What makes the best Lebanese food in Toronto?

There are dozens of Lebanese restaurants in Toronto, each one with their own flair. Lush mountains of tabbouleh, bowl after bowl of velvety hummus, stacks of juicy falafel... this cuisine is truly special, and we love sharing our own philosophy behind what makes Daymi the best of the best (and the competition is fierce).

Lebanese food 101

Lebanese food is naturally wholesome because of how much fresh produce we use. It's also why our cuisine is often vegetarian-friendly and healthy without even trying: fresh veggies are a foundational element of how we cook! 

There’s also a real complexity to many of our dishes. A single plate can contain countless layers of flavour — from sweet to sour to salty — because it's brought to life through hours of careful preparation. Many Lebanese recipes are labour-intensive, passed down through generations, and reflect a kind of culinary patience that makes each bite rich with meaning.

Finally, the variety contained within Lebanese cuisine is unmatched. Because of its ancient history, our food has absorbed a medley of influences over centuries while preserving its distinctly Lebanese traditions. 

Beyond the hummus and falafel everyone knows, there are countless dishes, from sayadiyeh to foul, that most people outside Lebanon have yet to discover. This diversity is what makes sharing our food so exciting: there’s always something new to taste, and all of it carries the same spirit of generosity and hospitality at its core.

Bringing a dish to life

When co-owner Yasmine starts dreaming up a new dish for our menu, it usually begins with a question: “Which dishes from home do I miss the most, and what would I want to find if I were looking for comfort food on a hectic day?” From there, we choose recipes that are true to their roots yet practical enough to enjoy as quick meals or takeout.

We keep our menu pretty traditional, but we also have a healthy respect for modern sensibilities. Daymi’s “modern twist” is less about culinary fusion and more about how we tell the story of Lebanese food: our clean design lets the food speak for itself, our welcoming space adds a layer of hospitality that’s just as important as the dishes themselves, and our events connect food to culture to remind us how the two are always intertwined.

Ingredients > everything

Lebanese food depends on fresh, carefully selected, in-season ingredients. After all, the quality of your output is only as good as your input: think bright herbs, crisp vegetables, and complex spices that provide exceptional depth and vibrancy. 

We pay particularly close attention to our sourcing, whether it’s choosing a sesame paste straight from Yasmine's hometown in Lebanon or only using fresh Roma tomatoes for our sauces instead of canned. Even the smallest decisions, like the brand of tomato paste we use, matter to us. Because every little upgrade can turn up the "volume" on the flavour of a dish. 

Seasonality also plays a starring role. Lebanese food has always been rooted in what’s available for harvest, and we try to keep that spirit alive in our kitchen. The best Lebanese food is simple but deeply flavorful, and that can only be achieved when you respect nature’s rhythm.

Our door’s always open

The best Lebanese food is about way more than what’s on your plate. It’s the way you’re welcomed like family, the way a meal is shared, and the sense that there’s always room for one more person at the table. 

One of the most common pieces of feedback we get is that our food reminds people of home, and we can't imagine a higher compliment. So come by our place for a meal, take something to go, or allow us the pleasure of catering your next event so you can experience it all for yourself.