Tucked away on Roncesvalles is Arbequina, an Arabic restaurant notable for what it doesn’t serve. A fully dry restaurant, the eatery prides itself on its zero-proof beverage program, and cooks without cream, butter or soy. “This allows the true flavours of our ingredients to shine,” says owner and executive chef Moeen Abuzaid. Arbequina was recently given a Michelin nod as a newly recommended restaurant in the guide’s Toronto list — recognition for Abuzaid’s modern, locally grounded approach to Arabic cuisine. “As a new immigrant from Jordan, by way of New York City, I’ve only been in Toronto for six years, but I’ve poured everything into building something special here,” he says. “This acknowledgment feels like a validation of the hard work, long hours, and sacrifices it takes to create a restaurant from the ground up in a new country.”
But for Abuzaid, the recognition goes beyond awards.
“Arabic cuisine is my history, my language and my way of remembering. The flavours, aromas and traditions I cook with carry the stories of my family and the lands they came from. For me, it’s both deeply nostalgic and culturally important — it’s vital for my community to see our food celebrated, shared, and respected, while also inviting others to experience the depth, generosity and beauty of our culture,” Abuzaid says. “Cooking in Toronto allows me to keep those memories alive and share them through every dish.”
Looking for somewhere special to eat this weekend? Here are some of his favourite spots close to Abuzaid’s heart.
