One of the many things Toronto has blessed its residents with is a virtually endless abundance of incredible food to choose from. This city has dozens of neighbourhoods, each packed with a unique array of culinary offerings.

And as it so happens, our King West space (corner of King and Bathurst) is located smack dab in the middle of one of the best foodie ‘hoods in town.

So, if you’re ready to forego that chewy chicken you brought for lunch and want to take your tastebuds to flavourtown today, we’ve got you covered with a list of restaurants curated by our members. 

Here are ten local favourites, in no particular order...

The Banknote

We would be remiss if we didn't kick the list off with our fabulous downstairs neighbours! If you’re feeling like some great upscale pub fare, our friends at The Banknote will have your back. Located directly below us, this place has an extensive menu of big, tasty plates as well as lighter dishes if you’re not feeling like a big meal. 

Walking Distance from PS: 0 minutes 

Must-Try Menu Item: Don’t sleep on the pizzas. Seriously. You might not think a pub would be a good bet for a great pie, but they are fire. 

Price: $$ (out of $$$$)
Address: 663 King St W
Hours: Open at 11:30 a.m. daily

Wilbur

When you want food on the go, Wilbur is a great call. This apothecary-inspired counter serves up Mexican street food like tacos and burritos. Fun fact: it was named after Wilbur Scoville, the chemist responsible for creating the Scoville scale which is used to measure the spiciness level of peppers (and hot sauces, by extension). 

NOTE: The dining room is currently closed so you’ll need to use the RITUAL app to pre-order your pickup order. But don’t worry. It’ll be worth bringing back to the office. 

Walking Distance from PS: 5 minutes

Must-Try Menu Item: Try the Mexican street corn or prepare to live with crippling regret. 

Price: $$
Address: 552 King St W
Hours: Opens at 11:30 a.m. daily but closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

Tut's

Let’s just put it like this: Tut’s is a street food concept specializing in Egyptian sandwiches. The restaurant itself is fun, colourful, and filled with graffiti depicting reimaginations of Tutankhamun, Neferiti, and Anubis. And the food is unlike anything you’ve probably ever had before, so you’ll definitely want to check it out if you’re curious about expanding your culinary horizons. 

Walking Distance from PS: 4 minutes

Must-Try Menu Item: If you’re feeling adventurous, try out the kedba, a pan-fried beef liver served with their house-made tahini sauce and chili green peppers.

Price: $
Address: 567 King St W
Hours: Opens at 11:30 a.m. daily

Forno Cultura

This spot is owned by third-generation bakers who feed the local community with the true taste of Italy using only the finest of natural ingredients and organic flours. With five separate locations throughout Toronto, each one has its own function--and our locale is the main production house for bread (seriously, they’ve got a bread made with squid ink and nori, for example). With that said, you’ll find some killer Italian sandwiches to choose from. 

Walking Distance from PS: 3 minutes 

Must-Try Menu Item: Check out the spicy soppressata sandwiches with pepperonata and Auricchio provolone. Incredible. 

Price: $$
Address: 609 King St W
Hours: Opens at 9:00 a.m. daily

Mean Bao

Another incredible option that’s geared towards take-out, Mean Bao offers a menu of incredible Chinese steamed bun options, including pork belly, chicken, braised beef, pulled pork, tofu and enoki mushrooms, or the house speciality “Sloppy Jones.” You’ll also find delicious dumplings on the menu alongside a handful of other unique, tasty dishes.

Walking Distance from PS: 5 minutes 

Must-Try Menu Item: You can’t beat the bao buns but for something really unique, try the lotus leaf-wrapped sticky quinoa.

Price: $ 
Address: 167 Bathurst St
Hours: Opens daily at 11:30 a.m.

Añejo

As you might have guessed from the name, Añejo revolves around all things tequila. It opens a bit later in the day, making it perfect for a late lunch. And we’re certainly not trying to tell you how to live, but if tequila isn’t in your lunch diet, don’t worry: there’s also a menu of great Mexican food for you to feast upon. Oh, and if you’re really celebrating, you can order a shot of their most expensive tequila for $2,500 a pop.

Walking Distance from PS: 4 minutes 

Must-Try Menu Item: If you don’t mind drastically slowing the pace of the rest of your day and risking a food coma, try out the fundido traditional, which is essentially a big delicious bowl of Oaxaca, mozzarella, and monterey cheeses.

Price: $$$ 
Address: 600 King St W
Hours: Opens at 3:00 p.m. on weekdays and 12:00 p.m. on weekends

Freshii

When you want a quick and easy healthy meal, you can’t go wrong with Freshii. They offer everything from tacos to wraps, bowls, burritos, soups, salads, superfood smoothies, juices, and more. 

Walking Distance from PS: 1 minute

Must-Try Menu Item: We’re big fans of the tofiito tacos as well as the chocolate peanut butter superfood smoothie. 

Price: $
Address: 700 King St W
Hours: Opens daily at 11:00 a.m. (12:00 p.m. on Saturdays and closed on Sundays)

Oretta

If you’re looking for something sophisticated but approachable, Oretta’s a great spot. It offers some pretty amazing Italian food if you want to sit down and eat as well as a more casual Oretta Cafe if you’re just up for a coffee and a snack. If you’re looking for a place to shmooze clients or colleagues, Oretta is a solid option. 

Walking Distance from PS: 1 minute

Must-Try Menu Item: Their burrata and panna cotta are both out of this world but if you’re feeling something sweet, don’t miss the tiramisu. 

Price: $$$
Address: 633 King St W
Hours: Opens daily at 11:30 a.m. (10:00 a.m. on weekends)

Northern Maverick

Let’s start with this: Northern Maverick is a full-on, eleven-thousand square foot brewery in the heart of downtown. This massive spot brews all of its own beers on-site and includes a giant restaurant complete with its very own oyster bar. It also offers some amazing food, ranging from charcuterie boards to grilled octopus and more. Not a bad spot for a midday pint, if you’re into that kind of thing. 

Walking Distance from PS: 2 minutes 

Must-Try Menu Item: We can’t get enough of the oxtail patty which is essentially a pastry stuffed with oxtail and served with a sweet and spicy mango habanero sauce and plantain chips.

Price: $$
Address: 115 Bathurst St
Hours: Opens daily at 11:00 a.m.

Coco Rice

Thai lovers rejoice! You don’t have to go far to get your fix. Coco Rice serves up some solid authentic Thai classics, from Pad Thai to curries and amazing noodle dishes. This spot offers up various plates from every region of Thailand so you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. 

Walking Distance from PS: 2 minutes

Must-Try Menu Item: The Curry Pad Thai combines the best of both worlds, and is absolutely fabulous. Pro-tip: ask for extra peanuts.

Price: $$
Address: 669 King St W
Hours: Opens daily at 11:00 a.m. (and 12:00 p.m. on weekends) 

When it comes to some of the best walkable lunch spots in the city, King West has got you covered.

So, when lunchtime rolls around, get out there and treat your tastebuds to whatever it is you’ve been craving all day.

Also check out our top 10 picks for lunch spots near Camden Street, and if you’re interested in learning more about us and our community, get in touch today! We’d love to show you around.