Souv Like — Restaurant in Toronto

Posted this on their FB page, but the whole FB page seems to be gone- I do recommend the food at Souvlike BUT I will not eat here again during the pandemic and potentially not after either.

I have frequented Souvlike ever since I moved into the area 5 years ago, especially when I used to be coming home from work around 1am. If I'm being entirely honest, the cleanliness and hygiene here have always been a bit.... questionable, as another reviewer pointed out. But I have kept coming back because the food is honestly AMAZING.

But I went in today for the first time since the pandemic hit (the main reason I had been avoiding it thus far is just because it is so tight inside and difficult to social distance) and was highly concerned. At first, I was very heartened to see the signage on the door as it was personalized for Souvlike and wasn't just the generic City of Toronto COVID signage. Then I went inside and oooooh boy.

Signage was posted, decals were on the floor, and all efforts to protect Souvlike's staff or customers ended there. No employees wearing masks (and very sweaty as usual, but that's kind of the natural by product of working in such a hot environment, it would be awesome if the store could get some AC just from a hygiene perspective). The posted limit of 4 people inside at a time was not being enforced in the least, and the need for customers to wear masks was not enforced in the least. Literally most of the customers who had masks were wearing them under their nose and the guy in front of me literally pulled his mask down SO HE COULD PUT HIS HAND IN HIS MOUTH and (maskless) staff said NOTHING.

So as much as the food is honestly amazing and I get cravings for it all the time, haha, I certainly won't be returning until after the pandemic is well and over. I also am honestly going to think very hard about returning and giving money to a place that places so little value on the safety of their customers and staff. It's...

The most authentic Greek gyro you will find in Canada. Even with the profound density of restaurants in the area, and more inexpensive alternatives readily available, this joint manages to host long lines until 4AM on weekends and remains a favourite amongst aficionados and pundits alike (i.e. me). From the fat old Greek lady that can often be seen in the back meticulously preparing the vertical rotisseries, to the small TV cycling through Youtube compilations of Greek pop music, the ambience radiates genuineness.

The excellence of the gyros can best be elucidated through an examination of the individual ingredients: The lightly seasoned pita is toasted to perfection prior to gyro assembly. The onions are garnished with freshly chopped parsley, brightening the onions' natural flavour while neutralizing the bitterness. The succulent, crispy, and flawlessly marinated gyro meat is cut only seconds before construction of the gyro wrap. Most importantly, this restaurant has held their ground and not succumb to Western societal pressures that falsely call for lettuce in the gyro. Souv Like strives for perfection in every single component on the gyro, without cutting corners to save costs. This perfection is further augmented by the adroit construction of the gyro wrap which retains the exact and correct proportion of each ingredient that ultimately gives the eater the gastronomic orgasm that they have been unknowingly yearning for their entire life.

Although the Michelin Guide does not send inspectors to Canada, I truly believe this restaurant is worthy of at least one star, as the dishes are produced to the highest standard possible, while showing mastery and unparalleled...

Loving their food. Simple menu. KONDOSOUVLI is the best! You get real chunks of meat (either pork or choice of chicken) that has been rotating and cooked on a spit (different than gyro or shawarma meat rotator). Tzatziki is legit and they have a "secret sauce" if you want a more creamy mayo type consistency. They throw in fries in your gyro and any other sandwiches, as they do back home in Greece! You have the options of getting a salad with or without meat and OR making your protein a meal, by adding an order of fries/salad too. Overall, the flavours are fresh and delicious and their customer service is generally great. A few people don't speak English too well but they work with you in trying to understand. A little patience might be necessary. There are no washrooms for customers to use. The location is in a corner of Pape Ave (right in front of the bus terminal) and there's paid parking (big enough lot) literally right next door, 20 second walk. I've left my car for 10 minutes at a time, just to park, grab food and come back out and I guess I've been lucky so far, not to ever have gotten a ticket but I can't say it won't ever happen. lol They accept cash, debit and credit cards which is great!! One other thing to mention is that they have very limited seating inside and it's a really tight spot, so, this place is basically convenient for pick-up and go orders. Fast food type place for quick eats. NOT a sit down and enjoy a patio type place! Also, a few very small tables outside for quick eating and a bench right beside...