Affordable Eats in the Annex
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
A look at the remaining low-cost dining options in a neighborhood known for its architecture and university professors.
While the Annex is recognized for its celebrity homes, architecture, and University of Toronto professors, finding affordable meals remains a priority for residents. According to reporting from blogTO, several establishments continue to offer food options for $15 or less.
Breakfast and brunch options include Future Bistro, which serves a breakfast plate of three eggs, toast, and home fries for $13.15. First & Last Coffee offers a breakfast burrito for $9.25 and a panini-pressed breakfast Sammie for $8.25. Additionally, Daisy May's—which replaced Grapefruit Moon—serves a breakfast sandwich featuring American cheese, fresh chives, manchego, garlic aioli, pickles, pickled jalapeños, and house-made hot sauce for $11.
For lunch and dinner, Pizzeria Badiali offers signature slices ranging from $5 to $8, while Papamio's provides an Italian sausage sandwich for $10.95 and four other sandwich options, including the Royal Bismarck Pork Schnitzel, for $14.75. Cong Ca Phe Toronto serves lemongrass chicken or grilled pork banh mi for $13.75, as well as a coconut cream coffee for $7.85.
Other budget-friendly spots include Big Way Hot Pot Bloor, where customers can assemble their own bowls with prices starting under $4 per 100 grams, and the bagel shop Schmaltz. The neighborhood also maintains iconic landmarks such as Lee's Palace, though blogTO notes that Fancy Induced Burger has since departed.