Banu – Middle Eastern
Banu invites guests into a world of vibrant flavors where the smoky aroma of charred eggplant and the bright, herb-flecked crunch of Shirazi salad set the stage for a soulful feast. Succulent beef side ribs and tender, expertly prepared tongue anchor a menu that balances rustic tradition with modern elegance, creating an atmosphere where every shared plate feels like a celebration of heritage.
Queen Street West +14167772268 https://banu.caRating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at Banu
Dairy-Free at Banu
Banu in Toronto has 15 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fresh Herbs, Shirazi Salad and Okra & Eggplant Stew. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Banu
Banu in Toronto has 9 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fresh Herbs, Shirazi Salad and Charred Eggplant. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Banu
Banu in Toronto has 16 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fresh Herbs, Shirazi Salad and Okra & Eggplant Stew. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Banu
Banu in Toronto has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Marinated Olives, Everyday is Koobideh and Turmeric & Split Pea Stew. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at Banu
Banu in Toronto has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including Torshi. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at Banu
Banu in Toronto has 3 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Roasted Eggplant, Grilled Jumbo Shrimp and Torshi. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at Banu
Banu in Toronto has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Torshi. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Banu
Banu in Toronto has 12 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shirazi Salad, Okra & Eggplant Stew and Marinated Olives. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at Banu
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Turmeric & Split Pea Stew | 111.2 g | 118.5 g |
| Fam Jam (serves 4) | 53 g | 64.4 g |
| Saffron Lemon Chicken | 98 g | 52.1 g |
| Fresh Herb Stew | 80.1 g | 47.5 g |
| Beet Salad | 108.3 g | 44.5 g |
| Chenjeh Kabob | 134.4 g | 44.5 g |
| Roasted Eggplant | 10.8 g | 38.8 g |
| Everyday is Koobideh | 4.9 g | 29.4 g |
| Cheese Plate | 41.9 g | 22.6 g |
| Marinated Olives | 1.2 g | 17.8 g |
| Saffron Basmati Rice | 108.2 g | 15.1 g |
| Grilled Jumbo Shrimp | 14.2 g | 5.2 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Diners rave about the outstanding pizza and beautiful presentation, celebrating the menu as a fantastic addition to the neighborhood. Guests love the relaxed vibe and frequently highlight the friendly, attentive service from staff who are quick to offer helpful recommendations. This welcoming atmosphere creates a satisfying experience where the quality of the food and the warmth of the team consistently leave a positive impression.
Menu
Appetizers
- Roasted Eggplant - $15: Oven roasted eggplant, fried mint, caramelized onions, turmeric, whey Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, South-Beach, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tongue - $21: Braised cow tongue, cinnamon, star anise, cardamom, lavash bread (when available) Available at: dinner, lunch
- Banu Salad - $15: Mixed green, blueberries, Persian cucumbers, baby tomatoes Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beet Salad - $15: Grilled beets, feta, mint, micro greens Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cheese Plate - $19: Sheep’s milk cheese, walnuts, in-house sour cherry jam, fresh herbs, barbari bread Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Must Have #1 - $14: Yogourt, cucumber, damask rose, mint, raisin, walnut Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Side Ribs - $19: Grilled beef side rib, pomegranate molasses Available at: dinner, lunch
- Marinated Olives - $14: Angelica, pomegranate molasses, olives, garlic Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Cholesterol, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shirazi Salad - $14: Diced tomato, cucumber, onion, lemon Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Charred Eggplant - $13: Slow smoked eggplant, roast tomato, garlic crisps Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beet Yogourt - $15: Roasted beets, yogourt, elephant garlic, mint Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Must Have #2 - $14: Slow pressed yogourt, elephant garlic, mint Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ground Sirloin Skewer - $16: One skewer grilled ground sirloin, roast tomato, sumach, fresh herbs, wrapped in lavash bread Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Okra & Eggplant Stew - $21: Okra, cinnamon, turmeric, tomato, match stick fries, saffron rice Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Everyday is Koobideh - $25: 2 skewers grilled ground sirloin, tomato, fresh herbs, onion, sumac Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Slow-Carb, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fresh Herb Stew - $25: Braised beef, dried lime, fenugreek, parsley, chives, cilantro, spinach, saffron rice Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Banu Burger - $18: Grilled 6oz beef, brioche bun, fresh herbs, sumac, Persian pickles, grilled tomato, sheep's milk cheese, special sauce Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ontario Lamb: Grilled rack of lamb, pressed yogourt, lemon OR pomegranate molasses & crushed walnut Available at: dinner, lunch
- Turmeric & Split Pea Stew - $25: Yellow split peas, beef, dried lime, tomato, turmeric, saffron rice, match stick fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chenjeh Kabob - $38: 1 skewer grilled beef tenderloin, served with roasted tomato, sumac, fresh herbs, saffron rice Dietary tags: High-Fiber, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Saffron Lemon Chicken - $25: 1 skewer Grilled chicken breast, saffron, lemon, served with fresh herbs, sumac, saffron rice Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pomegranate Beef Tenderloin - $41: 7 oz grilled filet, crushed walnut, pomegranate molasses Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fam Jam (serves 4) - $165: smoked eggplant, yogourt, shirazi salad, ground sirloin x 2, saffron chicken x 1, beef tenderloin x 1, large saffron basmati rice, fresh herbs, grilled tomato Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- Saffron Basmati Rice - $5 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Barberry Rice - $9 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Barbari Bread - $3 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Macrobiotic Available at: breakfast, dinner, lunch
- Fresh Herbs - $4 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Torshi - $4: Persian pickled vegetables Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Frequently Asked Questions about Banu
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include roasted eggplant, beef side ribs, tongue, Shirazi salad, ground sirloin skewers, and the Everyday is Koobideh platter.
- What are this restaurant's hours of operation?
- The provided restaurant data does not contain information regarding the hours of operation for Banu.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- Banu has a website at https://banu.ca, though the provided information does not specify if online ordering is available.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- The provided restaurant data does not contain information regarding the specific number of reviews for Banu.
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- Banu offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with a soulful vibe that balances rustic tradition and modern elegance through beautiful presentation.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- Banu stands out for its unique blend of rustic Middle Eastern tradition, outstanding pizza, and exceptionally attentive, friendly service.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Banu offers vegan, keto, gluten-free, and low-carb options including Shirazi salad, Banu salad, marinated olives, Torshi, and Koobideh skewers.
- Does this restaurant offer good ambiance?
- Banu offers a relaxed vibe and welcoming atmosphere characterized by beautiful presentation and friendly, attentive service from the staff.
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The menu features diverse Middle Eastern options including skewers, stews, and salads, accommodating over 40 dietary preferences like keto and vegan.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- Banu offers good value with a moderate ($$) price level, a 4.0/5 rating, and high-quality dishes like outstanding pizza.
- Is Banu dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Banu has 15 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fresh Herbs, Shirazi Salad and Okra & Eggplant Stew.
- What can I eat at Banu on a dairy-free diet?
- Fresh Herbs, Shirazi Salad and Okra & Eggplant Stew carry the dairy-free tag, out of 15 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Banu have vegan options?
- Yes. 12 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Shirazi Salad and Okra & Eggplant Stew.
- Is Banu gluten-free?
- 9 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at Banu?
- Turmeric & Split Pea Stew, at roughly 118.5g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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