Where to get takeout in Toronto when you’re in the mood for … – January 8, 2022

Lockdowns are nothing new for Torontonians, having recently entered the fifth lockdown since early 2020. While many activities are off limits, ordering takeout may become the highlight of your week. The hospitality industry continues to need our support during these trying times, so here are a few of my favourites to try—some new, and some tried-and-true—depending on what you’re in the mood for!

Offerings are subject to change during COVID-19, so please contact each restaurant for the most up-to-date information.

A cozy date night

• Noble House was a pandemic pop-up baby that emerged in 2021. Partners in life and business, Dusty and Flo have rotating themed menus perfectly packaged in portions of two ($85) for your next date night chez vous. This month’s dinner features delicious Palestinian food.
• If elevated comfort food is your vibe, venture to Maple Leaf Tavern and pick up some of their January offerings, including a five-course chef’s tasting menu for two ($150) or a steak and Caesar kit for two ($65). Don’t forget to browse the cocktail kits and wine list for an extra special evening at home.
• Mimi Chinese will put a spring in your pandemic step with its elegant and refined Cantonese-style fare from Guangdong province (think: shrimp toast coated with sesame seeds). Although you’ll miss out on the refined and elegant dining ambiance, the food is just as good takeout-style. Note: Mimi Chinese is closed until January 13 for its staff holiday.
• FK, formerly known as Frank’s Kitchen, offers contemporary Canadian cuisine in the St. Clair West neighburhood. Helmed by husband-and-wife team Frank Parhizgar and Shawn Cooper, dishes rotate with the seasons, but typically include things like crab cakes, steak frites and more that will make for a perfect date night.  Don’t forget to peep the extensive and impressive wine list.

Good old fashioned comfort food

• Sometimes we just crave a juicy, sloppy, dirty burger, and Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club, will surely satisfy your burger cravings at a reasonable price point. A single patty cheeseburger is only $9, while combos with a drink and fries range from $16 to $28.
• Descendant Detroit Style Pizza in Leslieville will make all your pizza dreams come true—whether you’re in lockdown or not. The Barese, for example, is for cheese lovers as it’s stuffed into the crust. The pie is generously topped with sausage, pickled peppers and balsamic-brined olives and a creamy vodka tomato sauce.
• With plenty of locations around the city, Ramen Isshin is a safe bet when you’re craving noodles in comforting broth. Isshin “Red Miso” Ramen is always a crowd pleaser with its sweet, miso-laden broth.

A special occasion splurge

• If you’re in the mood for exquisite Omakase at home, Yasu should be high on your list. The restaurant offers premium Omakase sushi using the freshest, seasonal catch of the day for $150 per person.
• If you haven’t had much luck scoring a coveted Alo reservation, opt for Alo at Home. Experience the rotating weekly menu for pick up and delight in the Michelin-worthy culinary creations and curated playlist from one of Canada’s top restaurants.
• Edulis’s takeout menu, Edulis at Home, aims to emulate the long, lazy multi-course meals that are savoured in Europe. This seafood and vegetable-forward restaurant does an excellent job of showcasing the season’s finest ingredients and draws plenty of influences from Spanish cuisine.

Crave-worthy Italian

• From scallops crudo and burrata to house-made ravioli and pizza, Dova, a Cabbagetown Sicilian restaurant, has a swoon-worthy takeout menu to satisfy all your cravings.
• Giulietta is a west-end trattoria that serves delicious wood-fired pizza, house-made pasta and vegetable and seafood sharing plates. Everything translates well in takeout form. Some favourites includes the cacio e pepe and the La Giulietta pizza.

Healthy and/or plant-based fare

• With three locations across the city, Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine is the place to go for authentic Lebanese dishes with plenty of vegetarian options. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, especially the silky hummus or farm-fresh Tawuk skewers. Family meals ($75) and meals for two ($50) are available.
• Gia’s plant-forward approach to freshly made vegan and vegetarian pasta will have you ordering takeout on the regular. “Meatballs”, sandwiches, salads and crave-worthy pastas are all on the menu.

Mouth-watering Mexican

• Fonda Balam, a new Mexican diner on Dundas West, puts authentic birria tacos in the spotlight, and you’ll definitely want more even before you’re done.
• If you’re in the area, it’s worth ordering takeout from Comal y Canela, an authentic Mexican restaurant at Lawrence and Jane with plenty of quirk and incredible food.

Sweet and savoury brunch

• Simple, from-scratch French cuisine is the focus at Chef David Adjey’s new spot, La Nectarine. While the restaurant serves dinner, the brunch is not to be missed. Heavenly pain perdu, Croque Madame and Chop Steak burger are highlights.
• There’s a reason Madame Levant is top-rated on many of the city’s brunch lists. It dishes up traditional brunch with a flavourful twist. Think: yam fries dusted with za’atar, a tahini drenched kafta burger and flash-fried cauliflower smothered in homemade hummus. One piece of advice: order everything!

Bon appétit!

Bisous,

Mme. M. xoxo

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