Our fave Mediterranean restaurants in Toronto

Mediterranean cuisine hails some of the tastiest dishes on the planet. A breakfast shakshouka, warm pita dipped in labneh, iskander, Turkish tea…the list goes on and on. Thank the heavens that Hogtown has jumped on the bandwagon, giving birth to a number of establishments to satisfy our cravings. And for those who have traveled and tasted the goods firsthand, I’m sure you’ll agree that Toronto does Mediterranean food justice.

By Christina Gonzales

Byblos Downtown

1

11 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5V 3M2

• Phone Number
  • 647-660-0909Primary
• Directions

Byblos is the restaurant that all dreams were made of. Beyond the swanky and luxe décor featuring elaborate lighting fixtures, wooden chairs and leather booths, it serves up some of the best Lebanese, Israeli, Moroccan and Greek-inspired cuisine in the city. Begin your meal with the Turkish dumplings (eggplant-filled diamonds glazed with yogurt and molasses) and end with a Moroccan mint tea.

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Fat Pasha Inc

2

414 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V9

• Reserve
• Phone Number
  • 647-340-6142Primary
• Directions

Everything I love about Fat Pasha in three words: relaxed, hearty and brunch. Yes, Fat Pasha does exceptional Jewish food, but the brunch is noteworthy. Gather five of your friends and sit out on the back patio. Orders of the “Holy Land” pitas, shakshouka and a round of a whole-roast cauliflower to share, and you’re golden.

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Tabülè Middle Eastern on Queen

3

810 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H7

• Phone Number
  • 416-465-2500Primary
• Directions

With two locations in the city (Yonge and Davisville and King Street East), Tabule is the go-to spot for mixed mezze in Toronto. The midtown location was the original; it’s dimly lit, and will make you feel like you’re having dinner in the charming home of a beloved family member (one that you actually like). King East is the trendy offspring, hosting her parents’ recipes with a hip, spruced-up venue.

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Jerusalem Restaurant

4

955 Eglinton Ave W, York, ON M6C 2C4

• Phone Number
  • 416-783-6494Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Fresh hummus, legendary fried tomatoes and comforting lentil soup – what else can you ask for from a restaurant? The prices are reasonable and the portions are hefty to boot. Jerusalem is a neighbourhood staple, so be sure to book ahead if you you’re looking for a weekend dinner, because everyone is there, and you wouldn’t want to miss out.

The Sultan's Tent & Café Moroc

5

49 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1B3

• Phone Number
  • 416-961-0601Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Exotic décor, belly dancing and party fever – if you’re looking for a unique dining experience look no further than The Sultan’s Tent & Café Moroc. It’s a grand spectacle of a dinner on weekends (especially if you have guests in town) with live entertainment and a prefixed menu, which is only $55 per person.

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Mersin Mediterranean Cuisine

6

1618 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6P 1A7

• Phone Number
  • 647-729-9885Primary
• Directions

Mersin in short? Authentic comfort food made with fresh ingredients in a spot run by a sweet husband and wife who want to feed you large portions at a cheap price. They do a house-made hot sauce as well as a rich garlic sauce, famous across the Bloor West/High Park Area. The chicken skewers are tender and juicy, the rice is oh-so buttery and the tabbouleh is on point. Last but not least? Mersin also delivers.

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More from Christina Gonzales

When Christina isn’t eating or drinking her way around Toronto, she’s chasing the next big story. She’s written for award-winning magazines like Toronto Life and Elle Canada, and has a master’s in international multimedia journalism from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in England. Follow her daily ramblings on Twitter: @xtinagonzales

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