
The Daily Commute is a weekly mini-series that introduces some great, affordable dining destinations, right off the TTC lines. From the morning coffee for the subway ride to the office, to post-work drinks right off your streetcar stop, we’ll be exploring some great spots to make your daily commute a tasty one.
We hit mid-town in today’s commute, following the Bloor-Danforth Subway line through the Annex and Yorkville, along the strip between Spadina and Sherbourne. Dotted with high-end fashion retailers, designer boutiques and classy hotels, this area is known as Canada’s most exclusive shopping district, and a mecca for international celebrities come film festival season. But in between the shopping and people-watching are some great eats that don’t necessarily reflect the hefty price tags often associated with this upscale neighbourhood.

A Head Start
Start your day off right with breakfast at Matisse Restaurant, just off the Yonge subway station, inside the Marriot hotel. Early risers can enjoy a bountiful breakfast buffet to fill up for the long day ahead, while commuters cutting it close can drop in to grab breakfast pastries and Starbucks coffee for the ride to the office.
www.matisserestaurant.ca | 90 Bloor Street E., Toronto

Warming Up
Long before the infiltration of ramen brought throngs of foodies flocking to numerous Toronto noodle houses, Kenzo Ramen, off the Spadina subway station, was the spot to get your fix of the ubiquitous Japanese soup. Warm up from the cold with their classic Tonkatsu ramen with extra pork, and a side of Gyoza dumplings. Lineup-free, as the crowds tend to gravitate to the more recently opened ramen spots across the city.
www.kenzoramen.ca | 372 Bloor Street W., Toronto

Get Away
Tucked away on a quiet side street steps from the St. George subway station, Fiermosca Trattoria transports you from midtown bustle, to southern Italy, both in atmosphere and in the cooking. Commuters with longer lunches can enjoy a brief escape to the Italian countryside with a genuinely portioned lunch out on the patio (which, of course, doesn’t sound appealing in the frigid weather, but rest assured, is absolutely beautiful in the warmer months). Reasonable prices, large portions and sincere and quick service make this a great place to catch up with a friend, or get away from the office for awhile.
www.fieramoscatoronto.com | 36A Prince Arthur Ave., Toronto

The Post-Work Watering Hole
Whether you’re looking to satisfy those immediate post-work munchies, or somewhere to watch the big game with a few friends, Hemingways just across from the Bay subway station is the perfect venue. A snack menu (available after 4 pm), extensive drinks list, and rooftop patio make this a great post-work hangout. Unpretentious and low-key, but can definitely fill up on game nights. They have 24 beers on-tap and offer great lunch and dinner menus as well.
www.hemingways.to | 142 Cumberland St., Toronto
Posted by Jenelle Antolin
Previously: The Daily Commute: The West End Part II
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