Whether you’re craving gourmet pizza, pad Thai or pork-stuffed burritos, there is no shortage of good grub you can get delivered to your front door in South Riverdale. East enders can choose from Italian, Japanese, Indian, Chinese or straight-up North American cuisine that is sure to satisfy every tastebud. Bonus: Most restaurants on this list offer generous portions and vegan options. [Feature image: Hey Meatball]
You can’t talk about pizza in Riverside without the name Pizzaiolo coming into the conversation. There are lots of great pizza places to choose from in this Queen Street East neighbourhood, but Pizzaiolo is one of the best. If you're in the mood to dress down and dial-a-pie, Pizzaiolo has a long menu of delicious pizza combos to choose from (and some gluten-free options to boot). The local fave? Try the triple-cheese ‘Bianca’ with marinated artichokes and zucchini.
From seafood skewers and curry pad Thai to Thai fried rice and daily specials in between, The Friendly Thai on Queen Street East gives a whole new meaning to ordering in. The authentic Thai cuisine from this Leslieville staple comes with an abundance of fresh herbs and spices, not to mention a slew of other immune-boosting ingredients. Not feeling so hot? Be sure to try the lemon chicken soup (Tom Yam Gai).
Stuff yourself silly with the giant and oh-so-fresh sushi on offer at Kibo. If you’re starving but feel too lazy to cook or go out, and you’re not in the mood for pizza (again), simply order-up the Maki C Set under Sushi Combos and have six California Rolls, six Spicy Salmon Rolls and five dynamite rolls delivered to your door. The crispy karaage (Japanese fried chicken), is also worthy of a taste.
Spice up your weekly dinner routine with the mouthwatering Indian fare that Leslieville loves. Serving up crispy, deep-fried samosas, tandoori chicken, fish pakoras, sheek kebab and many other flavourful dishes, the Mumbai House offers its stunning dishes for eat-in, take-out or delivery. There are also 12 different (and delicious!) vegetarian dishes to choose from at this comfort-food haven, including the popular cauliflower and potato aloo gobi.
If you're ordering from Chino Locos for the first time, and if you don’t have food allergies, then the folks at this Mexi-Asian fusion diner will suggest that you get your burrito fully loaded. Fresh ingredients prepared daily include homemade hot sauces, chipotle, and marinades (scallion ginger relish, anyone?) – the perfect accouterments to dress-up your slow-roast pork, fish or veggie burrito. Oh, and they deliver ;)
For a comfy night in with tastes-like-homemade meatball sandwiches, call Hey Meatball. You’ll want to make some extra room in your fridge for these extra large big boys; it’s been our experience that one sandwich, which also comes with a crunchy green salad, is enough to feed two. The Burgerball sandwich features three meatballs, lettuce, pickles, special sauce and cheese on a crusty ciabatta bun. Choose from beef, chicken or pork meatballs for your sandwich, or try them over spaghetti smothered in tomato sauce. A side of mac and cheese never hurt anyone either.
When it comes to ordering in, Italian cuisine doesn’t have to be synonymous with pizza, thanks to Baldini on Queen Street East. If you’re craving a taste of Italy at its finest, give this restaurant a ring. You can choose from savoury homemade pastas and gnocchi, risotto, meat and seafood dishes as well as pizza (with a whole wheat crust to boot!). If your diet is gluten-free or vegan, this restaurant has a wide range of dishes to choose from and will also accommodate special requests.
Healthy, vegetarians, vegans and anyone else craving a natural boost eventually find and become frequent customers of Pulp Kitchen on Queen Street East. If you’re looking to order in and not fall off the wellness wagon, this is your best option. Wraps, sandwiches, soups and salads – all free of animal ingredients – can be prepared gluten-free upon request. Of course, you’ll want to wash your meal down with a premium fruit smoothie. For a real energizer, try the Activate Me, made with blueberry, kale, goji strawberry, vanilla and almond milk.
Grease and ground beef grilled to perfection are important components of a good hamburger. Burger’s Priest owns this, hands down. Make sure your kitchen is well stocked with napkins before you order in from this modern burger joint on Queen Street East. Choose from cheese burgers topped with chili, a blue cheese burger with bacon, and among many other variations for meat lovers, some solid vegetarian options. If you can answer a skill-testing question, you will also have access to a secret menu online.