Awesome Spots to Grab Takeout in Toronto

Sure, Toronto is home to over 8,000 restaurants but it’s easy to get stuck in a takeout rut even during the best of times and I think we can all agree that these are currently not the best of times. When your typical weekday consists of work, virtual/homeschooling and keeping your family safe from a worldwide pandemic, it’s understandable that you might not have the mental energy needed to research a new dinner option.

So we’ve done the work for you. Avoiding some of the usual suspects (the goal here is to get you to try somewhere new after all), we put together the following list of 15 Toronto restaurants that span the city and cuisine types while all offering delicious, family-friendly food that’s available for takeout and delivery.

And if you know of a local restaurant that more families should check out, please tell us in the comments!

Beach Hill Smokehouse | beachhillsmokehouse.com

429 Danforth Ave & 172 South Main St

Who exactly makes the best BBQ in Toronto is a controversial topic, but more than a few people will make a strong case for Beach Hill Smokehouse and its take on, “authentic Texas BBQ.” Purchase meats such as pork ribs, certified Angus beef brisket and turkey by the half-pound or in sandwich form or satisfy the whole family with one of the multi-dish Cookout packages.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through DoorDash, Skip the Dishes, Uber Eats

 

Bobbie Sue’s | instagram.com/bobbiesuesmac 

162 Ossington Ave

This west-end takeout-only spot serves up just one thing: Some of the best macaroni and cheese in the GTA. Even the pickiest toddler will love Bobbie Sue’s Classic mac and cheese dish while family members with bolder palates might want to check out the Pulled Pork or the Blue Buffalo variations.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through Uber Eats 

 

Churrasco Villa | churrascovilla.com

254 Eglinton Avenue E

Since 1965, Churrasco Villa has been filling families’ bellies with traditional Portuguese food cooked over open, charcoal grills. While chicken served with spicy (but not too spicy) piri-piri sauce is likely this restaurant’s best-known dish, it also offers ribs, seafood and even pasta.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through the restaurant

 

Fresh | freshplantpowered.com

8 locations in Toronto, one in Mississauga

If you’re trying to get your family to eat greener, Fresh is a must for takeout/delivery. The 100 per cent plant-based menu includes such tasty options as Crispy Cauliflower Tacos, Supergreen Caesar Salad and vegan takes on buffalo and clubhouse wraps. There are also a ton of cold-pressed juice flavours.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through DoorDash, Skip the Dishes, Uber Eats

 

LAN Vietnamese Restaurant |  lanrestaurant.ca 

755 Queen St E

Riverside residents know that this hidden gem offers an almost overwhelming variety of Vietnamese and Vietnamese-inspired menu items. Not sure where to start? Check out Lan’s Famous Spicy Sizzling Beef, Lan’s Famous Deep Friend Vegan Spring Rolls or one of Lan’s Most Famous Phos, which can also be highly customized.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through Uber Eats

 

Mexitaco | mexitaco.com 

1109 Victoria Park Ave & 2496 Kingston Rd

You can’t have a list of family-friendly takeout spots without including at least one Mexican restaurant! Our pick is Scarborough’s family-run Mexitaco, which offers tacos, tostadas and nachos. It also sells fries that can be topped all kinds of ways, which we know will appeal to more than a few kids.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through DoorDash, Skip the Dishes, Uber Eats

 

The Mugshot Tavern | themugshottavern.com

1729 Bloor St W

While this friendly neighbourhood pub does have kids’ menu that features all the usual suspects, we bet that most little ones will find something they like on the regular dinner menu. There you’ll find sweet potato fries, fried chicken and various spins on the classic beef burger.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through Uber Eats

 

Nimman Thai Cuisine | nimman.ca

2451 Lake Shore Blvd W & 1060 Eglinton Ave W

With over 90 dishes to choose from, Nimman Thai is sure to have something for everyone in your family. Favourites include sweet and sour chicken, Thai grilled beef and of course, pad thai. All dishes are made in-house, with fresh, Thai-inspired ingredients.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through the restaurant

 

Paul’s Spaghetti | paulsspaghetti.com 
488 Cosburn Ave

For nearly 25 years, this old-school Italian restaurant has been supplying East York residents with such classics as Caprese salad, lasagna and a variety of risottos. The restaurant also offers Paul’s Favourite Spaghetti, which features ground beef, mushrooms and bell peppers.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through Skip the Dishes

 

Papyrus | papyrusfood.ca/menu

337 Danforth Ave

Here’s something that’s likely a little different from your usual dinner routine: Authentic Egyptian food. For the most bang for your buck, check out one of Papyrus’ multi-person sharing menus, which will give you a taste of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. Also available are individual items, including the bean-based ful and what Papyrus describes as an Egyptian version of a beef burger.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through Uber Eats and Skip the Dishes

 

Riz on Yonge | rizonyonge.com & Riz on St Clair | rizonstclair.com

3321 Yonge Street & 760 St Claire W

A place that specializes in “creative Asian-fusion dishes” might not initially sound family-friendly but Riz’s extensive menu might surprise you (also, it’s great to introduce kids to new flavours). Some highlights include dumplings, fried noodles and Korean ribs. Riz is also well-known for its genuinely delicious gluten-free options.

Pickup available: Yes (save 20% on pickup order)
Delivery available: Yes, through Uber Eats

 

Roux | rouxstir.ca

2790 Dundas St W

Warm your family’s stomachs on these cold nights with southern food, “rooted in contemporary French-American technique.” Regular menu items include a crispy chicken (thigh meat) sandwich, chicken and waffles and a couple of smoked meat combos that we are sure to satisfy any carnivores in your home.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through Skip the Dishes

 

Storm Crow Manor |  stormcrow.com/location/storm-crow-manor-toronto

580 Church St

We’re not exactly sure why Toronto’s self-proclaimed nerd bar has a kids’ menu considering its main menu is packed with various geek-inspired spins on pizzas, burgers and breaded chicken. Really, this place is countless kids’ dream eatery. Parents, take your night up a notch with one of Storm Crow Manor’s crazy colourful single-serve cocktails or craft beer growlers.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through Uber Eats and Skip the Dishes

 

Taste of China Seafood Restaurant | tasteofchinarestaurant.ca

338 Spadina Ave

While it’s known for its seafood and traditional Cantonese cuisine, Taste of China also offers dozens of other Chinese/Chinese American options. Take advantage of one of the generously portioned dinner combinations or order items à la carte. The restaurant conveniently lists its “special suggestions” at the top of the menu but warning, it’s still a long list!

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through the restaurant

 

Windfields Restaurant | windfieldsrestaurant.com

801 York Mills Rd

Sometimes you just need to do breakfast for dinner. This old-school restaurant offers all kinds of all-day breakfast options alongside gourmet sandwiches, classic grill and pasta dishes and souvlaki, just in case someone in your house is craving Greek.

Pickup available: Yes
Delivery available: Yes, through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Skip the Dishes