5 places to eat in and around the Toronto Eaton Centre that aren't the food court

Food in and around the Toronto Eaton Centre extends far beyond the tried-and-true food court classics.

I'm not too proud to admit it: I love a mall food court as much as the next person.

Walnut shrimp and chow mein that's been sitting under a heat lamp since 8 a.m. just has a certain sparkle to it, but when you're in the mood to treat yourself to something a little more elevated (especially in the throes of holiday shopping), I've got your back.

Here are some of the best places you can eat in and around the Eaton Centre on your next shopping trip: 

Queen's Cross Food Hall

Forego the mall's basement food court in favour of this Oliver & Bonacini-led food hall, and you won't be disappointed.

Located at the south end of Level 1, this hall features 16 chef-driven concepts serving everything from poke bowls to crispy chicken sandwiches. It'll cost you a bit more than a McChicken downstairs, but for the quality of food and ambiance alone, it's well worth it.

The food hall also features two rotating pop-ups from notable restaurants elsewhere in the city. At the time of publication, you'll find Randy's Patties and Elm St. Deli, but they change over every few months.

Trattoria Mercatto Eaton Centre

Toronto may have lost the iconic Mr. Greenjeans location that rested atop this space on Level 3 for over 30 years, but this Italian restaurant has built a legacy of its own during its 12-year residency.

It's one of the few sit-down restaurants inside the mall, and, serving a standard suite of Italian favourites, it's a great option for a heartier lunch or dinner accompanied by a well-deserved glass of wine.

Haidilao Hot Pot Toronto

If you're not sick of spending time around other people by the time your shopping trip is over, skip across Yonge Street and break metaphorical bread over a simmering hot pot with your fellow mallgoers.

This China-based international chain is known for all sorts of gimmicks that, should you not already find yourself totally overstimulated after a day of shopping, can be a lot of fun, but the real draw here is, of course, the hot pot itself.

Alforat Iraqi Street Food

I know what you're thinking: if you wanted shawarma, you could easily visit the Osmow's location in the food court. And it's true, you could, but the truth is that not all shawarma is created equally.

The ever-present lineup at the only downtown Toronto location of this Iraqi street food chain (which just so happens to be across the street from the Eaton Centre) should be evidence enough; if all that shopping has you craving shawarma, this is the place to go.

The Frederick

Up to get a few more steps in after lapping every floor of the mall? This newly opened riff on the classic bar-and-grill concept is located a few blocks south of the mall, but it's well worth the walk.

Created by renowned Toronto restaurateur Cory Vitiello (The Chase), this restaurant is easily one of the more refined spots you can dine at around the mall, while maintaining an accessible atmosphere that still feels comfortable.