York's top 15 lunch out spots

1. KIBO Sushi

Location: 7 Walker Ave, Toronto

Type of food: Sushi/Seafood cuisine.

This is a fan favourite, for sure. While this list is in no particular order, this was the most submitted answer from our current students and York alumni. Kibo Sushi also happens to be extremely close to the building, probably only a two-minute walk! You can almost always get a place to sit in either the benches or the tables inside, and price-wise it’s not the most expensive place on the list, but also not the cheapest either. If you’re a sushi lover or excited to try, then Kibo is the place to go.  

2. Bagel House

Location: 1438 Yonge St, Toronto

Type of food: Bagels and some breakfast meals.

Bagel House is a classic choice at the York school, as most of our alumni opted for this one. It’s been there for some time, and its Montreal-style bagels are both delicious and extremely Canadian. If you’re an international student, I would recommend getting into the Canadian spirit by going to Bagel House, because whatever you try you’re bound to love.

3. Shawarma Q

Location: 55 St Clair Ave W, Toronto

Type of food: Middle Eastern food, Shawarma

This is also a super popular choice and received a lot of submissions from current students. It’s so popular that even during COVID-19, I’ve known students to go on their own time to Shawarma Q, after school or on the weekends. Students recommend the Shawarma wraps which you can get with chicken, beef, falafel or more! There are also vegan and vegetarian options for students who don’t eat meat.

4. Umami Poke

Location: 1252 Yonge St, Toronto

Type of food: Poke (deconstructed sushi)

Umami Poke is a popular choice among York students, and it’s surprisingly relatively new, only having been around for three years! There are tons of great options at Umami Poke, and if you’re looking for a healthier, lighter option for lunch that’s still tasty, it’s a great choice. You can get your poke with rice, kale or zucchini noodles, and with amazing flavoured salmon, tofu or tuna protein options.

5. Sprout

Location: 15 St Clair Ave W, Toronto

Type of food: Vietnamese

Sprout was also a common alumni response, so a classic for sure! If you love Vietnamese food then definitely go to Sprout! It almost always has seating for you and your friends, is not too long of a walk from the school, and has probably the fastest service in any restaurant ever. My food once arrived before I even sat down.

6. Boxcar

Location: 1210 Yonge St, Toronto

Type of food: Coffee and pastries

Okay, so Boxcar is not really a lunch place - but there are some sandwiches that they make! It is on the list, however, as it’s one of York students’ favourite study spots and has some of the best coffee in the area. With tons of different milk options, the best espresso coffee, and delicious almond croissants or scones, students have been known to spend entire study days there basically living off of their coffee and pastries. 

7. Loblaw's

Location: 12 St Clair Ave E, Toronto

Type of food: Grocery store!

This one may seem like a weird choice for new students seeing as it’s a grocery store, but Loblaw’s has tons of pre-made food meals like sushi, chicken fingers and more. There’s also a great spot to eat with chairs looking out on the street, and cost-wise it’s on the cheaper side. Huge variety of food options to choose from, so it’s definitely worth your while.

8. Aroma

Location: 1407 Yonge St, Toronto

Type of food: Coffee, pastries, sandwiches and salads.

The great thing about Aroma is that you get a full meal: amazing coffee, pastries, and great sandwiches and salads. Most people opt for the chicken (or no chicken) caesar salad or a tomato and pesto whole grain sandwich. Not the cheapest or most expensive choice, but very tasty, light and relatively healthy. It also has a great seating area, but it can be pretty packed some days!

9. Holy Chuck's

Location: 1450 Yonge St, Toronto

Type of food: Burgers

Holy Chuck’s is probably the go-to burger place in the area, compared to Harvey’s, Hero Burger or any others nearby. It has a pretty large menu for different burger options, huge portions, and amazing fries. If you take a look at the picture, those are actually some York students enjoying their lunch out!

10. Kwan

Location: 1496 Yonge St, Toronto

Type of food: Cantonese (Dim Sum)

Kwan is the epitome of good food, everything on their menu is amazing! Unfortunately, it’s a bit of a walk from the school and not the fastest service, so it has to be timed correctly. The indoor space always has tables and is really beautiful, and most students would recommend the Pork buns (cha siu bao), shrimp dumplings (har gow) or the steamed rice flour noodle rolls. 

11. Pizzaiolo

Location: 13 St Clair Ave W, Toronto

Type of food: Pizza

This is one of the few fast-food chain restaurants on the list (I wanted to include restaurants specific and unique to the area), but it’s a top pick for York students. With a lot of different topping options, thin or thick crust (your choice), pretty fast service, tons of seating and cheap prices, it’s a great choice for lunch out. Especially if you’ve got a big group!

12. Capocaccia

Location: 1366 Yonge St, Toronto

Type of food: Italian

Capocaccia might be the closest place on this list to the school, as it takes about a minute walk! Capocaccia, unfortunately, is definitely on the expensive side and is probably considered more of a special treat for a special occasion kind of lunch out. Either way, the patio or indoor dining is gorgeous, it has very fast service and the pasta, pizzas and salads are delicious! Terroni’s would be a great alternative, but it’s a lot farther away from the school. 

13. Impact Kitchen

Location: 1222 Yonge St, Toronto

Type of food: Healthy eating

Impact Kitchen tops the list for healthy eating. With the upper floor being a gym and its location right next to Spinco the spin studio, it’s a go-to for salads, bowls or smoothies. It has tons of vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free options, and healthy alternatives for pastries and cookies. It’s unfortunately on the more expensive side, but it is located very close to the school and Summerhill subway station and is great for studying or picking up on your way. If you’re looking for smoothies after school or as a quick snack before an athletic team practice, Impact, Nutbar or Booster Juice are all great options.

14. Zelden's

Location: 1446 Yonge St, Toronto

Type of food: American Deli/Diner

Zelden’s Deli serves a variety of options, from breakfast food to sandwiches and salads, and is probably your best choice if you’re looking for diner-type food. It’s not the cheapest on the list so probably not a safe bet if you’re worried about cost, but it does have a really pretty interior, is close to the school and has terrific and delicious food.

15. Bombay Roti

Location: 1404 Yonge St, Toronto

Type of food: Indian

And finally, last but not least, Bombay Roti. Located very close to the school, Bombay Roti’s menu includes butter chicken, saag paneer, samosa chaat and a wide range of delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian rotis. If you’re craving Indian food for lunch then Bombay Roti is the place to go!