Aliu IsaImagine coming home after a long, tiring day, the last thing on your mind is cooking a feast. You just want to relax, maybe binge-watch your favorite show, and enjoy delicious food without the hassle—that’s where takeout saves the day!
Toronto is a takeout lover’s paradise, with countless options to choose from. With just a few clicks, your favorite Chinese, cheeseburger, or piping hot pizza can be prepared in advance and picked up at your leisure.
But with so many choices, finding the absolute best can be overwhelming.
Luckily, as a dedicated foodie who’s tried his fair share of takeout, I’ve curated a list of the city’s top-notch spots. So, whether you’re craving comfort food or international cuisine, this guide will help you savor yummy takeout at home.
PAI
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Website: https://www.paitoronto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paitoronto/
Address: 18 Duncan St
Hours:
- Monday: 4 PM – 9:30 PM
- Tue – Thurs: 11:45 AM – 9:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 11:45 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday: 11:45 AM – 9:30 PM
Contact: (416) 901-4724
For those craving Thai that’s perfect for sharing, then PAI—a venture from the dynamic duo, Nuit and Jeff Regular—has your back. Named after a charming town in northern Thailand, PAI brings authentic Thai flavors straight to your doorstep.
What makes them even more special is its unique takeout station, styled to look like a street hawker’s cart. And their dishes are best enjoyed family-style, so you can share and sample a bit of everything—great for an intimate family or group gathering.
When it comes to must-orders, you can’t go wrong with their succulent gaeng massaman curry. It features tender chunks of braised beef and potato in a delicious peanut-tamarind sauce topped with crispy shallots.
Pro Tip:
If you want something light but filling, then we recommend going for PAI’s grilled beef salad. This delicious staple is fresh, flavorful, and perfect not just for sharing but for satisfying those Thai cravings—you’re welcome!
Richmond Station
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Website: https://richmondstation.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richmondstation/
Address: 1 Richmond St W
Hours:
- Monday: 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Tue – Fri: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sat – Sun: 3:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Contact: (647) 748-1444
Richmond Station has been a downtown Toronto staple since 2012, and for good reason. This place has a loyal following thanks to Top Chef Canada winner, Carl Heinrich’s culinary magic.
Their pantry menu is thoughtfully divided into sharing plates, appetizers, and mains, featuring about 15 dishes along with a rotating chalkboard of specials. In fact, these seasonal, ingredient-driven plates are what gained executive chef Heinrich recognition.
While dining in is always a treat, their takeout menu is next-level. You can now enjoy their famous Station Burger, featuring an organic, grass-fed patty topped with aged cheddar, sweet beet chutney, pickled onions, and garlic aïoli—yum!
Pro Tip:
Richmond Station also sells beautiful to-go charcuterie boards. They’re loaded with an array of house-made and -cured meats—perfect for a gourmet snack at home.
Bar Isabel
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Website: https://barisabel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bar_isabel/
Address: 797 College St
Hours:
- Mon – Fri, Sun: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM
Contact Details: (416) 532-2222
Bar Isabel, the brainchild of former Black Hoof chef Grant van Gameren, has quickly become a Toronto dining institution. Known for its yummy Spanish-inspired dishes, it’s no surprise that their takeout game is just as impressive.
With their takeout menu, you can recreate that classic Spanish tapas experience right in your own kitchen. The perfect way to start your meal is to try their mixed meats platter and a selection of cheeses—think Montenebro, Manchego, etc.
Then, go for their sea bream ceviche—it has a burst of fresh flavors that’ll transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Last but not least, their grilled Spanish octopus is tender and flavorful; it’s ideal for wine or cider pairings.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to save room for dessert—Bar Isabel’s vanilla Basque cake is a decadent treat that’s worth the extra takeout space. The DIY sherry cream topping is the cherry on top of this already amazing treat.
Lake Inez
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Website: https://lake-inez-toronto.myshopify.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakeinez/
Address: 1471 Gerrard St E
Hours: Wed – Sat: 5:30 PM – 12 AM
Contact: [email protected]
Lake Inez is that neighborhood gem you never knew you needed—a cozy gastropub with a killer food menu and an even better beer selection. And the best part is that they’ve nailed the takeout game.
We like that they go the extra mile. They understand that dining out is about the food and the atmosphere, so they’ve included little touches like candles and curated playlists to recreate that special dining experience at home.
Chef Jay Moore is a culinary wizard, effortlessly switching from fried chicken one week to alpine-inspired dishes the next. It’s like having a different restaurant every time you order takeout, so enjoy the wide range of offerings you can choose from!
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to check out Lake Inez’s twenty-four rotating taps featuring craft beers from local brewers like Burdock, Halo, and Left Field— which is brewed right in the neighborhood. For a bigger gathering, they also offer larger bottles of craft beer.
Pizzeria Badiali
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Website: https://pizzeriabadiali.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pizzeriabadiali/
Address: 181 Dovercourt Rd
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30 AM – 10 PM
Contact Details: (416) 531-5555
Founded by Toronto chef Ryan Baddeley, Pizzeria Badiali brings together their shared love of pizza and great ingredients. Located at the corner of Dovercourt and Argyle, this place serves up New York-style pizza with a touch of classic Italian flair.
We love their homemade sauce made from California-style tomatoes and three-day-aged dough crafted from Italian flour. And their cheese blend of pecorino, grana Padano, and whole milk mozzarella creates a perfect cheesy bite.
As for the pizza, their pepperoni pizza is a must-try—it’s loaded with American pepperoni and topped with a third cheese for an extra layer of richness. For a little extra kick, you can add creamy garlic with pepperoncini or hot honey dip on the side.
Pro Tip:
For something a bit more unique, try Pizzeria Badiali’s burrata marinara. It features shaved garlic, fresh basil, and herbs, all topped with creamy burrata on a crispy bed of pecorino and Padano—a slice of pizza heaven you won’t want to miss.
Edulis
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Website: https://www.edulisrestaurant.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edulisrestaurant/
Address: 169 Niagara St
Hours:
- Thursday: 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- Fri – Sat: 6 PM – 11:30 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 4 PM
Contact: (416) 703-4222
Edulis isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a decadent takeout experience. Their five-course, heat-at-home concept brings the restaurant’s signature luxury straight to your kitchen, —even after a quick spin in the microwave.
We love their cozy, down-to-earth dining experience with fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients prepared with rustic love. It’s no wonder they were number eight on Canada’s list of 100 Best Restaurants!
Their take-home kits are perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special dinner. From their comforting broths to their perfectly cooked meats, each dish is like having a little taste of fine dining without leaving your house.
Pro Tip:
Looking to elevate your takeout game? Don’t miss Edulis’ stewed duck leg with semolina, mushroom stroganoff with noodles, Dungeness crab, and apple cake with crème anglaise—these dishes will certainly wow your dinner guests!
Patois
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Website: https://www.patoistoronto.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patoistoronto/
Address: 794 Dundas St W
Hours:
- Tue – Thurs: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Friday: 5 PM – 11 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (647) 350-8999
Patois is not your average takeout spot—this place is all about bold flavors and unexpected combinations. Chef Craig Wong has taken the best of Jamaican and Chinese cuisine and created something truly special.
They offer heat-at-home care takeout packages for when you want to enjoy an epic meal at home. The Full Pack features ten dishes, including Jamaican shrimp, jerk-seasoned chicken, oxtail, kimchi, and—something sweet—a rum cake tiramisu.
For the ultimate Patois experience, bring a bit of the Caribbean vibe to your meal and treat yourself to their DIY rum punch kit. This is great for small parties or just you (no judgment!).
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for something truly exotic, try Patois’ succulent Curry Goat Doubles. This dish, a recipe from one of the cooks’ grandmothers, features a goat that’s slow-braised for 24 to 48 hours with homemade curry.
Aloette Restaurant
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Website: https://aloetterestaurant.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aloette_restaurant/
Address: 163 Spadina Ave. 1st Floor
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Friday: 11 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 260-3444
Aloette is a slightly more casual version of the famous Alo, offering a fun, tasty single-page menu with a lower price point while keeping the same high standards.
Owner and executive chef Patrick Kriss, who also heads up Alo, has crafted a take on diner fare that’s both delicious and distinctive. In fact, the takeaway counter is stocked with all of Aloette’s greatest hits.
You’ll find their Insta-worthy lemon meringue pie and juicy yuzu and honey fried chicken. And if you’re in the mood for a little drink, they also offer bottles of wine and cans of beer to pair with your meal.
Pro Tip:
If you’re a burger aficionado, Aloette’s burger is one of the best in the city. It features a juicy patty topped with onions, mayo, and fried Beaufort cheese, all nestled in a house-made bun and served with fries, Russian dressing, and a tiny pickle!
Salad King
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Website: https://saladking.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Saladkingto/
Address: 340 Yonge St
Hours:
- Mon – Fri: 11:30 AM – 9 PM
- Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 8:30 PM
Contact Details: (416) 593-0333
If you’re hunting for delicious Thai food that won’t break the bank, you need to try Salad King. Located at Yonge, this bustling spot is worth the elevator ride up, and its fantastic takeout options make it a go-to for both lunch and dinner.
This downtown Toronto institution has been serving up affordable Thai food for decades, and for good reason. It’s rare to find a decent meal in downtown Toronto for under $10, but Salad King makes it happen.
While they might not be reinventing the wheel when it comes to Thai cuisine, Salad King definitely knows how to deliver flavor and value. Their pad thai is a tried-and-true crowd-pleaser, and the green curry is a comforting classic.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss out on Salad King’s refreshing drinks! For instance, the Thai milkshake is an electric green treat that tastes like an icy, milky cream soda while their Thai iced tea uses less sugar and half-and-half instead of condensed milk.
Hong Shing Restaurant
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Website: https://hongshing.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hongshingto/
Address: 195 Dundas St W
Hours:
- Mon – Thurs: 12 PM – 11 PM
- Friday: 12 PM – 12 AM
- Saturday: 3 PM – 12 AM
- Sunday: 3 PM – 11 AM
Contact: (416) 977-3338
Hong Shing has been a go-to spot for students, office workers, and night owls alike since the 90s. This place is all about classic Chinese comfort food at seriously affordable prices.
While they offer a wide range of dishes, their spicy deep-fried shrimp is famous. It’s a mountain of crispy noodles topped with perfectly cooked shrimp and veggies.
And don’t forget to ask for their complimentary lei tong soup if you’re feeling extra hungry. This hearty fare will certainly fill you up with its comforting flavors.
Pro Tip:
For a true takeout experience, you can’t go wrong with General Tso’s Chicken; battered, fried chicken pieces coated in a slightly spicy, sweet, and tangy red sauce that’s as addictive as it is delicious. Order it with rice or fried rice—both are delicious!
