Azkadenya Restaurant Queen St. W. — Restaurant in Toronto

I've been to this wonderful Middle Eastern restaurant many times since it first opened in Toronto, but I was surprised to learn that they have multiple locations throughout the world. This doesn't surprise me, as it's such a unique establishment with authentic cuisine. Their products are made fresh to order, vs similar places that prepare kabobs etc in advance, resulting in dried out meats and products. I don't mind the wait at all, as they prepare the products fresh, and it's worth it! My 'go to' option is the Mixed Grill (One Shish Tawook Skewer, One Lamb Kebab Skewers, One Beef Tenderloin Skewer, Hummus, Shepherd's Salad, French Fries, Garlic Sauce, Pita Bread) or the 'Build your own platter' which I prefer, as I choose the same skewer options, but sub the french fries for the tomato sizzler and baba ganoush. It's very plentiful and feeds me for several days! The flavours are authentic, and I really appreciate the freshly prepared items, even with takeout. I prefer my food to be spicy though, and although I appreciate the flavours here, they are definitely 'toned down' perhaps to serve the general public. The challenges that I have had are that their delivery/pickup services through partnering apps don't always work, resulting in 'service errors' on the customer end. For pickup orders directly through the restaurant you have to pay in person. The customer service is always great though, and they do also adhere to #COVID precautions, with preparing and packaging meals, and within the restaurant itself. This is a great place, and I'll be coming back for more!! Stay safe...

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...

Ch shawarma has so much potential, however was not as good as expected. I really hoped it would be better and I could rate it higher. Didn’t enjoy the chicken shawarma for 3 reasons: Less chicken, why so much cabbage?: Ch shawarma should have more chicken. Their shawarma had less chicken, and more potato fries and cabbage/veg salad. Fries are good, but shouldn’t be equal to the amount of chicken. Cabbage lowers the taste. There was more leaves and potatoes in the much than I could taste flavour. Dry and bland cz of potatoes: potatoes over powered the taste of the chicken and made it taste bland and dry Less sauces: Ch Shawarma should have more white sauce and garlic sauce. The sauce adds the punch in flavour. Their Garlic sauce definitely needs more garlic. I had the chance to taste their garlic sauce separately too, and the garlic flavour didn’t come through even when tasted direct. When mixed with potatoes and cabbage, the flavour of sauces doesn’t come through.

Pros: This place is great for the following: Try their Date cake (with caramel and ice cream) - loved it. -The staff is amazing and their service is spot on. -Their falafels were crunchy.

This place can be a competition to all middle eastern eat outs! I hope the above...