Mediterranean cuisine is as vital to St. Catharines as the Welland Canal and vineyard tours, whether that’s mezze-filled family feasts, cool tzatziki on summer days, or a late-night souvlaki run with friends. The abundance of excellent options—downtown and beyond—might feel daunting, but we welcome it with open arms (and appetites). For the definitive guide to gyros, we have a separate list, but here you’ll find everything else, from moussaka to fresh seafood to honey-drenched baklava.
Osmow’s Shawarma
$ | (905) 641-1515 | WEBSITE
Osmow’s Shawarma specializes in shawarma, which you can order in wraps, on plates, or, our favorite: chicken on the rocks. At $15, the chicken on the rocks comes with enough food to feed two hungry adults. The longer the marinated chicken sizzles on the hot plate, the more the spices bloom and caramelize, turning each bite savory-sweet.
The rest of the meal arrives with generous portions of rice and salad—the perfect accompaniment to a satisfying experience that involves putting more shawarma in your mouth than you thought possible.
Hewad Kabab and Shawarma
$ | (289) 362-3475 | WEBSITE
Much like a hidden gem or a well-kept secret, Hewad Kabab and Shawarma might be known for its convenient location and quick service, but the real star here is their authentic Afghani cuisine. So, while you can order a very solid chicken kebab plate at this casual Niagara Falls spot, the best dish here (and the one worth traveling for) is their tender, flavorful mantu. If you’re with a group, the best move is to order the generous Waziri plate to share.
Otherwise, go for the personal-sized tandoori chicken kebab plate, which adds fluffy rice, soft naan, and fresh salad to make a complete, satisfying meal.
The Lemon Tree
$$ | (289) 362-4000 | WEBSITE
This popular Mediterranean spot in St. Catharines is famous for its baklava cheesecake, which is so decadent that you’ll want to save room for dessert. Sweet-tooth satisfaction isn’t the only reason to come, though. The creative plant-based dishes and generous portions here are excellent, and everyone in the dining room, from families with dietary restrictions to solo diners enjoying the patio, has both on their table.
When you want something fresh and inspiring, go for the dolmades and stuffed mushrooms with their vibrant Mediterranean flavors. When you need some warmth and comfort, get the potatoes and dolmades with a side of that incredible cheesecake.
Shawarma Hut Plus
$ | (905) 688-6888 | WEBSITE
The bustling counter at this beloved shawarma spot in St. Catharines is essentially a masterclass in Mediterranean comfort. Do you want yours wrapped in warm pita with garlicky chicken and crisp vegetables, piled high on a plate with fragrant rice and tender falafel, or as a generous combo that showcases both? There’s no wrong answer, and the only mistake would be skipping the owner’s perfectly seasoned rice, which has a subtle, savory depth that keeps regulars coming back.
Each generously portioned meal costs around $15 and arrives with a side of fresh salad, creamy garlic sauce, and pickled turnips, plus the genuine warmth of service that makes you feel like family. The atmosphere is the best part: clean, bright, and genuinely welcoming, where the owner’s care for his customers creates an experience that’s as satisfying as a home-cooked meal shared with friends.
Pita Lite Shawarma
$ | (905) 688-9090 | WEBSITE
Pita Lite Shawarma has been serving St. Catharines for years, and while the city’s dining scene has evolved, this spot remains a reliable, clean establishment with genuinely kind service. It’s still a straightforward, bright restaurant that offers halal beef kabob, classic chicken shawarma, and a surprisingly decent chicken shawarma poutine. Each bite of their chicken shawarma can be delicious and flavorful, though sometimes it arrives a bit dry and lacking in toppings.
For such a hearty dish, it’s satisfyingly simple, especially when you enjoy it fresh with the warm pita. The poutine portions are generous, so consider the regular shawarma if you’re not too hungry.
Shawarma Point
$ | (905) 646-1777 | WEBSITE
Finding Shawarma Point feels like stumbling upon a hidden gem—you’ll spot it tucked away in a modest storefront, but once you step inside, you’re greeted by the warm, inviting aroma of roasting meats and spices. At this cozy counter-service spot, you’re in for a casual, satisfying meal, with staff moving briskly behind the counter to upbeat pop tunes.
For around $15 per person, the generous mixed shawarma platter is more comforting than the price suggests, even if the vibrant, flavor-packed Mediterranean dishes make you lean in for another bite.
The creamy hummus delivers a smooth, garlicky punch, but the best items are more straightforward, like the mixed meat shawarma poutine with its crispy fries and savory toppings, lemony garlic sauce that arrives right when you need a zesty kick, and a sweet, flaky baklava that ends the meal on a perfect note.
Lazeez Shawarma
$ | (905) 687-7420 | WEBSITE
The team behind Lazeez Shawarma knows how to fill up a plate with generous portions, but their St. Catharines spot takes it up a notch. This compact Mediterranean restaurant specializes in wraps so flavorful they’re assembled right before your eyes and handed over in one swift motion. What follows is an impressive meal: the shawarma dinner plate with juicy meat and fluffy rice, the amazing falafel wrap with fresh ingredients, and that standout garlic sauce.
You’ll probably lose track of all the balanced flavors around bite #5. For now, the standard wrap runs about $12, with even heartier platters available.
It’s about thyme Mediterranean cuisine
$ | (905) 688-4444 | WEBSITE
There are plenty of spots to grab a quick shawarma wrap in St. Catharines, but It’s About Thyme is the best of them, especially since some other local favorites have closed. They make all of their falafel and baked goods from scratch, and for about $2 more, you can upgrade to the special beef, cheese, and garlic sauce flatbread, which is a little indulgent and super flavorful.
Stop by with a friend on a busy afternoon, order some takeout and a couple of shawarma plates, and be sure to include a falafel sandwich—here, they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside with fresh toppings.
Cafe Amore
$$ | (905) 988-6404 | WEBSITE
St. Catharines has plenty of solid Italian restaurants, but rarer are those that deliver both wonderful food and a truly romantic ambiance. That’s why we’re grateful for Cafe Amore. This cozy spot offers a consistently delightful experience with generous portions that are tough to finish. Think rich Alfredo sauce, standout chicken parmesan, and highly recommended stuffed chicken and chicken Marsala.
Appetizers like fried provolone, stuffed mushrooms, and roasted garlic and goat cheese are delicious. The comfortable setting, even when full, helps keep things warm and inviting.