Zaad — Restaurant in Toronto

I’m writing this review to express deep disappointment with how I was treated today by the staff. I’ve been a loyal customer of this restaurant since it opened — I’ve dined here over 100 times and have brought many friends and family along over the years.

Today, while walking nearby, I needed to urgently use the washroom. I stepped inside, and one of the servers stopped me and asked where I was going. I told him I needed the washroom, and he replied, “Customers only,” in a tone and manner that made me feel like I was being profiled — as if I were some vagrant looking to cause trouble. I take pride in my appearance and conduct, and his attitude was condescending and completely uncalled for.

I explained that I’ve been a frequent customer for years, but he still denied me access. I was left humiliated and in physical distress. Later, I came back to explain what had happened and to let them know they had lost a longtime customer. The staff showed zero concern. The person I spoke with dismissed me outright — as if my years of support meant nothing.

To the owner: if that was you, or if it was your employee acting on your behalf, you should seriously reflect on how you treat the people who have supported your business for years. Running a good restaurant isn’t just about food — it’s also about basic respect for people.

I will not be returning, and I’ve told my family and friends to do the same.

I’ve now seen the owner’s response, which unfortunately resorts to personal insults and denies the facts I laid out. I’ll let others judge the professionalism of that reply for themselves, but I stand...

I ate at Zaad on a win after a march tonight. Earlier, we had lunch a very highly rated & recommended restaurant with nearly 10k followers on IG. Their service was terrible, the experience was uncomfortable, and the food was mediocre at best. We popped into Zaad & were given SUCH a warm welcome. I had a bunch of questions about the menu & what the words meant & what was vegan…. Every thing was explained to me with SUCH enthusiasm but also just in such a kind way (I’m white) to not make me feel embarrassed asking. I’m vegan & to my pleasant surprise, there were a TON of options for me. While our food was getting prepared, I asked a bunch more questions & they even let me try a mint leaf wrapped rice things (that was incredible) for free & gave one to my friend too. We genuinely felt like we were eating at a friends house who was excited to share their culture with us. As mentioned, I went to a VERY highly recommended (expensive) restaurant earlier expecting to write a review like this for them (I will not be) and then accidentally stumbled upon Faad with no expectations what so ever and I just want to say thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for such a truly genuinely welcoming, enjoyable & delicious experience. We had a very emotional and powerful 6 hour day at the march and finishing the day at Faad felt like we landed exactly where we were supposed to - with family. Thank you so much to the staff & who ever the hiring manager is - you’re amazing....

2024 Update: This place only gets better. No corners are ever cut: the shawarma, the veggies, the sauces, the bread, are all top of the line. There are many new shawarma spots popping up around the city, but habibi trust me, they won't match Zaad for quality of ingredients and integrity in caring about the food they're making. There's a love for hosting guests and making sure you're taken care of that Zaad holds dear, and that's what keeps me coming back. You guys are the best, and I'm honestly honored to eat at your restaurant every time. Thank you!!

Iconic. Legendary. Been coming here for a few years now with friends and it does not miss. The shawarma is top quality and their sauce combinations are the best in the business: they make them fresh, in house, every day. The fries are crispy and with the garlic sauce are incredible. Every ingredient is fresh, flavorful, and everything comes together beautifully. The employees are warm people who never leave you with the short end of the stick. For the price, it's the perfect amount of food. Honestly, every time I come here they do something to make the experience even better, whether improve the seating arrangement, get better ingredients, or improve the service. Zaad is the gift that keeps...