Toronto Pearson Airport offers a rich tapestry of culinary delights, mirroring the diverse flavors of Toronto itself. Whether you’re seeking a quick snack or a leisurely meal, there’s a range of options to suit every taste. Here’s an in-depth look at some of the best places to eat and drink at the airport, based on our personal experiences. We’ll delve into signature dishes and drinks at each venue, along with the pros, cons, and approximate costs.
Fetta Panini Bar
Caplansky’s Deli
Built Customer Burgers (Our Take)
Mill Street Brewery
Vinifera
Apropos
Carlo’s Bakery Cake ATM (Our Take)
Paramount Fine Foods
The Hearth by Lynn Crawford
Booster Juice
Smoke’s Burritorie
Starbucks
Fetta Panini Bar (Terminal 1)
Signature Dish: ‘Toronto Club’ – A panini bursting with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar, and a unique maple mayo. It’s a sweet and savory delight that captures the spirit of the city.
Signature Drink: Canadian Craft Beer – A rotating selection of local brews that perfectly complements the hearty paninis.
Pros: Fresh, high-quality ingredients and innovative combinations.
Cons: Limited seating space and premium pricing.
Cost: Paninis around $15-20, beers $5-10.
Caplansky’s Deli (Terminal 3)
Signature Dish: ‘Mustard-Crusted Smoked Meat Sandwich’ – A generous serving of spiced beef brisket with a tangy mustard crust, served on rye bread. Pair it with their iconic ‘Sweet Potato Fries’ for a satisfying meal.
Signature Drink: Local Canadian Beer – A selection of beers that pairs well with the rich deli flavors.
Pros: Authentic deli fare with generous portions.
Cons: Can be crowded and slightly expensive.
Cost: Sandwiches approximately $15, beers $5-8.
Built Custom Burgers (Terminal 1) – Our Take
Signature Dish: ‘Your Creation’ – A burger crafted to your liking with a variety of fresh toppings and sauces.
Signature Drink: Craft sodas and local beers, tailored to complement your burger masterpiece.
Pros: Personalized burgers with quality ingredients.
Cons: Higher prices compared to standard burger joints.
Cost: Custom burgers around €8-12, drinks €2-5
Is it worth it?
It is fine for a quick bite but it is just a standard burger and fries shop. It is certainly not reflective of the great burger joints you will find in Toronto when you step outside the airport into the city. Grab a local craft beer while you are there, although you will find them at most of the other food venues in the airport.
In our opinion, it is better to explore some of the other dining options in the airport where you can get something truly unique.
Mill Street Brewery (Terminal 1)
Signature Dish: ‘Brewmaster’s Platter’ – A hearty assortment of pub favorites including wings, sliders, and nachos, perfect for sharing.
Signature Drink: ‘Original Organic Lager’ – A clean, crisp beer that showcases local brewing at its best.
Pros: A great variety of craft beers and satisfying pub grub.
Cons: Prices can be high, especially for the food.
Cost: Beers $8-12, platters around $20-30.
Vinifera (Terminal 1)
Signature Dish: ‘Gourmet Cheese Board’ – A selection of fine cheeses paired with charcuterie and crackers, ideal for a light, sophisticated meal.
Signature Drink: ‘International Wine Selection’ – Choose from an extensive range of wines from around the world, with staff ready to help you make the perfect selection. Pros: Elegant atmosphere with an impressive wine list.
Cons: Premium prices and limited food offerings.
Cost: Wines by the glass $15-50, small plates $15-30.
Apropos (Terminal 3)
Signature Dish: ‘Grilled Octopus Salad’ – Tender octopus served with a citrusy vinaigrette, alongside aromatic ‘Truffle Fries’.
Signature Drink: ‘Pearson Mule’ – A local take on the Moscow Mule, featuring Canadian vodka and a spicy ginger beer kick.
Pros: Chic ambiance and well-crafted dishes and drinks.
Cons: Higher-end pricing and can be noisy during busy periods.
Cost: Cocktails around $15, dishes $12-25.
Carlo’s Bakery Cake ATM (Terminal 1) – Our Take
Signature Dish: ‘Red Velvet Cake’ – Rich, moist cake with a classic cream cheese frosting.
Pros: Quick cake fix.
Cons: Premium pricing.
Cost: Cakes and pastries around $6-10, coffee $3-5
Is it Worth It?
The novelty of buying a piece of cake from ATM is certainly fun and who better to get it from than the Cake Boss himself, Buddy Valastro. Unfortunately, it is just that-a novelty. The cake is heavy, overpriced and tastes like something you would find with the vacuum-sealed Twinkies in the grocery store.
There is also no way one person could finish it themselves. if you did, you would have to stop eating for the rest of the day given the calorie count. If you need a snack, grab a chocolate bar somewhere else.
Paramount Fine Foods (Multiple Locations)
Signature Dish: ‘Mixed Grill Plate’ – A medley of grilled chicken, beef, and lamb skewers, served with aromatic rice and a tangy garlic sauce. Finish with a sweet ‘Pistachio Baklava’ for dessert.
Signature Drink: ‘Mint Lemonade’ – A refreshing beverage that complements the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Pros: Authentic flavors with generous portions.
Cons: Often busy, and flavors might be intense for some.
Cost: Main dishes $12-20, drinks around $4-6.
The Hearth by Lynn Crawford (Terminal 1)
Signature Dish: ‘Maple Glazed Salmon’ – A beautifully cooked salmon filet with a sweet maple glaze, accompanied by seasonal vegetables for a truly Canadian flavor.
Signature Drink: Canadian Wine Selection – A carefully curated list of wines from across Canada, perfect for pairing with the seasonal dishes.
Pros: Seasonal ingredients and expertly prepared dishes.
Cons: Among the more expensive dining options with occasional slow service.
Cost: Main dishes $25-40, wines $8-15.
Booster Juice (Multiple Locations)
Signature Drink: ‘Tropi-Kale’ Smoothie – A delicious blend of tropical fruits and kale, packed with nutrients. Add a ‘Whey Protein Boost’ for an extra energy kick.
Pros: Healthy choices and quick service.
Cons: Premium pricing for smoothies.
Cost: Smoothies around $6-8, boosts for an extra $1-2.
Smoke’s Burritorie (Terminal 3)
Signature Dish: ‘Pulled Pork Burrito’ – Tender smoked pork combined with your choice of toppings and sauces, wrapped in a soft tortilla. Pair it with ‘Loaded Nachos’ for a hearty meal.
Signature Drink: A variety of sodas and bottled water to quench your thirst.
Pros: Customizable and filling options.
Cons: Quality can be inconsistent, and it’s a bit pricey.
Cost: Burritos $10-15, drinks around $2-4.
Starbucks (Multiple Locations)
Signature Drink: ‘Caramel Macchiato’ – A sweet, creamy coffee treat that’s perfect for an energy boost. Pair it with a ‘Spinach & Feta Wrap’ or a ‘Blueberry Muffin’ for a quick and satisfying meal.
Pros: Reliable quality and a wide range of options.
Cons: Often busy and higher prices than city stores.
Cost: Coffee $3-6, food items $5-10.
Conclusion:
Toronto Pearson Airport is a microcosm of the city’s vibrant food scene, offering an array of options to suit every palate and preference. While dining at the airport might come with a premium price tag, the convenience and diversity of choices make it a worthwhile experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick coffee, a gourmet meal, or a refreshing drink, you’ll find an array of satisfying options. Be sure to check which terminal you’ll be in, as not all eateries are available in both. Consult the airport’s dining guide for the latest information, and enjoy your culinary adventure at Toronto Pearson!