Cheap Places to Eat in Toronto

"If you wish to have a taste of a cross between Asian cuisine and modern takes in Toronto, DaiLo, a French-inspired Chinese snack-bar, one of the best South Asian restaurant in Toronto, and dim sum counter can be your perfect place. Its coupe-style seating and cushioned seats with delightful and casual Asian ambiance can be your ideal meal destination. Big Mac Bao, Hakka Brown Wontons, Grilled Korean Ribs, all you can have accompanied with wine or beer of your choice."

"Not because it’s bad, but because it’s a gimmick and you know how it’s going to taste. Save your appetite for the menu’s wealth of creative and intricate flavor combinations — like chunks of watermelon fried in a wafer-thin batter and topped with pork floss, or Hakka wontons in brown butter. If dining in a group, absolutely save room for a whole trout that’s been filleted, fried, and reassembled on a platter with sweet, salty, and spicy dipping sauces."

"For a truly amazing takeout experience (and some of the best Chinese food in the city) be sure to try out Dailo’s near Kensington Market. DaiLo is Cantonese slang for “big brother,” a term of endearment to show respect and love to an elder. The New Asian menu here not only pays tribute to the ways and tastes of older Chinese cultures and generations, but it also brings in a French perspective while recognizing the importance of sustainable ingredients."

"A start-up Vietnamese sandwich joint that has become a local sensation, Bahn Mi Boys now has four restaurants in and around Toronto. It’s no wonder the city has gone crazy over these sandwiches bursting with flavor, especially after sampling their signature five spice pork belly bahn mi ($6.50 CAD or about $5 USD). Texture is everything with their softer-than-a-pillow steamed boa sandwiches, where playable rice patties pocket delicious bites of braised beef, pulled pork, and fried chicken (hovering around $3.50 CAD or $2.75 USD)."

"Offering a variety of modern Vietnamese subs and Asian baos, Banh Mi Boys does not disappoint in the cheap, delicious eats department. At peak hours, the restaurant is often jam-packed with hungry diners waiting for fun fusion food that are sure to tantalize taste buds. Their fried chicken steamed bao ($4) and kimchi fries ($6.50) will have you rave about for days afterwards."

"A photo posted by ☁️ ☁️ ☁️ (@nickydam) on Apr 20, 2016 at 8:38am PDT. This local chain of fast food joints deals in Viet-style subs, Korean tacos, bao and that crave-worthy creation known as kimchi fries. Address: 392 Queen Street West, TorontoPhone: 416-363-0588"

"Of all the delicious Plants locations in the city, Planta on Queen takes the cake. They’ve got a gorgeous Asian-inspired menu loaded with vegan version of classic dishes you’re sure to love. From their incredible ahi watermelon nigiri sushi to their delicious dim sum brunch, there is seriously no going wrong here."

"Planta is one of those friendly vegan spots that can sway even your meat-loving friends. And it’s been a Toronto mainstay for years now. Aside from their beautiful plant-based dishes, the interior of Planta restaurants also wows, so no surprise that their patio situation is also on point."

"We absolutely love everything that is going on over at Planta. There is not a single boring spot to be found on the interior of this delectable plant-based resto. Even the chairs are dope!"

"Blood Brothers Brewing opened in 2015 as the passion project of brothers Dustin and Brayden Jones. With self-professed humble beginnings, the innovative brews quickly gained traction across Toronto as an edgy craft beer served at hipster dive bars and commercial restaurants alike. Four years later, Blood Brothers has opened a small taproom in Toronto’s West End, and I can confidently confirm: it is the best brewery in the city."

"This sibling-run microbrewery has generated quite the cult following since it first opened in 2015, spurred on by the brother brewmasters’ innovative offerings, small-scale batches, and somewhat hidden Geary Ave. location. As a result, their bottles go fast, but they’re well worth the extra effort it takes to track them down. Try: The Paradise Lost series, an ever-changing selection of kettle sours."

"The lowdown: Green Tea is another popular franchise from China, and the locations in Markham and downtown are the only ones in Canada. They make absolutely scrumptious Southern Chinese food, particularly Hangzhou-style cuisine. Bonus points for using free range meat!"

"Starting with the freshest ethically-sourced local ingredients, The Green Wood does a lot. Their brunch menu is diverse, exciting and changes with the seasons, naturally. It features knock-out dishes such as the Chickpea Shakshuka, Salmon Rosti and even a B.Y.O.B Build Your Own Benny option."

"Why go: Ample selection all with the options to go healthy and fresh, or give in to a seriously indulgent craving!. Using local and sustainable ingredients, the brunch menu is available 7 days a week. What to order: The smoothie bowls are works of art, as is the Salmon Rosti."

"Sean Santos and Chuck Ortiz’s Detroit-style Filipino pizza pop-up became a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the former Wallflower space in Brockton Village last summer. A thick, rice-flour crust that’s crispy on the edges becomes a canvas for high-concept pies that are all about balance of sweet, salty and sour flavours typical of Filipino cooking. The Bespren Longanizza is a good introduction to the menu, combining a sweet breakfast sausage with Maggi seasoning, crispy garlic and a fried egg."

"Located near Aloft Vaughan Mills, Gelato Gelato Pizzeria has been around since 2000. Are you wondering what exactly Gelato is?. Gelato is similar to ice cream and was initially developed in Italy."

"Teara Lab is a Japanese inspired sandwich shop in Toronto that has blown up the social sphere. Their Yuzu teriyaki fish burger with black sesame buns have made waves in Toronto and definitely a hype worth checking out."

"A post shared by Circles & Squares Bakery (@circles_and_squares) on Mar 27, 2020 at 8:49pm PDT. This wholesaler is offering delivery every day between 10 a.m."

"This new pop-up is serving the city’s best ceviches, seafood cocktails, tacos, and more. They’ve only been around for about two weeks but they’re already wracking in quite the fan base. But hey – who doesn’t love ceviches, seafood cocktails, and tacos??"

"Diana’s Seafood is one of the top seafood stores in the city, if you’re willing to take the trek east into Scarborough, and located right next door is the affiliated Oyster Bar. Offering lobster club sandwiches, clam chowders, grilled salmon, calamari, and, naturally, plenty of oysters, Diana’s also caters to hotels and restaurants throughout the Greater Toronto Area."

"This super cute patio set is more for aesthetics than eating, and you don’t even have to go inside the restaurant to get this shot. Come dressed in your summer best for the perfect European-esque summer photo opp!. LOCATION: 17 Leader Ln."

"Toronto takes pizza seriously, which is good, because so do Toronto kids!. With three locations in Toronto, “QMP” often gets called out for its kid-friendly efforts. The children’s menu offers a full-size pizza or pasta and ice cream for dessert for $10 and kids meals have been known to come out first (although there’s no guarantee, it’s extremely helpful when it happens)."