It's Just Lunch

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No big deal. Just the second meal of the day. Where you will usually see me salivating in line.

 1. Thobors Boulangerie Patisserie Café

627 Mt Pleasant Rd
Toronto, ON M4S 2M9
(416) 544-1733

Category: Bakeries

Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant and Davisville

3.0 star rating
  Update - 4/26/2012

3.8 stars
Came back here for lunch with a friend.

It is SO French in here. A dialogue, if you will:
Friend: "Can I have the French Burger?"
Cashier/Baker: "No. No more."
Friend: "Okay. Can I have the tartine gratinee?"
Cashier/Baker: "No. No more."

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  • 4.0 star rating
    3/7/2012

    After hearing all of the buzz, I had to take a walk over.

    VIBE
    Small. Very french. Ladies who lunch.… Read more »

 2. Chipotle Mexican Grill

2323 Yonge St
Toronto, ON M4P 2C9

Categories: Mexican, Fast Food

Neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant and Davisville, Yonge and Eglinton

4.0 star rating
  11/12/2011

VIBE
Fast paced but slow moving. It seems like the line lasts forever but the food attendants are quick. The Eglinton location is way more spacious and better designed than the smaller Eaton Centre franchise. Big points for both high and low seating…More »

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 3. Holy Chuck

1450 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4T 1Y7

Category: Burgers

Neighbourhoods: Yonge and St. Clair, Deer Park

5.0 star rating
  Update - 12/19/2011

So this is the second time to Holy Chuck and it does NOT disappoint. My tip: ask what's not on the menu.

Johnny was nice enough to tip me off about the Big Chuck which is their version of a Big Mac. Basically, my cholesterol is going to Hades with no…More »

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  • 4.0 star rating
    11/17/2011

    VIBE
    It's pretty simple. It's a burger place after all. That said, I went at around 1 pm and there… Read more »

 4. Black Camel

4 Crescent Rd
Toronto, ON M4W 1S9
(416) 929-7518

Category: Sandwiches

Neighbourhood: Rosedale

5.0 star rating
  12/19/2011

VIBE
It's not as small as I thought. And its across from Rosedale station (not Summerhill...though I appreciated the detour of wine tasting at the local liquor store).
My guess is there are very long line ups at lunch so I opted for dinner time and…More »

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 5. The Burger's Priest

1636 Queen St E
Toronto, ON M4L 1G3
(647) 346-0617

Category: Burgers

Neighbourhood: Upper Beach

4.0 star rating
  Update - 1/3/2012

So after a few months of not being able to get east-end, I went back on New Year's Eve (best time to visit a busy burger joint ...ever and kudos for being open until 9:30 p.m.). After visiting Holy Chuck, I felt The Priest crew were not as friendly…More »

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  • 5.0 star rating
    11/4/2011

    VIBE:
    Think about your hallway. It's kind of like that. But with people waiting for hamburgers… Read more »

 6. Sushi Delight

461 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, ON M4W 1A7
(416) 406-0288

Category: Japanese

Neighbourhoods: Greektown, Riverdale

4.0 star rating
  12/4/2011

VIBE
The last place you'd think there would be a sushi joint is on The Danforth, otherwise known as Greektown. But there is. And I like it. It's pretty dark inside but as soon as you walk in, the chefs behind the counter wave you hello (even if they…More »

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 7. Soup Nutsy

222 Bay St
Toronto, ON M5K 1K7
(416) 304-1383

Category: Soup

Neighbourhoods: Financial District, Downtown Core

4.0 star rating
  1/12/2012

VIBE
Not one of the easiest places to find. Go with someone who knows or ask along the way. It's very tucked away in the TD Centre.

But a lot of people know about it and they are sharks! So go early or wait in line.

Make sure you have your money…More »

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 8. The Stockyards

699 St Clair Ave W
Toronto, ON M6C 1B2
(416) 658-9666

Categories: Canadian (Traditional), Barbeque, Southern

Neighbourhood: Wychwood

5.0 star rating
  11/27/2011

VIBE
Easily one of my top favourite places to eat in the city. Yes, it's small, cramped and you may have to wait for a seat; or wait for take-out. But it's worth it.  The staff are efficient and friendly.  Plus, Hello! Wychwood barns is around the…More »

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 9. Sense Appeal Coffee Roasters

96 Spadina Ave
Toronto, ON M5V 2J6
(416) 907-8524

Category: Coffee & Tea

Neighbourhood: Downtown Core

5.0 star rating
  1/12/2012

Yay! This is my 100th review and my favourite coffee shop! (Tied with The Rooster). I saved it for this one.

VIBE
Bustling. If you walk by, you won't notice it (the sign helps) but inside it's like this coffee crack den that only insiders know about…More »

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 10. Patachou Patisserie

1120 Yonge St
Toronto, ON M4W 2L6
(416) 927-1105

Categories: French, Bakeries

Neighbourhood: Summer Hill

3.0 star rating
  12/23/2011

VIBE
If you want a slice of Paris, this is the place to go. I'm not even joking when I say a few of the patrons here were speaking French. It's a great little patisserie and the perfect place to bring your mom or a girlfriend for lunch. I was here…More »

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 11. Gandhi Cuisine

554 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M5V 2B5
(416) 504-8155

Category: Indian

Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West

4.0 star rating
  11/11/2011

VIBE
I avoided the ramshackle yellow sign reminiscent of the 70s for years. Big mistake. Inside there are these chairs covered in some grey corduroy fabric (also from the 70s I assume) and the lighting is off. But who cares about the vibe? Let's talk…More »

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 12. Mocha Mocha

489 Danforth Ave
Toronto, ON M4K 1P5
(416) 778-7896

Category: Latin American

Neighbourhoods: Greektown, Riverdale

4.0 star rating
  1/8/2012

VIBE
Mocha Mocha is one of my regular Danforth spots. Unpretentious and always packed with regulars (mainly girlfriends or families) it's great for lunch or an afternoon. If I'm having a bad day, their meals always cheer me up. It reminds me of a…More »

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 13. Delux

92 Ossington Ave
Toronto, ON M6J 2Z4
(416) 537-0134

Category: Cuban

Neighbourhoods: Ossington Strip, Trinity Bellwoods, Beaconsfield Village

4.0 star rating
  11/14/2011

VIBE
Relaxed. Casual. We were here for lunch on a Saturday afternoon. Perfect for a lazy weekend. Lots of dusty blue booths and if you go right when it opens, it's quiet. By noon the tables were pretty much gone. It's the type of place where the…More »

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 14. Riverdale Perk Cafe

633 Logan Avenue
Toronto, ON M4K 3C4
(416) 462-3538

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Desserts, Cafes

Neighbourhood: Riverdale

4.0 star rating
  1/8/2012

VIBE
Not to be confused with Central Perk from famed hit show, Friends (whaa whaa), this Perk does feel like it could be transplanted from a TV show if it were set in Brooklyn. But the Riverdale nabe is lucky to call it their own.

Service isn't…More »

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 15. La Boheme

2481 Yonge St
Toronto, ON M4P
(416) 489-2233

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Bakeries, Desserts

Neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant and Davisville, Yonge and Eglinton

4.0 star rating
  1/12/2012

VIBE
I stumbled upon this French cafe while walking up Yonge north of Eglinton and what a find! It was a nice refuge on a grey Friday afternoon. Everything is stark white and the staff are friendly and quick. I like the higher up counter for singles.…More »

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 16. La Merceria

506 Adelaide St W
Toronto, ON M5V 1T5
(416) 848-0057

Categories: Coffee & Tea, Cafes

5.0 star rating
  11/8/2011

VIBE
You know how you read design magazines or go onto Design Sponge and think "Yeah, I wish my place looked like that?" And then you think "Well, I'm too lazy to make my couch out of church pews and I can't afford Brian Gluckstein's taste?"  You can…More »

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 17. Tsaa Tea Shop

412 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, ON M4K 1P3
(647) 347-8720

Category: Tea Rooms

Neighbourhoods: The Danforth, Greektown

4.0 star rating
  10/23/2011

I am a bit reluctant to write about Tsaa because I don't want others to find out about it because it's "my" place but it's a really great shop and I want it to stick around.

I've been a regular since it opened and the staff are great. They know you…More »

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 18. Square-Boy Drive-In

875 Danforth Ave
Toronto, ON M4J 1L8
(416) 461-2571

Categories: Burgers, Greek

Neighbourhoods: The Danforth, Greektown

3.0 star rating
  11/16/2011

VIBE
The look from 1985 has been updated slightly to 1988. The prices are also still stuck in the 80s. This place is compact. For instance, one customer can enter the door at a time. You're greeted by a pacman machine while in line. It's all kinds of…More »

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 19. Porchetta & Co

825 Dundas Street W
Toronto, ON M6J
(647) 352-6611

Category: Sandwiches

Neighbourhood: Trinity Bellwoods

5.0 star rating
  11/6/2011

VIBE
This tiny Italian sandwich spot is one of the best things to happen to the gentrification of Dundas West and for good reason: their sandwiches are delicious! Though many a hipster may pop in, I see a lot of foodies and local restaurant owners…More »

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 20. Cheesewerks

56 Bathurst St
Toronto, ON M5V 2P2
(416) 243-3327

Categories: Cheese Shops, Sandwiches

Neighbourhood: Niagara

4.0 star rating
  Update - 2/19/2012

Nothing beats a drizzly Saturday afternoon than a grilled cheese sammie. I was craving the Los Angeles so I headed down since I hadn't been since its inception two months ago.

It was gooey and ooey and hit every sweet and sour spot. Yumo!
Another…More »

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  • 4.0 star rating
    12/22/2011

    Woot Woot! First to Review.

    VIBE
    I was here for a media event so I got a tasting of the whole menu.… Read more »

 21. El Trompo Taco Bar

277 Augusta Ave
Toronto, ON M5T 2M1
(416) 260-0097

Category: Mexican

Neighbourhood: Kensington Market

4.0 star rating
  11/24/2011

VIBE
This place doesn't look like much on the outside- or the inside. It reminds me of old school Kensington Market, with its ramshackle sign and its checkered table cloths and chinzy Corona signage.  I'm not sure if the place is family run but the…More »

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 22. Meat & Bread

370 Cambie St
Vancouver, BC V6B 2N4
(604) 566-9003

Category: Sandwiches

Neighbourhood: Downtown

5.0 star rating
  11/29/2011

VIBE
When I plan a trip, I like to part-plan and part-leave my findings up to the universe. I never researched Meat and Bread despite its press but able to stumble upon it while walking over to the Vancouver Convention Centre. It was karmic…More »

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 23. Shanghai Cowgirl

538 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M5V 2B5
(416) 203-6623

Categories: Canadian (Traditional), Diners

Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West

5.0 star rating
  2/10/2012

Sometimes I have french fries with George Strombolopolous. This is one of those times.

VIBE
The best funkafied diner there is in the city. No fuss, no muss. Lovely tiling on the floors and comfy booths without the paper and crayons on the table.
We…More »

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 24. Arepa Café

490 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON M5V 2B3
(416) 362-4111

Category: Latin American

Neighbourhoods: Alexandra Park, Queen Street West

3.0 star rating
  2/10/2012

A-ree-pa? A-rape-a? I don't know.

VIBE
Located in the old Tequila Bookworm space, this is a haven for those who love Brick walls and a drafty breeze.  You can wi-fi to your heart's content and have a beer as well. All kidding aside, we had great…More »

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 25. Poutini's House of Poutine

1112 Queen St W
Toronto, ON M6J 1H9

Categories: Fast Food, Poutineries

Neighbourhoods: West Queen West, Beaconsfield Village

3.0 star rating
  2/18/2012

Inevitably, after a long day and some libations at the Gladstone we ended up at Poutinis House of Poutine. Otherwise known as Om nom nom. Seriously. That's what it says on their sign!

VIBE
I like the wooden log chairs and communal high tables for…More »

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 26. Cheese Emporium

245 Eglinton Ave E
Toronto, ON M4P 3B7
(416) 440-1462

Category: Cheese Shops

Neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant and Davisville, Yonge and Eglinton

3.0 star rating
  3/1/2012

VIBE
It's a cheese shop, so lots of cheese.
The guy that works here is pretty blue collar. He won't serve you. You have to ask him questions. *Annoying!

I ATE
I came here because I was told about their fabulous $5 sandwich special at lunch.
Again, I…More »

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 27. Katsu Japanese Restaurant

572 Danforth Ave
Toronto, ON M4K 1R1
(416) 466-3388

Categories: Japanese, Sushi Bars

Neighbourhoods: The Danforth, Greektown

4.0 star rating
  3/2/2012

VIBE
It's nothing special but lots of booths. Me likey!
Staff are QUICK and friendly.

I ATE
Spicy tuna with tempura bits. I love that they put the tempura bits in the sushi. Nommm! Again, the food is fresh and it comes out Quick! Plus, it's cheap! I…More »

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 28. New Generation Sushi

493 Bloor St W
Toronto, ON M5S 1Y2
(416) 963-8861

Category: Sushi Bars

Neighbourhood: The Annex

4.0 star rating
  3/4/2012

VIBE
You're here for the sushi, first and foremost. It feels very "New York" in the sense that it's crowded, noisy, light and bright and the servers aren't really paying attention to you. It's not my preferred atmosphere but it works.

I ATE
I always…More »

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 29. Green Papaya

2401 Yonge St
Toronto, ON M4P 3H1
(416) 932-8891

Category: Asian Fusion

Neighbourhoods: Mount Pleasant and Davisville, Yonge and Eglinton

2.0 star rating
  3/17/2012

VIBE
I was craving a big meal and I hadn't been here for years, so I thought I'd give their pad thai a try again. It's very minimalistic looking in here. It's light and airy and if you sit near the front, you can people watch through the windows.
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 30. Delica Kitchen

1440 Yonge St
Toronto, ON M4T 1Y5
(416) 546-5408

Category: Delis

Neighbourhoods: Yonge and St. Clair, Deer Park

4.0 star rating
  4/16/2012

4.5 stars. Where do I even start?!

VIBE
I love the clean, white interior. It's like Martha Stewart's interior savvy niece decorated in here. You've got the tiled floors, silver stainless steel displays for the food, silver stools and cute little…More »

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 31. Lick's Homeburgers & Ice Cream

654 Danforth Ave
Toronto, ON M4J 1L1
(416) 465-6426

Categories: Burgers, Fast Food

Neighbourhoods: Greektown, Riverdale

3.0 star rating
  4/17/2012

2.5 to 3 stars because at least they're nice.

VIBE
The Danforth location is conveniently located to the subway so if you need to grab and run and you literally can do just that. The decor is very "old time" harkening back to the 50s soda shops of our…More »

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 32. The Fuzz Box

1246 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, ON M4J 1M6
(416) 769-1432

Category: Sandwiches

Neighbourhood: The Danforth

4.0 star rating
  5/19/2012

VIBE
Not a fancy place. We're talking Danforth east of Greenwood here. The decor has a lot to be desired. But Neil, the owner, is so friendly! It's one of those "for everyone" type of places that attract families and hungry Yelpers alike.

I ATE
Duh.…More »

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Review votes:
333 Useful, 205 Funny, and 250 Cool

Location

East York, ON

Yelping Since

September 2011

Things I Love

cheese.

Find Me In

my blog Near.Afar. (@nearafar)or Sympatico's Luxury for Less Travel Column

My Hometown

Toronto, ON

My Blog Or Website

http://www.nearafar.wo...

When I'm Not Yelping...

I am a freelance writer & get paid for this kind of stuff. Huzzah!

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I've done this gig professionally

My Second Favourite Website

http://www.joannagodda...

The Last Great Book I Read

Catcher In The Rye

My Favourite Movie

I'm kind of a fan of Clueless. As IF you aren't too!

My Last Meal On Earth

Mother's lasagne and probably a mix of favourite dishes globally.

Most Recent Discovery

Bellwoods Brewery

Current Crush

Local Kitchen & Winebar . Those chandeliers! Swoon.