From the moment you walk into Kabalen, you know you’re in for something special. The restaurant captures the soul of Filipino dining with its kamayan (“eat with your hands”) feast, served on bright banana leaves for a communal, hands-on experience.  The spread is generous: grilled shrimp, squid, milkfish, mussels, tilapia, succulent pork belly, and skewers — all layered over fragrant, unlimited garlic rice.  The seafood is fresh, smoky, and well-seasoned, while the vegetables (okra, eggplant) and mango salad provide a bright and refreshing contrast.  Garlic rice is a standout — you’ll understand why people keep going back for more.  Kabalen’s vibe is warm and relaxed, with cozy seating and cultural touches like bamboo decor.  The communal tables foster a social dining experience, making it perfect for groups.  The energy is lively but not overwhelming — a real gathering place.  Staff are friendly, attentive, and clearly knowledgeable about the kamayan tradition. Look for Meriville for your first visit. They’re ready to guide first-timers through the menu and even provide gloves if you’d rather not get too messy.  For what you get,Kabalen is very reasonably priced. The communal kamayan feast is affordable (especially considering the variety and amount of food), making it a great pick for a filling, shared meal. 
Highlights • Authenticity: One of the best places in Toronto to experience traditional Filipino kamayan.  • Interactive dining: Eating with your hands gives the meal a fun, memorable dimension.  • Generous portions: Great for groups, and rice is unlimited. 
Things to Note • The restaurant can get busy, especially on weekends. • Because of the hands-on style, things can get a little messy — but that’s part of the charm.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
siena cubero
Very authentic! Food always slaps. Visiting all the way from Regina, Saskatchewan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aira Eunice Santos
Good service. Delicious food. Very nice ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Lou Lim
We love this place! Awesome food and super friendly silang lahat! We’ve become regulars there. Sina Ate Marv, Sai, Clau, the gentleman with his new shiny Nike, the guard, the servers, Domz, etc are all super kadooper bait! They even call my wife “Ate Ganda” and me as “Kuya Pogs” as a consolation. We just love going to this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Paul De la Cruz
Good food, great service, but terrible music (loud and not good for talking).
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 5
Kharina Villagomez
The staff and food here good and excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jovie Sta Juana
Good service! Would recommend to everyone
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Vinia Verdida
The food and the service were always great. Domz and Merville are amazing hosts on the upper dine in area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brenda Guerrero
Excellent!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fonzie Visaya
Very good food, nice place too eat at and fast service
From the moment you walk into Kabalen, you know you’re in for something special. The restaurant captures the soul of Filipino dining with its kamayan (“eat with your hands”) feast, served on bright banana leaves for a communal, hands-on experience. 
The spread is generous: grilled shrimp, squid, milkfish, mussels, tilapia, succulent pork belly, and skewers — all layered over fragrant, unlimited garlic rice.  The seafood is fresh, smoky, and well-seasoned, while the vegetables (okra, eggplant) and mango salad provide a bright and refreshing contrast.  Garlic rice is a standout — you’ll understand why people keep going back for more. 
Kabalen’s vibe is warm and relaxed, with cozy seating and cultural touches like bamboo decor.  The communal tables foster a social dining experience, making it perfect for groups.  The energy is lively but not overwhelming — a real gathering place. 
Staff are friendly, attentive, and clearly knowledgeable about the kamayan tradition. Look for Meriville for your first visit. They’re ready to guide first-timers through the menu and even provide gloves if you’d rather not get too messy. 
For what you get,Kabalen is very reasonably priced. The communal kamayan feast is affordable (especially considering the variety and amount of food), making it a great pick for a filling, shared meal. 
Highlights
• Authenticity: One of the best places in Toronto to experience traditional Filipino kamayan. 
• Interactive dining: Eating with your hands gives the meal a fun, memorable dimension. 
• Generous portions: Great for groups, and rice is unlimited. 
Things to Note
• The restaurant can get busy, especially on weekends.
• Because of the hands-on style, things can get a little messy — but that’s part of the charm.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very authentic! Food always slaps. Visiting all the way from Regina, Saskatchewan.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good service. Delicious food. Very nice ambiance.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We love this place! Awesome food and super friendly silang lahat! We’ve become regulars there. Sina Ate Marv, Sai, Clau, the gentleman with his new shiny Nike, the guard, the servers, Domz, etc are all super kadooper bait! They even call my wife “Ate Ganda” and me as “Kuya Pogs” as a consolation. We just love going to this place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good food, great service, but terrible music (loud and not good for talking).
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 5
The staff and food here good and excellent.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good service! Would recommend to everyone
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food and the service were always great. Domz and Merville are amazing hosts on the upper dine in area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very good food, nice place too eat at and fast service
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Beautiful atmosphere and delicious breakfast, a lot of space for families to eat!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very good prices for food and very delicious. Super attentive service too and they offer free sabaw if you want
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food is great taste! very approachable staff... feels like home !🥰🥰🥰
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very clean restaurant. Staff are all friendly and professional. Excellent food. We’re loyal customers. Prices are very reasonable.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is amazing. Great food amazing staff!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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