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Lunch Box
Categories: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants Vegetarian Restaurants Sandwiches Breakfast & Brunch, Vegetarian, Sandwiches [Edit]
1731 Bloor St WToronto, ON M6P 1B2
Neighbourhood: High Park
(416) 762-5239
- Hours:
Mon 8 am - 5 pm
Tue-Fri 8 am - 7:30 pm
Sat-Sun 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
16 reviews for Lunch Box
16 reviews in English
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Review from Dishan W.
1/29/2012
I came in here for a quick sandwich after seeing it across the street from the Petro Canada I was at. I went for their grilled veggie and hummus sandwich on brown toast and it was love at first bite.
It's missing half a star because it could do with just a bit more add on options, a slightly more exciting menu (most of the menu items seem very standard even though I would assume they are all as tasty as mine was).
There is free wifi (I didn't try it out as I didn't want to spend too much time there and risk my vehicle getting towed being parked at the gas station), very friendly service, enough seating space and an overall cute-sy feel to this place for it to be a place I would recommend for anyone looking for a light meal in the area. -
Review from Matthew H.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 2/1/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Unfortunately, the new ownership (or management, not sure) has effectively killed what used to be a great local diner. Frowny face. I predict this place will close within the year unless a saviour swoops in.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/18/2011
Lunchbox is one of the few places in Toronto where I really feel like I'm getting spoiled for the… Read more »
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Review from Mj C.
Toronto, ON
11/27/2011
This place has gone from bad to worse. It used to be hectic and sloppy because of a high volume of customers. Now the service is just bad.New owners I think. We ordered take out 4 "pucks" this morning, an English muffin with eggs & bacon. When we got them home they were open faced. Half an englsh muffin. We returned them a half an hour later, cold. They tried to slap the other halves of the English muffins on top and send us off, with our now soggy, cold pucks. We were so grossed out.
The way they go from handling food to handling cash with no hand washing has always made us uncomfortable. -
Review from sherry w.
Toronto, ON
11/14/2011
What happened!!
Change of ownership I think, new sign new paint job inside..
The staples of the food have also changed....
Use to eat there all the time.. Have been out of town the last 6months and when I came back, I sat down and was surprised by the make over which was a welcome change. However I noticed the staff was different as well and asked about that as they use to always remember my usual order even when i called in. The new staff was nice. Which made the eating experience better as the food seemed off?
The home fries which were my favorite as I do love my late day breakfasts lacked any taste and were bland as can be.. the toast was ok, and the turkey sausages seemed larger but also lacked taste... I think the previous owners did not fully explain their recipes to the new owners.
The cream of Mushroom soup also tasted like it was out of a can with extra mushrooms thrown into the batch... lacked authenticity.
This made me so sad :( as this was one of the staples in my life for the last number of years and could always count on a satisfying meal....
Will give it another try in a little while and see if things have changed....
but the last meal was a bit off putting....
hopefully it is just a small hiccup as the new owners get their bearings on the establishment...
Sherry ;) -
Review from Kent P.
1/9/2011
This place has a pretty good value proposition. Lots of homemade food for a low price point. The only caveat was it took way too long for our food.
Pancakes 1 are 1/2 wholewheat and can come with blueberries for an extra buck ($6.95)
Pancakes 2 are 1/2 wholewheat and come with a side (breakfast meats+hashbrowns), 2 eggs and toast ($8.95).
Coffee not included.
Staff friendly. Good neighborhood spot.
Lots of treats like bread pudding, pie, and gluten free snacks.
They accept credit and debit.Listed in: Brunch.
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Review from Valeska G.
The Junction, Toronto, ON
10/4/2011
One of my go-to breakfast places in the area, Lunch Box has never failed to deliver yummy and inexpensive food with friendly service. The staff is cheerful and laid-back. A pitcher of water is always available at the front, so you will never go thirsty. The simple 2-egg breakfast comes with very tasty hashbrowns, and their marble rye is quite good. Great place for a quick, casual breakfast or lunch.
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Review from G K.
Mississauga, ON
10/31/2010
A cozy little brunch spot located at the corner of Parkside and Bloor. I ordered the blueberry pancakes with yogurt, granola and fresh fruit. I think the cost was in the neighbourhood of $11 with a tea. Not terribly expensive but not cheap either.
The pancakes (2) were small and not terribly good. They were a bit bland and lukewarm. They are not close to the best in the city, but not the worst either. The yogurt/granola was good and it served as a nice contrast to the pancakes and syrup.
The crowd is a mix of young hipsters and old locals. It is cafeteria style eating where you order at the counter and pay at the till when you are done. Overall a decent option if you are in the area but far better brunch spots are just a km or two in every direction! -
Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
9/12/2010 1 photo
Ordered: Pancake Breakfast II which includes a fruit parfait and 2 pancakes(upgraded to blueberry pancakes for an extra $1)
Atmosphere: Cozy little cafeteria-style diner place with friendly staff. You order upfront and take a seat and they'll bring you the food. Had a nice window seat gazing outside the
Concern: a piece of the honeydew tasted weird... and there were only 2 pancakes. I mean, for the price you pay, $11.25, I think there should be a minimum of 3 pancakes. I mean, for me the two pancakes were just right, meaning not too full, but not left feeling for another craving. Still, I'm sure for most people 2 pancakes would not be enoug especially if I were a male with a bigger appetite or something.
Verdict: Lots of blueberries in your pancakes. Texture was nice and fluffy with blueberries in every. single. bite. which I loved! And I absolutely -LOVE-
maple syrup so I had to drown that shit in that cholestrol-cloggin' goodness. By its' side was a big bowl of fruit parfait, bigger than I expected. It had grapefruit, granny smith apples, oranges, honeydew melon, dried cranberries, granola and of course, yogurt. It was very delicious. Felt less guilty eating that after consuming so much maple syrup. A bit pricey, but the food was delicious. I'd definately go back.
3.5 -
Review from Kat F.
Updated - 6/30/2009 2 photos
If you're slowly re-entering the world of solid foods after a horrifying, crippling, willpower-draining, week-long strep-isode (shoutout to Adrian B), leave it to none other than Mama Lunch Box to take care of your ailing digestive system and sore lymph nodes with comfort food in the form of: MAC & CHEESE!
Today's special ($6) was just the thing I needed for my re-introduction to the land of the living. It beckoned from the moment I saw its name etched on the menu board out front. It was velvety smooth, incredibly creamy and 100% homemade...precisely the right remedy for my sore throat and somewhat impaired chewing technique.
As always the staff at Lunch Box was super friendly and personable. All of the girls working the counter are very beautiful, stylish and chatty. They seem to know every customer and make meaningful conversation with everyone that walks through the door. You get a real neighbourhood-y feeling when you're inside.
Thanks for another kickass meal made with love, Lunch Box!Listed in: Grill 'Em! Toronto's Best…, No Nonsense Lunch Spots, 10 Things I'll Miss About High…, Mac & Cheese
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/14/2009
Yes! I'm finally in on the neighbourhood secret!! It only took seven years of living on (literally)… Read more »
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Review from Renata R.
4/7/2010
This was my very first Canadian stop when I arrived in Toronto one month ago. I asked for a "Traditional Canadian Breakfast Food with maple syrup" and they got me some french toasts. They were lovely and I became a fan of this awesome place.
Now and then I go there just to eat some different delicious food. May it be just an omelette or a brownie, always having fresh coffee as a companion - they offer soymilk on the fridge if you like it.
I'm waiting for a weekend bruch opportunity so I can try the famous eggs benny. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna like them, I'm yet to find something bad at the Lunchbox.
They are not cheap, but they serve you very well and they offer hooray free wi-fi, so you can eat, drink, check your emails and facebook. They also have a twitter account, but I totally forgot to take note of it. It's supposed to have their daily promotions!Listed in: Coffee & Muffins
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Review from Susanne J.
Hope, BC
When I'm away on weekends from Toronto it's their hollandaise I crave. Their sauce, like so many things at the Lunch Box, is whipped up from scratch and turned into yummy wholesome perfection. So many great things to get, either to stay or on-the-go...salads, homemade soups, sandwiches, fresh-baked banana bread...I could go on. This great neighborhood place fills up fast on weekends. Everyone from tiny tots to your granny-next-door loves it, so why shouldn't you?
Since breakfast is served up all day my suggestion is you grab some java (Reunion Island) and a breakfast sandwich then cross the street to High Park and find a nice sunny bench where you can savour the goodness and the sunshine.Listed in: Finding My Happy Place, Best Brunches
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Review from Michael H.
6/7/2011
Love it! On my visit from California, this was the only place I went twice! Had lunch one day and breakfast the next and both hit the spot with tasty goodness. Their bread selection is good and I'm told that bread can be hit or miss in Toronto, so I don't know where they get it, but highly recommended.
The service is super friendly and accommodating, not to mention cute;) It's small inside, but I didn't have a problem getting a table. Food comes quick and like I said, very tasty. I will definitely go back next time I'm in town. -
Review from cailen s.
Oakville, ON
7/14/2009
I wish there was a way to give 4.5 stars, because this place is basically five star material but I came away feeling like I didn't get enough food for my money.
The servers working were pleasant and smiling, you get an overwhelming sense that they have a lot of regulars and with good reason. My guess is that once you're there 2-3 times they'll recognize you, remember your name and what your order was. This just feels like that kind of place.
I got a Salmon sandwich on a bagel and it was fantastic. I paid $5.95 for it and for that price I was hoping for 30% more food but that is the only slight I could possibly give this place.
Otherwise this is everything a quaint local eatery should be. -
Review from Devyn G.
Toronto, ON
3/30/2010
One of my favourite occasional vices is to treat myself to a good breakfast out when I'm off from work. There's nothing quite like starting an entire day to oneself with a homecooked, sumptuous, solid meal.
Which is exactly what you'll get out of the Lunch Box. A bright, cheerful eatery on the edge of the park, Lunch Box offers all-day breakfast with special entrees (such as eggs benedict or florentine) on weekends. Their muffins are packed with fruity goodness and served straight from the baking tin. Your tea or coffee is served in real crockery, and the photo of the dog at the fixings table reminds you that soy milk is available. Their fresh pies, cookies, and "the best banana bread in High Park" will taunt you into submission.
Add to the diverse and excellent menu a relaxed and soothing vibe. Works from local artists adorn the bright, cheerful walls and smooth jazz sifts from the Sirius radio receiver. The stack of newspapers includes local dailies, NOW, and the New York Times. Neighbourhood locals are bound to crowd the charming wooden tables during peak mealtimes, so arrive early and be willing to enjoy a little elbow-rubbing from trendy strangers and their families.
Yeah, ok, sometimes the portions could be larger. But if you're someone who prefers quality over quantity, especially if it's made in-house and by free spirited folk, you've come to the right place.
Bring your lover for that sublime morning-after breakfast, enjoy the sun in the park, and return later for a slice of pumpkin pie and hot tea. Do it.Listed in: Tea and Eggs Over Easy
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Review from Sam G.
Toronto, ON
4/10/2010
I was biking past High Park and saw Lunch Box... I KNEW it had been recently reviewed on Yelp but couldn't remember the verdict. Undaunted, I ventured in to find a cheerful and bustling breakfast and lunch establishment.
The good:
- Blueberry pancakes with fruit parfait - really good quality... fresh plentiful blueberries in the pancakes... interesting variety of fresh fruit in the parfait, along with some yogurt and nut-ful granola
- Service was genuinely cheerful... someone dropped and broke a maple syrup bottle - it was cleaned up with grace.
- Other available baked goods looked delicious
- Moderate pricing
The less-good:
- To me, a "stack" of pancakes means 3 bare minimum... I was served 2 medium sized ones in this particular stack
- Agree with Cailen that I expected more food for the price, though I'll admit it was enough to satisfy most reasonable appetites.
- Ran out of water glasses (I'll give them a break on this - but they probably could have used one more staff person - they were all slightly run off their feet.
Not a destination, but definitely I place I would drop into when going by or make regular if I lived in the area. -
Review from Michelle A.
Toronto, ON
1/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've heard a lot of hype about Lunch Box. I live nearby and everytime I walk past this restaurant, it's always packed! The menu isn't that big - typical breakfast plates, pancakes, fried egg sandwiches, deli sandwiches, etc. I had the whole wheat blueberry pancakes. They were okay but kind of bland. I would definitely recommend getting one of the combo meals with the pancakes + fruit/granola or pancakes + eggs, because 3 whole wheat pancakes gets quite boring after 1. They aren't the fun pancakes with the messy blueberry sauce - they're just the kind with blueberries baked inside + maple syrup. The service was friendly but also very slow. It was around 2 pm on a Sunday and it took almost an hour to make two plates of breakfast food.
