Where is the best place to eat on a budget in downtown Toronto?

Question

I'm looking for a few great restaurant choices in downtown Toronto but I can't really spend more than $30-$40 per person total. Does anyone know of some great places that won't kill my wallet?

Answer 1

I am a former chef and worked in that area for some years, the Pickle Barrel as stated is nice, on Yonge St there is a few chains like Swiss Chalet and Taco Bell, but some smaller places like Chinese and Indian restaurants, along Dundas St past Bay there are a number of places, a lot has to due with with were you are going to be and the general area your in.

I would not hesitate to say for the amount your willing to spend there are a number and they do not have to be fast food, just check out either the Yellow Pages City pages listings for Toronto, or even Toronto Life magazines web page has reviews and prices for the one you might like, if your interested even the free newspapers have some ideas.

Answer 2

The mall, or some of the local restaurants, like the chains. Don't go for the restaurants that are based in Toronto.

Answer 3

Little Italy is fun.  Vivoli has great food...its on College two blocks east of Shaw.  4 adults and 2 children ate and drank for $120.

Someone mentioned Fieramosca and I second that.  I have eaten there several times.  Food is really good and the price is right.  Obviously it only gets expensive when you start ordering alcoholic beverages.  Either would be fun!

Answer 4

it is called Fred's Not Here..... AMAZING!

Answer 5

if you like thai food Salad king right opposite to Ryerson university on gould street....its the most amazing thai food i have had till date and its very affordable wid a good ambience...but its usually filled wid crowd though so be patient with evrything ;)....for mexican there is a place called Hernandos on wellington and Yonge....email m for more downtown places....cuz downtown is my second home and know it too well...hope i helped :)

Answer 6

I totally disagree that the Pickle Barrel is a good dining choice.  It is bland and disappointing at best.

$30-$40 is quite a lot for a budget restaurant.  In fact, if you're looking for great food you can get it much cheaper ($10-$20).  Try Swatow (Zaggat's rated) on Spadina, or Ethiopian House on Irwin (Yonge and Charles area).  Both the Red Room (Spadina and College) and the Green Room (Bloor and Bathurst) are fantastic, bohemian and offer unbelievable value (I'm not exaggerating).  Free Times Cafe (College near Kensington Market) is also a great, well-priced, bohemian city staple.

If you're looking for a date restaurant ($15-$30), try little Italy on College St.  My personal favourite there is the Standard Club.  But the College Street Bar, Bar Italia and Kalendar are also on that strip - all great places.  

The best Toronto dining experience I ever had was at Fieramosca on Prince Arthur.  It's a fancier place, but it won't break your budget.  Last time I was there I sat one table over from Christian Slater.  This is a great choice if you're trying to make a good impression.  The service is impeccable and the atmosphere is intimate.

Finally, I hope you've heard of Summerlicious.  You can eat at some of the best restaurants in the city for under $40.  I recommend Truffles or Canoe - two of the finest restaurants in the city.  http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/sum...

Toronto may not be Paris or New York, but there's no reason to suggest that the best it has to offer is a chain that serves deli food!

Happy eating!

Answer 7

pickel barrel is AWESOME

one right on yonge just north of dundas.

GREAT food, GREAT drinks, BIG portions, relativly cheap,

could get a meal, drink (alcoholic), and desert for around $35