Mesiba ba ba and all that balagan
As you may know, Toronto has the biggest Jewish population in all of Canada. While it was originally composed of Ashkenazi immigrants from Europe, many Israeli migrants have made The Six their home. Israeli food is unique and super delicious, ranging from shawarma to falafel to coos coos and more. Everything is made super fresh with each ingredient perfectly complimenting each other.
What is Israeli food?
Jews are originally from the Levant, having been forced into exile by invading governments. As a result of the expulsion, Jews have settled in (nearly) every corner of the globe, using local ingredients within a kosher framework. While many Israeli restaurants are not Kosher today, many avoid pork, shellfish, and the combination of meat and milk. If you are looking exclusively for kosher restaurants in toronto, please click on the hyperlink contained in this sentence.
While some dishes have foreign origins–like in Morroco, Poland or Ethiopia-some are indiginious to Israel. The modern Israeli palate is multifaceted and brilliantly complex, highlighting traditional cooking techniques and produce. While there are many halal restaurants in Toronto, few offer the authentic Israeli experience as offered in the restaurants below. Getting hungry yet?
224 Ossington Ave, Toronto, ON M6J 2Z9
The Haifa Room started as a takeaway window during the pandemic, serving things like falafel and sabich. That window is still open for lunch, but a full-fledged restaurant was always part of the plan. The owners and chef, all close friends, collaborated on a tight menu that draws on their Palestinian and Israeli backgrounds. But here, everyone co-exists peacefully… mostly. “Do we fight? Sure. We fight about glassware,” says Dabdoub. Small plates meant for sharing and snacking feature heavily—think deep-fried halloumi sticks with a harissa-labneh dipping sauce, or lamb kibbeh “torpedos” with sumac-yogurt dip. A few hearty mains and desserts round out the selection, like the meltingly tender, shawarma-spiced boneless lamb shoulder, or a vegan stuffed eggplant.
387 Spadina Rd, Toronto, ON M5P 2W1
1923C Avenue Rd, North York, ON M5M 4A2
While many restaurants are having difficulty attracting customers, Old Avenue has attracted a fan base in the Russian, Azerbaijani, Jewish, Chinese and multicultural Torontonian community. Featured in BLOGTO as one of 18 best places to grab brunch, you will be introduced to a fascinating cuisine sure to stimulate all of your taste buds.
According to Stephanie Dickison, owner of Toronto top Restaurants magazine, Old Avenue is described as a place with “Grandmacore at its finest.”
Maybe you haven’t heard of Dolma, Kutab, Shah Plov, SAJ, or PAHLAVA, but you will soon become acquainted. Pairing delicious kebabs with fresh produce and herbs, their fresh bread is served with every meal. Azerbaijani food is one of the most popular foods in Israel. These delicacies come straight from the Azerbaijani Mountain Jews in the Caucasus. According to Esther Mordechai, one of the restaurant’s owners, the food is super fresh and integrates a variety of cooking techniques and traditions. Famous choices include khachapuri, khinkali, and Manti. Without being too hyperbolic, some would say the best in town.Esther goes on to describe the rich history of Azerbaijan, providing a safe and comfortable home for the Jews to live and thrive.
While some restaurants are strictly Kosher, all abstain from pork and cater to Jews who are more flexible with their eating habits. Promoting a “Kosher-style” level of comfort, you will not find shrimp, lobster, or anything else prohibited by Jewish law.
240 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z7
Is Israeli Food Unique?
Famous Israeli Dishes
Not every restaurant sells every dish but here are some famous Israeli dishes that will get your taste buds working! I would say that this is the best food in the food but what do I know? In order to figure this out for yourself, treat yourself to one of the amazing restaurants that we have in our city.
The Very Best Of Toronto 