When the lunch time grumbles hit, it can be hard to focus on satiating the beast within when your mouth salivates at the mere thought of a bread basket. If you’re in an area heavily populated with good eats such as Little Italy, then the dilemma deepens. Let us lighten the load! We have narrowed down lunch options for when you’re in and around College Street and looking for some nourishment. Try one, try ‘em all; just don’t try and do your Italian accent because you’re really not that good at it…
Utopia Café & Grill, 586 College Street
Friendly service, consistently scrummy (as in scrumptious; scrummy is indeed a word now) food and a cute back patio make this a must-try lunch spot when you’re in the neighbourhood. Comfort food is their niche with homemade burgers, burritos and sandwiches making up most of the menu. Prepare to wait for a table during peak times – this is a hotspot!
Hey Meatball, 719 College Street
A popular place offering some tasty balls made even more popular by being featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. They use the ‘holy trinity’ of pork, beef and veal for their famous meatball sandwich, and they also offer veggie balls for non-meat munchers. Laidback, delicious and affordable, this place will definitely not drop the ball on your lunch hour.
The Fish Store & YuNes’ Sandwiches, 657 College Street
This quaint li’l mom and pop shop is all about keeping it fresh. With 18 kinds of fresh fish featured daily, you should have no problem finding something to please. They have even been known to turn non-fish eaters into aquatic admirers. Choose from a fresh fish sandwich, burrito, or salad, or opt for your filet of choice with brown rice and a side salad. There is a little patio if you’re lucky enough to get a seat but even if you have to take it to go, you will be glad you did!
Aunties & Uncles, 74 Lippincott Street
If like me you’re a huge fan of breakfast for lunch, then you just have to swing by this place one day for a brunchy bite. Quirky décor and communal picnic type tables surround a small, open kitchen pumping out food as fast as they can for a packed house. They do have lunch options if brekkie isn’t your thang, but I highly suggest wolfing down the breakfast pocket and maybe a cheeky side of their potato salad.
Bar Italia, 582 College Street
When in Little Italy you gotta do Italian, right?! And this place has been a staple on College since 1967, so they must be doing something right. For lunch you can enjoy a traditional pasta dish or panini or opt for something lighter with one of their many salads on offer. If you’re lucky enough to grab a seat on their patio you can enjoy your Italian fare while watching Little Italy in action. Buon appetito!
