Lunch in Liberty Village

Liberty Village may not have a reputation as a dining destination, but talk with anyone who works in the area - at places like Corus, Digital Cement and II BY IV Design - and you won't be surprised why so few here pack a lunch. Come the noon hour, eating options seem almost endless, from cheap Korean and roti to some of the best pizza and pasta this side of Corso Italia,

Whether you're a construction worker on break from putting the finishing touches on the Liberty Market Building, a production assistant at one of the clandestine Internet porn sites or a music industry exec with an expense account, there's literally something here for everyone. And if none of the options below do the trick there's always the hot dog guy at the corner of Jefferson and Liberty.

Caffino

Caffino is a Liberty Village gem. This hidden restaurant is tucked inside the iconic Carpet Factory building and serves a perfect venue for both the power business lunch as well as something more romantic. High ceilings and a warehouse feel balance out the formality of white tablecloths. The menu is decidedly Italian with quattro stagioni pizza, penne Siciliana and steamed mussels among the offerings. More »

Liberty Village Market & Cafe

This bustling grocery meets cafe is stocked with ready-made snacks and meals like sweet potato salad, rice pudding and their amazing salad rolls. There's also vegan soups, made to order sandwiches, salads and wraps. For a place that feels more grocery, there's a surprising amount of indoor seating here; though come summer most take their eats to go on the benches outside. More »

The Rotisserie House

This family restaurant specializes in home made Portuguese cuisine and is a favourite for their celestial rotisserie chicken. Also worth a look is the pork cutlet sandwich and their memories of grandpa roast potatoes. More »

In Japan

This under-rated sushi spot isn't the only place to find raw fish in Liberty Village but it's unquestionably the best. From maki to nigiri and sashimi, it serves up all the basics in good-sized bento box meals. There's adequate seating inside as well as a cozy front patio. More »

Island Foods

It's worth crossing King Street to kneel at the alter of Island Foods, home to one of the best rotis in the city. Also on the menu is oxtail stew, chicken and shrimp meals, doubles, beef patties and ginger beer, More »

The Liberty

Good for a business lunch, The Liberty has a chic, modern interior, complimented by one of the neighbourhood's best wrap-around patios. On the menu are favourites like their Liberty Burger ($11) and steak sandwich ($14.45) as well as pizza, pasta, risotto, calamari, soups and salads. More »

Brazen Head

Liberty Village's newest pub, Brazen Head is the place to go for prime patio gazing and grazing; or to catch whatever afternoon game might be on TV. The food here is pub standard, and definitely not a place friendly to vegetarians; but the lively ambiance and ample beer on tap sort of make up for the kitchen's shortcomings. More »

Merci Mon Ami

For premium sandwiches look no further than Merci Mon Ami. Two handsome, communal wood tables provide the backdrop for a lunch of roast turkey breast or steak sandwich. Prices range form $7.75 to $9.75 and all are served on delicious baguettes or other fresh bread. Smoothies and salads are also available. More »

Academy of Spherical Arts

This Liberty Village institution is perfect for the team-building lunch or for anyone travelling in pack of 10 or more. The best bet is their international lunch buffet ($17.75) every Friday from 12-3. The regular menu features items like shrimp cocktail, sauteed calamari, jerk pork tenderloin and pad thai. While there challenge your friends to a game of pool to see who picks up the tab. More »

Pho Asia 21

In-the-know lunchers cross the Dufferin street divide to south Parkdale's best Vietnamese restaurant. Slurp up a giant bowl of pho, some spring rolls, bun, congee, stir fried tofu or whatever else captures your fancy. More »

The Roastery

Liberty Village's original coffee house, The Roastery creates made to order sandwiches like their oven-toasted turkey bacon guacamole, Montreal bagels, pasta salads, smoothies, fresh juice, coffee and a wide variety of teas. More »

Magic Oven

The best place in the city for wheat and gluten free pizza, Magic Oven always wins over the crowd at the office lunch and learn. Limited seating options means this location is ideal for take-out or delivery. There's a variety of gourmet and vegetarian slices, tasty ciabatta sandwiches, soups and salads. More »