Toronto, a vibrant city with a melting pot of cultures, boasts an impressive array of casual eateries perfect for grabbing a quick yet delicious bite. Whether you’re looking for a hearty sandwich, a flavorful taco, or a comforting bowl of ramen, Toronto’s food scene has something to satisfy every craving. Here, we explore the best casual eateries in the city where you can enjoy a quick and satisfying meal.
1. Banh Mi Boys
A Taste of Vietnam
Located on Queen Street West, Banh Mi Boys has quickly become a favorite for those seeking Vietnamese-inspired street food. The eatery is famous for its banh mi sandwiches, which feature a crispy baguette filled with various meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Must-Try Dishes
- Five Spice Pork Belly Banh Mi: Juicy pork belly marinated in five spices, topped with pickled carrots, daikon, cilantro, and jalapenos.
- Kimchi Fries: A fusion of Korean and Vietnamese flavors with kimchi, spicy mayo, and green onions over crispy fries.
- Braised Beef Cheek Tacos: Tender beef cheek in a soft taco shell, garnished with fresh herbs and a zesty sauce.
Banh Mi Boys’ blend of traditional Vietnamese flavors with modern twists makes it a go-to spot for a quick and flavorful meal.
2. Poutini’s House of Poutine
Canadian Comfort Food
No visit to Toronto is complete without trying poutine, and Poutini’s House of Poutine on Queen Street West offers some of the best in the city. This Canadian classic features crispy fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in rich gravy.
Must-Try Dishes
- Traditional Poutine: The classic combination of fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
- Bacon Poutine: Adds crispy bacon to the traditional poutine for an extra savory kick.
- Pulled Pork Poutine: Hearty pulled pork adds a smoky flavor to the dish.
Poutini’s dedication to high-quality ingredients and generous portions makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
3. Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos
Authentic Mexican Flavors
Nestled in the heart of Kensington Market, Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos is renowned for its Baja-style tacos. The small eatery consistently draws crowds eager to savor its fresh and flavorful offerings.
Must-Try Dishes
- Gobernador Taco: A blend of smoked tuna, shrimp, and cheese, topped with cilantro and salsa.
- Campechano Taco: A mix of carne asada and chorizo, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- Baja Fish Taco: Crispy battered fish topped with cabbage, pico de gallo, and a tangy sauce.
The vibrant atmosphere and bold flavors at Seven Lives make it a must-visit spot for taco lovers.
4. Ramen Isshin
Japanese Comfort Food
Ramen Isshin, located on College Street, is a popular destination for those craving a comforting bowl of ramen. The cozy eatery offers a variety of ramen options, each with rich broth and perfectly cooked noodles.
Must-Try Dishes
- Isshin Red Miso Ramen: A spicy miso broth with tender chashu pork, corn, green onions, and a perfectly cooked egg.
- Shoyu Ramen: A soy-based broth with a delicate balance of flavors, topped with bamboo shoots, nori, and green onions.
- Vegetarian Ramen: A hearty vegetable broth with tofu, mushrooms, and a medley of fresh vegetables.
Ramen Isshin’s dedication to authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients makes it a top choice for ramen enthusiasts.
5. Burger’s Priest
Classic American Burgers
Burger’s Priest, with multiple locations across Toronto, is known for its dedication to crafting the perfect burger. The eatery uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create mouthwatering burgers that keep customers coming back for more.
Must-Try Dishes
- The Priest: A double cheeseburger with secret sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
- The Vatican: Two patties with cheese, served between two grilled cheese sandwiches instead of buns.
- The Blue Steel: A burger topped with blue cheese and caramelized onions.
Burger’s Priest’s commitment to burger perfection makes it a standout in Toronto’s casual dining scene.
6. Black Camel
Hearty Sandwiches
Black Camel, located near Rosedale Station, specializes in hearty sandwiches that are perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal. The small shop uses high-quality ingredients to create a menu of delicious and filling options.
Must-Try Dishes
- Brisket Sandwich: Slow-cooked brisket with house-made barbecue sauce on a fresh bun.
- Pulled Pork Sandwich: Tender pulled pork with coleslaw and a tangy sauce.
- Roasted Chicken Sandwich: Juicy roasted chicken with a choice of toppings and sauces.
Black Camel’s dedication to quality and flavor ensures that every sandwich is a delight.
7. Fresh on Spadina
Vegan and Vegetarian Delights
Fresh on Spadina offers a wide range of vegan and vegetarian options that are both healthy and delicious. The eatery’s creative menu caters to all tastes, making it a favorite among health-conscious diners.
Must-Try Dishes
- BBQ Burger: A plant-based burger with barbecue sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
- Buddha Bowl: A hearty bowl with brown rice, vegetables, tofu, and a flavorful sauce.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy and perfectly seasoned, served with a choice of dipping sauces.
Fresh on Spadina’s innovative dishes and welcoming atmosphere make it a top choice for vegan and vegetarian dining.
8. Mean Bao
Asian-Inspired Snacks
Mean Bao, with locations across Toronto, offers a variety of Asian-inspired buns and snacks that are perfect for a quick bite. The fluffy bao buns are filled with a range of delicious ingredients, making them a popular choice.
Must-Try Dishes
- Braised Pork Belly Bao: Tender pork belly with pickled vegetables and hoisin sauce in a soft bao bun.
- Chicken Bao: Juicy chicken with a savory sauce and fresh herbs.
- Vegetarian Bao: Filled with tofu and a medley of vegetables, perfect for a light snack.
Mean Bao’s flavorful and convenient offerings make it a great option for a quick and tasty meal.
9. Frankie’s Diner
All-Day Breakfast and More
Frankie’s Diner, located in the Dundas West neighborhood, is known for its all-day breakfast and classic diner fare. The casual eatery offers a variety of hearty dishes that are perfect for any time of day.
Must-Try Dishes
- Pancakes: Fluffy and golden, served with maple syrup and butter.
- Eggs Benedict: Perfectly poached eggs on English muffins, topped with hollandaise sauce.
- Bacon Cheeseburger: A classic burger with crispy bacon and melted cheese.
Frankie’s Diner’s relaxed atmosphere and comforting menu make it a beloved spot for locals and visitors.
10. Calii Love
Healthy Bowls and Smoothies
Calii Love, with multiple locations in Toronto, offers a menu of healthy bowls and smoothies inspired by Californian cuisine. The bright and airy eatery is perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Must-Try Dishes
- Poke Bowl: Fresh fish, rice, and vegetables with a flavorful sauce.
- Acai Bowl: A blend of acai berries topped with granola, fresh fruit, and honey.
- Smoothies: A variety of refreshing smoothies made with fresh ingredients.
Calii Love’s commitment to healthy and delicious food makes it a top choice for health-conscious diners.
Conclusion
Toronto’s casual dining scene is as diverse as the city itself, offering a wide range of options for quick and satisfying meals. From Vietnamese sandwiches to Japanese ramen, each eatery provides a unique and flavorful experience. Whether you’re in the mood for comfort food, healthy bowls, or international flavors, Toronto’s best casual eateries have something to offer every palate. Explore these top spots and savor the best quick bites the city has to offer.