Quick spots for a grab-and-go lunch in Toronto’s downtown
Long gone are the days when a limp sandwich was all you could get for a quick bite downtown. Now, you can satisfy your wildest cravings with everything from gourmet burgers to vegan salad boxes, and still be back at the office on time for that afternoon meeting.
iQ Food Co
100 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5K 1J3You’ll get your daily fibre by picking up some fruit, vegetables and grains at IQ. There are five staple options that include themed mixes of fresh produce, quinoa and brown rice – along with a few seasonal takes on healthy grub using ingredients of the day. IQ Food exclusively uses whole grains, lean proteins and good fats in all of their sweet and savoury food. Just reading their list of smoothie ingredients will make you feel healthy.
Z Teca Gourmet Burrito
130 King St, York, ON M9N 1L5This spot focuses on a handful of items and does them well. Pick up a burrito bowl with all the familiar ingredients minus the tortilla shell. You can also get a regular burrito with grilled chicken, steak or shrimp. There's a vegetarian version, as well. Taco lovers can enjoy a selection of fillings and guilt-free, low-fat sour cream. If a spicy cup of soup is your thing, be quick because they only make one batch a day.
Thai Island
C255-181 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3You’ll have to join the queue here, but it’s one of the fastest-moving lineups in the Financial District. That means you’ll have ample time to enjoy your pick of a mix of meat, veggie and tofu dishes that feature rice or noodle combos. Head back to the office with one of the top picks at Thai Island – Thai chicken on pad see ew noodles or the green curry chicken served with steamed rice.
Soup Nutsy Canada Inc
222 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5K 1K7Soup hits the spot in so many ways, which makes it ideal for a quick lunch break. You can drink it so there's no need for fiddling around with plastic cutlery on the go. The convenience factor makes it obvious why Soup Nutsy has three different spots in Toronto’s central hub. Each location features 12 different meat, fish and veggie soups that change each day. They serve gluten- and dairy-free options, plus low fat varieties, too.
Dundas Square Food Inc. O.a. Paramount Middle
253 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1N8Some of the most delicious and satisfying food for on-the-go lunches originates from Lebanon. Drop by Paramount Fine Foods on Yonge for made-to-order falafel sandwiches and chicken shawarma packed with parsley, lettuce, onions, tomatoes and tahini. These Middle Eastern sandwiches make a healthy take out lunch, as do the fillings and tasty tabbouleh or Fatoush salads. Everything is perfect with a yogurt drink or non-alcoholic beer.
