Palate Cafe - Toronto

Just 2 minutes from my office, this place is much better than you have a right to expect for a sandwich shop in an office building. It's owner operated, and all the food is freshly prepared daily. They have excellent hot dishes, good sandwiches and wraps, salads, muffins, etc.etc. Obviously it caters mostly to local office workers, but if you're looking for a quick lunch and are nearby, you could do a great deal worse.

Whenever the weather is at least half-way decent I go for a long walk in the neighbourhoods north and south of Eglinton, mostly between Mt Pleasant and Brentcliffe. This time I ventured west of Mt Pleasant and happened on this place just as I was beginning to feel hungry. I had a light lunch: a small cup of lentil and vegetable soup and a vegetable panini. Both were very tasty. I think I'll return sooner rather than later. It mostly caters to people working along Merton, because it closes at 4 p.m.

I regularly go to this place for convenience, quality and prices. They have excellent BBQ chicken. Sandwiches and salads are also very tasty and filling. Breakfast options are good as well. The owner is very friendly and is on a first name basis with most regular customers. The place is small, always occupied, but never too busy. I'd certainly recommend this place for a quick breakfast or lunch for either eating in or taking out.

I had business in that part of town and, having overdone it as usual and gone way too long without eating, I stopped in at the café on the ground floor of the building I was in. I expected the usual: a rinky-dink little stop with a measly selection of stale sandwiches, rock-hard patties, and greasy sausage rolls with a big selection of potato chips, convenience-pack cookies, and a Keurig, all overseen by lurid posters advertising everything under the sun. Naturally, there would be those awful orange and yellow plastic shell chairs to sit in.what i discovered was a tiny jewel: the décor was in rich, dark, sophisticated colours (heavy on the chocolate brown) that didn't overwhelm; the cabinetry is a sleek modern design; the bathroom is elegant (more chocolate brown and lighting that was very flattering to a no-longer-springtime-fresh complexion); and the seats tied right in. the food was displayed attractively and there was not wilted or browned lettuce leaf to be seen: everything was dewy fresh.i chose a wrap, some chickpea salad, and a coffee. the gentleman behind the counter asked if i wanted my coffee strong and, not understanding, i replied that i would like a mild roast as i needed the extra caffeine (the darker the roast, the more caffeine is destroying in the processing). to my astonishment, he proceeded to make me my very own cup of coffee using a cappuccino machine! it was delicious!the chickpea salad - fantastic. seriously, it was better than mine (and that says a lot). lots of healthy veg, a light kiss of vinaigrette, and a good whack of parsley that didn't overwhelm the flavours.the wrap was wonderful - silky bread, crispy lettuce, and a very generous portion of meat.

This cute little restaurant tucked away on a side street in this largely residential neighbourhood is a real find. The owner is friendly and personable. He know all his customers by name and is always working to ensure his place is clean, the food fresh and the customers happy. The atmosphere is casual, a simple lunch place with with a large window at the front of the restaurant with bright diffused light and greenery blocking the view of the mostly quiet street it is comfortable and a great place to escape the noise of the city if you work nearby and are going for lunch.For me the star of the show here is the coffee. High quality, made carefully, hand crafted espresso, Cappuccino and Americano are all delicious and expertly made. The food ranges from hot daily specials like curried chicken, shepherds pie, baked salmon are all well made and flavourful. There are sandwiches and salads available. Portions size is good though the prices are a bit on the high side. Overall this is exactly what neighbourhood cafe should be. If you're nearby I would recommend trying it out.