Best of Toronto
The Best New Cheap Eats in Toronto, 2012
The best new cheap eats in Toronto in 2012 provide exception to the rule that nothing in life comes good, fast, AND cheap. Fast casual concepts dominated the list with sandwiches, pizzas, and tacos, but unlike past years, not one gourmet burger, fried chicken or hot dog operation managed to crack the top 9, showing that Toronto has a penchant for fresh, customizable options influenced by a gamut of diverse flavours.
Predictably, there were a few new pizza joints on the list, but an array of gourmet sandwich shops proved that you don't need to break the bank to enjoy a quality meal.
Here is the list of the best new cheap eats in Toronto in 2012.
See also:
The Best New Cheap Eats in Toronto, 2011
The Best New Cheap Eats in Toronto, 2010
Banh Mi Boys
Every item on the Banh Mi Boys menu is habit-forming, and favourites like kimchi fries and pork belly steamed baos come in under ten bucks, together. Line-ups are to be expected and seating is limited, but luckily a second outpost is already in the works for 2013. More »
Seven Lives
Kensington Market's Seven Lives is the closest thing to a taco stand that this city has ever seen. Run out of a tiny shared stall, there's standing room only (although you can enjoy them on the back patio in warmer months), but that doesn't deter patrons who consistently rave about the excellent value for these generously filled SoCal and Tijuana-inspired tacos. More »
Leslieville Pumps
This fuel station meets general store is perfectly situated for East-enders to grab quick breakfast options and Southern-style smokehouse sandwiches. Call ahead take-away makes for efficient service that only adds to the convenience of this unique Leslieville destination. More »
North of Brooklyn
Nestled on Palmerston, just north of Queen, the prices here are on par with other pizzerias in the neighbourhood, but it's the exceedingly fresh toppings sourced from top quality ingredients that make these slices and pies stand out. The addition of a new bike delivery service starting January 8th gives extra reason to program their number into your phones. More »
Rashers
This take-away sandwich shop is devoted to all things bacon, and at only two-months old, has already drawn steady line-ups of regulars eager to embrace the British-inspired menu. It features staples like the bacon butty and our own local specialty, the hogtown sandwich. More »
Gelato Pizza
As the name suggests, gelato and pizza unite on the menu of this new Parkdale joint. Pizza is available with thin or deep dish crusts and the pies are assigned intriguing names such as the Bella Bellucci or the Bradd Pitt. A second location in Leslieville is in the works. More »
FBI Pizza
Keeping up with Toronto's insatiable appetite for pizza, this two-location pizzeria services Etobicoke and Woodbridge offering pick-up and delivery options that go beyond the basics. In addition to expectedly delicious pies (it's a sister to Queen Margherita Pizza, after all), there are fresh salads and a nutella mousse available to round out your meal. More »
Come and Get It
This pop-up shop at Queen and Spadina is squatting until its location is turned into yet another condo. Until then, their menu offers thoughtfully selected flavour combinations like chipotle-braised beef short rib or Granny Smith's chicken caesar in your choice of format; sandwich, salad or poutine. More »
Dr. Augusta's Samitorium
Situated at the corner of Dundas and Augusta, this gourmet sandwich shop rounds out this years list, with daily selections of housemade soups, sammies and salads, and a late menu that keeps it simple with all-time favourites like grilled cheese and PB and banana; bacon optional. More »
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HOGGBOYZ CO-SIGNED
Maybe take that off and replace it with Barton Snacks. An actual cheap place to grab some good food.
Glad to see Dr. Augusta's Samitorium on the list. After Seven Lives, it is my favourite place to get takeout in Kensington Market and the surrounding area. However, the place doesn't seem to get enough love for some reason. Given how good the food is in there, it should be busy at all times. The two owners are stand-up guys as well.
If you haven't tried it, please do!
$22 for a whole pie is more than promo prices at the chains, but not bad compared to what you end up actually paying at Pizza Pizza etc. Plus it's good pizza, unlike that greasy cardboard.
North of Brooklyn are overpriced cheapskates who really skimp on the toppings.
It would be nice to one day read a comment thread on here that doesn't have people moaning about the price of something... these places are independent food retailers, not industrial scale conglomerates mass producing tasteless junk.
You want 'cheap' food move to the 905 and hit up Tim Hortons.
And regardless of "what kind of city Toronto is" vs "what it used to be" is a pretty contrived comment. Despite how wealthy or "foodie" the city has become GARY, an article with the title cheap eats, should have just that. Having a list of places that have inexpensive and delicious food doesn't take anything away from your precious Toronto.
It's not a proper sit down, so I'd always choose Libretto over it. Plus, for take out, it's pricier than Libretto. CUT!!
FBI Pizza, for example, as delicious as it may be, is pretty pricy. Toppings, at their cheapest price, range from $2.25 to $3.25 (regular toppings vs. premium toppings); so if you're actually looking to have a three-topping pizza, it could cost you almost $30. Love the place, but it definitely does not belong on this list.
And Gary, attempting to put people in their place with a contrived 905er jab falls flat when there are Tim Hortons locations scattered across downtown Toronto.
In order for a small business to not only be able to pay their overhead, but also pay themselves and their employees and put out quality food (the food that you all want so cheaply), the prices need to be at a certain price point.
Like Gary said, you don't like it, go find a Tim Horton's.
Gelato Pizza is good!
Yummmmy