An area once filled with manufacturing buildings, The Junction has grown into quite the hot spot, with shops, galleries, and dining spots routinely popping up in this now bustling neighborhood. Restaurants, cafes and bistros line the streets; with so many restaurants to choose from, The Junction offers a different culinary experience each time you visit. If you’re hungry, head to this area of Toronto, and check out any (or all) of these ten restaurants.
To get things started, 3030 Dundas West is a must-visit — you’ll never forget where this gem of a restaurant is located because the name just so happens to be the address. With an impressive menu of small plates, 3030’s mission is simple – to serve delicious, affordable food that will keep you coming back, all in a quirky setting. 3030 Dundas West is bound to bring out the kid in anyone with vintage pinball machines lining the walls and board games to choose from at your leisure. More of a music fan? Live bands play here as the perfect form of evening entertainment for diners.
Feel like a little taste of Italy? Annette Food Market is the perfect place for that and can be found right here in Toronto. Named after a grocery store that used to occupy this strip of Annette Street, this restaurant offers a charming and quaint space to relax while grabbing a bite to eat. A cozy spot (it only seats 24 people) serving Neapolitan-style pies cooked in a wood-fired pizza oven, with additional offerings of pastas, beer and wine, this haunt is a must-visit. Annette Food Market is decently priced as well, with everything on their menu — from starters to desserts — costing less than twenty dollars.
Curry Twist, a small and cozy restaurant, specializes in Northern Indian and Moghlai cuisine. Immerse yourself in all that India has to offer without leaving your seat. Curry Twist employs an extensive variety of spices that are used to prepare authentic gourmet dishes. Their menu caters to both meat eaters and vegetarians alike, with a selection of perfectly prepared dishes.
For when you need a bit of comfort food, Cut The Cheese has you covered, with home-style meals and other unique combinations to spice their menu up. Prepared entirely from scratch, their menu boasts classics mentioned above as well as new additions such as cheesy fries and house brand bottled ketchups and hot sauces. They even have a secret menu. If you’re looking for gourmet-styled comfort foods and a spin on your classic favorites, Cut The Cheese is the place to go. With everything on their menu for less than twelve dollars, the prices are hard to beat.
For farm-to-table eats in The Junction, head to the Farmhouse Tavern. Serving only Canadian food, craft beers and local wines, the Farmhouse Tavern consider themselves to be ‘a little bit country mixed with a lot of rock n’ roll.’ The theme of the restaurant is old-time farmhouse lovin’. Family knick-knacks can be found around the space, bar stools are tractor seats, and barn doors frame the chalkboard menu. With their menu changing on a daily basis, you’re guaranteed to find dishes that are made with local, natural ingredients. The mouthwatering favorite — lamb pappardelle — won’t disappoint. Brunch lovers won’t want to miss out on the weekend brunch, served from 11am-3pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Looking for a quick bite on the go? Foodbenders has you covered. Their main mission is to offer customers access to healthy and delicious foods through their selection of ‘grab & go’ meals (salads and sandwiches) as well as house-jarred and bottled goods. Decorated with light green walls, potted plants and simple wood furnishings, Foodbenders has a fresh and wholesome appeal. Their menu is perfectly priced, with the added bonus of eating on the go, and offers a fresh alternative to the fast food drive-thru. Unable to get to their restaurant? Foodbenders can also be found at Toronto flea markets, festivals and farmers markets throughout the year.
If you’re looking for some Mexican flair, head to Playa Cabana Cantina for its unique take on Mexican cuisine. This cozy spot offers a funky, rustic vibe, with an unmissable bar that houses an impressive tequila selection. Their menu consists of typical Mexican dishes including tacos, burritos and enchiladas, but their prices are well matched with all their dishes being under twenty dollars each.
Roux serves warm comfort foods that remind customers of home-cooked meals. Their menu includes classics like tuna, crawfish and beet ceviche, scallops plated over creamy grits, fried yardbird, and waffles with bourbon-maple syrup. Yes, bourbon-maple syrup.
Feel like some Asian cuisine? The Silk Thai Restaurant offers traditional recipe dishes prepared with fresh, quality ingredients. Check out the beautiful Thai-themed decor and cozy, casual atmosphere while eating one of their signature dishes — mango chicken.
The Daughter, Farmhouse Tavern’s sister restaurant, offers a cozy environment, with a farm-to-table approach. While their menu changes on a daily basis, one thing always remains the same; their dishes are composed of quality, organic ingredients. The Daughter guarantees a fun evening out — check out their specials on Wine Wednesday, Neighborhood Night Thursdays, Friday Family Nights, Cider Saturdays and Civilized Sundays.
