Eating out has always been part of life, but it’s no secret that inflation and higher food prices are making it harder to enjoy restaurants as often as we’d like. According to Restaurants Canada’s 2025 Foodservice Facts report, 75% of Canadians are eating out less because of the rising cost of living. For younger adults (ages 18–34), that number climbs to 81%.
But eating out doesn’t have to mean overspending. With a little planning, you can still enjoy some of the best restaurants in Toronto without draining your wallet. Here are practical tips—backed by national data—to help you save money while dining out. I have used most of these tips my entire life. We spend about $100 a month on meals out or delivered.
1. Take Advantage of Lunch and Brunch Deals
The report shows that lunchtime traffic at quick-service restaurants is up 7.6%, a clear sign that more Canadians are shifting away from expensive dinners. Many Toronto restaurants offer affordable lunch specials or prix-fixe menus. Popular downtown spots like Kinka Izakaya or Banh Mi Boys often have great lunch combos under $15.
💡 SEO tip for readers: Search “Toronto lunch specials” or “cheap lunch Toronto” to find the latest deals near you.
2. Explore Toronto’s Best Cheap Eats
Toronto is famous for its diverse food scene, and some of the best meals come from affordable local gems. From King’s Noodle in Chinatown to Seven Lives in Kensington Market, you can enjoy top-notch food for under $20.
You may want to check out this post from last year; many of these places have some of the best cheap eats in the city.
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💡 Search terms like cheap eats Toronto or best affordable restaurants Toronto are trending and will bring up plenty of current local lists.
3. Share Plates to Cut Costs
Restaurants Canada found that more Canadians are replacing full meals with snacks—65% say they do this at least once a month. In Toronto, many restaurants are designed for sharing. At tapas bars or izakayas, ordering a few small plates to split with friends is not only fun but also budget-friendly.
4. Skip the Drinks
The report also shows 41% of Canadians are drinking less alcohol to save money. At Toronto restaurants, a glass of wine can cost as much as $15–$20. If you’re watching your budget, stick with water or non-alcoholic drinks and save your splurge for special occasions.
5. Use Coupons, Apps, and Loyalty Programs
Toronto diners can save big using loyalty programs and apps. Chains like Tim Hortons and McDonald’s offer points systems, while apps like Too Good To Go let you grab discounted meals from local restaurants at closing time. Groupon and Uber Eats often have promo codes too.
My daughter and I love using Too Good to Go when we are exploring the different parts of Toronto. I have even used Groupon coupons on dates. Its a great way to have fun on a budget.
6. Try Takeout Instead of Dining In
Ordering for pickup from restaurants like Paramount Fine Foods or King Slice Pizza lets you skip service fees and lower your tip. It’s the same great food, but cheaper.
7. Make Eating Out a Treat, Not a Routine
With Canadians now spending about $1,035 per year at full-service restaurants (down from $1,165 in 2019), it’s clear that dining out is becoming more of a special occasion. By cooking at home more often, you can enjoy Toronto’s amazing food scene guilt-free when you do decide to treat yourself.
In our house, we transitioned from ordering in or eating out weekly to once a pay period.
Dining out in Toronto doesn’t have to break the bank. By choosing affordable restaurants, looking for lunch specials, skipping pricey drinks, and using deals, you can still enjoy everything the city has to offer. Inflation might be changing habits, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up on eating out altogether.
👉 Related searches to check out:
- Cheap eats Toronto 2025
- Toronto restaurants on a budget
- Best affordable lunch Toronto
- How to save money eating out in Toronto
As a bonus, and because we don’t hide the places we enjoy, here are some of the places we have eaten at in the last year.
10 Cheap Eats in Toronto You Should Try
| Restaurant | Neighbourhood(s) | What to Order / Approx Price* | Why It’s Great for Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juicy Dumpling | Chinatown / Midtown | 6 soup dumplings for about $6, pan-fried green onion pancake ~$9. Foodism CA | Authentic flavour, generous portions, ideal for sharing or light meal without much spend. |
| Banh Mi Boys | Multiple locations (Downtown / Spadina, etc.) | Banh mi sandwich for $13 or less, steamed baos around $6.50. Foodism CA | Hearty Vietnamese fast casual; very good price for quality. |
| Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos | Kensington Market | Each taco under $10. Foodism CA | Great tacos, bold flavours; perfect cheap eats in a food-tourist area. |
| Taqueria Vegana | Dupont / West Toronto | Three tacos (mock meat etc.) or quesabirrias for around $17. Foodism CA | Vegan option, still delicious and filling; a good pick if avoiding meat. |
| King Slice | Multiple locations | Giant pizza slices under $8. Foodism CA | When you want something cheap and fast; great for a casual bite. |
| Ali’s West Indian Roti Shop | Parkdale | Doubles for under $5, roti meals affordable (~$10-15). | Flavorful Caribbean food; good portions, low price. |
| Loga’s Corner | Parkdale / Queen St. W. area | Momos (Nepalese dumplings) under $10. | Tasty, filling, and quick. Good for take-out or a small bite. |
| Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu | Multiple locations | Korean comfort dishes — bibimbap, tofu, etc. — mostly $20 or less. | Warm, nutritious, good portion sizes; great winter option. |
| Gus Tacos | Parkdale / Kensington / multiple areas | Hand-held tacos around $6 each; affordable burritos etc. | Fresh, fun, perfect for casual dining or snack style. |
| The Real Jerk | Little Italy and Gerrard / East End | Jerk chicken dinner / sandwich / pork dinner ~ $15 range. | Offers spicy Caribbean flavour; solid meal without ultra-high price. |
*Prices are approximate based on recent data; actual menu prices may vary due to inflation, special promos, location, etc.
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