The Lebanese fast-casual institution that Torontonians trust for late-night shawarma, kafta, and mixed grills. Paramount serves halal food at high quality and remains the city's most reliable Middle Eastern chain.
Neighbourhood: Multiple locations · Address: 253 Yonge St, Toronto, ON · Hours: Mon–Thu 11AM–10PM | Fri–Sat 11AM–11PM | Sun 11AM–9PM · Price Range: $$ · Phone: (416) 901-5151 · Website: https://paramountfinefoods.com/locations/yonge-dundas/ · Editorial status: Not yet verified
Paramount nails those Middle Eastern cravings when you need something quick, reliable, and actually tasty. Portions are huge, and the food always delivers—especially late at night or when you’re feeding a hungry crew.
Unlike most Toronto shawarma joints, Paramount runs its own bakery for fresh pita and sweets, and everything on the menu is halal. It's a rare example of a local chain that keeps quality impressively steady across multiple locations—no matter your neighbourhood, you’ll get the same well-seasoned chicken, house garlic, and fast service.
Paramount Fine Foods is Toronto’s most ubiquitous Middle Eastern chain, serving up halal Lebanese staples like shawarma, manakeesh, falafel, and mixed grills. Founded by Mohamad Fakih, Paramount prioritizes quality ingredients and efficient service, making it a trusted pick whether you’re solo or with a crowd. The Yonge–Dundas location is bright, spacious, and bustling, with open kitchen action, plenty of café seating, and a big dessert counter. Recipes stick close to tradition; don’t skip the freshly baked pita and signature garlic sauce.
No reservations needed; walk-ins only and usually no wait.
The chicken shawarma plate with extra garlic sauce is the crowd favourite.
Yes—there's lots of seating, and big mixed grill platters make it easy to share.
Most mains are $15–22; combos and platters feed two for under $40.
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