OTHER CITIES: 
The Best of the Newer Cheap Eats Restaurants in Toronto
- Posted by Jerrold
- Filed in Best of Toronto
- May 2, 2008
The restaurant business in Toronto, much like in most cities the world over, can be a relatively volatile scene. Old favourites continue to shine, but some also suffer sad, seemingly untimely deaths. Some new places open and within a few months fail, while others become thriving, trendy hot spots within no time at all.
This diverse list of some the best of the newer restaurants in Toronto (those that opened in 2007) in the cheap eats category (entrees under $15) highlights those that garnered the attention and adoration of diners who come hungry and leave satisfied.
All are deserving of a congratulatory nod. If you haven't yet given them all a try, perhaps a mini Toronto "cheap eats circuit" is in the cards.
Lead photos left to right by Frank and Jerrold respectively.
Cluck, Grunt and Low
Instantly popular, newcomer Cluck, Grunt and Low serves up tasty southern BBQ favourites like dry rub pork ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, gourmet mac and cheese, and an incredible, spicy cornbread. In an area of town dominated by cheap sushi joints, slow-cooked, smoky, saucy, finger-licking barbecue is a welcome change of pace. More...
Goed Eten
Chef Johan Maes (also of King East?s Le Petit Dejeuner fame) creates warm, crispy brown, waffle-iron-pressed sandwiches at this new, unassuming Kensington Market hot spot. Touted as authentic Flemish-Belgian in nature, both sweet and savoury checkerboard-textured delights are served at the often busy take-out counter. More...
Miss Cora's Kitchen
Another newcomer to the Kensington Market area has been doing great things in the kitchen. Owner Cora Devries creates amazing hors d'oeuvres of all sorts (both meat and vegetable), but her butter tarts and other fresh-out-of-the-oven treats such as pizzas, and seasoned flatbreads have also created street-level buzz. More...
Banjara
Banjara brings generous portions at great prices to the Christie Pitts area. This new Indian restaurant features flavourful vegetable curries (the Chana in particular has tickled our fancy) smooth and spicy paneers, and fresh Naan. Word has it their butter chicken is a must have as well. More...
Deep Blue Fish and Chips
Thin, crispy, battered fish is the specialty at this new hot spot on Broadview (just south of the Danforth). Deep Blue aims to make fish and chips somewhat healthier by using trans-fat-free oil. The adventurous might opt for the Jamaican Jerk battered cod, or the corn meal battered sea scallops. More...
Le Bar a Soupe
Soup's on. Mondays through Saturdays, Le Bar a Soupe cooks up generous portions of three different soups daily, and always includes at least one vegan option. Home-style, hearty, and healthy, are the mandate and they come through with flying colours. Bring your own bowl if you plan to get take-out. More...
M&B Yummy
Located in ever-evolving Parkdale, M&B Yummy introduces curious customers to the world of good value with scrumptious vegetarian Ethiopian food (and on the menu, "beef" and "chicken" aren?t meat). Aromatic ceremonial coffee available is a lovely way to end a great east African meal with friends. More...
Ravi Soups
When you think about the corner of Adelaide and John, soup is probably not the first thing that comes to mind ? unless you?ve experienced RaviSoups, that is. The ?soup master? purees lentils, artichokes, mushrooms, and other fine ingredients to create gourmet soups that make it a hot destination for a quick and healthy lunch. More...
B
This recent arrival popped up at Dundas & Roncesvalles and has quickly earned its reputation as a great brunch spot. Delectable eggs Benedict, done a variety of ways, are certainly a highlight and worth exploring. It gets busy on weekends, so arrive early if you don't want to have to deal with the queue. More...
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It's too bad Yu Shan changed their name, in return it didn't make them that great anymore.