5 new cheap eats in Toronto you need to try at least once

New affordable restaurants in Toronto serve up bites that won't break your bank without sacrificing on flavour.

Things in Toronto are pricey these days, but you didn't need me to tell you that. That's why it's always prudent to keep an up-to-date list of restaurants that'll keep you satisfied without forcing you to remortgage your house.

I'm being facetious about the mortgage part, of course. No one owns a house in Toronto anymore.

Sure, affordable restaurants in Toronto where the food is actually good are unicorns indeed, but, luckily for the penny-pinching crowd, the city has welcomed a particularly impressive crop of them in recent months, so I've got your next lunch break covered for less than the average Uber fare.

Here are my picks for the best new cheap eats in Toronto you need to try at least once.

Nice Slice

If you haven't borne witness to all the hype surrounding this Harbord Village pizza shop, you may have been living under a rock.

Mac's Pizza alum Nick White is making major magic in the kitchen with hefty slices that ring in at $5 per, while whole 16" pies start at $22. They'll only cost you a couple of dollars more than Domino's, but a world of difference when it comes to quality.

Broken Rice

It's really no wonder that this Vietnamese spot in Church-Wellesley Village has caused a major stir in the months since it opened: it serves hefty, vibrant, flavourful bowls all for under $15.

As the name suggests, broken rice — rice served with your choice of grilled, marinated meats, vegetables and pickles — is the star of the show here, but you can also pick up grilled skewers, fresh rolls, salads and noodle bowls.

African BBQ House

Who says that a charcoal-grilled feast needs to come with a pricetag that leaves you living off canned tuna for the foreseeable future? Not this recently opened Stockyards District location of this Ottawa-based chain.

Every weekday, you can pick up a daily lunch special for $9.99, which includes a juicy piece of delectably charred meat with your choice of a side (I'm pro jollof rice).

Tacos Fuego

This new Oakwood Village taco joint brings all the flavour of Tijuana to the streets of Toronto and, mercifully, they do it at a budget-friendly rate.

The tacos here come seriously loaded and start at $4.95 each, but you can also opt for equally substantial quesadillas starting at $11.95 or burritos for $14.95.

Farooj Abo Al Abed

The first Canadian location of this wildly popular Lebanese chain has officially landed in Toronto, and I'm pleased to report it doesn't disappoint.

Serving up juicy, charcoal-grilled chicken and kebabs along with fresh favourites like fattoush salad and tabouli, a perfectly filling meal here can start as low as $9.99.