Toronto Thanksgiving 2018: Where to Eat, What to Order

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Tired of the same ol’ same ol’? It seems the same restaurants get featured every year with their hard-to-secure resos and expensive holiday offerings.  

It’s time for a change. After all, haven’t you?

From sitting down to a fine meal to grabbing a turkey sandwich on the run, this year’s holiday options prove that Toronto’s dining scene can be fun and fabulous, all without breaking the bank.

Take a look:

The Irv Gastro Pub

195 Carlton St.

One of Cabbagetown’s most popular locals just released a new menu with The Turkey Dinner ($17) on it. The best part? It’s available at least until spring/summer, so you can celebrate the holidays anytime the craving hits. 

The made-to-order gourmet grilled cheese reveals a bevvy of oven roast turkey, cranberry aioli, brie, and stuffing, stuffed between freshly pressed challah, and served with fresh cut fries or salad. Substitute sweet potato fries, soup or house cur rings for $2, or classic poutine for $4.

Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery

42 Liberty St. 

Chefs John Horne and Ryan Lister have created a Beer Can Turkey Sammie ($21), available October 6 and 7 for brunch and dinner.

This ain’t your regular holiday sando.  You get turkey and all the trimmings - beer-braised turkey, cherry walnut stuffing, yellow and green beans, Nan’s roasted potatoes, Traditional Ale BBQ sauce, a ton of gravy – all tucked in between two Yorkshire puddings.

Pro tip: schedule yourself a long nap after the meal.

The Local Cafe and Restaurant

937 Progress Ave.

If you haven’t already visited the fine eatery located inside Scarborough’s Centennial College School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, you simply must.

This hidden gem, open to the public, showcases dishes prepared and served by the students, while a team of exemplary chefs provide guidance, supervision and mentorship.

The inspiring restaurant is celebrating the holiday big time this year with Thanksgiving Brunch ($20.34) on October 6 and 7. Traditional dishes include: fresh roasted turkey, housemade stuffing, buttery mashed potatoes, a selection of seasonal soups and salads, and an array of house-baked Thanksgiving desserts.

Want it to go? Take advantage of their phenomenal Take Out Meal for Two for just $25, tax included:

Butternut Squash Soup

Turkey with Housemade Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Roasted Fall Vegetables

Cranberry Sauce

Sticky Toffee Pudding with Bourbon Caramel Sauce.

Call to pre-order now. Only available while supplies last: 416-289-5000 ext. 6897.

Summerhill Market

446 Summerhill Ave.

Want a gourmet Thanksgiving meal without having to lift a finger? The best Turkey Dinner ($31.99/pp) is made from scratch by the talented chefs at Summerhill Market.

They sell out fast, so order yours now. You may never make your own holiday meal again.  

White Lily Diner

678 Queen St E.

One of the best restaurants on the eastside offers their Hot Turkey ($15) year ‘round. Good thing - one try of this house smoked turkey, with "stuffing" french toast, rhubarb chutney, gravy, and butter, and you’ll be hooked.

p.s. The Chopped Fall Salad ($12) with honey crisp apple, charred fennel, walnuts, and Quebec blue cheese, makes for a nice accompaniment.

p.p.s. Whatever you do, get yourself as many donuts as you can carry.

Non Turkey Options 

Not everyone is crazy about turkey for Thanksgiving. For those looking for something different, check out these enticing options:

For elevated comfort food, try Museum Tavern’s Duck Confit ($27) with brussels sprouts, squash, potato, cauliflower, carrots, and demi glace.

Seafood lovers will want to get in on The Oxley Fish & Lobster Pie ($23) with buttered garden peas.

And vegetarian and vegan options are anything but boring at Green Earth Vegan Cuisine:

 - Roast “chicken” dinner Green Earth Rotisserie ($14) features roasted soy chick’un with chef’s sauce, and served with carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. 

- Tuck into Lasagne Di Verdure ($13) boasting eggplant, zucchini, red and green bell peppers, and broccoli, served with organic spring mix salad and toasted bread.

- Fall feels are delivered via Three Flavours ($12) a pumpkin, eggplant, tofu, onion, sweet basil, red bell peppers, and mushroom stir-fry (gfo/sfo).

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Please contact the restaurants directly for more information, holiday hours, etc.

Menu items and prices subject to change.