Keko Shawarma — Restaurant in Toronto

I recently dined at a fantastic restaurant where I enjoyed an amazing meat platter, which included Adana kebab, chicken and beef kebabs, and chicken and beef shawarma. The Adana kebab was particularly juicy, and the chicken shawarma had a unique flavor that I hadn’t encountered before—it was truly delightful. The shish kebabs were tender, and the beef shawarma was also well-prepared. The meal was so delicious, I couldn't resist having seconds!

The service was exceptional. Both the owner and his employee were attentive, friendly, and made the dining experience pleasant and engaging. The decor added to the charm of the place with its minimalistic Kurdish-themed elements, including historical site photos, traditional dinnerware, kilim bags, and tablecloths. The background Kurdish music performances on TV further enhanced the atmosphere. I also appreciated the Amedspor scarf proudly displayed, reflecting the owner's love for his hometown and the capital of Kurdistan. Overall, it was a memorable meal and a warm,...

It is establishments like these that hold up the community together. With their delicious poutines and generosity and warmth. I only paid for one course but ended up being lucky enough to enjoy a 3 course supper.

A warm and new addition of a freshly made in house tomato based soup and a classic red velvet cake with hidden chocolate chips inside them paired well with my poutine. Yunus, the man that handles the shop, was generous with his portions and anecdotes.

It was nothing short of an experience that filled my tummy and heart both. The decoration of the shop was only topped by the kindness of one of the ladies working there. She took joy in me enjoying the food and ended up offering me the cake previously mentioned.

TLDR - big and hearty portions. But its the generosity and warmth of the people working there that makes this establishment a classic of the junction of downtown toronto. A staple....

The chicken shawarma was quite dry and lacked flavor-likely due to it sitting too long in a warmer, which can happen when there's low customer turnover. It tasted generic, probably from a wholesaler, and didn't stand out. The staff also seemed inexperienced; watching the cook struggle cutting the doner was tough. An automated slicer might help with consistency and speed.

That said, the restaurant is clean, and the vegetables and salads were fresh. The skewers appeared to be made fresh to order and might be a better bet for first-timers. Service was slow and somewhat disorganized, so be prepared to wait.

Suggestions for improvement: Drop the shawarma, bring in a more experienced chef, and streamline the prep process. There's potential if they focus on what...