Toronto has become a foodie paradise over the past few years, with world-class chefs from around the world opening world-class kitchens, gorgeous dining rooms and destination-type culinary experiences. But what if you don’t want that? What if all you want is simple comfort food? Downtown Toronto has you covered, and many of the best comfort food options are a stone’s throw away from the Pantages.

Canadian-inspired comfort food

Our very own Stages Restaurant & Lounge is a great place to unwind after a busy day with a cocktail or a glass of wine. Try the Quebec cheese plate or the trio of dips for a snack that will get you smiling.

Italian comfort food

When antipasto, pasta and pizza are the things that will soothe your soul, choose Trattoria Mercatto at the Toronto Eaton Centre. Lively and spacious, Mercatto will have you grinning in no time.

220 Yonge Street

Thai comfort food

Salad King brings the good vibes with yummy noodles, Thai curries and refreshing salads. They serve over a thousand meals a day, and the crowd ranges from students to tourists to people from the neighbourhood.

340 Yonge Street

Middle Eastern comfort food

The smell and taste of freshly baked breads and charcoal-grilled meats and the array of handmade sweets on hand will immediately perk up visitors to Paramount Fine Foods.

253 Yonge Street

Breakfast comfort food

When nothing but pancakes and bacon or a luscious Eggs Benedict will cure what ails you, hit up Fran’s. Bonus: it’s open 24/7 and located in our building.

200 Victoria Street

Fancy comfort food

Sometimes all you need is a shrimp cocktail, some French onion soup and a thick hunk of steak. Barberians, a Toronto tradition since 1959, has a consoling repast for you in a dining room adorned with works by A.Y. Jackson, Lawren Harris, Franz Johnston, A.J. Casson and others.

7 Elm Street

Eclectic comfort food

Banish the blues with a classic deli sandwich, a big grilled cheese or any of about 300 dishes to choose from at the Pickle Barrel. Fresh food is the focus of this fun and popular spot.

312 Yonge Street.

And if comfort food means grabbing a quick bite and heading back to your comfy Pantages bed, walk across the street to the Urban Eatery in the Eaton Centre. Easy.