Dylan YoungIt’s true that the Greater Toronto Area is endowed with so many amazing dining spots. But it’s also true that these dining spots can get ridiculously expensive, which is bad for me when I’m broke after paying all my bills.
So, what am I to do? Hunt for cheap eats! And fortunately, Toronto is here to deliver.
Here are my favorite cheap eats in Toronto, and hopefully, they’ll be your lifesavers as well.
California Sandwiches
Address: 2474 Dufferin St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 9 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14167875205
At least once a month I get an intense craving for California Sandwiches, and thankfully, it has several locations in Toronto alone. That said, my go-to location is the one on Dufferin Street.
My favorite thing to order is the chicken sandwich, though the steak sandwich is a close second. I like how these sandwiches taste so fresh (the meat is delivered every day and cut fresh on-site) and how I can customize my toppings.
I love adding mixed vegetables to my sandwich to make it more nutritious, jalapeño poppers to give it a kick of spice, and provolone cheese to give me that satisfying cheese pull.
| Pro Tip: If you’re interested, this spot offers catering for special events. |
Rudy
Address: 619 College St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 11 pm
- Thursday—11 am to 2 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 4 am
Contact Number: +16477487839
Another great spot for affordable sandwiches is Rudy. This restaurant has several locations, but the one on College Street is my favorite.
The Crudy is the signature burger here, and it’s also my main recommendation. It has two patties (with cheese!) that are slathered with the most delectable sauce, making it a full and satisfying meal all on its own.
If I have extra money to spare, I will go for The Crudy Combo, which includes a regular-sized poutine and a canned soda. This is perfect when I’m starving!
| Pro Tip: Rudy offers catering services as well. If you want more information, send a query via email (at [email protected]). |
Juicy Dumpling
Address: 280 Spadina Ave.
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +16473525678
Craving Chinese cuisine? Then, you might like Juicy Dumpling!
This spot offers authentic Shanghai flavors in a casual, cozy setting. The mini-soup dumplings (pork) are the best place to start. The broth inside the dumpling is so rich and savory, and slurping it feels like getting the warmest hug possible.
Aside from soup dumplings, you might want to try the pan-fried pork buns (the pork is so juicy!). There’s also deep-fried chicken that’s extremely crispy and has strong hints of cumin flavor.
If you have a sweet tooth like me, treat yourself to a kusa mochi. It has a thick red bean paste filling that’s not too sweet, so it’s easy to devour several pieces in one go.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant is extremely busy around lunch and dinner hours, so it’s best if you come as soon as it opens or sometime in the afternoon. |
Mashion Bakery
– From: karonliu
Address: 345 Spadina Ave.
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9:30 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +16473482866
While we’re on the topic of restaurants offering affordable Chinese dishes, another one that I recommend is Mashion Bakery.
The coconut bun is the main highlight here, so try it for yourself. It’s pillowy soft with a sweet gooey center of shredded coconut. Personally, I can eat many coconut buns without ever getting tired of them!
If you prefer something savory, order the BBQ pork. It’s tender, juicy, and of course, perfectly savory! It’s even better if you pair it with warm bread.
| Pro Tip: Visit the bakery in the morning to ensure that you’ll be getting warm, fresh products! |
Square Boy
Address: 875 Danforth Ave
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—10 am to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—10 am to 12:30 am
Contact Number: +14164612571
Square Boy has been around for many years now, so it’s no wonder that it’s one of the go-to burger joints for many locals. The menu is filled with burger options, but there are also gyros, souvlaki, and even chicken dishes.
My favorite thing to order is the homemade banquet burger because I like watching the staff grill the patty right in front of me. Of course, the burger tastes great as well. The patty is dense and smoky, and it pairs well with the onions and American cheese.
If I’m craving something more filling, I get the souvlaki dinner. The meat is well-marinated, and the dish is served with fries and a salad, making it a well-balanced meal.
| Pro Tip: Square Boy only accepts cash, so be sure to bring enough with you. You can also bring your ATM card because there’s an ATM inside the restaurant. |
Banh Mi Huy-Ky
Address: 1046 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9:30 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +16473505707
Banh Mi Huy-Ky is an underrated spot in Leslieville, but don’t overlook this because not only are the banh mis cheap here, but they’re also tasty!
I recommend getting the lemongrass-garlic pork banh mi. The baguette is brushed with butter and toasted, and then it’s filled with tender pork chunks, pickled carrot strips, and white radish. It’s savory and herby. I love it!
To wash everything down, order a glass of smoothie. You have several flavor options, such as strawberry, avocado, and mango.
| Pro Tip: It’s tough to find a parking spot here, so it’s best if you come via public transportation. If you do insist on driving, you might want to go to Gerrard Square Shopping Center to find parking. |
Capital Sweet and Samosa
– From: jeeterz_toronto_food
Address: 62 Overlea Blvd, East York
Operating Hours:
- Monday—10 am to 7 pm
- Tuesday to Sunday—10 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14164676060
Don’t sleep on Capital Sweet and Samosa in East York! This quiet spot offers some of the cheapest samosas in the Greater Toronto Area, and they’re usually priced at around C$1!
The samosas are also made fresh every day, and I like that they don’t feel oily or greasy to eat. The outer shell is perfectly crispy, and inside, the filling is savory perfection. It’s also a bit spicy, but not too much, so you have nothing to worry about.
As the name suggests, this spot also serves a few desserts. In particular, I really like their gulab jamun. The puffy balls soak up the sugary syrup well, so every bite is mouthwateringly sweet!
| Pro Tip: I recommend coming here as soon as the shop opens. That way, you can get the samosas fresh and still steaming hot! |
Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos
Address: 72 Kensington Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 7 pm
If you’re a big fan of tacos, then you’ll love Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos. This humble spot only has a few items on the menu—which are mostly tacos, unsurprisingly—but don’t worry because they’re all worth it.
In my opinion, the best taco is the Camarones a la Diabla. The shrimp pieces are perfectly grilled and are then doused in a creamy, spicy chipotle sauce. The cheese counteracts the heat while adding a satisfying cheese pull!
Another one that I really like is Carnitas. The braised pork shoulder is so tender that it practically melts on my tongue, and the pico de gallo adds a much-needed zestiness to the dish.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant only accepts cash, so be sure to bring enough if you’re coming here. |
Dumpling House Restaurant
– From: tastetoronto
Address: 328 Spadina Ave.
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +14165968898
I’ve got another recommendation for people who enjoy Chinese dishes: Dumpling House Restaurant.
This restaurant boasts a menu with about 88 items, so you’ll undoubtedly feel overwhelmed browsing it. Get the pan-fried dumplings here. The crust is perfectly crispy, and yet each dumpling is soft with a savory meat filling.
The dumplings become even more delicious when you dip them in the signature sauce. It has that umami factor that elevates the dumplings, and of course, it has the kick of heat as well.
Other dishes you might like are General Tsao’s chicken (their rendition looks more red because of the cranberry sauce) and hot and sour soup (perfect to eat on a rainy day).
| Pro Tip: The restaurant only accepts cash, so keep that in mind when dining here. |
Messini Authentic Gyros
– From: 6ix.foods
Address: 445 Danforth Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14167784861
Treat yourself to authentic and affordable Greek cuisine at Messini! Located in Toronto’s Greektown area, this restaurant’s menu features all the classic Greek dishes, such as souvlaki, gyros, and salads.
The gyros are the perfect option when you’re on a tight budget. The meat is well-seasoned (I like getting a mix of pork and chicken), and the pita is soft and fluffy. It’s also served with tomatoes and fries, so you’ll be full in no time.
Another affordable option is a souvlaki skewer. This comes with seasoned meat on a skewer and a tangy tzatziki dip. It works very well as a snack, in my opinion.
| Pro Tip: Planning a special event? Book Messini’s catering services! |
Salad King
Address: 340 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11:30 am to 9 pm
- Saturday—12 to 9 pm
- Sunday—12 to 8:30 pm
Contact Number: +14165930333
Salad King is the best place to go if you’re looking for healthy meals. To be more specific, this spot specializes in Thai-inspired salads and wraps.
I enjoy the Thai lettuce wraps here because of their interesting flavor combinations. They’re savory and sweet, but then, there’s also a bit of spice kicking a few moments later (almost like an aftertaste). It has a crunchy texture too, thanks to the chestnuts.
Aside from lettuce wraps, I like getting the lime-leaf chicken dish. The sauce is my favorite thing about this dish: spicy, herby, and tangy. The way it coats the chicken chunks, carrot strips, and snap peas makes me devour everything in one go.
You can’t leave a Thai restaurant without trying Thai drinks. I’m quite fond of Thai milk tea because it’s so creamy and sweet, but I also like the pineapple tamarind soda, which tastes fizzy, sweet, and sour at the same time.
| Pro Tip: Salad King offers catering services for parties and other special events. If you’re interested, check this PDF to see their catering menu. |
Gold Standard
Address: 385 Roncesvalles Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 3 pm
If you’re looking for a quick bite, Gold Standard is a great place to stop by. This spot only has a few items on the menu—most of them are sandwiches and burgers—but they’re all delicious and affordable.
I recommend the Four Guys Burger if you’re really hungry. This burger looks like it can feed up to four guys, but personally, I can devour it in just a few bites. It tastes savory, sweet, and tangy at the same time!
For your drink, get the Zamalek, which is iced hibiscus juice with mint. It’s incredibly refreshing and sweet, but it also has slightly acidic notes.
| Pro Tip: You might want to give a gift card from Gold Standard to a friend or family member. |
Warehouse Queen Street
Address: 232 Queen St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473447326
Queen Street Warehouse attracts all kinds of people: those who just want pregame drinks, those who want a fun spot to hang out with friends, and of course, those who’d like to eat something delicious without breaking the bank.
My go-to order here is the spicy chicken burger. The fried chicken is crispy, and it soaks the sweet-spicy flavors of the spicy maple glaze. I also like the Texas BBQ smash burger, which has two beef patties, so every bite is satisfying.
If I want something healthy, I go for the poke bowl because it’s jam-packed with fruits and vegetables (avocado, pineapple, cucumber, carrot, and more). When it comes to toppings, I usually choose tuna, but the panko-crusted chicken is great as well.
| Pro Tip: Give a gift card from this restaurant to a loved one! |
CiCi’s Pizza and Wings
Address: 1596 Queen St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14165333311
I’ve always believed that pizza is a great food when you’re broke because it’s delicious and filling without costing a lot of money (plus, you can save the rest of the slices for later). If you’re craving pizza, you should order from CiCi’s.
The dough here is freshly made every day, so it’s pillowy soft and soaks up the amazing sauces. My favorite flavor is the Hawaiian Heat because it has that savory-sweet combo that I like. Plus, it’s topped with hot peppers, giving a little bit of heat to every bite.
Aside from pizza, this restaurant sells wings. I like them with honey garlic sauce, but the Cajun dry rub is also a great one.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant often sells DIY pizza kits. Stock up on these pizza kits so that the next time you’re craving pizza but you’re broke, you can easily make your own at home. |
The MoMo House
Address: 1422 Queen St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 9:45 pm
Contact Number: +14165888887
The MoMo House is one of the few restaurants in Toronto that specialize in Tibetan cuisine, making it an underrated gem that deserves more love. But more importantly, the dishes here are relatively cheap, making it perfect for people on a budget!
The momos (Tibetan-style dumplings) are understandably the stars of the show here. Traditionally, they are filled with a savory filling and then smothered in butter chicken sauce. Because of this, every bite is an explosion of rich flavors.
Another type of momos that you might get is jhol momos. This particular type has momos smothered in some kind of curry, so instead of rich and savory, the dumplings taste nutty and a bit spicy.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant is pretty small, so it can get crowded at times, especially during lunch and dinner. Try coming here in the afternoon instead because there are usually not a lot of people during that time. |
