Downtown Toronto Lunch Spots for Every Day of the Week
As Toronto’s downtown core bustles with busy office-dwellers, the midday dilemma of where to grab lunch can easily become a daily occurrence. Throw in group dining requirements, dietary restrictions and endless options to sift through, and it can become downright overwhelming.
To help ease the lunchtime decision conundrum, we’ve rounded up a selection of downtown restaurants offering midday meals for the lunch crowd.
Aera
Find it at: Spadina between Front & Wellington
Visit for lunch on: Mon–Fri
As a new contender for Toronto’s most impressive lunch destination, Aera raises the stakes (or should we say steaks) when it comes to a knockout midday meal. Offering elevated classics, sushi and steakhouse favourites that pair beautifully with panoramic city views, this oasis above the clouds is a can’t-miss. Take your lunch meeting or afternoon escapade to the next level on Open Aera, Aera’s stunning rooftop patio! Make sure to check the weather forecast before booking your table above the clouds.
The Joneses
Find it at: Yonge & Wellington
Visit for lunch on: Mon–Fri
Welcoming neighbours for delicious eats throughout the week, rediscover retro charm from the comfort of The Joneses’ eclectic abode. Offering a funky mix of old and new, dig into premium steaks and superior sides, along with pressed sushi, salads, Detroit-style pizza and more. Creatively pushing the culinary envelope while playfully nodding to nostalgia, get your fill of classic Americana in Toronto’s lively downtown core.
Jump
Find it at: Wellington between Yonge & Bay
Visit for lunch on: Mon–Fri
A pillar in the downtown dining scene and pioneer restaurant in the Financial District, Jump offers North American cuisine with Italian influences and reinvented classics. A busy hub for business lunches that will have diners feeling as if they’ve touched down in Manhattan, experience Jump’s irresistible energy and don’t forget to visit the hidden-gem courtyard terrace while you’re at it. Need something quick? For just $28, enjoy a weekly inspired sandwich, soup and salad combo for dine-in or takeout.
The Rabbit Hole
Find it at: Bay & Adelaide
Visit for lunch on: Mon–Fri
You may lose track of time at this wild and whimsical gastropub, where British-inspired cuisine is served with a side of Canadian hospitality. When the weather cooperates, The Rabbit Hole‘s three-level outdoor patio is the perfect location for a mid-afternoon bite with colleagues. Sample a ‘sarnie’ served with chunky chips or green salad and stick around for happy hour specials and scrumptious snacks. In the colder months, cozy up indoors where classic British comforts keep diners warm.
Leña
Find it at: Yonge & Richmond
Visit for lunch on: Tues–Fri
Experience the vibrant essence of South American cuisine while taking in Leña’s stunning interior. Pull up a seat at the bar or grab a table with your group and enjoy unique and imaginative dishes rooted in tradition. Sample small plates and apps or choose from a variety of tasty entrées where flavour is always on offer.
Canoe
Find it at: Bay & Wellington
Visit for lunch on: Mon–Fri
Celebrating something special? Looking to impress a client? Or just feeling fancy? Visit Canoe, one of Canada’s most iconic restaurants, located on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower. With over 25 years of culinary history, enjoy artfully crafted dishes inspired by Canada’s diverse landscape and featuring some of the finest ingredients from farmers and suppliers across the nation.
La Plume
Find it at: The Well, Front & Spadina
Visit for lunch on: Tues–Fri
Take a quick vacation to the South of France and say oui to lunch at La Plume. Marrying the cozy romance of a classic French bistro with the unruffled flair of a laid-back brasserie, celebrate l’art de vivre with multiple types of tartare, fresh salads, rôtisserie chicken, steak frites and so much more. Bring your littles, there’s a kids menu to boot!
The Dorset
Find it at: The Well, Front & Spadina
Visit for lunch on: Tues–Sun
While the dining room at The Dorset is focused on dinner service, the main floor bar boasts an all-day menu that will make all your lunch dreams come true. Inspired by the British coast and countryside (hence the quaint seaside town it’s named for), The Dorset’s scratchmade Burger, Steak or Hake & Chips and Roast of the Day will have your mouth watering.
Biff’s Bistro
Find it at: Yonge & Front
Visit for lunch on: Tues–Fri
Indulge in quintessential French fare at Biff’s Bistro! Nothing will brighten up your afternoon quite like hearty Coq Au Vin, Quiche Lorraine, or a classic Croque Monsieur. Featuring a cozy, charming dining room and unparalleled service, you’ll be glad to chose to enjoy déjeuner at this iconic Toronto restaurant.
Queen’s Cross Food Hall
Find it at: CF Toronto Eaton Centre
Visit for lunch on: Mon–Sun
If you’ve ever been bored of your usual lunchtime selection, Queen’s Cross Food Hall is a haven for quick, casual eats with an emphasis on variety. With 16 food stalls to choose from, inclusive of a full-service bar and two rotating stalls, there are endless options to explore. Delve into lunch at Lala’s Cantina, Le Petit Cornichon, Libretto Slice Shop, Babel Hummus Bar, Gil’s Fish & Chipperie… the list goes on!
