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Restaurants › Middle Eastern

Markaz Café Shisha Lounge [?]

222 Richmond St. W. (at Simcoe St.) • View on map »
416-340-7401

It’s Friday night in the entertainment district, and the kids are cramming into a place that doesn’t serve booze. For most of them (though probably not the hijab-adorned young women at the back table), this appears to be the warm-up act before the clubs. And provided you’re not looking for quiet conversation—which the acoustics render impossible—the place works well as a mood setter. The long, narrow room looks like the loft of a designer who just got back from Morocco: brick walls and exposed ventilation juxtaposed with colourful lanterns and throw pillows. With the perfumey scent of shisha filling the air, the effect is vaguely exotic, which also aptly summarizes the food. An appetizer selection of dips, such as hummus and baba ghannouj, veers toward the bland; a little more garlic would go a long way. An entrée platter, though heavy on the cumin, fares better; spicy chappal kebabs are the highlight, but shrimp, potato kebabs and a helping of grilled halal meat all make for a decent start to the evening. Service is pleasant, if a little overwhelmed. Unlicensed.

Closed Monday
Outdoor dining
Vegetarian

222 Richmond St. W. (at Simcoe St.)

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