Lunch / Take-out near Eaton Centre...anything worth having?

[Breadcrumbs]

Any cuisine, any price, just good food. Is there anything worth eating in this neck of the woods. Take-out preferred.

[Breadcrumbs]

Just a quick note on another possibility. In yesterday's Globe & Mail Chris Nuttall-Smith reported that Banh Mi Boys were working on securing a new location in the Eaton Centre food court.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/f...

[Lovemomoe]

If you are around the Yonge and Gerrard area, Eki Bento is not a bad choice. They have a daily special each day for a reasonable price, I think it's aroun $5.

[Googs]

Good food, good cause, and low prices complete the trinity.
http://trinitysquarecafe.webs.com/

[canmark]

I second the vote for Trinity Square Cafe. Good food, reasonable prices, nice people.

Has anyone tried Sliced at Bay/Elm? The seem to be a good quality sandwich place, and they offer Ravi soups.

http://slicedgourmet.com

[maritimah]

I had a pre-prepared egg salad sandwich there this week. It cost $8!!! That includes tax and it was definitely delicious for a pre-packaged sandwich but I consider the price to be nuts, no matter how tasty it was.

[Googs]

I assume you mean at Sliced, yes?

[maritimah]

Yes, at Sliced. I'm going to try a made-to-order sandwich next time to see if the value is any better.

[ragtime_6]

Salad King really is great; food is delicious, good serving sizes and not too expensive. Plus they automatically give separate checks, which I find kind of nice. It's louder than a henhouse in there, probably since it's usually full of hungry university students. I've actually never seen a day where it wasn't noisy in there.

[Ediblethoughts]

That's the main reason I don't go there anymore. Way too noisy and no backs to many of the chairs! Food courts are more comfy.

[Chocaholic]

I just went to Rare for lunch the other day ... and yes the roast beef sandwich was nice...I was so full I didn't have to eat dinner that day!

I agree with Salad King, after they reopened I went there and it was so noisy I didn't bother staying ... yes also those chairs its not meant for you to stay there longer than after u finish eating.

I'm gonna have to rmmbr all those other suggestions. Thx. Everyone.

[autopi]

i disagree on salad king. i found the place utterly pedestrian and forgettable, pretty much on par with what you'd expect at a thai restaurant in a food court or strip mall. very ordinary westernized thai. not bad for what it is, but what it is is nothing at all special. and yeah very loud.

[ragtime_6]

I tried the ackee and saltfish at Ritz Caribbean (the one south of dundas) and it was really good! Contained bits of tomatoes and peppers with spices, rather than just plain ackee and fish like I've had before. Service was efficient and speedy too. Plus most locations have a lunchtime special (11-3) where you can get jerk chicken and rice for approx. $4!

[stw]

Bob's Bulgogi at Richmond & Victoria is good for take-out.

[liverwurst]

I second Salad King for great Thai. I also love Kenzo for their ramen noodles, and Japango for fab sushi. Coconut Grove is alright if you enjoy roti.

[foodieroll]

There's a great restaurant for Middle Eastern food called Paramount, on the East side of Yonge across from Sears. I've never heard anyone say anything bad about it thus far... There's also Koryo, a Korean fast food restaurant inside the AMC building. They have a combo that comes with a lot of food and their candied potatoes as side dishes are very, very good

[Breadcrumbs]

Both these sound great foodieroll. I'll report back once I've tried, thanks!

[ragtime_6]

Paramount food is fantastic, delicious lamb and falafel, and beautiful big puffy breads (I forget what they're called) for dipping in hummus or what-have-you. The only caveat is that it is ALWAYS crowded (at least it is every time I poke my head in) and so service is intermittent at best.

Kabul Express is decent- good prices for the amount you get, although the one time I was there I got some chicken which tasted a bit "paper-y" although it was a daily special so maybe that was why. Their rice was yummy scrummy though!

[Breadcrumbs]

Thanks ragtime...good to know what dishes you'd recommend. I'll start w the falafel as I just love them!

[ragtime_6]

I've only been to Paramount a few times (unfortunately). I would totally go more often but my daily routine doesn't really allow it. Great place if you have a group of friends who aren't in a big hurry though!
I remember their hummus was really good, and I had a lamb sandwich recently which was off the hook! So juicy and succulent without too much fat. My friend had a falafel skewer which was also delicious, it was the more on the soft side rather than being overly hard and crispy. The best part is getting the bread basket, ripping open those lovely pitas and watching the super-hot steam billow out!

[magic]

PLENTY of people have bad things to say about Paramount!

Service is notoriously awful! AVOID.

I second Koryo though. The BBQ beef flamer is deeeelish.

[childofthestorm]

I like Paramount. Exactly like several of my fave spots in Dubai. Just flag the servers down, be aggressive!

Fresh baked pita and hummus alone make it worth a visit.

[magic]

Oh I don't mind being aggressive, but I detest indifferent, inept service. It says a lot about a business in general. Or so I think. I don't want to have to work for my food.

Too bad, the food does look good.

But there's so many options in that area, so just I moved on.

[Ediblethoughts]

I also enjoy the salads from Urban Herbavore (though my enjoyment increases with the right person adding in the topics--since some are more generous with your add-ins than others). Marinated mushrooms, avocado, artichoke and nicely seasoned lentils are a few of my faves. And adding a little tiny bit of hot sauce to the citrus dressing with some nuts and seeds----nice meal.

[chocabot]

Don't forget the sweet potato date muffin!

[Ediblethoughts]

Love sweet potato but not big on dates. I've never tried that muffin but maybe I should at least taste them... I liked the cranberry apple muffin (until I OD-ed on them).

Incidentally, they have several new salad dressing flavours, including mango cilantro---very tasty!

[Breadcrumbs]

Thanks Ediblethoughts!

[Breadcrumbs]

Ediblethoughts and garfield up-thread, thanks so much for recommending Urban Herbivore. I had the salad today and loved it! I'm still full!! Such great and innovative options. I really loved the tofu and barley in particular. I can imagine many great lunches here....big thanks!

chocabot, I'd love to try that muffin - unfortunately they're not open when I get to work in the morning so I may just have to bring one home for a weekend breakfast.

[Ediblethoughts]

I eat one of their salads twice a week and there are so many options for the 6 add-ins and the salad dressings, it's easy to keep it (no pun intended) fresh!

[prima]

Noticed the nutritional stats on Urban Herbivore's 484 calorie salad bowl http://www.thestar.com/life/health_wellness/nutrition/2012/06/28/urban_herbivores_healthy_claim_stands_up_with_nutritionpacked_salad_bowl.html

and their 986 calorie vegan muffin! http://www.thestar.com/life/2013/03/0...

[julesrules]

Yeah the vegan muffin was probably my favourite nutritional expose of all time ;)

[Wil]

I like the new roast beef place in the Eaton Centre food court...Rare I think it's called

The food court inside the AMC building at Dundas Square has a excellent lebonese place with great Falaffals

[Breadcrumbs]

Wil I agree with you, I've liked what I've eaten at Rare also. It always surprises me to see huge lines at the Subway shop next door and just a handful of people in the Rare line. I can't figure out why they're not more popular. I haven't had one of their soups yet but the sandwiches and salads are really good.

Thanks for the heads up on the Lebanese, I've posted feedback up-thread - great spot!

[Wil]

Ya I am not sure why it's not more popular either. I think people see the price and get turned off not realizing it includes a soup/salad. Their soups and salads are all pretty good too.

[julesrules]

So this is actual plain, roast beef - served rare I assume? Not "seasoned" or whatever? If so sounds great :) But maybe not the kind of thing Subway patrons are going to pay for...

[Wil]

Its fresh hot roast beef carved to order - rare :) They have various toppings as well. It's good stuff :)

[Breadcrumbs]

Here's a link to their menu. I especially like the Turkey, Apple, Cheddar sandwich.

http://www.rarewelldone.com/menu.php

[julesrules]

Thanks! So now I have to ask, is the turkey cut from an actual roast or is it deli meat?

[Shimso]

I agree, I like Rare. Its a pretty underrated place.
For the roast beef sandwiches they cut it as you order it, weigh it, dip it in au jus, put it on a whole grain or white bread and have the different toppings and includes salad/soup for ~10 after tax (which is reasonable considering its near impossible to leave with a full stomach from the Urban Eatery on less than 10 bucks excl McD's and Subway). $10 for a fresh roast beef sandwich with horseradish, caramelized onions (that weren't skimped on, there was a good amount) cheddar and bacon and a daily special chili is a pretty good deal.

I don't understand why more people don't go there, but I do understand why Subway is perpetually packed ($5 or 6 bucks gets you a sub, although I'm not at all a fan of Subway).

[T Long]

Tried Rare yesterday. OK I guess, but not that special...the meat was very chewy. Will try another place when/if I eat at the Urban Eatery next time.

[Breadcrumbs]

Thanks very much for all your input. Such great finds! I'll report back as I check these out.

[jmeggs]

In the same vein as Chipotle, Panera Bread at the corner of Yonge and Edward Streets is one of the better chains going.

[childofthestorm]

Milo's in the food court of the AMC building at Yonge and Dundas for really excellent Lebanese food. Plus, it's a chain but I don't care, I like Chipotle.

[Breadcrumbs]

childofthestorm and Wil down thread...big thanks for the recommendation of Milos. I tried their falafel and thought it was terrific. The shop owner was super-friendly and it was really nice to hear that he makes everything himself from the pickles to the sauces. He was quick to point out that the falafels are not from a mix but, made from scratch. I really appreciated the care he took in serving the food as well. Happy to know of this place. Thanks again.

[chocabot]

When in the area I almost always get the vegetarian platter there because he fries the falafel fresh for each order.

[Wil]

Ya Milos, I keep forgetting the name! This place is so great, I love when the owners take pride and care in their food, it really shows.

[childofthestorm]

Glad you liked it. For me it's the best in the city. I've traveled in the Middle East and his food is the real deal.

[mariecollins]

Lunch specials from Ritz Carribean, on Yonge St next to the Jewellery Exchange.

[Breadcrumbs]

Thanks for this recommendation marie. I tried the Akee & Saltfish and the flavours were wonderfully traditional. I just wish there had been more fish. I only had one discernible chunk in mine. What do you order? The rotis looked HUGE and I'm wondering if anyone has tried the channa roti? I was really impressed with the cleanliness and friendliness as well. I'll definitely be back there.

[Breadcrumbs]

Back to report I tried Ritz's Shrimp Roti on Friday and thought it was terrific. Good sized portion, nicely seasoned and just the right ratio of shrimp to potatoes. Really tasty lunch!

[Ediblethoughts]

Is this the Ritz on Yonge St? Nearest cross street?

[Breadcrumbs]

Yes that's right Et. Yonge & Shuter, beside the ING Cafe.

[estufarian]

Salad King (Thai) - above Foot Locker on Yonge N of Dundas.
Both restaurant and take-out.

[disgusti]

if time isn't absolutely pressing, walk over to queen and dalhousie and eat at food cabbie. american style classics (cheese steak, carne asada burrito, various daily specials) done pretty damn well at a price that really can't be argued with

[jennjen18]

NEAR Eaton Centre? I quite enjoy Liberty Noodle IN Eaton Centre...

[Breadcrumbs]

Hi Jen, what would you recommend from their menu. I tried the Shoyu Pork noodle bowl today and while I loved the fact it was made to order and piping hot, it was a little on the bland side for me. What's your favouite dish?

[jennjen18]

I believe I also had the shoyu as well .. it was quite flavourful when I had it, actually. Quite satisfying too.

[garfield]

Vegetarian platter from Ethiopiques
Kabul Express
Chicken Paprikash from Croissant tree
Urban Herbivore
Chili Chicken from Yueh Tung
Basil Chicken from Thai one
Lunch special from the Carribean shop on Elm Street