Shawarma Palace (Centretown)

Worst shawarma palace in Ottawa… the salad was soggy, wilted and brown, tomatoes were on its last ends. Potatoes overcooked and dry, rice was cooked in soo much cinnamon and dry and not good. Hummus was oily and watery. Chicken was dry not good. Whole thing was cold and just gross

Ordered online, large shawarma poutine. Normally I get the add on for garlic sauce but this time they gave next to nothing for sauce for this large poutine and there’s almost no gravy. Very disappointed this time, I just ordered this last week on uber as a part of a group order and it was great. Picture taken after having one bite.

I don't know if they are trying to keep the garlic sauce for themselves at this location but only giving 4 of these little sauce cups for 2x Shawarma platters and 1x medium side order of potatoes is criminal. I'm hoping this location is a franchise and this isn't a sign that shawarma palace is past its peak.

Shawarma Palace is a family-run and proudly Canadian business. Since opening its doors in 1997, it has become Ottawa's go-to choice for quick-serve Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, offering delicious food and exceptional service. As a customer, I was drawn in by the sight of the chicken grilling perfectly, making me even hungrier with each passing moment. The aroma and the visual appeal were simply irresistible. With numerous locations already open and more on the way, it's no wonder Shawarma Palace has consistently been voted Ottawa's #1 Shawarma since 1997. Their commitment to using only the freshest ingredients, sourced from top-quality suppliers, combined with a secret family recipe passed down through generations, truly sets them apart. And the generously packed platters? They’re just the cherry on top, making every visit a satisfying experience.

First and last time in here. Walked in and was not acknowledged in favor for the online orders. 3 employees doing 1 persons job. Finally I was spoken to. The sandwhich was hastily thrown together and tastes like it. Barely any of the things I asked for in it. $20.79 for a sandwhich, potatoes, and a luke warm drink. Over all not impressed with the service, the ice cold atmosphere, or the food. Should have just gone to KFC like I intended to.

The shawarma platter that we received was cold and was barely any chicken. Plus bad customer service from the lady at the cash

When I first moved to Centretown five years ago, I used to get takeout from here regularly. Unfortunately, over the last couple of years - and especially recently - the quality has declined significantly. Today, I found a very rotten cherry tomato in my salad, and my “large” salad had roughly half the amount of chicken that is normally on it. Recent comments have also mentioned the portion sizes have changed. A few months ago, I bit into a large piece of plastic in my food. While my order was replaced at the time, it raised serious concerns about food safety, particularly with meat kept on the heat lamp as there may have been additional plastic on the meat that was not visible (I was told it came from plastic wrap used on the meat when they store it at the end of the day). Additionally, other reviews are accurate regarding customer service. The dark-haired woman at the cash is consistently rude and often stares at customers in a way that feels uncomfortable and unwelcoming. It’s also not uncommon to be ignored for 2-3 minutes with no other customers ahead of me. Even my mom found it so odd when she was visiting. That said, they seem to have new staff lately. The new cashier who served me today was very nice. Lastly, the outside steps are a slipping hazard and should be addressed.

Came in with all my friends. 7 of us and ordered 11 shawarmas and they made them all in a timely manner. Not leaving out quality. The shawarmas were so amazing and even gave us potatoes on the side on the house. Amazing workers so respectful and absolutely recommend. Definitely coming back

Best shawarma in Canada and the only reason I wanna go back/visit Ottawa. Bless the Lebanese diaspora in ottawa The garlic toum is absolutely unreal.

Great portions but okay food. This is my second time trying shawarma palace because I did not enjoy my first visit at the OG locstion. I can say Ottawa does not make the best shawarma ...lol. The best shawarma I've had is still in Toronto. The chicken shawarma was inconsistent, some pieces were okay, but other was dry. The beef was gamey, but at least it wasn't dry.

I just bought a viral chicken shawarma from this Shawarma Palace, and it was completely burned. It's really disappointing to receive food like that. We don't have time to come all the way back to return it.

Been having shawarma palace for almost 2 decades at various locations. I can appreciate it more now that I have moved. This particular location is very large, lots of parking, ample amount of seating from booths to tables. There is even a fire place. You get in line, your order is made on the spot and you find a seat. The menus has changed over the years but the original taste has remained the same. I recommend the chicken shawarma platter with spicy garlic sauce definitely large enough for two to share (I see so many plates on the table with half eaten food). Got a sandwich, the pita was crispy on the outside and the chicken with the garlic and vegetables was juicy. The staff is typically friendly, the service is usually quick. Accessible: Yes, ramp entrance (only one portion of seating area has stairs)

I Uber ordered in a beef shawarma plate (sans salad, in the words of Homer Simpson you don't make friends with salad) and they did not disappoint! I made a note to load me up with garlic and hummus and there is more than I know what to do with. The beef is tender, and flavourful. A couple of fatty pieces but overall really good. The rice was delicious, the potatoes were my only complaint and it's minor (they just weren't really flavourful) but I'm guessing they're insanely busy so it might have slipped by and with the hummus and the garlic it made up for it. They also put a delicious sesame sauce on top of the beef that just amped up the whole experience. Best shawarma plate I've had in a long time!

I love the beef shawarma. Big serving and sauce was so delicious! Service was fast. Simple restaurant but clean.

Let me tell y'all Shawarma Palace saw we M U L T I P L E times in Ottawa. This Mediterranean cuisine, street food is bomb, if you know, you know! I would stop at this particular spot after getting my nails done, I always got the chicken wrap with lettuce, tomato, garlic hummus, hot sauce and no pickles. The bread is very thin, so you're mainly eating protein and vegetables. This is a meal that fills you up, but you aren't stuffed after (I hate feeling). I stayed away from the dinner meal because they pack that container up and I knew I didn't need that much food (photo attached for proof lol). I'll miss this spot but excited to try Mediterranean spots in DC, can anyone direct me to the nearest Shawarma restaurant lol?

Front door locks and you can't get in when it's open. Door issue. Clean. Parking isn't easiest since it's bank. Food was average, I expected more since they have a sign "voted number 1 in ottawa". Food well stocked. Service was okay. They forgot my side tahini. Dolmas were great! Lots of room for indoor dining. Overall decent, but it didn't stand out.

The high ratings for this place escape me. First off they seem to be not following pandemic protocol as all the employees didn't have masks on! Secondly this seems to be a grab and go kind of spot so the ventilation etc isn't the best. All of this would have been ok had the food been any good nope just your run of the mill stuff. I ordered the mix plate and it was dry. The only saving grace IMO is the garlic sauce which packs a wallop. I don't have a reference for this kind of food in Ottawa so can't really compare. Dining companions who are from the region gave it a thumbs down as well.

Busy (fresh) shawarma place. Homemade and delicious. Definitely my go to place in Ottawa.

Awesomely huge portions of very tasty Lebanese food! The plates come with a huge pile of meat (the chicken, beef, and kefta were all great), rice (white or brown), potato chunks with very garlicy garlic sauce, hummus, pickled veggies, salad, and pita. One plate fed me for 2 big dinners and a small lunch!

The palace is the place to be, if you're looking for great Shawarma that is. Small eatery but very hospitable and helpful to satisfy your craving! We ended up going on a Sunday afternoon. Place wasn't very busy but the owner was very attentive to help us out. I had the classic chicken shawarma as did my friends. This was very tasty. I could tell the chicken was moist and all the fixin's made it taste great. The extra awesome part was the lady at the counter brought a plate of garlic potatoes on the house! So kind of them. We left filled and fulfilled. Would definitely go back here if i'm ever back in Ottawa.

The best shawarma I've ever had & it's not particularly close. A must stop if you're in the Ottawa area.

Usually plenty of seating available. The food is comparably good to the Rideau location. Staff is very friendly. I really like the shawarma here.

Went in today for my lunch break. I've always loved the shawarma (the garlic sauce... yuuummmm). However, I went in today shocked to see that all 3 people behind the counter were wearing their masks wrong (below the nose). Masks are still mandatory inside all stores and workplaces. I asked each one to wear their mask properly before handling my food, which they did begrudgingly. One of their masks fell back down immediately and they did not fix it. This is covid safety 101. It's not hard. Everyone knows how to wear their mask by now, it's been over a year. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

Awsome arabic food. I ordereyshish kebob and it tasted great! The service is amazing, friendly and fast.

Wow! What a meal. It was our game night and we ordered the chicken shawarma meal for a family. A sound hit. I picked it up at the restaurant and I was totally impressed by the cleanliness and modern facilities. I would have been most pleased to dine in there. When I got home, I could hear everyone raving about the meal as they opened the containers and set them on the table. What a feast! The chicken was plentiful, succulent and done just right. The rice and potatoes done to perfection. One of the freshest fatoush salads we have ever had. The onions, beet and dill pickles could not be better. There was a good supply of pitas, hummus and garlic mayo to compliment our meal. Not one negative comment from our gang. That meal any other shawarma eatery in town that we have ever tried. We were four solid converts to the Glebe Shawarma Palace and I am confident they will see us again. Our go to place for this type of meal.

Our family of four ordered two chicken shawarma sandwiches and a mixed plate and 6 mini donuts. Not only was the food top notch, but we witnessed the most heart-warming thing. They gave every delivery person a sandwich to eat.

I have not found better shawarma in the entire city. Excellent. The salads and sides they serve are very nice too. A bit more expensive than average, but worth it.

Standard shawarma place. Better then the others on bank street Chicken here is good and service is polite, decent but rushed if busy. Large portions fresh food.

It was great. Good garlic and potatoes. You will get a lot with the platter. If you don't eat a lot, get a sandwich.

Great shawarma! Chicken quality is higher than other places in town and their spicy garlic sauce is great

Definetely not the #1 voted in Ottawa. I want to give this place a negative 100 star rating. Me and my husband came here from Toronto. I ordered a chicken sandwich and my husband ordered a chicken poutine. The guy making my sandwich gave me some sort of attitude as if He is doing a favour to me. Let me tell you the chicken tasted so bad and I returned it right after the first bite. It smelled as if it was old chicken. There were two rotisserie of chicken one was new and the other one had 15% left on it.. you can understand where did he scraped the chicken for my sandwich.. even after telling him the chicken smelled bad, he made the 2 Nd sandwich with the same chicken. No shame!! My husband didn't just took one bite and left the whole platter as is. Please don't go to this location and waste your money. I spent 22 dollars for just coming out of that place disappointed. I have been to a lot of shawarma places in Toronto from best to worse but never been to a place where in spite of telling the chicken smelt bad someone still keep using the same chicken. I canceled my reservation from wilf and adas a breakfast place next door to have the worse shawarma ever.. the worse part is I should have taken the picture of my food. But I was so disappointed that didn't want to stay there even for a minute. Also, this is my first time writing a review because I think it's okay to not to write a review when you have an amazing experience but one should definitely let people know about their awful one's.