The town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, located about an hour’s drive north of downtown Toronto, offers a quick getaway to country-like living: wide-open spaces, apple picking, maple syrup festivals. It also has a lively culinary scene, with many fast-casual spots serving up budget-friendly food. Here, our top places to find a filling meal for $10 or less.
The menu at this Vietnamese restaurant is full of hearty, affordable dishes, like vermicelli bowls chock full of grilled chicken and spring rolls ($9), rare beef noodle soup ($8 to $9) and steamed rice with beef short ribs and bean curd ($10). More budget bites: Egg noodle soup with seafood and pork ($8.50), brisket noodle soup ($8 to $9) and the lemongrass shrimp and vegetable rice plate ($10).
Of all the fresh sushi and sashimi here, the affordable finds fall under the maki section of the menu—including scallop ($8.95), unagi ($8.95) and shrimp tempura ($7.95). More budget bites: Takoyaki ($9.95) and tender calamari ($9.95).
A Stouffville staple, Nonna Crupi’s specializes in crispy, thin-crust pizzas available in an array of by-the-slice options, all for $7 or less. Favourites include the Deluxe (mushrooms, green peppers, pepperoni), the Meat Lover (ham, bacon, pepperoni) and the Super (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, bacon). More budget bites: Hefty calzones stuffed with cheese and tomato sauce are a steal at $10 each.
As the name suggests, familiar Greek comforts, like lamb and beef gyros ($7.50 each), are the specialty here. But the real deal is the Greek lunch meal. For just $9.95, a choice of main (chicken souvlaki, gyro meat or pork souvlaki) comes sided with pita, rice, potatoes, Greek salad and tzatziki. More budget bites: If you have an extra buck burning a hole in your pocket, the Greek falafel dinner comes with two sides and Greek salad for just $10.95.
This family-owned burger joint has been keeping locals satisfied since 1976. Best bets include their double-patty Twin Burger ($7.35), the clubhouse sandwich with fries ($9.80) and the steak on a kaiser ($9.50). More budget bites: Both early and late risers can chow down on all-day breakfast options like the peameal-and-egg sandwich ($5.95), French toast ($7.50) and the western omelette ($9.75).
This bubble tea shop and Asian-fusion eatery located inside a UPS Store offers a smorgasbord of sips and snacks, including their signature milk tea with tapioca, pudding and coconut jelly ($5.79); vegetarian fried rice ($8.95); and crispy fried chicken wings ($8.95 for six). More budget bites: For an extra buck, the tan tan ramen is a filling and fantastic choice ($10.95).
This local coffee shop is famous for its artisanal brews and house-made treats. Some of the best budget-friendly bets include deli sandwiches piled high with ham or turkey on whole-wheat seeded ciabatta buns ($8.95 each) and decadent bacon or sausage brioche breakfast sandwiches ($9.25 each). More budget bites: Three words—tater tot poutine ($9.50).
For 364 days a year (Christmas Day being the one exception) this family-run kitchen turns out affordable Canadian Chinese staples, like spicy crab rangoon ($8.50), pan-fried dumplings ($8) and mushroom fried rice ($9.50). The vegetable chow mein goes $0.50 over budget, but it’s worth every penny. More budget bites: Egg rolls ($1.50) and spring rolls ($2 for two).
Owner Mark Ghopros isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—or burger, rather—he just wants to perfect it. Every day, he makes his patties from top-notch AAA steak ground in house. The fan favourite here is the Mushroom Melt, a single patty layered with Swiss cheese, sautéed mushrooms and onions, and the signature Z sauce ($9.25). And new Blue Jay (and chicken finger aficionado) Brandon Belt would approve of their chicken tenders ($8.85 for five pieces with fries). More budget bites: The fully loaded Greek onion rings, topped with crumbled feta, tzatziki, oregano and extra-virgin olive oil ($6.95).
There’s something for everyone at this family-owned spot with a menu of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Indian hits, including chicken biryani ($7) and the signature Chapali Kabob wrap ($10). More budget bites: Refreshing and filling date or avocado shakes ($4.95 each). Follow the restaurant’s Instagram account for limited-time deals.
NEVER MISS A TORONTO LIFE STORY
Sign up for Table Talk, our free newsletter with essential food and drink stories.
Tiffany Leigh is an award-winning freelance journalist with degrees in business communications and education. She has a culinary background, is a recipient of the Clay Triplette James Beard Foundation scholarship award and has worked in restaurants such as Langdon Hall. In addition to Toronto Life, her pieces have been read in publications such as Forbes, Vogue, Eater, Dwell, Elle, Business Insider, Playboy, Food & Wine and Bon Appétit.