Utopia Cafe

586 College Street       Website
Phone: 416.534.7751

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Posted by Susan Hu
July 31, 2008

Rating: 3.6/5 (25 votes cast)

Utopia CafeMy perfect summer-time afternoon goes something like this:

1. A table at Utopia's cozy back patio.
2. A pitcher of sangria.
3. Giant burritos that satisfy all my friends - carnivore and herbivore alike.
4. Christian Bale's anecdotes.

Ok. Well, maybe not the last one. But what sets Utopia apart from eat-the-food-with-your-hands sit down restaurants is the quality of the food. Every time I eat there, the thought always occurs - has eating elsewhere tricked my brain into accepting blandness? The veggies at Utopia, whether the tumble of baby greens in the side salad or sandwich filling, are always bright and crisp. The grilled items are seasoned and cooked to a texture that just can't be replicated at home. Aha, this is what flavour is! Not to mention little extras like: flavoured mayo, goat's cheese, and various types of soy for meat substitutions.

As far as soy types go, the veggie burger ($7.50) has become one of my favourites - forget Lick's. The thick, char fragrant patty served on a foccacia-esque bun is so big that I get full about halfway through, but so yummy, it always gets finished. Clearing the mound of accompanying fresh cut fries can too be a challenge. But along with a 75 cent splurge on wasabi mayo, it's a worthy attempt.

Utopia steak burritoThe meat-centric nosh is equally impressive. Unlike at other places that serve Tex Mex, I don't have to ask what kind of beef is in the burrito. The steak and cheddar burrito ($10.99) is actually made with steak; strips that are surprisingly tender and juicy for such leanness. It exudes a nice touch of smokiness. The bbq effect also permeates the chicken and shrimp burrito ($11.99).

Utopia has breakfast options as well, for brunch lovers. Their complete menu is on their web site.

gegtik on July 31, 2008 10:28 AM

Utopia is awesome and I highly recommend it. All their lamb dishes are primo

Maria on July 31, 2008 10:29 AM

The link to the menu is broken.

Carlos on July 31, 2008 10:31 AM

yes! those breakfast burritos are amazing!

m. on July 31, 2008 10:31 AM

My only problem with Utopia is the hidden non-veggie ingredients. Word to anyone who might care: the rice has anchovy paste, the burger buns are not vegan and many staff are really unsure about what is and what isn't vegan friendly.

susan on July 31, 2008 10:41 AM

link fixed - thanks for the heads up

Ben on July 31, 2008 10:42 AM

Thanks for the heads up, m..

rotenblog Author Profile Page on July 31, 2008 11:28 AM

please stop telling people about utopia. it's a secret.

mmmmmmmmmmmmm on July 31, 2008 2:24 PM

is it really true about the hidden non-veggie ingredients?!? on no!! that's such a shame - i like their food :P

Teena in Toronto on July 31, 2008 8:50 PM

I'll have to check 'em out!

frances on August 1, 2008 10:42 AM

i'm ADDICTED to the chicken burgers!!!

Ringer on August 1, 2008 11:59 AM

Love their food. But the rice is sometimes crunchy and cold. Staff are also hit and miss. Went there two weeks ago and they were horribly disorganized, completely inattentive, and altogether rude. Had been before and had a great time, so must have been a rough day or something.

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