Looking for a place to grab a quick lunch while shopping in the Yorkville area? Here are some of favourite spots…
Holts Gourmet: Not only are there cold sandwiches, but soup as well as a wide range of pre-packaged salads and behind-the-counter options that one can pick from. On any given day, there are two or three choices of fish (with at least one that is salmon – salmon with a side of kale is a “usual” for me), chicken as well as salads, pressed sandwiches and soups. Lots of desserts to choose from as well. Holts Gourmet is located at the lower level of the Holt Renfrew Centre.
Whole Foods: I find that a lot of people who have been to Whole Foods in the US argue that the Yorkville location in Toronto is horribly small with few choices. While that might be true, I find that the salad bar at the Yorkville store has much better selection than say, the Columbus Circle store in Manhattan. The check-out area is also less of a nightmare – especially now that they’ve opened another pay area closer to the prepared foods section. Whole Foods is a favourite stop of mine after going to the gym – love picking up a kale salad and some quinoa or their “detox salad.” There is also a grab-and-go location called Whole Hearth Bakery Café, located on street level. Whole Hearth sells pre-packaged items, baked goods as well as deli sandwiches. Whole Hearth is located on the street level of Hazelton Lanes, while Whole Foods is on the lower level.
L’Express (Bloor Street Diner): Fewer choices than, say, Holts Gourmet, but definitely a great spot to pick up a panini or ready-made sandwich. There are also daily soups, salads and two hot items. Recently, a the sandwich menu changed slightly – salmon salad sandwiches on multigrain bread are no longer available and has been replaced by a Moroccan carrot on pumpernickel sandwich (with goat cheese and olive tappenade) which is very good for a pre-packaged sandwich. It’s nice to see that the restaurant is offering more vegetarian options (rather than just egg salad or cheddar, lettuce and tomato). Street level, towards the back at the Manulife Centre, next to Indigo.
Pusateri’s: The Yorkville store may be small compared to the flagship at Lawrence and Avenue Road (a common stop for my mother and me when I was in high school – it was on the way home from BSS), but selection is good if you just want some take-out. Most items are served from behind the counter, and range from full meals of fish or meat and veggies to pressed sandwiches. Already-prepared salad, sushi and cold sandwiches are also available. There is also a coffee bar with a decent selection of pastries. Located on Bay Street, north of Bloor.
Camros Organic Eatery: This place isn’t located in what most people traditionally think of as Yorkville, but if you’re looking for organic, vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, this is the place to go – especially if you like Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine. Hot and cold options are available and one can dine-in or get take-out. Rice is always available, as are stews and “specials” (rice balls, bean patties, etc…) and at least four salads as well as soup. Diners can create combinations of any of the hot or cold items (except for soup) and stews and rice can count as half portions. Camros is located on Hayden Street, which is the first street south of Bloor and east of Yonge (Camros is open on Saturday, but not Sunday).
