On this page, you’ll find my list of restaurants featuring easy, satisfying food served in a laid-back setting. Most of these meals will fall into the $15-25 per person category, but quick bites (or “cheap and cheerful” as this page was formerly known) definitely does not mean low quality!
Tried and True:
- Schmaltz Appetizing: The best spot for bagels and gravlax in Toronto, hands down! A bagel sandwich will only set you back a little, but you will be left full and happy. Potential drawback: It’s a little out of the way for tourists and non-Downtown folks.
- Pho Ngoc Yen: Pho Ngoc Yen: There are three locations (Mississauga, Etobicoke and Downtown Toronto) of this beloved Vietnamese restaurant. Some might consider them hidden gems, but not to their regulars who don’t need to be convinced. Potential drawback: The two not-downtown locations are not close to anything else at all.
- Alfie’s Sandwiches: The fresh, Italian sandwiches here will make you think twice about what a sandwich can really be. The Monalisa is their crowning glory, but there are tons of options to choose from. Potential drawback: There is basically no seating, and the outdoor benches leave much to be desired.
- Vit Béo: This is a really cute space in Bloorcourt that has an edited menu of contemporary Vietnamese dishes that are all very fun takes on the classics (like shrimp toast!) The menu changes seasonally so if you like something, don’t miss out. Potential drawback: High top seating only, and limited.
- Ramen Isshin: This place makes the list because of their special broth bases such as black garlic and black sesame. I also love that they have the decadent option of grinding your own sesame seeds table-side. Potential drawback: Some of the locations have hard-to-access washrooms.
- OMG Cafe & Tapas: This is a Brazilian cafe by day and bar by night that has all the comfort classic dishes that you would hypothetically miss if you’ve ever been to Brazil. Potential drawback: It’s a small operation so you may not always get what you want, but it’s all very good.
- Jin Dal Lae: I’m putting this Korean restaurant in focus because it’s clearly the best not-secret in Koreatown right now (and sadly for Sunrise House and Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu, has taken over that role).
Potential drawback: The service can be awkward because they usually only have one one person taking care of the entire operation at a time. - Damda: This is a relatively new place in Koreatown that serves up all the classics, and is the newest spot that you can go to when Jin Dal Le is too full (just like when Jin Dal Le became the place to go when Sunrise House was to first go-to in the area). Potential drawback: There isn’t as much seating available for small parties (as in, one and two).
- Sea Witch: These fish and chips are on another playing field thanks to their careful fry in rich beef tallow. It’s an experience you need to try at least once. Potential drawback: They are kind of tucked away on St. Clair Ave. West.
- When the Pig Came Home: A Junction deli that packs a big punch: think porchetta with rapini and hearty peameal bacon and oozy egg breakfast sandwiches (much better than the St. Lawrence Market). Potential drawback: They have some space ventilation issues.
- Kimchi Korea House: Just a solid Korean restaurant downtown that has captured the hearts of so many during the Pandemic. Potential drawback: The lunch rush.
- Lá Sen Vietnamese Cuisine: A very good Vietnamese restaurant serving some harder-to-find dishes (like Goi Bo Tai Chanh), set in a nice, fresh, environment. Potential drawback: Located in North York.
- Gus Tacos: This is the only place (more so the one on the West End than the one in Kensington Market) that makes you feel like you’re escaping Toronto and landing in a taco shop in California or Texas. Easy, fun classics. Potential drawback: Some of their newer creations are not a hit for me.
- Yin Ji Chang Fen: A comforting place to go for Guangzhou style rice rolls and congee, and a few dim sum favourites. Potential drawback: They have been catering more to takeout than sit-down service, but I still really enjoy going in.
- Wonton Hut: This place gives wontons the respect they deserve! Two locations, but there is an easy one to access on Queen Street West downtown Toronto. Potential drawback: Small menu.
Honourable Mentions:
- Black Camel: Rosedale is an extremely expensive neighbourhood, but you can get a quality sandwich here for $10. Think saucy beef brisket and pulled chicken served with even saucier sauces. Potential drawback: Any additions (caramelized onions, arugula etc.) are 90 cents extra.
- Paddler, Thai Boat Noodles: I went here once after a rowing session on the water and I could not have eaten anything more appropriate. If you haven’t had Thai boat noodles before, just come and give them a try. Potential drawback: This place is very far West in the city and isn’t close to much else.
- Sansotei: This restaurant has just the simplest, cleanest presentation and design. Every bowl I’ve had is consistently good. Thankfully they’ve opened up quite a few locations now and the lines are not as big of a problem, though most spaces are still quite small. Potential drawback: If it’s winter, sometimes the lines are just not worth it.
- Seven Lives: The mostly authentic Mexican flavours of this taco stand have made them the most famous in Kensington Market (and there are a few!). Potential drawback: No surprise but there is basically standing room only.
- Pho Tien Thanh: This is just a solid place to go to when you’re craving Vietnamese classics. Potential drawback: It is extremely casual.
- Que Ling Vietnamese Cuisine: One of the oldest gems in Chinatown East, Que Ling has some of the best pho broth around, and some delicious Banh Cuon, Potential drawback: Literally no frills, and cash only.
- Souk Tabule: A sister restaurant to the wildly popular Tabülè, this casual Middle Eastern restaurant is the best thing in the Canary District right now.
Potential drawback: It’s an order-at-the-counter operation, and you may have to share your table. - Simit & Chai Co.: One of my favourite spots on King Street West for Turkish bagels and Turkish coffee that has opened more locations. They now have a bougier brunch spot called Pasaj which is…fine. Potential drawback: This place sometimes is more for show than for substance (and sometimes it is the patrons and not the cafe’s fault).
- Poke Box: There are tons of poke spots all over Toronto, but this one delivers the most consistent quality, tucked away on Toronto Street. Potential drawback: There are only two spots to sit at (90% of their patrons take their food back to the office).
- Hokkaido Ramen Santouka: This is a Japanese chain that has managed to preserve a lot of consistency throughout its international locations. I love that they have combos featuring a bowl of ramen paired with a little side bowl of rice (with toppings) for those days you just want two kinds of carbs. Potential drawback: The locations are an interesting choice.
- Pho Linh: An easy place for weeknight Vietnamese dinner. Potential drawback: Some of the dishes are a little rough around the edges but the flavours are great.
On My Radar:
- Dr. Laffa: I heard it’s the best kosher food around.
- Han Ba Tang: A fun Korean-fusion restaurant up in Koreatown North.
- Itacate: This is supposed to be an excellent taqueria inside a St. Clair West Mexican Butcher Shop. Sounds great!
- Debi’s Roti and Doubles
- Oji Sechi: Contemporary place in East Chinatown.
- Sanji Fried Bao
- Hastings Snack Bar
- Yeti Kitchen
- Sunny’s Taiwanese
- Mikaku Udon Bar
- Megumi Mazesoba
- Holi Taco
Last updated: September 2025