12 Best Shawarma Spots in Winnipeg That Are Surprisingly Worth the Hype
You haven’t fully lived until you’ve tried shawarma. I’m not even exaggerating.
Just imagine tender slices of spiced meat, wrapped in warm pita, loaded with fresh veggies, drizzled with creamy garlic sauce, and washed down with a cold drink. Add a dash of hot sauce for that kick? Perfect.
It’s a good thing Winnipeg has loads of amazing shawarma places. You can just pop into one whenever you’re craving something filling and downright addictive.
Ashur Restaurant
– Media credit: ashur_resturant
Website: https://ashur-restaurant-inc.menu-world.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashur_resturant/
Address: 584 Pembina Hwy #19
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 11 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM
Contact: (204) 275-3939
Must-Order: Beef Shawarma Platter
Ashur is owned by Husam Aljibouri, originally from Mosul in Northern Iraq. The name, which comes from the ancient Assyrian capital near his hometown, is his wife’s idea.
He grinds his own meat (halal, of course) and bakes hundreds of fresh Iraqi breads every single day. Even the rice here is unforgettable—light, fluffy, and subtly perfumed with cardamom, saffron, and rose water.
My go-to order is the Beef Shawarma Platter. You get tender beef paired with fragrant rice, creamy hummus, garlic sauce, fattoush salad, and warm Syrian bread.
The best part is the price—it’s so cheap that Husam could add $5 to every item, and people would still call it a steal. Finding food that’s this delicious and budget-friendly is rare, and Ashur nails both.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a poutine and shawarma fan, you have to try Ashur’s Shawarma Poutine. It’s a glorious, decadent mashup of crispy fries piled high with juicy shawarma, topped with tahini, onions, and tomatoes. |
Prairie Donair
– Media credit: officialprairiedonair
Website: https://prairiedonair.com/locations/north-town-road-winnipeg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialprairiedonair
Address: 345 North Town Road #9
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 2 AM
Contact: (204) 888-9550
Must-Order: Philly Steak Shawarma Donair Combo
Prairie Donair’s focus since day one has been on high-quality comfort food. They want to provide quick meals that never feel rushed, and I think they nailed it.
Their Philly Steak Shawarma Donair Combo is my obsession here—it has AAA shaved steak grilled up with peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Then, it’s piled high with lettuce, cheddar cheese, and a hit of creamy chipotle.
You’ll also enjoy their Build Your Own option. With so many proteins, toppings, and sauces to choose from, it’s easy to experiment—you can even switch it up every visit.
To wash down your shawarma, I recommend a cold can of Barq’s Root Beer after something spicy. Or you could snag a Vitamin Water Kiwi if you want something refreshing and light.
| Pro Tip: Prairie Donair has a massive lineup of dips—from classics like garlic mayo and tzatziki to fun twists like creamy dill pickle, bang bang, maple chili, and butter chicken sauce. At just $1.49 each, they’re the easiest way to mix things up! |
Daanook Restaurant
– Media credit: daanook.restaurant
Website: https://www.daanook.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daanook.restaurant
Address: 58 Albert St
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11 AM – 6 PM
Friday: 11 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Contact: (204) 414-7070
Must-Order: Chicken Arabi Shawarma Wrap
Daanook Restaurant is owned by a brother-and-sister team who immigrated from Syria. Its name comes from a northern East Syrian town, which is tied to the celebration of the harvest season, and they strive to provide that sense of warmth in every dish.
If you want a meal that fills you up without leaving you sluggish, grab my favorite Chicken Arabi Shawarma Wrap. This 12-inch wrap is loaded with chicken, served with golden fries, and paired with garlic and chili sauce on the side.
They’re also low-key famous for their homemade baklawa—a perfect ending to your shawarma meal. Just make sure to order ahead since this sells out quickly.
| Pro Tip: For a shawarma party to remember, book Daanook’s catering services. They can serve small, mid, and large gatherings, and their pricing works with any budget. |
Shawarma Castle
– Media credit: shawarmacastlemb
Website: https://www.doordash.com/en-NZ/store/shawarma-castle-winnipeg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawarmacastlemb/
Address: 754 St Mary’s Rd
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11 AM – 10 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (204) 233-7081
Must-Order: Mixed Middle Eastern Shawarma
Shawarma Castle serves fresh Mediterranean flavors that taste homemade, with service that’s always warm and welcoming.
If you’re new, start with their yummy Mixed Middle Eastern Shawarma, which comes with garlic sauce, fries, pickled turnips, and your choice of chicken, beef, or lamb. You can order it small if you’re just snacking, or go large when you want a full meal.
To mix things up, choose from their add-ons and sides to customize your order. Falafel with hummus, fries, rice, or a tabbouleh salad are all great options.
And if you’ve brought a friend—or just showed up really hungry—the Full Shawarma Platter is the way to go. It’s a feast on a plate, with garlic sauce, hummus, two salads, rice, tahini, hot sauce, and your choice of protein.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for Shawarma Castle’s socials. They often run amazing deals and fun giveaways, especially around holidays, allowing you to score a feast for less. |
Baraka Pita Bakery & Restaurant
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Website: https://www.barakapitabakery.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barakapitabakery/
Address: 1783 Main St
Hours: Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: 11 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (204) 334-2004
Must-Order: Chicken Shawarma
Baraka Pita Bakery & Restaurant is a true North End staple, having been family-run for decades. Known for its Lebanese and Mediterranean flavors, it’s equal parts deli, bakery, and gathering place.
You can’t leave here without trying their Chicken Shawarma—juicy, well-seasoned chicken layered with crisp lettuce, tomato, pickled wild cucumber, and garlic sauce.
What makes their shawarmas addictive is their pillowy and warm homemade pita. You’ll also find add-ons like falafel, hummus, and pizza pitas.
And then there’s their baklava, which has practically reached legendary status in Winnipeg, so you’ll regret not ordering extra to take home. Choose from chocolate, traditional, or almond flavors—each one is delicious, I promise.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning on grabbing food to go, make sure to order early. The last call for pick-up is 30 minutes before closing time. |
Kings Restaurant
– Media credit: kingsrestaurant_wpg
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kingshookaah/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingsrestaurant_wpg/
Address: 3326 Portage Ave
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 11 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM
Contact: (204) 415-7170
Must-Order: Lamb Shawarma
Kings Restaurant has made a name for itself by serving Middle Eastern food that feels comforting and light. It’s one of those spots that makes you feel instantly at home.
While lamb isn’t always the first protein I go for, that’s what I always order here. Their Lamb Shawarma is prepared so well—tender and delicious—that you’d forget the other types of meat available.
And if you’re not sure what to get, their staff is known for being friendly and attentive, always ready to suggest something based on your cravings.
| Pro Tip: A quick heads up if you’re visiting Kings Restaurant in the colder months—a few diners have noted that the spot can feel a little chilly inside. Be sure to bring an extra layer so that you can enjoy your shawarma comfortably. |
Friends Donair and Shawarma
– Media credit: friendsdonairshawarma
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Friends-Donair-Shawarma-100075808736597/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsdonairshawarma/
Address: 884 Notre Dame Ave
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (204) 772-5600
Must-Order: Chicken Shawarma Wrap
Friends Donair and Shawarma is a go-to spot in the Peg for students and young professionals craving a tasty Middle Eastern meal.
Their Chicken Shawarma is a classic done right. The spit-roasted chicken is marinated to perfection, wrapped up with lettuce, tomato pickles, and tahini, then rolled in warm pita and lightly pressed.
If you’re not big on pita, you can order the Shawarma Poutine instead. This swaps the bread for crispy fries topped with melty cheese curds, gravy, and shawarma.
To balance it all, grab a basil seed strawberry drink. It’s refreshing with a sweet berry flavor and the fun texture of basil seeds.
| Pro Tip: Good news—parking at Friends is never a hassle. There’s a lot of street parking you can use at no extra charge. |
Les Saj Restaurant
– Media credit: les.saj
Website: https://www.lessaj.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/les.saj/
Address: 1038 St James St
Hours: Mon – Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 7 PM
Contact: (204) 219-8939
Must-Order: Traditional Arabic Beef Shawarma
Les Saj proudly offers authentic Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes (falafel, shawarma, donair, etc.) prepared with care. I just love coming in here and smelling the aroma of fresh-baked saj bread.
A must-try is their Traditional Arabic Beef Shawarma. Packed with grilled beef, garlic sauce, pickles, and fries, it’s so hearty and filling that you’d want a nap right after.
For a Netflix and Chill type of date night, order their Mixed Platter for Two. Nothing says “I like you” more than a feast of chicken, beef donair, a shish skewer, lamb kebab, two breads, and hummus, am I right?
| Pro Tip: Les Saj offers catering options if you’re planning a party or office lunch. They’ll even help you create a custom menu that’s sure to impress your hungry guests. |
Terry’s Breakfast & Pita Nutso Shawarma
– Media credit: marcofoodtv
Website: https://pitanutso.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terrysbreakfast.pitanutso.wpg/
Address: 305 McPhillips St, Unit 500
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (204) 306-4663
Must-Order: Chicken Shawarma
Terry’s Breakfast & Pita Nutso Shawarma has become a local favorite for quick, tasty Middle Eastern eats. This counter-serve chain is the kind of place you know you’ll leave satisfied without waiting forever.
Their Chicken Shawarma has never failed to impress me. Tender, marinated chicken is seasoned with fragrant spices and slow-roasted until juicy, wrapped in pita bread, and loaded with all the usual.
You can double up your chicken or beef for a serious protein boost, add cheese or sauteed veggies, or toss in some hummus for a small fee.
And unlike most shawarma spots, this one serves alcohol. Pairing your wrap with an ice-cold beer sounds pretty awesome if you ask me.
| Pro Tip: Follow them on Instagram to catch special deals—think buy-one-get-one offers and discounted shawarma days. |
Yafa Café
– Media credit: yafacafe
Website: https://www.yafacafe.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yafacafe/
Address: 1785 Portage Ave
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (204) 221-1636
Must-Order: Beef Shawarma
Yafa Café brings the flavors of Palestine and the Middle East right to the city. We love that every dish is prepared homestyle and served in the spirit of Arabic hospitality; you walk in and you’re treated like family right away.
A menu (and my) favorite here is their Beef Shawarma, served with your choice of rice or fries alongside hummus or garlic dip and a salad—delicious and customizable.
Since the place doubles up as a cozy cafe, they also serve a luxurious lineup of drinks like creamy lattes, rich hot chocolates, tea, and coffee blends.
| Pro Tip: Sign up for Yafa Café’s newsletter to stay in the loop on promos and discounts. Being the first to know about deals means more shawarma (and lattes) for less. |
Ramallah Cafe
– Media credit: marcofoodtv
Website: https://ramallahcafe.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramallah.cafe
Address: 325 Pembina Hwy
Hours: Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 11:30 PM
Sat – Sun: 12 PM – 11:30 PM
Contact: (204) 615-5535
Must-Order: Beef Shawarma Wrap
Since 2015, Ramallah Cafe has been serving locals the flavors of Palestinian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It was created as a place for everyone to gather, and you can feel that community spirit inside.
I highly recommend their Beef Shawarma Wrap—a favorite here for good reason. Enjoy thinly sliced beef marinated in a mix of spices, then wrapped up with tomatoes, onions, parsley, and pickles.
Since everybody loves a good deal, keep an eye out for their weekday specials. Mondays mean any wrap for just $9.50, while Tuesdays are for platters at $13.49.
| Pro Tip: Ramallah Cafe is a go-to for catering needs. Those planning a family gathering or special event should reach out and call, and they’ll make sure to create a spread that is generous and crowd-pleasing. |
Falafel Place
– Media credit: falafelplacerestaurant
Website: https://falafelplacewinnipeg.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/falafelplacerestaurant/
Address: 1101 Corydon Ave
Hours: Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 2 PM
Sat – Sun: 7 AM – 2:30 PM
Contact: (204) 489-5811
Must-Order: Lamb Shawarma Pita
Falafel Place has been a longtime favorite in the city—a no-brainer in my book. They have a menu that includes gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options, as well as delicious meat-forward offerings with Middle Eastern flavors.
A must-enjoy here is their delectable Lamb Shawarma—a yummy blend of tender lamb pieces, tahini, and salad, wrapped in soft pita bread or served on a plate. And if you’re famished, add an extra serving of beef brisket or shawarma for just $10.50.
Save room for dessert, since their Cheese Blintzes are a local fave. Imagine three delicate crepes stuffed with cottage and cream cheese, served with a side of sour cream and jam.
| Pro Tip: I suggest pairing your shawarma with something fresh. Falafel Place offers freshly-squeezed orange or grapefruit juice to balance your rich, spiced meat. |