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Read MoreThe 8 Best Cheap Eats in Toronto [2022]
Toronto is a city with no shortage of amazing food. However, sometimes it can be hard to find an affordable meal that doesn’t taste like cardboard. If you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to miss out on all the culinary goodness Toronto has to offer, we have good news for you!
We have selected some of the greatest and most unusual cheap meals in Toronto that provide a large amount at a reasonable price for you to sample. We have places from all around the world listed, including Mexico, Jamaica, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Poland, and many more!
Summary
How We Chose the Cheap Eats in Toronto
We chose cheap eats based on a variety of options such as whether the meal is given in large portions and their popularity!
- Variety: A wide range of food options are essential for any great food places.
- Quality: We ensured that we chose food places that are rich in flavour and different from what we normally try.
- Price: We have chosen spots that are affordable and within your budget.
- Customer Reviews: Since you can’t always rely on what a place looks like, we decided to include some customer experiences to give you an idea of what each location is truly like.
Best Cheap Eats Spots in Toronto
1. Munchies
Munchies Toronto was born from a culture, strongly associated with the love of friends, family, and customers. Now located within the World Food Market, just go straight down to the right end corner with their bright yellow logo. Munchies is an innovative food shop where they’re always making up new creations and be sure to sign up with your email to be part of their secret tasteer list!
Working there is Mami Yogi who offers popular Sri lankan Tamil food with a hint of western twist such as kothu roti, mutton curry poutine, mutton blast, and their bang bang shrimp tempura and many more, which are a must to try! They provide deep-fried treats like McCain cakes, Twinkies, and Snickers, which are covered with chocolate syrup and sprinkles.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Kottu. This is a Sri Lankan dish consisting of diced roti stir-fried with scrambled egg, onions, chillies, spices, and optional vegetables or meat, such as mutton or chicken.
The food options are reasonably priced and if you love food filled with a rich flavour and real spice, this place should definitely be on your list!
Business Information:
Address: 335 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 2L3
Phone: (647)-719-2827
Website: makememunchies.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“This was at the yonge dundas street food area. Got the mutton blunts and bang bang shrimp...mann they were goood! And the sauce that comes with it, yum! But honestly, I really appreciated their service. Added some extra items cuz of the wait. Didn't see it coming. Highly recommend checking this place out!”
“We loved the creative flavours & quality of our first taste of Munchies!! The Bang Bang Shrimp & curry ranch wings as part of the Munch Box (which was great value) were my favourites! We also had a fun time picking up our order & getting to know the friendly owners & their story! All the best to Munchies for your continued success!”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Amazing variety of food options | Long wait for food (Food is made fresh, so it’s worth the wait!) |
| Closes a bit later (11pm) |
2. Allwyns Bakery
Since 1996, Allwyn’s Bakery founded by Donald Simpson, a Jamaican-born chef has been specializes in all kinds of Caribbean dishes. The takeout establishment is open late because it has a loyal following of regulars who come from all across the GTA.
Some of the amazing flavours you can find here have contributed greatly to the company’s long-term success. Allwyn’s jerk sauce is produced from scratch every day, and its beef patties and fresh-baked coco bread are brought daily from an off-site factory in Scarborough.
Allwyn’s bakery is famous for their jerk chicken which is rich in flavour especially the pimento (pepper) that truly bursts through in the jerk chicken: with the skin left on, these experts know how to deliver the Caribbean flavours that you never knew you were missing.
You should try out their jerk chicken sandwich on coco bread that comes with creamy coleslaw, beef patties, along with various delicious meats served with rice and peas. The prices are all under $11 with large portions which is definitely worth it!
Business Information:
Address: 404 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2A6
Phone: (416)-901-1882
Website: allwyns-bakery.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“AMAZINGGGGG!! First time ordering from Uber eats and this is the best Jamaican food I’ve ever had. Everything tasted really clean and fresh. The meats were fall off the bone. You need to order the plantains. The dishes were super flavourful and it wasn’t overly salty! Giant portions.”
“Delicious food at amazing prices. Jerk chicken sandwich on the coco bun is a meal in itself and only 7$. The oxtail is on the mild side but still good flavor. Patties were pretty standard, nothing amazing but again really good value. I've already been several times and will definitely be back for more”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Food given in large portions | Only cash and debit |
| Variety of great options |
3. Warehouse
Warehouse first opened in the entertainment district of Vancouver where they were known for offering food that is wallet friendly, delicious and healthy. They decided to broaden their mission and take it to the next level by building local hangouts across Canada and the United States. They’ve grown into a group of 20 food-focused dive pubs that are still going strong.
Warehouse has many locations in Toronto: Queen Street, Yonge Street, and Bloor Street. So be sure to check one of these locations out as they are located within the heart of downtown Toronto.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a warm up drink, or a night out with pals, they’ve got you covered. Their menu starts at $5.95 and includes everything from juicy burgers to famous soft tacos and nutritious salads.
They offer something for everyone, and they find joy in making everyone feel welcome and that they are a part of their community.
Business Information:
Address: 232 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z6
Phone: (647)-344-7326
Website: warehousegroup.ca
Customer Review Highlights:
“'s a pretty good restaurant to eat at! Their 5.95 menu has all you could ever eat, with generous portions and delicious food. The rooftop patio dining is also a fantastic feature that they have. Everything at the Warehouse has great prices, great ambiance and friendly service! Definitely a must try in Toronto!”
“Had a great time! Music was great, the service was exceptional and the food was just right! Thanks for the amazing experience on my first visit! I would definitely come back and recommend it to others!!”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Open until 2am | Waiting time usually long |
| Variety of healthy food options | Loud music and gets dark after hours |
4. Seven lives
If you love tacos then you should try out Seven Lives! It is located in the historic Kensington Market district of Toronto. They opened in 2012 with the goal of serving the freshest and best Baja style tacos in a pleasant and vibrant environment.
Sean Riehl, the owner, began as a pop-up but has now expanded his reach with his storefront diner and a vegan-friendly dessert business across the street.
You’ll be amazed by the menu, the tacos made with fresh ingredients that serve meat and seafood style options. Their shrimp and fish tacos are popular! Not to mention, the salsa options that vary in spice levels and flavours for you to test out. They have a “serve yourself” salsa on the side too!
Seven Lives serves inexpensive on the go food and the foods are prices from $5. They have delivery and pick up options as well
Business Information:
Address: 72 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2K2
Website: sevenlivesto.ca
Customer Review Highlights:
“Loved the decor and even the line out of the door. This place is a hit!! We had fish and shrimp tacos, and I was very impressed. Definitely order more than one, you will be hungry. Would have liked the price a little lower, felt $7 per taco was steep, but the quality was unparalleled.”
“Kensington's BEST tacos. Heck, it may even be the best tacos in toronto. All of their taco flavour combinations just work so well. Photos are of their crispy Baja fish tacos and their Carne asada (steak). I always stop by here whenever I find myself in the area.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Variety of tasty options | Not much inside seating |
5. Messini Authentic Gyros
Messini has been providing genuine Greek cuisine from the owner Marino Dafnas in Toronto’s famed Greektown since 2003. Messini’s, the supplier of Toronto’s most famous gyro sandwich, is also famous for being the first to offer the now-wildly popular Greek fries.
The chicken is delicious, the tzatziki adds creaminess, and the fries add texture. Greek fries come with feta cheese which add just the right amount of saltiness. They also have a seafood option where you should try their deep fried calamari.
To tempt your taste buds, try their well-known specialties such as gyros, salads, souvlaki seafood, pitas, and kebabs. They offer a variety of delicious food options from $5-$20 depending on the size ordered and it’s given in large portions.
If you love meaty filled food rich in flavour, then Messini is a must to try!
Business Information:
Address: 445 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1P2
Phone: (416)-778-4861
Website: messini.ca
Customer Review Highlights:
“One of my favourite places for greek food. You can’t go wrong with any options. If it's chicken or beef/lamb they are all good. Don't forget their fries and cheese. The price compared to the quantity and quality is amazing. Can’t wait to go back here again”
“Tasty and generously served food at a fair price. Excellent service, staff goes above and beyond to make me feel welcome! The place has become a "must stop" for my friend and I! Each Monday after a soccer game we have a few cold ones and a good meal. Couldn't ask for more!”’
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cheap large meals | It can get crowded during dinner |
6. Cinco Mexican Restaurant
Cinco Mexican Restaurant is owned by the Linares brothers in partnership with Olga Malanco. They have designed a one-of-a-kind cuisine by combining classic Mexican food with a modern touch. Their mission is to redefine the way Mexican food is experienced in Toronto and to be the new trendsetter, introducing flavours from all across Mexico.
They are delighted to introduce their gourmet food, which begins with their tasty tacos and their amazing first-of-its-kind delicious Smoked rotisserie chicken coated with unique salsas and spices. The seasoned and roasted broiled potatoes have a crispy appearance and a smooth, soft bite. The gourmet vegetarian taco is satisfying and full of well-balanced ingredients.
They offer food from $4 tacos to $13 large portions of amazing half chicken served with tortillas and seafood! They also offer yummy desserts like crunchy churros served with chocolate syrup served with ice creams and fruits. This restaurant is a must to visit!
Business Information:
Address: 131 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2L2
Phone: (647)-245-8380
Website: cinco.restaurant
Customer Review Highlights:
“Great little spot! The nachos were top tier and the food in general was a lot bigger than I expected. For example, I had the burrito with rice and salad and the portion was more than enough to keep me full for the rest of the day. The tacos were also loaded so 2 tacos turned into a full meal. Highly recommended as a dine in a place that serves properly fresh food with great service. Will definitely be visiting again.”
“Wow what a restaurant! The food was incredible. Everything we ordered was delicious. We had nachos, chicken tacos, fish tacos, enchiladas and churro sticks. The portion sizes were great. We also ordered margaritas which were awesome. Highly recommended to visit here.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Large portions that are cheap | Sauce served on chicken that tends to come off |
| Variety of delicious options! |
7. Tut’s Egyptian Street Food
Tut’s is a street food concept that serves Egyptian sandwiches. On King and Portland, in the centre of downtown Toronto. Their contemporary Egyptian cuisine appeals to everyone searching for a one-of-a-kind fast dining experience in Toronto.
Visiting this place is a must as their interior design is very vibrant with neon colours and walls filled with graffiti style hieroglyphs.
Tut’s cuisine focuses solely on sandwiches. Cairo’s nightly menu is similar to hot dog vendors in Toronto, with sandwiches loaded with Egyptian-style meats rich in flavour and vegetables such as ferakh which is grilled chicken.
The sandwiches ($3.99 each) are served in hand-sized portions. We recommend the combos where the Tut’s bargain ($9.99) has two sandwiches, fries, and a drink or the Tut’s Plus ($15.99) includes four sandwiches plus the sides. These options are definitely worth it!
Business Information:
Address: 567 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M1
Phone: (416)-551-1050
Website: tutsrestaurant.com
Customer Review Highlights:
“10/10 - everyone needs to experience Tut's. The chicken and falafel sandwiches with seasoned fries are *chefs kiss* so good. And the staff are really nice as well!”
“Ordered for the first time today and it definitely won't be my last! Sandwiches were amazing. The Garlic Tomatoes are unbelievably good. I was telling everyone I know about this place. Very good quality. The sandwiches look small but they're very filling. The toppings just pair perfectly with the meat/veg filling options. You don't need to make any adjustments or substitutions.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Amazing combo options | Portions may be less but it’s fulfilling |
8. Janchenko Bakery
Janchenko Bakery is an Eastern European fresh homemade comfort food where they make modern creative desserts that’s inspired by old European traditions. The amazing food is made by a Hungarian chef and Polish baker who make quality food that is out of this world!
This bakery is more of a grab and go but there are small seatings available. The unique news about this place is they use antique machinery that is older than Canada to make this delicious goods by hand.
They offer a variety of traditional European food such as Russian style potato salad, hrustiki (which is a Polish dessert), donuts, lemon tarts, thick cheesecakes and many more! You can get baked goods and meals from just under $10 so be sure to check this place out!
Business Information:
Address: 2394 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6S 1P5
Phone: (416)-769-8065
Website: facebook.com/ janchenkobakery
Customer Review Highlights:
“If you have ever walked by the window of this bakery you know how absolutely delicious everything looks. The sweet treats are great, and they also have a number of hot/cold food options as well!”
“My Number One all the time ..I can't mention something specifically because I can't remember the names of their pastry but they're always great .You can feel in your mouth how fresh and high quality their products are. They always keep high standards. Prices are very reasonable and the staff are nicely helpful.”
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide selection of amazing homemade pastries and cakes | Based on customer review, pastries might be dry. However, visit the place first to see! |
FAQs
In Toronto you can find many delicious foods at affordable prices (below $5) like hot dogs, tacos, dim sum, you name it!
Prices that are considered cheap are usually under $15. Depending on the size and portion of the meal and the type of ingredients used.
Yes absolutely! Many cheap eats offer vegan and vegetarian options as well! Be sure to check their website or you can call them!
Most of the cheap eats can be found in the heart of downtown Toronto such as the Kensington Market, Chinatown, and more.
Conclusion
Toronto might be pricey, so we need to take a break from time to time and find budget-friendly eating alternatives that are worthwhile. Fortunately, Toronto has a wide range of diverse delicacies from throughout the world.
So, if you’re seeking for a tasty savoury treat that will delight your taste buds, be sure to visit some of the city’s greatest inexpensive food venues!
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