15 Bay Street Lunches You Can Bank On

When the lunch hour strikes, the Financial District very quickly dissolves into something of a feeding frenzy. Traders, analysts, lawyers and stock brokers descend on the area's food courts and restaurants looking for a quick fix. And because time is of the essence, the default destination often becomes the food court closest to the escape pod (the elevator).

And that's too bad. When I last worked in the area, I was right at Yonge and Wellington and was often resigned to grabbing a bite at the underwhelming offerings in Brookfield Place. It was the typical generic food court, over-run with ubiquitous fast food chains like Subway, The Bagel Stop, Manchu Wok, Edo, McDonald's, Piazza Manna and Jimmy the Greek. Uh, no thanks.

And that's a common sight. From Commerce Court to Scotiaplaza, some ill-advised landlords let in way too many of the same stuff. I don't really have anything against Sushi! by Bento Nouveau but do we really need six of them within a half mile radius? Same goes for the all too familiar sites of Pumpernickel's, Mr. Sub, Taco Bell, Made in Japan Teriyaki Experience and Druxy's.

Of course there's plenty of more original, higher-end fare that's perfect for the power lunch (more info on this over here), but for a tasty meal that's less than a commission at E*TRADE here are 15 of Bay Street's best options:

Z-Teca

All of a sudden Toronto is burrito happy, and the best burrito on Bay Street is definitely Z-Teca's. Found in the bowels of the Commerce Court West food court, the burritos here are grilled in the traditional Toronto style with options like shrimp, chicken and beef barbacoa. More »

Nashtah Tandoori Grill

It's almost shocking that there aren't more Indian restaurants in the area. I guess it's a reflection of the lack of Indian chains. Well, good thing for Nashtah. Found on the mezzanine level at First Canadian Place, this self-described Tandoori Grill serves up ready-made Northern Indian fare like veggie biryani, lamb curry and butter chicken. More »

Sandwich Box

The Sandwich Box is a long-time favourite and according to many make one of the best sandwiches in the city. Now they've opened a new outpost in "The Eatery" on the lower level of Royal Bank Plaza. More »

Petit Four Bakery

An offshoot of the more fine dining experience that is FOUR Restaurant, the take-out only Petit Four Bakery makes a great cuban sandwich on freshly baked focaccia and six types of salads. More »

Mercatto

A little more pricey than most on this list, Mercatto is a good bet if you're looking for a sit down experience without blowing the bank. But you better get here earlier. This place routinely fills up with diners wolfing down pasta and panini with some chilled Italian soda. More »

Freshwest Grill

The closest competition to Z-Teca, Freshwest wins points for its soy burrito and a better line-up of salsas. Spot it by looking for the longest lineup (save for Lettuce Eatery) in the TD Centre Food Hall. More »

Lettuce Eatery

What was that about Lettuce Eatery? Since the original one opened in the TD Centre Food Hall a few years ago this custom crafted salad joint has been such a hit they now have three locations within egg tossing distance. The trick? Skip the pricey gourmet salad menu and create your own. More »

Soup Market

Not the most popular spot in those 30 plus with humidity days in August, the Soup Market shines during those freezing February months when nothing besides a hot bowl of Cajun Chicken Gumbo will do. The only trick is you need to find it as it's sort of hidden in an alcove in the Ernst & Yonge Tower. More »

Naturally Yours

This somewhat overpriced health food store finds a way to make healthy affordable lunches including plenty of vegan, wheat and dairy free options. Go for the gluten free lasagna but go back when the 3pm snack attack hits for one of their excellent blueberry spelt muffins. More »

Hero Certified Burger

When nothing but a burger will do, forget about the Wendy's and McD's of the world, and head to the burgeoning chain that is Hero. All burgers are made with 100% free range Angus Beef that is hormone and antibiotic free. There's also good milk shakes and poutine made with real cheese curds. More »

Le Pain Quotidien

Fresh off their successful Toronto launch on Eglinton, Le Pain Quotidien has opened two more locations in the city including one in "The Eatery" in the Royal Bank Plaza. On the menu are some seriously good (if not a bit pricey) sandwiches, soup and salads. More »

Mio Express

An offshoot of Mio Ristobar, Mio Express is take-out only but is a good option for Italian style sandwiches, pizza slices, fruit with yogurt and some light snacks. More »

Thai Island

Thai Island isn't the only fast-food Thai place in the Financial District but for my money it's the best. Found in what likely is the top food court in Toronto (the TD Food Hall), Thai Island cooks up a bunch of rice and noodle lunch combos and some decent enough noodle soup. More »

Fast Fresh Foods

What's that about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery? Obviously the folks at Fast Fresh Foods have a hard on for the Lettuce Eatery guys and have opened up a couple locations of what is essentially the same thing, albeit with a slightly greater emphasis on sandwiches. More »

Szechuan Szechuan

Working on Bay Street just wouldn't be complete if there wasn't somewhere to go out with the co-workers for some Chinese food. And when that time comes, Szechuan Szechuan is the place - casual and not too pricey on the mezzanine level of First Canadian Place. More »