The Best Souvlaki and Gyros in Toronto
The best souvlaki and gyros in Toronto doesn't begin and end in Greektown, as many might assume. From the west end to the St. Lawrence Market, during the day or late at night, with fries or without, with feta or loads of tzaziki, with toppings or none at all - you can have a souvlaki or gyro at greasy spoons, family style-restaurants and, yes, directly from butchers themselves, in pockets all over the city.
Here are the best 11 places, as voted by readers of this site.
Writing by Sofia Hondrogiannis. Photos by Kosta Constantakis.
Astoria
Probably the best-known Greek restaurant on the Danforth, Astoria’s secret to great souvlaki comes down to their blend of spices, large portions and fresh ingredients. Eating here feels like I’m sitting I’m in a Greek village. A souvlaki dinner served with salad, rice and roast potatoes sets me back between $10 -$15. More...
Messini
With only five years in the business, Messini has already established themselves as a go-to spot for authentic Greek Gyros. Here they're topped with onions, tomatoes, tzaziki and French fries. They're so large that I’ve never been able to finish one myself, let alone a whole dinner. It’s unbelievable how busy this place gets on weekends, which caters to the late night, after-bars crowd. From midnight onwards, they only sell gyros pita, feta fries or salad. Prices are $4 - $5 while a full dinner costs between $10 -$14. More...
Alexandros
“NOBODY DARES TO COMPETE WITH US”, says a bold statement in the front window. Located on the Danforth, that’s a bit hard to believe - still, they're often busy up to 5am on weekends and 4am during the week. Some people go here exclusively for their Greek fries - they place saran wrap on a plastic tray and fill it with fries dabbed in olive oil, feta cheese and oregano. Although tasty, it’s pretty poor presentation. Also over the last few years they’ve gotten skimpy on the portions. Gyro pitas range from $5 - $7. More...
Asteria Souvlaki Place
Asteria is a family run restaurant with two locations on the Danforth - each is located on the polar ends of Greektown and maybe that’s why they aren't often that busy. They remind me of eating in my grandma’s kitchen - homestyle cooking , generous portions but in serious need of a restaurant makeover. All prices are reasonable. A souvlaki dinner costs between $9 – $11 and includes salad, rice and roast potatoes. More...
Souvlaki Express
We all get those cravings - hunger hits you and you want, need or have to have souvlaki. Ok, maybe that’s just me! Souvlaki here is marinated in a special blend of spices, lemon and oregano which gives it that extra kick. The value is great considering it's in the Eglinton and Mount Pleasant area. They're meticulous about their food preparation and care about their presentation. A nice touch - the cooks wear matching chefs uniforms. The value is great, a dinner $10 -$15 and a huge bonus - they deliver. More...
Yianni’s Kitchen
Located in the lower level in St. Lawrence Market, Yianni’s Kitchen offers a delicious home-style taste combined with large portions. As much as I like their souvlaki, I’m addicted to their Greek salad which has just the right amount of feta cheese and dressing. I like their tzaziki so much that I mix it in with my rice and roast potatoes. They're busy during lunchtime on weekdays so try to get here early before the crowds arrive. A souvlaki lunch special costs $7 – $9. More...
Square Boys
At first glance, Square Boys is a greasy spoon diner that never left the 80’s. Not only is their decor frozen in a time warp but so are their prices. When was the last time you saw items on a menu as low as three dollars? Did I mention how large their portions are?! The food is great and anything you order off the menu is delicious. A full souvlaki dinner costs just under $10 and includes salad and French fries. A small warning - the tzaziki is strong so be careful who you talk to right after a meal. More...
Aris' Place
With over 34 years in business, Aris has mastered the art of the souvlaki. They have a bar to sit where I watch the two chefs grill up my souvlaki while joking with me and the other customers. The souvlaki here reminds me of the food I ate in Greece this past summer. In other words, for the real deal Aris' Place is it. For $9 - $10, you get a large souvlaki dinner. A nice touch - the restaurant is decorated with historic photos of Roncesvalles Village. More...
Louis Authentic Gyros and Souvlaki Take-Out
Louis Authentic Gyros and Souvlaki is a small food stand housed in Louis Meat Market. This is a great concept because customers know they're buying fresh meat. For under $5, you get a massive all-dressed gyro with tomatoes, onions, tzaziki and fries. The guys behind the counter are super friendly and passionate about their food - last time I was there I had a one-hour conversation with them about the art and science of how to make a proper gyro (I'll save that for a future post). More...
Faros by Night
At first glance Faros by Night can be easily overlooked. It’s exterior is unobtrusive and dimly lit and its interior is really outdated. However, it probably offers the most traditional Greek fare out of all the places on this list. Bring your appetite because they offer some great homemade tasting chicken and pork souvlaki. They also serve intestine soup and rabbit. Dinners range from $10 - $15. Open until 5am every day. More...
Dairy Freeze
Accept the fact you might get a heart attack after eating here. Their portions are large and their gyro makes for some really greasy food. The gyro and souvlaki are both quite good. But they lose points because you can only purchase their souvlaki as a dinner. ($10 - $12). If you're in the mood for a gyro it can be purchased separately for about $6. I recommend adding onion rings to the mix because who doesn’t like a battered deep fried onion? Slide it all down by ordering one of their famous milkshakes. This place is basically the west-end equivalent of Square Boys. More...
Comments (18)
Thank you so much for not including Greek Grill/Mr.Greek/Friendly's on this list.
Alexandros' ftw!
If you're in the west end, there's nothing better than Billy's Souvlaki Place at Dovercourt & Bloor. Yummmy!
You're right about Messini - BUT you completely overlooked ZORBA's BEST overall menu by far with unbeatable prices. On Danforth south side, just east of Pape.
Yeah folks, you forgot Zorba's (why am I surprised). Vastly superior and not at all hoity-toity. Plus they have a great selection of ready-to-go take-out items like moussaka and a really friendly staff.
If anyone is looking for a souvlaki fix in Scarborough the place to go is Hunters at Birchmount and Huntingwood.
This is a family run restaurant which has been there as long as I can remember. They were even featured in The National Post.
Full dinners for $11. They also make a mean pizza
I went to senior public school right near Hunters.
That was years ago, but it was great.
Their fries were always amazing.
thanks for writing up on all these places.....you're right--good Greek food isn't always on the Danforth! Square Boys!!! MMMMMMMmmmmm....Alexandros makes me sick and Messinis knows how to hit the spot when you're hammered!
Awesome article!
haha, astoria? that's laughable. seriously, you may as well eat at jimmy the greek (actually, food at JTG is probably better).
just a horrendous, horrendous restaurant. overpriced, wretched food, terrible service. probably one of the worst greek restaurants on the danforth.
Louis is by far the best and the cheapest - Tony makes the best ones....
I go there at least once a week....
They are sooooo delicious.....
"The best souvlaki and gyros in Toronto doesn't begin and end in Greektown"
Really??? But 8 of 11 do!! I already know they have Greek food in Greek town, What about the rest of the city?
I stumbled upon #5 Souvlaki Express a few days ago. Very dimly lit inside, but the $3 gyro was realllly good. It wasn't like a regular gyro, the meat was shaved, with not too much sauce, but the feta cheese really made the gyro taste good.
Now I have to try some of the others on the list.
If you're in the west end, a new place opened up in Etobicoke on the Lakeshore called Kalamata. By far the best chicken souvlaki I've ever had.
SQUARE BOY RULES! Best souvlaki EVER! But a word of warning if you are unsure of what toppings you want on that pita don't waste their time (think of the soup nazi on Seinfeld but with pita bread and tzaziki). Know in advance what you want and be quick to respond or the old guys get frustrated. Worth every bite!
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