Whether your idea of a quick lunch is takeout or a sit-down meal with grease-lightning fast service, these spots deliver results every time. Not only are they delicious, they will also get you back to your office with time to spare.
Spacious, with high ceilings, two levels and a beautiful patio, this is a beautiful place to have lunch. The pizza makers have been trained by a pizzaiolo — a professional pizza artist from Italy, and they offer gluten-free dough. But, my favourite dish to order here is the Branzino, a type of European sea bass that is so buttery and soft that it melts in your mouth.
If you want a hot lunch to stay or go, Chianti’s pasta is to die for — even their gluten-free pasta is amazing. On Mondays and Tuesdays, pasta is half-priced, making it one of the best deals out there. The portions are huge (half-portions are available, and are enough to fill you up), the prices reasonable and the patio is the perfect spot to people watch.
Also located in a historic house from the early 1900s, Violino is quiet, secluded and perfect for a quick but delectable lunch. In summer, the patio does tend to fill up —and the outdoor wood burning pizza oven is fired up daily. This is the ideal spot for a glass of wine and a relaxing lunch, but if you’re in a hurry you can certainly get in and out quickly.
It’s always packed at lunch, but never slow. The thick milkshakes are a crowd pleaser, as are the chicken burgers. They always have inventive daily specials, including a quiche, and serve breakfast long after even the laziest sleeper has risen from bed. Plus, the maple chili vinaigrette on the quinoa salad will change your life, so there is that revelation to look forward to.
There is never a lineup here, perhaps because it is tucked away in a renovated historic house. If you don’t know it’s there, you may never find Manor Casual Bistro. But, it’s worth searching for — the bread basket at the table is always full, the daily quiche and soups are made from scratch in house and the service is warm and personable.