Let’s do lunch in Toronto’s Liberty Village
Franchise food chains and restaurateurs are pouring into Liberty Village. They see the upstart condo community as a vast market of hungry young adults with hectic lifestyles and disposable income. Thanks to the scope and variety of dining options, lunchtime here is different every day. Here are some delicious spots you can visit for lunch in Liberty Village.
Caffino Restaurant
1185 King St W, Toronto, ON M6K 3C5The white tablecloths at Caffino instantly signify refined dining and upscale presentation with Italian flair. The lunch menu features more than a dozen pasta dishes, six house pizzas, panini sandwiches and a full slate of dinner-worthy entrées. You’ll spend $12 to $16 on average, excluding beverage, so this may not be your everyday lunch spot, unless you’re on an expense account.
Liberty Village Market & Café
65 Jefferson Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 1Y3There’s a small-town vibe to the Liberty Village Market & Cafe that keeps locals coming back. They also appreciate the fast, fresh takeout lunches, good coffee and selection of convenience items that come with the neighbourly service. There are benches outside for al fresco dining when the weather suits. Otherwise, you’re ordering to go from the ample menu of sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads.
Mildred's Temple Kitchen
104-85 Hanna Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 3S3Mildred calls it “b’lunch,” not lunch, for reasons that become evident once you’ve read the menu. Most of the dishes could qualify as breakfast or lunch, including their take on huevos rancheros (“Huevos Monty”) and “Veda’s Choice,” the house version of eggs Benedict. This is the place to come for a big salad, club sandwich or handcrafted burger, though prices do reflect the premium ingredients and detailed prep by the chefs. Mildred’s is fully licensed and available for group or office functions, too.
Brazen Head Irish Pub
165 East Liberty St, Toronto, ON M6K 3K4Catch up on all the latest scores and highlights while you enjoy a sit-down lunch at this spacious and modern Irish pub. Flat panel TVs in every nook and cranny are tuned to the sports networks and the food menu is fit for a famished linebacker. Opt for the daily special or dig into a hearty burger, or go for the pulled pork sandwich or fish and chips, perfectly paired with the craft ale of the day.
Merci Mon Ami
107-171 East Liberty St, Toronto, ON M6K 3P6Enjoy a Parisian-style baguette with your favourite everyday fillings for under $9, or a specialty version with premium ingredients like pesto chicken or roast beef for under $11. There are “Executive” baguettes for an extra $2 if you’re dining with the boss. Salad options include a daily feature salad (market price) or the house default greens for under $7. Eat-in dining is family style on faux harvest tables.
Naomi
112 Atlantic Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 1X9This beloved Japanese food and sandwich shop has been a local favourite for years as an economical breakfast and lunch option. The lack of pretension and focus on cheap and filling snacks makes it an exception to the rule in the local restaurant landscape. Sandwiches are standard Canadian fare like clubs, BLTs and egg salad – well executed and in generous portions.
School Restaurant
70 Fraser Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 3E1The fine hand of a professional chef is at work here, turning out heaping, healthy salads full of on-trend ingredients like quinoa, arugula, kale chips and spiced nuts. The idea of ordering salad and then piling on extras like roasted chicken, quinoa veggie balls or buttermilk fried chicken seems counter-intuitive, but they give you the option. We’re going straight for the buttermilk fried chicken, waffles with tabasco-pepper honey dripped all over, and crunchy cabbage slaw – yummy!
Pho Asian 21
1208 King St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1G4When you’re craving a midday bowl of Vietnamese pho, skip the trip to Chinatown and head to Pho Asia 21. Fans of the glorious, one-pot Asian soup dish can find their bliss steps away from Liberty Village at King and Dufferin. A basic bowl of broth and noodles starts at well under $10 and the most expensive version is less than $12. Servings are generous and true connoisseurs can ask for their favourite extras like tripe, tendon and rare beef. Heads-up: A cash-only policy remains in effect.
