- Last Updated on: Oct 2024
“A donair a day keeps the doctor away “- said nobody ever. Nevertheless, here is our 2024 donair Edmonton guide nominating 30 standout donair shops. Brought to you from the self-appointed donair capital of the world – Edmonton, Alberta.
These filling and tastefully rich wraps will fill anyone up to the fullest, with many claiming them to be the best food for preventing hangovers.
In fact, the dish has become so popular throughout Edmonton that there are countless ( 120 according to Edmonton Journal ) places to choose from.
If there is an iconic cultural food in Edmonton, it is the donair and nobody does it better than Swiss Donair.
Swiss Donair
8308 144 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5E 2H4
Swiss donair might not appear like they have such tasty food, but don’t let their central counter approach fool you. This basic counter-serve restaurant has all of the options you’ll need beef and chicken-wise, including their famous donair wrap. The eatery also carries burgers, falafel, and poutine. With a motto like “It’s Way Better Here” it’s a must for any Edmonton foodie.
Basha Donair & Shawarma Parsons Road
441 Parsons Rd SW, Edmonton, AB T6X 0W6
As soon as you walk in the doors, you will know this place is different. From the glitzy and shiny clean floors to the numerous donair and appetizer options you will see why this is the top donair franchise in Edmonton. The restaurant prides itself on presenting food that’s plentiful and filled with fresh, healthy ingredients, and unique flavours. Compare to most donair shops ( and restaurants ) the level of cleanliness and attention to detail is unparalleled.
Donair & Shawarma House West
18555 Stony Plain Rd, Edmonton, AB T5S 2X6
Close to West Edmonton Mall. If you are ever close to WEM make a 5 minute drive and you will find yourself feasting in the best donair and shawarma in West Edmonton. The Jumbo Donair can literally feed a baby elephant for a day and their platters are of the highest quality taste and ingredients.
Donair & Shawarma House
800 Broadmoor Blvd #340, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 4Y6
A Mediterranean restaurant on 800 Broadmoor Blvd Sherwood Park makes food that’s authentic and freshly done in-house every day. The restaurant also only sources locally, making their food that much tastier as a result. Definitely check it out for one of the relatively newer spots in the city. With 4.9 reviews this is a must to have and may increase in ranking over time too.
Marco’s Famous Unity Square
10371 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2S1
Restaurants with a reputation are always a worthwhile experience, and Marco’s famous certainly falls under that regard. Marco’s has a fantastic menu that features an array of classic fast-food burgers, fries, and gyros in a space with bright decor. You can’t miss Marcos Famous’ bright lights as you drive past in on 104 Ave. They are open late, (3 am on weekends ), so if you are looking for a hangover meal close to downtown Edmonton, then this is the place for you.
Sir Donair & Pizza
14210 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5L 2M5
Restaurants that have been around for a long time have something worth showing, and that’s where Sir Donair & Pizza comes into play. The first Donair on this list West Side of Edmonton. Their extensive menu is prepared right in front of you, allowing you to see precisely what you’re getting before munching down on it. With plenty of parking and generous donair sizes to fill you up.
87 Pizza & Donair
18914 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 6J1
Who knew that pizza and donair could be such a popular option together, and what better choice in that regard? Their menu includes pizza, donair, giant burgers, and homemade Shawarma platters. Is it pizza or donair night? Try out their famous donair pizza if you can’t decide!
Captain Shawarma
15831 87 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5R 4G7
Captain Shawarma Donair & Falafel has been is proudly based in West Edmonton by Meadowlark Shopping Centre. Go on a Mediterranean adventure with Captain Shawarma and try their subs and express packs which can serve your whole crew. Fire in the hole!
Wrap N Roll Express
10522 111 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5H 3E7
Don’t be fooled by the name, Wrap N Roll Express carries authentic donairs. They also offer a wide array of pizzas made in a traditional brick fire oven. This new place right behind Grant MacEwan might just be your new favourite if you are a student.
Donair Bros
2305 Rabbit Hill Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6R 3L6
Donair Bros is the newest modern donair restaurant in Edmonton. Located right on Rabbit Hill Road, treat yourself to a hot donair meal right after a fun session on the ski slopes. Boasting 4.9 stars and over 200 reviews.
Famous Donair
1080 Strathcona Dr, Sherwood Park, AB T8A 0Z7
Hailed consistently as “the only donair place you ever need to go to” by some members of the notorious Sherwood Park Review Group, Nik the owner, is also known for his great kindness and excellent service often going above and beyond. With 4.8 stars and over 400 reviews and counting, Famous Donair is the go-to for excellent food and service in a down-to-earth setting.
Top Donair Beaumont
6306 50 St, Beaumont, AB T4X 0B6
Do you find yourself in the deep south of Edmonton? Make a quick drive to Top Donair Beaumont which will guaranteed to satisfy your shawarma cravings. Under great local and independent donair shop with wonderful owners and great service.
Donair Stop
9718 Ottewell Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6B 2E8
Located on Ottewell Rd it is an excellent quick-bite service stop for customers to eat. If you thought this, you’ll be glad to know you’re right. The restaurant isn’t anything extraordinary, but if you’re looking for great food and a quick bite, this is the spot for you.
Vegas Donair & Poutine
8525B 112 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2L7
Vegas Donair is located right in the heart of the University of Alberta, it is an excellent late-night spot that’ll fulfill your donair craves. The staff is amicable and helpful, making it a fine choice to consider in the city.
Taystee Donair & Pizza
550 Clareview Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T5A 4H2
A truly signature take on their donair, and you can’t miss out on it. The restaurant packs the flavour of traditionally prepared donair meats with a number of excellent sauces and toppings. They do their own delivery too, so support them if you can and order direct from the website or app.
Donair Station
17234 95 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5T 6P1
As you can imagine, with a name like Donair station, this excellent spot is an excellent stop. Popular choices include beef donair, chicken shawarma, chicken souvlaki, and falafel. They take only cash or debit so bring your spare change!
Dream Donair and Pizza
6230 99 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 6E1
Eating a donair is always a dream, especially if it’s from a good spot. Dream Donair and Pizza makes it a priority to serve the best quality food while ensuring all of its customers are satisfied. Their menu offers a comprehensive selection of donairs, burgers, kebabs, and pizza.
Jerusalem Shawarma
8708 155 St NW, Edmonton, AB T5R 1W2.
Cosmic Pizza & Donair St Albert
504 St Albert Trail #30, St. Albert, AB T8N 5Z1
Although primarily known for its pizza than donair, Cosmic Pizza secretly carries one of the city’s best donair options. They are another franchise with multiple locations in the city, but the St. Albert one always comes highly rated.
BD Donair & Poutine
2569 17 St NW, Edmonton, AB T6T 0Y2
Often regarded as the best halal restaurant in the city of Edmonton. With a simple approach to their menu, you won’t be disappointed. Their menu includes donair, poutine, pizza, and much more. They are located right across the Meadows rec centre so next time pay them a visit after your workout. You deserve it!
Richard’s Donair & Sub
12648 137 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5L 4Y5
Claiming to be the king of donair, Richard’s Donair & Sub is probably not the King but it has everything you could want to satisfy your hunger needs. Having been in the city for over thirty years, there’s a reason Richard’s has been around for such a long time.
Rob's Donair
390 Baseline Rd #232, Sherwood Park, AB T8H 2H
This non assuming hole in the wall in Baseline Road, Sherwood Park serves up a great donair and poutine. Eat Well and Travel Often is there motto on the wall. Rob the owner ensures to take care of his customers with friendly service and a good portion meal.
Vancia Donair & Shawarma
11722 104 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5K 2P3
From the same owners of Vancia Cafe, it is the new favourite in Oliver Square. Try out their amazing Shawarma platter and wraps if you are in the area. They even have poutine and serve bubble tea!
Donair Fusion
5 Spruce Village Way, Spruce Grove, AB T7X 0B2
If you are out in Spruce Grove try them out for a local alternative and favourite of the Spruce Grove community. We are not sure if they conjure up the goods in the lab or not, but they are pretty darn good!
What is with the Donair Craze?
Donair is delicious wrap-style food from Canada that’s been around for a long time and first originated in Halifax. Although different meat options depend on where you go, it’s most commonly prepared with ground beef. The beef is sliced thinly, similar to a cheesesteak, and is spiced and flavoured onto a pita.
Legend has it, that it was first introduced in Edmonton at the King of Donair in 1973. Since its inception, it has grown across Canada, making it a prevalent late-night dish for food enthusiasts. What is not to love about a donair? They are a great grab-and-go bite when you are in a rush and don’t have time to make dinner. Most of the donairs in Edmonton have large and extra-large sizes that are a meal and then some.
Are Donairs in Edmonton made differently?
Donair is prepared using ground beef that’s sliced thinly like a cheesesteak. The beef is cooked on a grill where it is seasoned and sauteed, depending on the restaurant’s preference. It can usually be made very quickly, allowing customers the option to eat it without having to wait a long time.
When the meat is done, it then goes on a pita where it is topped with tomatoes, raw onions, and donair sauce. The sauce is most commonly made with sweetened condensed milk, vinegar, and garlic powder. Every restaurant varies with how it’s done, but this is it in the most traditional sense.
Just about every Edmonton citizen or donair enthusiast will give you a different answer of what their favourite spot is. Even with the list above featuring 30 different options to select from, there are still many more choices out there. As time goes on, more donair spots will open to the public.
Are they healthy?
If you’re wondering if donairs are healthy, you’re asking the wrong questions. As you can imagine, with a recipe that’s deemed as being a late-night snack, it’s safe to assume that donairs aren’t too healthy. This isn’t to say they don’t have healthy qualities. All it means is you shouldn’t strictly eat donair.
The health benefits of eating donairs would be from the veggies they’re topped with and the protein in the meat itself. Aside from that, don’t expect to eat anything too nutritional from a donair meal. Regardless, donairs taste fantastic, and that’s the entire point of ordering one anyway.
If you are very health conscious or on a diet you could try going for the donair salad or a falafel platter with rice. Go easy on the sauce, that is where all the extra hidden calories are.
How popular are donairs in Edmonton really?
There are no less than 120 donair locations in Edmonton. Seeing as there are so many spots in Edmonton, one can reconcile how popular of a dish it is in the city and country as a whole. If you’ve never tried one before, just wait until you take your first bite. You’ll be flooded with a lot of emotion, and it’ll take you for a taste trip.
By the end, you’ll start planning your next fix for another. Yes, they’re that addicting. Just make sure you pace yourself because they’re not the healthiest option to eat. Still, there’s nothing wrong with eating one late at night when you have a craving, so always do what you want!
Donair Poutine
A serving of fries, meat, cheese curds and donair meat with sweet sauce and gravy. A donair poutine may not be for the faint of heart or those on a diet. You only live once so you might as well live a little and give it a try at least once
Donair Pizza
This is now a staple for any pizza place in Edmonton. Sliced donair meat on an oven baked pizza topped with tomatoes, onions and sweet sauce. A popular favourite among the locals.
Nominate Your Favourite Restaurant
Hopefully, this list helped you decide your next meal in Edmonton. Regardless, be sure to visit their websites to see which restaurant makes the most sense for you. If you don’t see your favourite donair place feel free to drop a message in our contact form. You can also see a list of our restaurant partners here or learn more about donair online ordering, Edmonton website design and tv menu boards for restaurants if you are an owner.
