Eating out doesn’t have to be reserved for hot dates and rare occasions, as Toronto is full of reasonably priced dining experiences.
If you’re looking for a low-key joint in the heart of downtown, check out Java House (537 Queen W., 416-504-3025) for cheap meals and beer, Dos Amigos (1201 Bathurst, 416-534-2528) for top-notch Mexican, Korean Grill House (214 Queen W., 416-263-9850) for $8.99 all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ at lunch, Salad King (335 Yonge, 416-971-7041) for authentic Thai near the Ryerson campus and the eclectic Green Room (296 Brunswick, in the alleyway behind Future Bakery, 416-929-3253) or its upscale sister the Red Room (444 Spadina ave., 416-929-9964) for dinner and drinks.
Café Diplomatico (594 College, 416-534-4637) in Little Italy has great pizza and mussels, but if you’re looking for a pepperoni slice on the go, try Pizza Gigi (189 Harbord, 416-535-4444) or Pizzaiolo (624 Queen W., 416-507-9944; 454 Bloor W., 416-532-7222). Other great on-the-go favourites include Jumbo Empanada (245 Augusta, 416-977-0056) in Kensington Market, Sandwich Box (67 Richmond W., 416-913-4444; 37 Eglinton E., 416-488-2300) and Tacos El Asador (690 Bloor W, 416-538-9747).
Vegans and vegetarians can grab a rice bowl at Fresh (326 Bloor W., 416-531-2635; 894 Queen W., 416-913-2720; 147 Spadina ave., 416-599-4442), pizza at Magic Oven (270 Dupont St.; 798 Danforth Ave.; 788 Broadview; delivery at 416-868-6836), a sandwich at Urban Herbivore (64 Oxford, 416-927-1231) or visit www.veg.ca for a comprehensive directory of the city’s veg-friendly restos.
On clubbing nights, nab after-hours meals at Sneaky Dee’s (431 College, 416-603-3090), Burrito Boyz (120 Peter, 416-593-9191) or Fran’s (20 College, 416-923-9867; 200 Victoria, 416-304-0085). Alternatively, take a walk along Spadina through Chinatown, where you’ll find a buffet of Chinese restaurants open until the wee hours.
For those at York U, make sure to check out the Grad Lounge (166 South Ross, 416-736-5495), Falafel Hut Village (York Lanes, 416-736-5767) and Country Style Kosher Coffee (Winter’s College, 416-650-8260), which students just call Kosher Country. Or head just off campus to Hoops (4207 Keele, 416-661-4667) for sports viewing and quality bar food.
Bon appétit!