The Bhais Shawarma & Grill — Restaurant in Toronto

After more than 25 visits, I’ve finally decided to leave a review.

When I first discovered this spot a couple of years ago, it was genuinely great. I believe the manager was more hands-on back then, which really showed in the consistent quality and generous portions. My first few meals were excellent — flavorful, well-prepared, and worth every penny.

However, over time, things started to change. As new staff came on board (which is understandable in any business), the consistency in both food quality and customer service began to slip. From around my fifth visit onward, it became a gamble — some days were great, while others were clearly subpar, depending entirely on who was working.

In particular, ever since a certain full-time staff member started working there, the experience has declined noticeably. Unless you order several items or "the works," you can expect a noticeably smaller portion and a less-than-friendly attitude. It feels like the more specific or simple your order is, the more you're penalized for it — which is concerning, especially for customers with dietary restrictions or allergies.

It’s unclear whether this is a management issue or just a lack of oversight, but the inconsistency is hard to ignore. If you ask for no lettuce or onions, that shouldn’t justify a half-filled wrap. Longtime customers who’ve supported this place deserve better.

And when concerns are raised in reviews, the typical response seems to be a generic apology without any meaningful change. It's disappointing to see a place with such potential gradually lose its appeal over something as basic as consistency and customer care.

If you're craving shawarma downtown, I recommend checking out Big Pita first. You’ll likely have a better experience — no mood-based portion sizes, no rats loitering outside the entrance, and no awkward chairs designed to push you out as quickly...

After a vigorous running session, my friends and I paid a visit to The Bhais Shawarma & Grill. The exterior and interior are all in green. I had to pause for a moment because there were miscellaneous buckets and crates on the outside, and the inside was dim and boring. However, the high ratings encouraged us to continue ordering. We decided on the 222 plate deal, intended for two, and added a shawarma platter and a pop. I relied on the owner to choose what sides to order. While the couscous was a hit, the garlic potatoes were a redundant choice given they were already included in the shawarma platter. The platter itself was generously portioned, featuring a savoury assembly of meat, rice, potatoes, and vegetables, enhanced by a zesty green spicy pepper paste and rich garlic sauce. Despite these culinary highs, the restaurant had room for improvement. The seating area was cramped, the side dish options were limited, and the absence of a restroom is a notable inconvenience. However, the cleanliness of the venue and the owner's attentive service were evident. In conclusion, while this place might not compel a special journey, it's a decent pick for those nearby craving a hearty shawarma. I recommend their shawarma platter. The owner's care shines through, making it a viable option for a quick, flavourful meal if you're...

This might be one of the least convenient food spots in terms of amenities; no washroom, uncomfortable and sparse seating, but don't let that fool you. This is the kind of place I'd call solid, where the food quality is so high that it compensates for the lack of other conveniences. It seems designed primarily for takeout and delivery rather than dine-in, which makes sense given the setup. The real standout here is how they handle their ingredients. IMO, Middle Eastern cuisine often shines through its use of spices, sauces, and marination, and this spot excels in these areas. The rice, potatoes, and meats are particularly amazing, each dish bursting with flavor that elevates it above the norm. The owner is very engaging and clearly tries his best to accommodate customers, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. Located on shy north of The Esplanade, a street that itself presents a bit of a challenge, this place makes me weigh my options carefully against others like Cluck Cluck. A word of caution: the rice and couscous feature a lot of peas and beans, something to be mindful of for those with soy sensitivities or similar concerns that anything circular shaped vegetables became scary. Despite the challenges, the quality of the food here makes it worth a visit. Long live this...