Amelia HallWhoever told you Turkish food is easy to make at home is either an expert chef or lying.
The last time I craved a good Adana kebab, I tried making it at home. Let’s just say it didn’t turn out well. My grill went up in smoke, and the ground lamb skewered meat resembled charcoal—hardly edible.
Since then, I’ve stuck to eating Turkish food at restaurants. After eating a few donairs, hummus platters, and baklavas, I’ve compiled a list of my favorites.
Here are the top spots to get your Turkish food fix.
1. Istanbul Döner Shop
– Media credit: instanbul_donershop
Website: http://tryistanbuldoner.ca
Address: 990 Denman St
Phone: +1 604-568-4000
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Price: $
Istanbul Doner Shop’s meat always makes my mouth salivate. The aroma hits you instantly the moment you walk in.
I tend to get their Iskender donair platter, one of their signature dishes. I just can’t get enough of the tender beef, the tangy tomato, and the creamy yogurt sauce. Their bread is also worth every calorie—it’s that good.
They also offer quick meals for when you’re on the go, such as tombiks (sandwiches), wraps, and shish kebabs. I love their crunchy falafel. It doesn’t just taste like ground garbanzo beans—you can taste their spices.
| Pro Tip: If you have a sweet tooth, do yourself a favor and get their pistachio kunefe. It’s a Turkish dessert pastry stuffed with cheese, generously sprinkled with pistachios, and covered in a sweet sugary syrup. |
2. Istanbul Restaurant
Address: 3663 E Hastings St
Phone: +1 604-800-9651
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Price: $
Istanbul Restaurant’s adana kebabs are my go-tos. I like how the paprika and cumin enhance the flavor of their juicy lamb in every bite.
I’m also a big fan of their donairs, especially beef. The meat is well-cooked, and their house sauce is tangy and sweet.
Their sac tava—a mixed grill platter with various meats and veggies—is also quite filling. I recommend it if you want to sample a little bit of everything.
For something a little more traditional, their kavurma is delicious. It’s a slow-cooked Turkish beef stew that always leaves me wanting another bowl.
| Pro Tip: Get their baklava. The layers of phyllo are perfectly light and flaky, and it’s not overly sweet. |
3. Döner Kebab
– Media credit: gotoeleven
Address: 1956 W 4th Ave
Phone: +1 604-558-1050
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Price: $
Doner Kebab is a smaller, cozy restaurant with fantastic food. Their lamb donair always has me lining up for more. I like how they season their lamb and grill it just right—not too charred but not undercooked.
Their falafel is also good. It’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. I usually order their falafel wrap. The plate is also great, especially if you’re hungry.
You also can’t go wrong with their beef kebabs and shawarma. They’re always well-seasoned and juicy.
| Pro Tip: Out of all their side dishes here, I recommend getting their tabouli salad. Every bite is refreshing and flavorful. |
4. Picado
– Media credit: picado.downtown
Website: https://picado-online-ordering.brygid.online/zgrid/themes/13560/mobile/intro/index.jsp
Address: 605 W Pender St
Phone: +1 778-737-0101
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 12 Midnight
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 4 AM
- Sunday – 12 Noon to 10 PM
Price: $$
Picado is all about building your own donair and pizzas—that’s what I love about this place.
They have a variety of toppings and sauces, so you can really get creative with it.
They also have a set menu if you don’t feel like making your own. Their Istanbul donair with chicken is good. I always add extra garlic sauce.
Their As Always Donair is savory, with hummus and garlic spread as the main ingredients. They also offer Donair sandwiches—their beef brisket one is a crowd favorite because it melts in your mouth.
| Pro Tip: If you want a small appetizer, their Turkish meatball platter is to die for. The meatballs are not too salty and just the right portion size to whet your appetite. |
5. Pasha Kebap
– Media credit: pasha_kebap
Website: http://pashakebap.com
Address: 1370 E Georgia St
Phone: +1 778-938-1787
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Price: $$
Pasha Kebap’s portions are a bit smaller but make up for it in taste. While they have the usual kebabs, I like to get their Karski—a grilled lamb loin.
I love how the chilies and tomatoes are charred to complement the tender lamb. The dish has two sides: hummus and labneh eggplant, which are my go-to.
The marinated chicken thigh kebab is also excellent. The meat is so tender, and the marinade is rich and flavorful.
| Pro Tip: Give their labneh tzatziki a try! It’s a creamy, tangy dip perfect for dipping pita bread. |
