Best of Toronto
The Best of the Newer Cheap Eats Restaurants in Toronto
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 »
Discussion
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It's too bad Yu Shan changed their name, in return it didn't make them that great anymore.
As far as I understand it, the folks at Yu Shan were also the landlords, and the restaurant started as a way to fill the space. Then they began being approached by people wanting to rent the space. They decided that they'd turn it over.
From what I gather, this just means Yu Shan is on hiatus for now.
So yeah, different owners. Menu changes completely today. And the food is nowhere near the same quality.
Still need to hit up Goed Eten. It's just that every time I volunteer the idea of savoury waffle sandwiches, everyone thinks I'm insane.
i'll go with you Gloria ;o) i wrote the BlogTO review and will swear to my dying breath that they're some of the best, most outstanding, tasty sandwiches ever. if it helps at all they're pressed on the waffle press but they're actually made from brioche so they're only incidentally sweet from all the butter used to make the bread that gets all golden brown when grilled. Damn, now i'm totally hungry...
The subject grabbed my attention and then I see the first entry and realize we have a very different idea of cheap. Should I read further or will I just find more of the same?
i think i make the best dumpling...
Ray: I had the same reaction. I was thinking it would be a list of amazing $2.99 breakfast diners and such. I'm really happy Cora's is on the list, though. Everyone should check it out.
The purpose of this post was to highlight spots $15 or less so agree that the title may be a bit misleading. Also, we removed Yu-Shan as it is has now been converted to a new restaurant.
What's with the west-side bias?
What, no Tulip or Bene's? Both are at Queen and Coxwell, and both are great(and soooooooo cheap!)
We eat regularly at KHMER THAI at 1018 St. Clair West (a few blocks east of Dufferin). Our typical order:
4 spring rolls
1 Tom Yom soup
1 main course
Total cost about $25 - for 2!
Everything is always fresh and the quality is consistent.
It was certainly interesting for me to read this post. Thanks for it. I like such topics and anything that is connected to them. I would like to read a bit more soon.