Fast food restaurants in Toronto show just how little city folk are willing to compromise on good food obtained quickly. Though prepared in minutes and eaten out of boxes and wrappers, quality ingredients, traditional flavours and plenty of options are what make our best fast food awesome.

Here are my picks for the top fast food restaurants in Toronto.

California Sandwiches

When Torontonians just want to have a messy Italian sandwich with tomato sauce dripping down the sides, stretchy cheese and burning hot peppers, we head to locations of this old school Italian sandwich shop.

Burger's Priest

Multiple locations of this burger joint whip up wildly imaginative creations like grilled cheese ice cream sandwiches and stacked chili cheeseburgers. All locals know about their "Secret Menu".

The High Priest at The Burger's Priest is an epic Toronto take on a Big Mac. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Burrito Boyz (Parkdale)

A popular go-to with spots all over the city, there are a ton of options for nominal burritos here including ground soy, calamari, sweet potato, steak, haddock, halibut and chicken. You can also get your burrito gluten-free or "naked" (no tortilla).

Banh Mi Boys

Pork belly banh mi sandwiches, fried chicken bao and kimchi fries are just a few of the tasty offerings available at this popular Toronto chain.

North of Brooklyn Pizzeria

One of Toronto's best pizza joints has five locations to serve you from, so no matter where you are in the city you'll be able to sink your teeth into cheesy goodness. Don't skip on the garlic knots, either. 

North of Brooklyn will satfisy all pizza cravings. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Flock

Nutritious, balanced meals of rotisserie chicken and colourful salads are quick grabs for eaters on the go from these counters throughout the city.

Fancy Franks

Hot dogs are anything but typical at this Toronto restaurant. The hot dog chain serves them loaded up with everything from fried eggs to pulled pork. Fries get the same treatment. 

Basil Box

Build your own healthy and flavourful bowl with ingredients like cold noodles, tofu, five spice steak, pumpkin seeds and Thai chilies at this restaurant with spots in downtown Toronto and North York.

Create your own custom bowls at Basil Box. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Rudy

Toronto's OG smash burger joint now boasts four locations throughout the city. This means you can fet your fill of double cheeseburgers and poutine whether you're midtown, on the Danforth or in the Entertainment District. 

Fat Bastard Burrito Co

Burrito Boyz isn't the only fast food outpost for delectable burritos and bowls. This chain has dozens of locations throughout the city so when that craving hits for meat, rice and beans, you're covered.

Allwyn's Bakery

The restaurant may not look like much from the outside but this takeout spot doles out delicious and budget-friendly meals. Visit one of their three locations for jerk chicken sandwiches and patties.

Allwyn's doesn't mess around when it comes to sandwiches. Photo by Hector Vasquez.

Mean Bao

What started as a food court vendor in Village by the Grange has grown into a chain with outposts across the city. Snack on dumplings and bao sandwiches that will leave your taste buds satisfied. 

Smoke's Poutinerie Adelaide

Recognizable from the plaid and bespectacled smiling mascot decking out the exterior of every one of the multiple locations of this poutine chain, dozens of choices inside include poutine topped with pierogies, chicken, or three kinds of pork.

You won't ever leave Smoke's Poutinerie hungry. Photo by Jesse Milns.

Freshii

Take everything you thought about fast food and run in the opposite direction with it at this super-convenient healthy restaurant that makes it easy to eat well with their salads, bowls and wraps.

Top Gun Burgers

This popular halal burger chain is dishing out burgers at locations throughout Toronto and the GTA. Options run from classic cheeseburgers to ones stacked with three patties and grilled cheese buns.