Gladiator Burger
Gladiator Burger is the home of all things meaty. With six locations across Ontario, this fast-growing chain specializes in mile-high hamburgers, sizzling steak sandwiches and crispy fried chicken.
Founded in 2018, Gladiator Burger opened its first location in Mississauga. Like the fighters from which it takes its name, the restaurant had no trouble finding an audience and quickly became a crowd favourite.
The Scarborough location opened in March of 2022, generating a considerable buzz on social media.
The restaurant is committed to its ancient Roman aesthetic. Crested helmets can be seen throughout the dining area, while black, white and red — colours commonly associated with the Roman Empire — feature heavily in their marketing.
A mural on the south wall depicts a group of gladiators carrying burgers out of a packed Colosseum, while the north wall bears the phrase "Are You Not Entertained?", a well-known quote from Russell Crowe’s Gladiator.
The names of menu items continue this theme, with dishes like Entertain Me and General Maximus being direct homages to the film.
Gladiator Burger takes pride in using fresh, local ingredients. Burgers are made with domestically raised beef and chicken tenders are hand breaded in-house. Additionally, everything on the menu is halal.
The Fearless Knight ($13.65) is a sandwich so stacked you'll have to eat it with a fork.
Fresh Italian bread and Canadian sirloin steak serve as a base for lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and mushrooms, as well as sharp cheddar and melty mozzarella.
The finishing touch is a drizzle of the restaurant's signature Gladiator aioli, a spicy sauce with a creamy finish.
Though more conventional than many of the other offerings, this enormous cheesesteak is still worth checking out. I shared mine with a friend and finished the meal feeling pleasantly full.
Unleash My Hunger ($20.99) is one of the restaurant's biggest burgers, consisting of two prime beef patties and a fried mozzarella slice between two grilled cheese buns.
Beef bacon, guacamole, and a pineapple ring are layered inside, along with cheddar, salsa, chipotle aioli and barbeque sauce.
This massive meal comes covered with fresh-cut fries. Be warned: not only is this handheld heavier than it looks, it's almost impossible to eat without making a mess. Be sure to bring napkins if you plan on tackling this titan. The Chicken Mac ($12.99) is a cheesy chicken sandwich made with three huge chicken tenders and smothered in homemade macaroni. Sauteed jalapenos, guacamole and chipotle aioli bring some spice to the sandwich, while tomatoes and lettuce keep it grounded.
I'm a big fan of the way that the creamy macaroni contrasts with the crunchy chicken. If it wasn't for the guacamole, which was a little too grassy for my liking, I would have licked my plate clean.
Bacon Cheese Fries ($7.59/medium, $13.59/large) come dripping with cheese sauce and garlic aioli. These messy fries make a great side, but can also be eaten as a meal in their own right.Milkshakes ($5.95) are sweet and rich, with a thick, Frosty-like consistency.
My preference is for the strawberry flavour, which is shot through with ribbons of strawberry compote, but chocolate and vanilla shakes are also available.
Whether you're constantly thinking about the Roman Empire or just looking for a satisfying meal, Gladiator Burger is worth a visit. Gladiator Burger is located at 1961 Kennedy Rd.
Fareen Karim