A few bucks won’t fulfill your caviar dreams—if it does, you need to dream bigger—but it’s possible to taste the best of the city’s food for next to nothing
Inventively flavoured macaroons are perfectly pillowy treats worthy of a patisserie in Saint-Germain-des-Près. $2.10 each. Nadege, 780 Queen St. W., 416-368-2009.
Coleslaw delivers creamy crunch with a kick (even better as a topping on the pulled pork sandwich). $4. The Stockyards, 699 St. Clair Ave. W., 416-658-9666.
Devilled eggs get the gourmet treatment with double-smoked bacon and a sprinkling of lime gremolata. $4 for two. Origin, 107 King St. E., 416‑603-8009.
The medley of roasted root veggies at the Italo it spot could make a vegan out of Fred Flintstone. $5. Enoteca Sociale, 1288 Dundas St. W., 416‑534‑1200.
Salted caramel truffles are bite-sized decadence, and a solution to the sweet or savoury dilemma. $2.25 each. Nota Bene, 180 Queen St. W., 416-977-6400.
The satisfying bowl of mussels in house broth makes for a cozy winter snack. $2.95. Xam Yu, 339 Spadina Ave., 416-340-8603.
Nodini—little bread knots slathered in sea salt and olive oil—are Italy’s addictive answer to premium potato chips. $6 for 10. Buca, 604 King St. W., 416-865-1600.
The steamed lobster dumpling at the city’s dim sum palace is handcrafted to look like a mini-crustacean. $3.50. Lai Wah Heen, 108 Chestnut St., 416-977-9899.
A taste of takowasabi—an oceanic app consisting of octopus, wasabi stem and vegetables—makes the legendary lineups worthwhile. $3.80. Guu Izakaya, 398 Church St., 416-977-0999.
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