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The 6 Best Shawarma Restaurants in Calgary [2023]

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern food that can be enjoyed at many restaurants in Calgary. However, there are some places where the shawarma is simply better than anywhere else! 

If you’re looking for the best Shawarma in Calgary, look no further than these top six establishments! These restaurants serve up delicious shawarmas packed with flavor and spices, making them perfect for any taste bud. 

Whether you’re craving chicken or beef shawarma, all of these locations have something special to offer. We chose these 6 Calgary Shawarma joints based on their popularity (and our own personal preferences!)

And if you’re craving something lighter and healthier, look no further than the best plant based pizza restaurants in Calgary!

What are the most popular types of shawarma in Calgary?

Like most delicacies served around the world, shawarma also comes in many flavors and toppings. The most popular types of shawarma in Calgary are:

  • Chicken shawarma: in addition to chicken, there is olive oil, lemon juice, and onions. The dish is seasoned with a variety of spices, including cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves. Chicken shawarma is usually served with fried potatoes sliced up in the meat.
  • Lebanese/Jordanian style shawarma: the meat is shredded and wrapped in a pita bread with garlic paste or Tahini sauce and other goods such as grilled tomatoes, chopped parsley, french fries, grilled onions, and salted Lebanese pickles. However, Lebanese/Jordanian style shawarma is less dominated by spices, with controlled sprinkles of cumin, sumac, etc.
  • Istanbul-style shawarma: slow-cooked slices of lamb served with grilled tomatoes wrapped cigar-shaped in soft and moist bread. This version of shawarma is notable for its superior juicy and filling nature.
  • Lamb shawarma: lamb is marinated in warm, fragrant shawarma seasoning blend, then grilled until crispy with sautéed onions. It is often served in salad bowls made up of romaine lettuce, chopped tomatoes, hummus, tzatziki, and lots of nutty tahini.

Shawarma is a super common street food nowadays. It is a mouth-watering meal that is sure to please meat lovers. In addition to the options listed above, there are many others you can try.

The 6 Best Shawarma Restaurants in Calgary

1) Petra Shawarma

Petra Shawarma is one of the highest rated shawarma places in Calgary! The restaurant’s emphasis on quality and authenticity sets it apart from other restaurants in the area, which makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. 

Not only does the food at Petra Shawarma taste great, but the service is also top-notch. From starters to desserts, everything on the menu is made with fresh ingredients and served quickly so that you can enjoy your meal as soon as possible. 

The restaurant offers a wide variety of shawarma options, including classic kebabs as well as more inventive dishes such as the baba ganoush shawarma sandwich. This allows customers to explore new and exciting combinations that they may never have tried before. In addition, the menu also includes traditional favorites such as gyros and falafel, which make it easy for diners to find something they love without having to worry about making any specific choices. 

If you’re looking for something special when dining out, look no further than Petra Shawarma – there’s simply nothing like it around town!

Business Information:

facebook.com/PetraShawarmaYYC
+14032910410
2770 32 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 5S5, Canada

Customer Review:
“Hands down the best! Amazing customer service from this family-owned business as there’s always a friendly smile to greet you. Flavour is phenomenal and always delicious. We go here at least every other week 🙂 They also make their falafel fresh on order. Don’t wait to try it!”

2) Shawarma Ave

 At Shawarma Ave, they offer a variety of delectable Mediterranean food options made with authentic spices and bold flavours. Their menu includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, as well as delicious desserts like Baklava and Bastousa. Whether you’re looking for lunch or dinner, their dishes will tantalize your taste buds! 

Their traditional Arabic fare such as shawarma ( grilled chicken ), falafel ( ground chickpeas ) , kabobs ( skewered meats ), soups , salads , sides, and sweet treats – are really flavorful and delicious. 

For those with a larger appetite, you must try their amazing platters! Try the Chicken Shawarma Platter or Kafta Platter – they guarantee their tasty meals will have you coming back for more!

Business Information:

shawarma-ave.com
+14032644545
201 4 St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 3S1, Canada

Customer Review:
“I love shawarma but this one is definitely my favourite! I ordered the kafta platter and the meat was juicy and well seasoned. They make quality meals and you get more out of the meal than what you pay for.”

3) Jimmy’s A&A

Jimmy’s A&A is a family-owned and operated Shawarma restaurant that has been serving up delicious shawarma to Calgarians for over two decades. Their dedication to customer service is what truly sets them apart from the competition, as everyone who walks into their shop becomes part of the “family” right away. 

They take pride in their award-winning food and strive to provide an unforgettable experience for all of their guests. From traditional chicken and beef shawarmas to specialty variations like lamb, turkey, or vegan options, there’s something sure to please every palate at Jimmy’s A&A!

Business Information:

jimmysdonair.ca
+14032891400
1401 20 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 1G6, Canada

Customer Review:
“My first time here, very friendly staff. Clean and welcoming! I just tried donairs last year and this is the best of them all! Will be a regular customer! Very satisfying and look forward to new customers coming and enjoying this wonderful place 10 stars!”

4) Aleppo Shawarma and Donair

Aleppo Shawarma and Donair started as a family business serving Mediterranean cuisine in February 2020. Their customers love and enjoy their food through dining in, take out, delivery, and catering. Their dedication to providing exceptional customer service is what sets them apart from all other restaurants.

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or something special to celebrate a special occasion, they have everything you need right here at their restaurant. From traditional dishes such as kebabs to more contemporary options like chicken salad, there’s something for everyone on their menu! Plus, don’t forget about the delicious desserts like Baklava– they’ll never disappoint!

Business Information:

alepposhawarma.ca
+14032502255
1324 B Centre St N, Calgary, AB T2E 2R7, Canada

Customer Review:
“One of the best shawarma & donair restaurants in Calgary. Got a great meal of mixed Mashawi. And side salad, side sweet. Special thanks to Josef for nice hospitality. Highly recommended if you visit Calgary, Alberta.”

5) Shawarma Factory

Shawarma Factory is a top-rated restaurant that specializes in Lebanese food. The menu features dishes such as shawarma, falafel, and kabobs. All of the ingredients used in these dishes are real and authentic, which ensures that they are fresh and healthy. 

In addition to traditional Lebanese cuisine, Shawarma Factory also serves international fare such as donair poutine or chicken salad. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something more substantial, Shawarma Factory has something on the menu that will appeal to your taste buds!

Business Information:

shawarmafactory.ca
info@shawarmafactory.ca
+14032364626
5333 61 Ave SE Unit 202, Calgary, AB T2C 4N1, Canada

Customer Review:
“The Shawarma Factory is amazing. The first impression is wonderful, from a clean modern interior to the cheerful and friendly staff. Their hospitality was beyond our expectations. We will definitely visit again and recommend this to anyone.”

6) Jerusalem Shawarma- Shawnessy

Jerusalem Shawarma is a family-owned and operated restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean food. They have been providing Calgary with delicious meals since 2012 and continue to grow their business thanks to their loyal customers. 

All their shawarma is truly incredible! Their meat is well seasoned and well cooked, and their garlic sauce and hummus are amazing. Their portions are huge, which means you can really enjoy your meal. 

Whether you’re looking for traditional Middle Eastern cuisine or something more eclectic, the restaurant has got you covered. Moreover, if dining in isn’t your thing, then they have take-away options as well so no matter what mood you’re in they’ve got exactly what you need!

Business Information:

jerusalem-shawarma.ca
izzo@jerusalem-shawarma.ca
+14034530300
16061 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary, AB T2Y 2Z9, Canada

Customer Review:
“My fiancé and I love the Shawnessy Jerusalem Shawarma! Our go to order is 2 donair wraps. Fresh and delicious every time! The donair meat is excellent and we often get huge wraps which leave us very satisfied! I would recommend this location to anyone.”
FAQs About Shawarma
There is no definitive answer to this question since everyone has different taste preferences. However, some popular shawarma brands include King’s Shawarma and The Halal Guys.
Some people might classify shawarma as junk food, but most experts would say it falls somewhere in the middle. It certainly isn’t healthy by any means, but compared to other types of Middle Eastern cuisine it doesn’t typically contain a lot of fat or calories.
Shawarma is a type of Arabic food that is made from meat, usually lamb or beef, that has been slowly roasted on an open spit. The meats are then cut into small pieces and served in pita bread with salad and sauces.
There are a few different types of shawarma, but the most popular is the gyro.
Final Thoughts

Shawarma is a delicious and popular Middle Eastern dish, typically made with chicken or lamb. If you’re looking for the best shawarma in Calgary, there are many great options to choose from. From traditional Lebanese spots to more modern restaurants, these eateries will definitely satisfy your cravings. 

So if you’re ever in the mood for some authentic shawarma, be sure to check out one of these top-rated places – you won’t regret it!

And for other top-notch places to try out some other great cuisines, be sure to visit the best Chinese restaurants, the best Indian restaurants, the best Mexican restaurants, or the best Korean restaurants in Calgary.