After hearing many positive reviews on their falafel, I decided to give them a try. While most of the food was great (4.5/5), the atmosphere and beverages certainly need work. This review will go from most positive to negative.

For starters, the falafel was excellent. They may seem expensive at a first glance, that is until you see how large they are. They’re easily 2x the size (if not larger) than how most other places make them. Texturally they are crispy on the outside and soft, but still firm on the inside. They were very well seasoned and had great flavour without being too overpowering.

The truffle mushroom hummus was also fantastic! Texture was very smooth and creamy. Seasonings were on point and tasted very fresh. The added chickpeas and mushrooms on top are a very nice touch. One thing I didn’t like though was there were certain parts of the hummus that were quite spicy. This was very unexpected and took us by surprise. Not sure if this was a mistake or intentional, but either way was unnecessary and took away from the experience. I also found the pita bread far too dense than what it should have been. It’s worth nothing that they only include a single piece of pita bread in which you need to request more if desired. They give you a very generous portion of the hummus, so I would expect an adequate amount of pita to be included in a basket.

The flavour of the tofu was good, however was lacking in texture as it was fairly soft. This dish would certainly benefit from the tofu being cooked until crispy, or at the least, more firm in general.

The parallel lemonade was very underwhelming and disappointing in all honesty. There was virtually no lemon flavour and the beverage simply tasted like sugar water and mint. This is the quality I would expect from first attempt at making a drink.

The worst part about dining here are the tables which are far too small. When our food came out, the table was completely crowded which made the experience uncomfortable. My fork and knife were close to the edge of the table and fell on the floor. This proved to be a common occurrence here as I heard the sound of cutlery hitting the floor from other tables.

While I’d probably give a 3/5 in this case, because most of the food here is excellent, especially the hummus and falafel, I am giving a 4/5. I certainly plan on coming back for the falafel and hummus, however I hope they improve the tofu, beverages, and table situation.

We ordered potato and kale soup. It tasted warm and nice. Good for winters. -3/5
And pita with 4 dips + 2 falafel balls. The pita was okay. Bit dense. Didnt like it much. But the dips were nice and fresh. Hummus, beetrootahini, babaganoush, lemon pesto. Out of which lemon pesto was best and second was hummus

The falafal balls were big and warm. 4/5.

Very overpriced.
Service was good, friendly.

I went here for a Valentine's dinner and had a great time.

For starters we got the 4 dips. I wish they included an extra pita with that but that's not a huge deal.

For the main I got the crab rissoto which was the special for the night and it was delicious. And I also had a chocolate lava cake slice which as also incredible.

Thinking of a trip to Geary Ave? 🥯✨ @parallel_brothers

There’s something truly special about Parallel Brothers. It’s not just a restaurant; it’s a full sensory experience where industrial-chic meets the warmth of a family kitchen.

Did you know that at the heart of their space sits a massive, 150-year-old stone mill? 🪨 It was specially imported from Syria to grind their premium sesame seeds (sourced from Ethiopia) into the silkiest tahini you’ve ever tasted. Watching the liquid gold flow from the mill while you tuck into a bowl of Hammshuka is the ultimate Toronto foodie core memory.

Whether you’re here for the vibrant beet tahini, the pillowy pita, or a tahini smoothie, you can really feel the passion the three Ozery brothers have for their craft. It’s fresh, it’s authentic, and it’s definitely worth the visit. 🥣🌿

Tag your brunch bestie who needs to try this! 👇
#TorontoEats #TorontoFood #BlogTO #CuriocityToronto #TorontoFoodie

📷 @StayserEats

The food was fantastic overall. Service felt a bit rushed, likely due to additional reservations that evening. One issue that caught our attention was with a tequila order. We requested a specific tequila neat, but when it arrived, it didnt taste like what we ordered. We asked the bartender to confirm and were initially told it was what we ordered. After requesting to see the bottle, it was confirmed that we were right. Our drinks were taken away and replaced with the correct tequila. A minor hiccup, but could have been handled better. We would still go back.

Parallel is one of my absolute favorite restaurants in Toronto, and that says a lot because I’m a big foodie. Everything they serve is incredibly fresh, full of flavor, and always consistent. The portions are generous, and the prices are very fair for what you get. It’s the kind of place where every dish feels made with care and quality ingredients.

Over the years, I’ve tried many different items on their menu, and I’ve never been disappointed. Their hummus is homemade, super creamy, and easily some of the best in the city. And their falafel? The best in Toronto, hands down. If you think you like falafel, you need to try the one from Parallel — it’s perfectly crispy outside, soft inside, and bursting with flavor.

The service has always been friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere is simple but warm and comfortable. It’s the kind of place you can go to again and again and always leave happy. I don’t know why it took me so long to finally write this review because Parallel has been one of my favorite spots for years. It’s a true gem in the city, and I completely recommend it to anyone who loves good, fresh food.

Love this restaurant. The food is top notch and so is the service. The portions are so plentiful. If you are ever in the area, I totally recommend stopping by to try some of these incredible tasty dishes and the non alcoholic drinks.

We have recently moved to the neighborhood and found this place walking by.
We were amazingly surprise with the variety of healthy food. Absolutely loved the place and the atmosphere. The food was delicious.
They also had a special list which included a “Coconut Mango Pavovla” - simply the best desert EVER!!!! Not joking. We loved it.
FYI, Beers come in cans. Nice variety as well. Wanna try the mixed drinks next time.
Will definitely come back :)

5 stars – A Must Try Gem in Toronto!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Parallel in Toronto, and I genuinely can’t stop thinking about the experience. From the moment we walked in, the service was warm, attentive, and thoughtful. Yes, there was a slight delay with our food, but the staff handled it with such grace and professionalism going above and beyond to make it right that it only added to the overall positive impression.

Now let’s talk about the food: absolutely phenomenal. The salad was fresh, vibrant, and perfectly dressed simple yet full of flavor. But the real showstopper was the mushroom pita with arugula. Earthy, savory, and balanced, it was one of the best things I’ve eaten in a long time. Every bite felt thoughtfully composed.

Honestly, with this level of food and service, it’s shocking that Parallel doesn’t have a Michelin star. It hits all the marks: creative dishes, locally inspired flavors, and a team that clearly cares deeply about the guest experience.

Toronto is lucky to have this place. I’ll be back and bringing friends

The food here is consistently very good. I've been several times now over the last few years. The menu does seem to change occasionally which is nice.

The falafels are nice and crunchy, with a nice seasoning on the inside. The bread and hummus are great.

The mains (don't have pictures of every time I've gone) have always been very tasty. I have not been disappointed yet. Definitely enjoyed the Arais, and the Parallel salad.

They also have some takeout options available, as well as packages goods like spices, halva, crackers and more.

Definitely will continue to return. The place is a bit loud, but it is busy and has a nice patio. The decor is very nice. The staff are generally friendly.