadenya is an export from the Middle East, and it's great that there's now a branch in Toronto. The restaurant has a fast casual concept; you seat yourself, then go order at the counter. You then receive a number, and the servers will subsequently deliver the food to your table. I ordered the mezza platter (had serious hummus / spread cravings that I needed to fulfill), while my friend got the falafel platter with sides of rice and beet hummus. You can ask to substitute beet hummus for the regular hummus at no additional cost, so it's a great way to try something new! The servers come by to serve warm pita that you can use to dip the spread, and it's so soft and delicious! My mezza platter came with five things - a normal hummus (was slightly dry and not the best), beet tahini (a nice sweet variation on your typical nutty sesame spread), baba ganouj (extremely flavourful - you could taste the eggplant flesh and texture), tabbouleh salad, and walnut muhammara (a wonderfully sweet spread, but very delicious)! Our favourite, without a doubt, was the walnut muhammara - the molasses added a beautiful and rich undertone, and I couldn't help myself from scooping bite after bite! I must have had about 5 pita bread through the night... I was able to sample one falafel, and found it quite okay. It was, however, on the greasier side, with lots of oil. Nevertheless, it was tasty! I can't wait to return to Azkadenya - this time, I'm definitely reordering the platter, though I'll share with friends so that I have more room to try other things!

    Richa R.

    Stumbled into this absolutely gorgeous restaurant the other day and had the best falafel I've ever had in my life! Azkadenya isn't just easy on the eyes but easy on the stomach as well with their delicious Mediterranean eats We tried the following: - Mixed grill platter: One Shish Tawook Skewer, One Lamb Kebab Skewers, One Beef Tenderloin Skewer, Hummus, Shepherd's Salad, French Fries, Garlic Sauce, Pita Bread - Falafel: 8 Falafel Pieces, served with Yogurt Tahini Dip If you've never tried falafel take it from me, it's actually really yummy lol as everyone knows I'm not a huge veggie eater but the crispy outer shell and the ground chickpeas on the inside were hella flavourful and had me munching on them the whole time! The mixed platter is always my go to at any Mediterranean place and this has gotta be one of the most delicious and authentic platters I have ever tasted The meats were so perfectly grilled and juicy and I couldn't get over the quantity of it all' Not to mention the super soft pita bread, fresh salad, crispy fries and drool worthy garlic sauce and hummus on the side. Enough to comfortably feed 2 people and have left overs! The staff were really friendly and nice and the restaurant was SO clean, I used the washroom and it was spotless y'all! Hygiene is so important and this place was up there so I really had to mention it lolol The decor on the inside and atmosphere was nothing short of an Instagram lovers' dream lol I couldn't put my phone down We left with happy and full stomachs, their restaurant definitely lives up to their name and slogan "the best taste life has to offer" Thank you Azkadenya for the super delish and yummy feast, best unexpected walk in discovery for sure! We will be back :) Check them out y'all!

    Lamb with fattoush salad and taboule
    Geraldine G.

    Finally, we had the chance to try this place. Middle Eastern food has always been one of my favourites for it's consistent depth in the flavour without needing to be spicy. Such a refreshing addition to this busy queen west corridor. It's a beautiful interior. I'm quite fond of their sliding glass doors. We ordered the make your own build with fattoush salad, taboule, rich and lamb. It didn't take too long at all. The highlight of course was the lamb. Tender, juicy and loved that the sauces you normally have to ask for are reading available at the tables. Giant plus. Was Uber surprised to have them come around and offer fresh made bread (like what???? Yes!) We tried one of their drinks, vimotk (spelling is wrong) but it's a fruity carbonated beverage. Have to say, way too sugary for me. Definitely would go again but maybe different sides both the taboule and fattoush were too acidic. Many other options so I am curious. Solid spot.

    Beef Shawarma
    Tracy L.

    What a gem on Queen Street West, I live nearby the area and have been waiting for this diner to open. It did not disappoint - it exceeded what I thought it would be. The price is affordable, value is great and this is exactly what I want in Mediterranean food. This menu suites the local crowd and I'm pleasantly surprised. We had a bit of everything , platters, spread samples and sliders. Bring friends and family to get a taste of everything :) One thing that I didn't agree on was the side shawarma as I preferred it on the platter. The service is good, it's order first and then sit down but everyone is super friendly and helpful. They provide you pita bread constantly and is so good when's it's warm. Great with Hummus. Top the meal with a bread pudding- it's a warm dessert that is the perfect blend of sweetness and nuttiness.. 10/10 would come again :) ... prefer this over Paramount any day lol .

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    2 years ago

    Gross food. The salad tasted like it came from the drain. And it took forever to get the food.

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    2 years ago

    Fabulous chicken schwarma. Good salad and delicious hummus as well. Highly recommended

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    Their food is delicious, generous portion sizes and their staff is great. Great experience and will definitely eat there again.

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    We had an office lunch event that we wanted to cater to. Looking for something that will suit…read moreomnivores, halal, vegetarians, vegans and someone who likes to eat light. Wanted to make sure that it was suitable for all tastes and loved by almost all. And our budget was a bit tight as well. Tahini fitted that bill perfectly. When reached out to the owner/manager he carved us some very reasonable deal. The food was delivered on time and in boxes that we could serve and most things came in fresh and warm. The food was delicious, healthy and costed us within our budget. The food was plenty and there some leftovers that many people loved to take it with them. As a vegan, there were plenty options for me and they were amazing. Loved that the staff had knowledge and suggested some combinations that worked out for non-vegans as well. Definitely going for another catering at this location and also when I am in a mood for some vegan friendly falafels and salads.

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    Alphas Shawarma

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    We are finding the best food on King street W. Four unbelievable meals in three days. I'm getting…read moreto like it here. We had done a ton of walking and wanted a snack and a drink with a chance to rest the feet. One of the people we spoke to up the street claimed to love the place so here we are. The shawarma meat is bland and a bit boring. We tried to punch it up when we got it, but it's not the same. Don't get me wrong, it's still good food and will fill that empty spot in yer gut. I was just hoping for a juicier sandwich, instead we end up on the dry side. The cost is reasonable. The servers we spoke with were okay. Nothing exciting. In comparison to all our other meals this place fails. It's decent food at a decent price that deserves your attention. Especially if you're looking for a quick fix on the run. 11/25

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    Alpha's Shawarma

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    ***another update june 2026!!!*** ive been back many times,…read morebut its been a few weeks since. they now have an automated pos/self-ordering kiosk/area set up! thats really helpful with the long lines here. this place is always busy, and youll see why! 1 bite and youll be hooked! go get yourself a shawarma saj wrap now! *updated january 2026!!!* love this place so much - had to take my mom here!! she enjoyed it too! you know parents tend to be picky when dining out, im so glad she loves the saj here too! thank you alphas! *updated! dec 2025* 5/5 its our 3rd time here now (safe to say theyre my fav spot so far!) got a falafel saj wrap (3/5) & a lamb kebob saj wrap(5/5) on our 2nd visit a few weeks ago..again the wait times here are long as theyre really busy and all food is prepard/made to order so the wait is expected. seating can be hard - as sit down space is limited. however, diners eat quick and go so you dont wait as long for a seat, or , just cross the street and eat in the mall food court. our 3rd visit i got my usual chkn shawarma saj wrap (5/5) and a beef kebab saj wrap (5/5). we always like how crispy and loaded these wraps are (not just filled with rice/salad) theres tasty protein in every bite! check out alphas and see why everyones going here! cheers! *original review nov 2025* 4/5 great food, service was dreadfully slow and tables were dirty or missing chairs. understandable as they were very busy and short staffed. be patient when you come here - tasty food takes time to make, especially when its made to order! my order (chkn wrap) was missing pickles (asked for extras) and garlic sauce (barely any so it was dry). the beef wrap was perfect though - chunks of tasty beef, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles and pickled turnip. get it spicy if you like some heat!

    Got the chicken shawarma platter, which comes with rice or fries, salad and hummus. There is a good…read moreamount of chicken and the chicken is not dry and actually comes in large pieces and is not too fatty. Definitely prefer this chicken over a lot of the other shawarma places. The only downside I would say is the price - after tax it comes to around $20. Food is prepared fast and there is a good amount of seating at this location as well.

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    Azkadenya - Mezza Diner - mideastern - Updated July 2026

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