Ghadir Meat & Restaurant — Restaurant in Toronto

I had heard so much hype about this place and had driven by it many times and noticed the lot was always packed. I finally decided to visit early on a Sunday afternoon.

Entering the restaurant/grocery area was a little daunting. There was so much traffic, and so many different people doing and saying so many things (picking up food, ordering food, socializing, waiting, buying groceries, etc)

I love new experiences, cultures, people watching etc but I also needed to order a sandwich and didn't know how!

I finally asked one of the customer in line how I go about ordering, and they explained that I need to pay for my sandwich first and then wait to pick it up.

Everything moves quickly. If you are not familiar, it is really overwhelming.

When I got to the cashier. I asked for a mixed shwarma, and immediately without even looking at me, I was asked if I wanted everything on it. Without seeing what everything was, I wasn't sure and then they pointed me to a sheet that was on top of the actual register and told me everything that was highlighted in yellow was 'everything on it'. This was helpful, and I ordered a couple of extra items just to experience them (eg pomegranate sauce).

From there. I nearly waited 25 minutes in line for a shwarma which was ridiculous and also frustrating. There were ppl that ordered after me that got their meals and people picking up for takeout as well!

It also gives you a true sense of how busy this place was! They were prepping for in service sit down, take out, and walk up service. To their credit, the gentleman behind the prep counters were hussling!

When I finally got my shwarma, it was honestly a little underwhelming to me. Everything was fresh. Everything was cooked properly - no issues there, but the size of the shwarma seemed a little undersized.

I've eaten shwarma in many different places all over the GTA, and this was by far one of the thinnest shwarma I ever received (it was just over $10). I also thought it was a little bland.

Usually, there are certain flavors that tend to pop out for me (fresh parsley if offered, pickled turnip, good garlic sauce, and sometimes even hot sauce). All of these flavours usually accentuate a shwarma - I didn't really get a sense of any of these flavors. I also wouldn't say there was anything that was an overwhelming flavor rather than perhaps the tahini sauce that left a slight baseline taste throughout everything.

I was grateful to have tried this place - it is an experience. I might try it again knowing the process a bit better now and thinking through how to customize my order a little more

As a first-time experience... I was left a little disappointed by the food, service, and...

Ghadir Meat and Restaurant is a unique concept that blends a full supermarket with a traditional Middle Eastern restaurant, making it a convenient and authentic spot to shop and dine at the same time. I recently had the chance to try several items from their menu, and it was a truly satisfying experience. Their ambience is great and I had wonderful time with family dining in.

I ordered their special BBQ whole chicken family meal as well as the whole chicken broasted family meal, and both were excellent. The BBQ chicken was absolutely brilliant, crispy on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside, with seasonings that really stood out. It had that authentic BBQ taste that balances smokiness and spices perfectly. The broasted chicken was equally impressive: golden, crispy, and juicy, with just the right crunch.

Each family meal also comes with a generous portion of fries, garlic sauce, and pickles, which make for the perfect complements. On top of that, you get three cans of pop, adding real value for the price. It’s a hearty, family friendly option that leaves everyone satisfied.

I also tried their chicken shawarma, which was fresh, flavorful, and nicely wrapped. It held its own, but the BBQ chicken definitely stole the show for me and is what I’d recommend most strongly.

Overall, Ghadir Meat and Restaurant is more than just a place to grab a bite, it’s a true taste of Middle Eastern hospitality and flavors. The authenticity, generous portions, and value for money make it a must visit. I’ll definitely be coming back to try their mixed kebabs and more of their grill selections next...

A Disappointing Return to Familiar Grounds

My recent visit to Ghadir Meat and Restaurant, after some time away, left me disheartened. While this spot once held a special place for its warm service and customizable meals, the experience now feels lacking.

Customer Service

The staff member who took my order was curt and unwelcoming. A little training in hospitality could go a long way to ensure all guests feel valued—something that was once a hallmark here.

Food Quality & Customization

The falafel, which I’d always loved for its soft, flavorful interior, arrived overly crispy and dry—a stark departure from the past. The salad situation was equally frustrating. Previously, I could handpick my preferred salads, avoiding ingredients I dislike. Now, pre-mixed salads are added without consultation, stripping away the personal touch I cherished.

Service Process. The new plating method is another letdown. Before, they’d call your number and assemble your plate in front of you, allowing for customization and ensuring everything was to your liking. Now, plates are pre-made before calling numbers, leaving no room for preferences. This impersonal approach detracts from the experience.

Final Thoughts Ghadir used to shine for its attentive service and customer-focused dining. I hope management revisits their original practices—reviving salad customization, refining the falafel recipe, and retraining staff to prioritize warmth and flexibility. For now, I’ll hold onto fond memories but hesitate to return until...