“So long as you have food in your mouth, you have solved all questions for the time being.” Franz Kafka said that. And while we feel the same way about a good toothbrush, the guy definitely had a point especially when it comes to comfort food.
Dental emergencies may call for a filling or root canal, but everyday stress can usually be cured with a prescription for simple, hearty and, most importantly, delicious eats. Yonge and Eglinton has that in spades. Here are a couple of great restaurants that serve up some serious comfort food, without all the unnecessary fancy plating, post-modern ambience or experimental gastronomy.
Messini Authentic Gyros
A Greektown staple, Messini has another location right around the corner at 2311 Yonge Street. Huge gyros, succulent salads and classic Greek hospitality combine to make this a regular on the weekly lunchtime circuit. You’ll fill up for around five bucks — no easy feat in this city. We recommend a classic chicken gyro on your first trip, but the entire menu is worth exploring. Is there anything better than Greek comfort food?
Fin Izakaya
When we said that there’d be no fancy plating involved, we weren’t being entirely accurate. But don’t let the clever presentation of their hearty tapas dishes fool you: Fin Izakaya is all about comfort. In the traditional Japanese tavern style, you’ll be greeted with a shout of “Irasshaimase!” welcoming you in to try great sushi, fried chicken and fish, and a mouth-watering array of other finger foods. You’ll find them at 55 Eglinton Avenue East, and you’ll leave full of tasty food and warm hospitality.
Ritz Caribbean Foods
Located at 32 Eglinton Avenue West, this island eatery offers delicious jerked chicken, curry goat and red snapper along with traditional Jamaican fare like ackee, saltfish and oxtail soup. Quick service, generous portions and smiling staff make this the go-to when you’re in the mood for something with authentic Caribbean flavour.
Mandarin Restaurant – The King of Comfort Food
No look at comfort food at Yonge and Eglinton would be complete without a nod to that buffet bruiser, that king of cafeterias, that atlas of all-you-can-eat: Mandarin Restaurant. When you want to make an afternoon out of a meal, just head over to the Yonge and Eglinton location at 2200 Yonge Street. With everything from Chinese classics to French pastries, there’s something for everyone, except, well, those trying to maintain their 2016 diet. Mandarin is perfect for birthdays, office outings or just a secret Saturday adventure alone. If the prime rib doesn’t give you the comfort you’re after, perhaps the lobster, profiteroles or honey-glazed ham will.
Well there you have it: Yonge and Eg is packed full of great comfort eats. Celebrate a successful visit to the dentist with a hearty bite — you earned it.
