If you’re lucky enough to have scored yourself a job (very impressive) or internship (less impressive) in the downtown core then consider yourself living in the top 10%. Riding the subway into work dressed in business casual is all the glam any university graduate is aspiring to obtain.
The best thing about working downtown is the luxury of going out for lunch at trendy downtown places! Going out for lunch is a great opportunity to run into unemployed losers from university and show off your fancy job!
Note: If you don’t work downtown or are unemployed don’t fret- throw on your power suit and head downtown around lunch hour and feel the rush for yourself!!
I’ve compiled a list of the best lunch destinations to take full advantage of your bougie lifestyle. Whether you want to go alone to escape your annoying co-workers, or bring your friends along, here are the best lunch destinations in Toronto:
Maman – First Canadian Place, Mezzanine Level
K holy crap this place is like really cute. It’s a New York bakery/coffee shop with a twist!!! A Michelin star chef on the scene!! Might I suggest ordering a hot bevy even in the dead of the summer because their to-go hot coffee cups are TO DIE for. Everyone in the office who once felt trendy with their Starbs cups will hide in shame when you come running back from lunch break.
Café Plenty -1 King St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1A1, Canada
Another adorable place to grab a sandwich, coffee, and snap a killer insta pic guaranteed to receive upwards of 100 likes.
Bannock -401 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5H 2Y4, Canada
Much like a mullet – Bannock is all business in the front and party in the back if you know what I mean. One side is a super fancy restaurant style with delicious food – I’ve heard people rave about the fish and shrimp cake - I personally had a wild ride with the grilled cheese. The other side is more of a grab and go with coffee and sandwiches (I had the grilled chicken and arugula sandwich about a week ago and haven’t stopped thinking about it since)
Kupfert & Kim - 181 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3, Canada & First Canadian Place, 100 King St W, Toronto, ON MX5 1C7, Canada
If you’re into overpriced salads this is THE place for you! Bonus – it’s vegan!!! If anyone spots you with a Kupfert and Kim salad in tow, they will automatically know you treat your body like a temple and are hiding a 6 pack under your blazer!
Pizza Libretto - 545 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M1, Canada
Pizza Libretto is a tasty sit down authentic pizza establishment. With trendy décor, and reasonable prices. This is a great mid-week treat yourself lunch spot to hit up with the few coworkers that you can bear to spend time with outside the office.
Leña - 176 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5C 2L7
Another one on the bougie side of things. I would highly recommend swinging by this well decorated establishment if your boss has offered to take you out, or if you are really trying to impress someone. Bonus- you can go pick yourself up a bobble at Saks on your way back to the office.
King Taps - 100 King St W, Toronto, ON MSX 1E1
This bad boy is new on the scene but surely has delicious food, drinks, ice-cream, and servers! This is a great basic as f place to head to for a leisurely Friday lunch with your cool coworkers – or even an ideal spot for after work drinks!
Wilbur - 552 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3
These tacos are really great at 1am when you’re drunk AND when you’re sober on a Wednesday afternoon lunch break! I recommend the Baja fish tacos which can be enjoyed on scene or if you really want to stank up your office they are available to go!
Pusateri’s - Hudson's Bay Queen Street, 176 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5C 2L7
If you’re keen on feeling like an Italian goddess in a power suit then grab yourself something divine to snack on from Pusateri’s! A massive slice of pizza only runs you approx. $6.50 so you will have plenty of cash burning in your pocket after walking out of this place!
Portland Variety - 87 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5
I’m talking sandwiches, coffee, baked goods, and salads! Portland Variety also has the option to have a sit-down lunch, but the café section is a strong choice if you have no friends or just need some mid-day alone time.
I hope you all put this list to good use and start spending your pay-checks where they belong!