To find a lunch that truly satisfies you but won’t lead you right into a mid-day carb coma, a little planning ahead is key. Toronto has just as many quality healthy lunch spots as it does sinfully decadent ones, and for non-cheat days, there’s no need to feel deprived of exciting options. These healthy Toronto lunch spots are well-loved for their clean and flavourful menu options.
Here are 10 healthy lunch spots in Toronto!
Calii Love
Calii Love is a bowl lovers’ heaven. Superfood-packed, California-style poke bowls or salad bowls are named after feelings (i.e. Grateful, Amazing, Joyful, etc.) and range from $11.95 – $15.95. There are plenty of vegan, kosher, and gluten-free topping options including fish and meat, so your mindful meat-eating friends can join. Grab a bowl to go, or eat in one of the restaurant’s Toronto locations and end your lunch with an adaptogen-rich latte. Get ready to get hooked on that Calii life!
Bloomer’s
While Bloomer’s may be best known for its incredible vegan donuts, but the restaurant does a full lunch and dinner menu which is totally organic, GMO-free, and vegan. Choose from a small but fully-loaded lunch menu of salads, bowls, bean burgers, sandwiches, and some more decadent options like poutine, tempeh wings, and mac ‘n cheese. Save your trip here for a healthy-ish day and get a birthday cake donut to-go.
The Beet
The Beet has been mainstay in The Junction for nearly 10 years, offering a certified organic and sustainable menu with a more elevated take than the average eco-friendly eatery. There are as many options for carnivores as for vegans here from Tempeh Falafel Tacos to loaded avocado to flat iron steak on a bun. There is also a full list of beer and cocktails and the resto does an indulgent weekend brunch you’ll definitely want to come back for.
Bolt Fresh Bar
Bolt keeps it simple, super-clean and convenient. Here you’ll find four vegetarian bowls, four salads, a daily offering of soups and stews, and a regular rotation of smoothies and cold-pressed juices. Expect a light, protein-packed lunch that your body will love you for!
Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a cozy family-run vegetarian cafe in Kensington Market is the perfect repose from a busy day. Fuel up with its signature 42-ingredient salad (with quinoa, kelp, sweet potatoes, broccoli, tofu, etc. etc.) or a soup that’s served with a hearty raw cracker, or one of its savoury buckwheat crepes.
The Simple Kitchen
Comfort food gets a paleo-inspired spin here at The Simple Kitchen which means it’s gluten and dairy free. The selection of simple boxes, salads, and bowls make for a fully loaded plant-based lunch for those unafraid of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. If that’s not your jam, go for a bone broth and a grassfed burger on an Unbun. You can even stop in and get some ingredients for dinner at the market, or eat in and have lunch with a glass of kombucha on tap.
Away Kitchen
Quick service meets upscale at Away Kitchen that’s located on College at Beatrice. The menu here is totally plant-based and ethical, but you can definitely expect more ambience inside than the average quick lunch stop. Linger over the veggie meatball sandwich or avocado toast or tuck into the smoked carrot lox that’s served on a bagel.
District Eatery
The casual King West, District Eatery offers a slightly-cleaner take on pub fare. On the extensive menu of sharing plates, burgers, and sandwiches there are a handful of plant-based options like a vegan cheeseburger,, zucchini-noodle pasta dishes, and a few other dishes for herbivores who maybe expected to be relegated to a plate of fries. Pints of beer can be swapped for a glass of kombucha on tap, too.
Nutbar
With one location in Summerhill and one in Leslieville, Nutbar is known as a superfood snack cafe. Everything on its menu is made in-house, 100% organic, and of the highest quality. Stop in and try out one of its toasts like its iconic Savoury toast, bites like its kale salad, smoothies, and superdrinks.
Village Juicery
If you’re in the mood for a killer salad and juice combo, you’ll want to have Village Juicery on your go-to lunch hitlist. Not only are there a handful of Village Juicery locations around TO, but you can pick up the brands selection of salads, juices, and snacks at various shops in the city, too. Not in the mood to leave your desk? You can simply order on UberEats for all the convenience.
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From January 25th to February 7th Winterlicious is back, which means it’s time to explore some of the best restaurants in the city without breaking the bank!
From Yorkville to West Queen West to the Financial District, there are tons of amazing options, and we’ve rounded up the best places to check out during Winterlicious.
Reservations are now open, so make sure to book yours while there are still spots available (they’ll fill up fast!).
Bar Buca
Instagram/ @barbuca
This Italian-inspired kitchen and bar is the perfect King West hot spot to duck into if you’re wanting to check out Winterlicious. They only accept walk-ins, so whether you can’t commit to a reservation or you just find yourself in the area, this is the spot for you. Their menu, created by Chef Rob Gentile, is packed with flavour and features lot of vegetarian options. We recommend the Pasta E Broccoli, the Calamari Grigliata, and the Panna Cotta for dessert!
Cactus Club
Instagram/ @cactusclubcafe
Originally hailing from the west coast, Cactus Club has become a Toronto staple. Drinks after work? Cactus Club. Power lunch with your team? Cactus Club. Girls night? Cactus Club. Fantastic Winterlicious offerings? Cactus Club. Their lunch menu features some of their classic dishes (hello Butternut Squash Ravioli and Feenie Burger) and is a great choice for a power lunch. From their dinner menu, we recommend the Peppercorn Sirloin, Grilled Dijon Salmon, and the Key Lime Parfait Duo to finish it off.
Bosk
Instagram/ @boskto
Located in the Shangri-La Toronto, Bosk is a sophisticated, polished and delicious Winterlicious option. Their asian-inspired dishes (with a distinctly Canadian flare) are packed with flavour, and the environment is stunning; the recipe for a perfect date night! We recommend the Hen Egg Pasta Sheets, the Slow Cooked Beef Short rib and the Prawn Terrine. Their wine wall also holds over 700 bottles, so your server will be able to recommend the perfect one to compliment your meal.
The Drake
Instagram/ @zalbertsen
This Toronto classic is the perfect blend of culture, art, and delicious food. Their Winterlicious menu, this year created by Chef Zac Albertson, is perfect for the cold snap Toronto’s currently facing (Beer Cheese Soup, hello!). Walking into The Drake, you will immediately feel welcomed and at home with staff eager to greet you day and night. While you’re checking out the Winterlicious menu, why not make it a full night with a show at The Underground; they always have amazing artists coming in, check out their listings here.
Mistura
Instagram/ @mistura_sopra
Mistura may be one of the lesser known restaurants participating in Winterlicious, but don’t sleep on this one. Their classic Italian food is second to none, with family recipes that have been on the menu for upwards of 20 years. We recommend trying out the Beet Risotto (it has delicious chunks of gorgonzola cheese throughout it), Nonna’s Lasagna and Tiramisu to finish!
Cafe Boulud
Instagram/ @abhishekdekate
Cafe Boulud in the Four Seasons Toronto is a full culinary dining experience that isn’t to be missed. From the mind of Chef Daniel Boulud, the menu is a bright mix of fresh and classic flavours. Be sure to order the Butternut Squash Soup, and the Grapefruit Sundae for dessert.
Insomnia
Instagram/ @insomniatoronto
This go-to Annex hotspot located at Bloor and Bathurst is known for their cocktails and brunches, and specifically for their famous home fries. For Winterlicious this year, you can take advantage of their brunch offerings with their $23 lunch seating, featuring classics like the PB & J Buckwheat Short-Stack, Eggs Memphis, and their Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake! If you’re going for dinner, the Fried Chicken and Waffles paired with one of their cocktails is a must.
Honourable Mentions:
Oretta
Instagram/@oretta
Located on King St. West just west of Bathurst is the ultra-Instagrammable Oretta. Visitors can slide into the art deco-inspired space for a $28 lunch seating featuring dishes like Beef Carpaccio, Burrata Pugiliese, veal ragu, pan seared salmon, and Sicilian Cannolo, or plan a dinner date for $48 per person and nosh on mains like flat iron steak and pan seared sea bass. Whatever dish you choose, you won’t regret it!
Noce
Instagram/@noce
Another Italian spot that can’t be beat is Noce, and they’ve got 20 years of experience to prove it. Head to this Queen West establishment for a $33 lunch that features wood fired arctic char, grilled Cornish hen, “Sex In A Pan” (aka Nutella and vanilla pudding in a pecan crust topped with mascarpone cheese, chocolate, and sponge toffee. Or indulge in their $53 dinner seating and experience a delicious wood fired Ontario veal chop and salmon crudo.
District Eatery
Instagram/@districteatery
District Eatery’s Winterlicious lunch and dinner run on the more affordable side, with a $23 lunch option that includes Grilled Peach and Beet Salad, Bowl of Zen (District’s take on the tuna poke), and Vegan Cheesecake. The dinner option will run you $33 for three courses with items like Piri Piri Roasted Chicken, Philly Carbone Flatbread, and Garlic Oil Zucchini Pasta. With lots of vegetarian and vegan options — and an amazing cocktail selection to boot — District Eatery is a a great option for everyone in your friend group!
Featured image: Instagram/ @boskto
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