Cheap eats around Toronto’s Ryerson University
Looking for a quick bite between classes or a hearty meal at the end of a long day? These inexpensive hotspots around Ryerson University in the heart of downtown Toronto are perfect for students on a budget and general city-slickers alike. [Image credit: iStock.com/oneinchpunch]
Ryerson University
63 Gould St, Toronto ON M5B 1E9No matter what you’re craving, Oakham has your back. The cozy café and restaurant is tucked away in the brick walls of the Ryerson Student Centre. From quinoa burgers to quiche, their menu is as diverse as the campus. Offering vegan, halal, and gluten-free options, this inexpensive hotspot has a little bit of something for everyone.
Salad King
340 Yonge, Toronto ON M5B 1R8If you stumble upon this hidden gem on Yonge Street during the lunch hours of any given weekday, you will most likely see the cafeteria-style benches crammed with hungry Thai lovers. Get hooked on the Siam noodles with their legendary peanut sauce or their delectable satay chicken and beef skewers. Their humongous portions will also give you the most bang for your buck.
Frans Restaurant
33 Yonge St, Toronto ON M5E 1G4Your dreams of having breakfast for dinner (or any time of the day) will come true at Fran’s, an uber-cute diner just a hop-skip from Yonge and Front Streets. Their all-day breakfast menu features favourites like the Morning Glory which includes jumbo waffles, eggs, bacon, and glossy caramelized apples. If you’re not in an eggs-benny kind of mood, the rest of Fran’s menu contains a mouthwatering selection of affordable grub.
Senator Restaurant
249 Victoria St, Toronto ON M5B 1T8This Victoria Street eatery is home to the notorious Senator burger, eight ounces of beefy goodness and a slew of vegetables that complement each other beautifully. The Senator’s low-key vibe and low-cost chow draws hungry university students and downtown-dwellers alike. The vinyl seats and checkered floors also give the popular place a retro feel that adds to your dining experience.
Blaze Pizza
124-10 Dundas St E, Toronto ON M5B 2G9This 2016 joint popped up by Yonge and Dundas to satisfy the student crowd and Toronto’s Eaton Centre locals, allowing you to create your own customized pizza in just minutes. Baked in a woodfire oven, this modern pizzeria offers a plethora of toppings, from applewood bacon to banana peppers to ovalini mozzarella. It’s one of TO’s top spots to get pizza at lightning speed for a strikingly low price.
Balzacs Coffee
122 Bond St, Toronto ON M5B 1X8At the foot of the Ryerson Image Arts Centre lies the infamous Balzac’s Coffee. This is a perfect spot for those days when you want to indulge in a rich, artisanal coffee or a wholesome, hearty meal. Balzac’s glass walls and homey decor lends a very unique and modern vibe to the space – but don’t worry – it still hosts the same comfortable allure that’s at the heart of all Toronto’s Balzac’s outposts.
Basil Box Ryerson
351 Yonge St, Toronto ON M5B 1S1Build your own box at this tasty, modern Thai spot attached to the Ryerson Student Learning Centre. It’s the perfect spot if you want a flavour-packed lunch or dinner with plenty of vitamins and proteins, and you’re also keen on something budget-conscious. Choose your base of greens, rice, or noodles and tailor your meal to your personal taste buds with an array of veggies, proteins, sauces and toppings for an out-of-the-Box (high five) experience.
