Who doesn’t love a good sandwich? Your favorite ingredients layered between two soft bun halves topped with a delicious sauce to make that final bite delectable and leaving you wanting more. Sadly, the sandwich is not always the healthiest meal because of those yummy sauces, the cheese and meats we like to fill them with, and the carb-heavy buns that hold all these tasty flavours together. But alas, there are some fabulous Toronto restaurants offering us healthy and often gluten-free versions of our favourite lunch choice.
Arepa Cafe
Are you on a gluten-free kick? This Queen West gem offers its patrons delicious Venezuelan arepas, which are made with 100% corn meal. The Curvy Queen is our favourite arepa, filled with grilled chicken, avocado, red onion and fresh coriander. Healthy, delicious, and if you are one of those carb-free people, chances are this will be your new favourite place.
Rose City Kitchen
Okay so we know this rose isn’t quite open yet, but we hear it will bloom very soon and the sexy lady behind this new Mediterranean sandwich shop is also the brain behind famed food truck Gourmet Bitches. This means we know her sandwiches are sure to kick ass and not add extra padding to it. Homemade everything from hummos to falafel, we can’t wait to head over for lunch and indulge in her healthy Mediterranean sandwiches.
The Greek
Yes, Mediterranean food is healthy. When done right, it’s grilled, tasty and satisfying (read: there’s no pork belly, bacon, or layers of cheese). The newly opened grab ‘n go on King Street offers a small menu that includes the traditional Greek specialties we all love. Our healthy sandwich choice is the chicken souvlaki pita topped with homemade tzatziki, red onions and tomatoes – get a side of the village salad and you are set. PS, stay away from that fried haloumi… or don’t! #DamnItsGood
The One That Got Away
Grilled fish cooked to perfection, lettuce, tomato, red onions on a thin wrap? Delicious, fresh and healthy, we say! That is a tasty sandwich that you don’t need to feel guilty about. Sure, the salad version is better, but if you’re craving a sandwich this one will satisfy both your craving and tastebuds.
Banh Mi Boys
If you avoid carbs all round this may not be a good choice. But if you do carbs and still like to keep it healthy, these guys have some delicious fillings that won’t grow your waistline. Lemongrass tofu, grilled chicken, and squid are all options and are only topped with fresh veggies and coriander. And let’s not even talk about how tasty these banh mi bad boys are… there’s a reason why they opened a 2nd location less than 2 years after the first did!
Freshii
Hello green wrap. Best invention ever for those who love sandwiches but can’t (or won’t) eat carbs. It’s called the collard green wrap. Stuff it with your favourite ingredients and devour.
Cruda Café
Located in the St. Lawrence Market, these guys nail flavour while keeping it 100% gluten-free, vegan, raw and sugar-free. They make wraps and sandwiches that pack a punch while keeping you trim and healthy. Our fave? The Enchilada Wrap… it’s OMG delicious!