About Ottawa Kabab
Bringing together Syrian, Iraqi, Lebanese and Turkish cooking traditions in the heart of Ottawa.
Timeless Flavors, Vintage Vibes
Authentic Middle Eastern Food in Ottawa
At 577 Gladstone Avenue in Ottawa’s Centretown, we bring together Syrian breakfast, Iraqi favourites, Lebanese mezze and Turkish charcoal-grilled dishes. Explore our menu, learn about our halal practices, and join us for a meal in a warm, welcoming space inspired by the food traditions we grew up with.
"About Us" in Arabic
Would you like to learn more about us in Arabic? Ottawa Kabab has been thoroughly reviewed by Arabz, providing detailed insights in Arabic.
Exquisite halal gastronomy
Traditional Middle Eastern Halal Cuisine
Our kitchen draws on Syrian and Iraqi food traditions, with Lebanese and Turkish favourites across the menu. We source halal meat from trusted suppliers and explain our approach on the halal practices page. From charcoal-grilled kababs and shawarma to mezze and desserts, there is something to share at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Planning a gathering? Explore our Ottawa catering options, or contact the restaurant with a question about the menu.
We are renowned for our
Charcoal-Grilled Kababs and Traditional Middle Eastern Dishes
One of our famous offerings is the hearty breakfast, featuring dishes like Syrian Fatteh, loaded with almonds, pomegranate seeds, chickpeas, and crisp pita bread. For lunch and dinner, the "Mix Grill on Charcoal," is the most popular meal, perfect for families or large groups. You can also add Middle Eastern appetizers like smoky baba ganoush and creamy eggplant mutabal with tahini to complement any meal perfectly.
Whether you're a meat-eater or a vegetarian, you'll find a delightful variety of options on our menu. For dessert, we offer a variety of homemade pastries and sweets made fresh daily in our kitchen. Indulge in almond-topped semolina cakes called harissa, the decadent Cheese Kunafe topped with pistachios, and traditional Turkish baklava.
An atmosphere full of memories that
takes you back in time
We aim to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that offers a rich cultural dine-in experience reflecting our Eastern heritage. Our unique restaurant decor adds a distinctive cultural and artistic touch to your dining experience. The walls are adorned with special Arabic writings and caricatures of famous Arab figures like Abu Antar, a symbol of bravery and humor in Syrian drama, and Ghawar Al-Toshi, adding a touch of humor. Additionally, some walls feature photographs showcasing Syrian cities and significant historical landmarks, allowing visitors to embark on a visual journey to Syria without leaving the restaurant.
We serve our meals in traditional copper dishes to enhance the authenticity of the dining experience. These beautiful copper dishes not only add to the traditional ambiance but also play an important role in maintaining and evenly distributing the food's heat. While Ottawa Kabab may sound like a destination for meat lovers, we also take pride in offering authentic desserts that visitors can enjoy. Whether you're picking up or dining in, you're welcome to relax in our cozy café, savoring a cup of Arabic coffee while sampling some of our sweet treats.
Our Story: How It All Began
A Journey from Middle East To Canada
At Ottawa Kabab, we are passionate about sharing the authentic tastes of the Middle East with our customers. Our story begins with our owner, Mamown Srdah, who grew up in Syria and has always deeply loved the rich and complex flavors of his culture's cuisine.
In late 2021, Srdah took over Ottawa Kabab, which had previously been an Iraqi-owned restaurant. With his extensive knowledge of Syrian cuisine, Srdah created a menu showcasing the best of his country's dishes while featuring Lebanese and Iraqi favorites.
With the addition of Huthaifa Al Aridi, our co-founder and pastry chef, our menu now includes an extensive selection of mouth-watering Middle Eastern sweets. Al Aridi brings 25 years of experience in making traditional sweets like Knafeh and Baklavas, which are now available for our customers to enjoy.
Year Experience in Restaurant Business
Halal Certified Sources
Middle Eastern Chefs
Like Homemade Food
Good Vibes Place
In The News
Ottawa Citizen: Local Food Reviews
"This Gladstone Avenue eatery offers a variety of delicious meatless options, including the must-try fatteh hummus."
We're Deeply Honored
Dining Out: Ottawa Kabab's complex and hefty Syrian breakfasts pleased vegetarians and meat-eaters alike
Despite the signage outside Ottawa Kabab that reads "Let's meet for meat," my vegetarian dining companions enjoyed their meals there this week.