Byblos Downtown is a captivating Middle Eastern restaurant located in the heart of Toronto. Nestled at 11 Duncan St, this gem is celebrated for its delightful dishes and exceptional service, making it a top choice for both special occasions and casual dining. The menu, though not extensive, offers a variety of flavorful options that cater to different tastes, from lamb ribs to Turkish manti dumplings, each brimming with rich flavors and exquisite presentation.
Many patrons rave about the standout lamb shoulder, which is slow-cooked for 12 hours, rendering it so tender it practically melts in your mouth. Accompanied by customizable toppings and refreshing sauces, it transforms each bite into a culinary adventure. Guests also reverently mention the fried eggplant and labneh, showcasing a unique mix of Greek and Middle Eastern influences. With generous portions and a cozy, intimate ambiance, Byblos Downtown invites you to savor every moment of your dining experience. The attentive staff further enhances your stay, offering personalized recommendations that ensure satisfaction. In a city full of dining options, Byblos Downtown stands out as a must-try destination for anyone seeking high-quality Middle Eastern cuisine.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible entrance
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Has great tea selection
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves halal food
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually has a wait
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Photos
Reviews For Byblos Downtown
Salvador Calderón A.
Jun 6,2025
Amazing! It is a great experience! The end-to-end service is excellent. The menu is not too extensive, but it offers different options to taste different alternatives and even for sharing. The food is excellent. Good portions and great flavor! I highly recommend this place for a special occasion, business, or just any time you want to have a great dinner! I suggest to make a reservation.
Bredgy L.
May 21,2025
Follow @bredgyeats for more food photos! There's honestly too much to say about this place, none of them negative. It's that ultra-indulgent meal that you'll think about every time you're hungry, and you'll especially be enamoured if you're a lamb lover like me. The lamb ribs were simply unforgettable with their crisp sesame seed/dukkah crust, covering a melt-in-your-mouth bite of juicy lamb meat. Dollops of yogurt, red chilli schug and ras el hanout glaze give the dish a creamy depth of flavour and a balancing sweetness. However, the star of the show was the lamb shoulder. Each bite has an unmistakably pungent lamby aroma that basically disintegrates in your mouth. It's a punch of savoury flavours that's balanced with sweet and sour pomegranate molasses. The best part was the pita and variety of toppings to customize each bite to your liking. Despite my bias for lamb, the beef kebab was a tough contender for my favourite, even beating out the lamb ribs for me, and the Turkish manti dumplings are not to be overlooked. Even if you're stuffed at the end, somehow your body will make room for the indulgent olive oil chocolate cake that embarrasses the cakes I've had for my birthdays in the past.
Mark Chiang
May 17,2025
Expensive but the lamb shoulder was worth it. Very tender and an excellent combination of flavours. Would definitely get that again. The Turkish dumplings and octopus appetizer were also very good. Small restaurant but cozy atmosphere and excellent service.
Pablo Pérez de Blas
Apr 29,2025
Surprisingly good dinner experience at Byblos. We started with the fried eggplant and labneh—both excellent choices. The eggplant was seasoned with a delicious house blend that gave it a unique, comforting flavor. The labneh came beautifully presented with pistachios, honey, olive oil, and beets, served with fresh bread for dipping. A flavorful mix of Greek and Middle Eastern influences. For the main course, I went with the lamb shoulder based on our server’s recommendation. It was a standout dish—slow-cooked for 12 hours and incredibly tender, it didn’t even need a knife—just two spoons! The lamb was served with tortillas, sauces, and dressings, so you could build your own Middle Eastern-style tacos. The taste was spectacular and the portion size was large enough to easily share between two or even three people. Service was another highlight. Our server stayed with us throughout the meal, was extremely professional, and had deep knowledge of the menu. He offered thoughtful recommendations not just based on taste, but also on portion sizes, which really helped. As for price—yes, it’s on the higher end, but not over-the-top for a fine dining spot. Starters were reasonably priced, and while the lamb was more expensive, the portion and quality absolutely justified it. As a critic, I have to admit that the place was decorated with lights to be a bit dark at night. Byblos is definitely a place I’d recommend for special occasions or even a casual date night if you’re in the mood for modern Middle Eastern-Mediterranean cuisine. A great blend of flavor, ambiance, and attentive service.
Imad T. A
Apr 22,2025
Great place and excellent food. Fusion middle eastern. We go there both as friends and we did our corporate event as well. Jeff, Nicollete and Peter are excellent. From lamb shank to steak or sea food, all items are excellent and full of flavors. Let book for next week now !
Bill Dean
Apr 4,2025
Cool restaurant experience with tons of small plates for lots of sharing and flavor. I really enjoyed the lamb shoulder and ribs. Definitely get a reservation as the place filled up fast after our 5:30 booking. The NA cocktail went over really well with my group too. Staff was very good and explained the food options very well.
Nahid Aghababaeyan
Mar 10,2025
Absolutely Amazing Experience! We had an incredible dining experience at this restaurant! Main Course: We ordered the lamb shoulder (MP, around 60 for us), and it was phenomenal—tender, melt-in-your-mouth, and packed with rich flavors. It came with multiple sauces, adding even more depth to the dish. The portion was generous, easily enough for two, and we couldn’t even finish it! Starters: • Crispy Olives – This was my first time having olives prepared this way, and I loved it! A perfect, unique start to the meal. • Crispy Eggplants – Absolutely delicious! The portion size was great, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking for a bigger, more satisfying appetizer. Highly recommend! Service: The service was exceptional! Our server, Jamie, went above and beyond—she anticipated our needs before we even had to ask. The moment we finished our bread, she brought more without hesitation. She was professional, kind, warm, and truly cared about making our experience perfect. The entire staff was fantastic! I 100% recommend this place and will definitely be coming back. A must-visit!
Lindsay Wennerström
Mar 5,2025
Really great service. The food was delicious as well. Fries were salty and crispy goodness. This chicken was very nice and tender and seasoned nicely.
Reviews For Byblos Downtown