Winner – Jimmy’s A&A Mediterranean Deli
This little corner store in northwest Calgary has been a hidden hot spot for shawarma, donair and all the delights you’d expect to find in a Mediterranean deli since the ‘90s. With a second location now open in the southwest, Calgarians have even more access to their favourite pitas, platters and even spices or ingredients for home cooking.
1304 4 St. S.W., 403-264-3424; 1401 20 Ave. N.W., 403-289-1400; jimmysdonair.ca, @jimmysaanda
2nd – Aida’s Bistro
The delicious smells of home-cooked Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine are enough to entice any customer to pop into this family-run bistro. The wide selection of dishes from sandwiches and salads to generous sharable platters like the deli board make this a great place to try a variety of flavours with family and friends (when restrictions allow).
2208 4 St. S.W., 403-541-1189, aidasbistro.ca, @aidasbistro
3rd – Jerusalem Shawarma
Jerusalem Shawarma has expanded significantly since opening its first restaurant in Country Hills and now has several locations around the city. If you’ve ever tasted a heaping dollop of its popular house-made garlic sauce, it’s not hard to see why this local eatery is so popular. The family-run business is known for exceptional and friendly service, so customers always leave with full bellies and big smiles.
Multiple locations, jerusalemshawarma.net, @jerusalemshawarma
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[This story has been updated to correct the fact that Jerusalem Shawarma’s first location was in Country Hills, not on 16 Avenue N.W.]