Best sandwiches in Toronto

Toronto's chefs tend to avoid simplicity. If making a BLT, they'd rather smoke the bacon, toss in market-fresh arugula and drizzle lemon aioli atop a focaccia bun. After all, the best part of dining out is enjoying something you could never make yourself. Sandwiches, then, pose the perfect challenge; some may seem easy, but at these restaurants, they're utterly unique. [Stack of sandwiches at Rashers. Photo by Parisima Baha]

By Michael Fraiman

The Dirty Bird

1

79 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2K2

• Phone Number
  • 647-345-2473Primary
• Directions
• Menu

Chicken and waffles have erupted in Toronto, but The Dirty Bird, which opened in the chic Kensington Market area in early 2015, has risen quickly to the top of the pile. The Dirty Club sandwich flips the waffles into sandwich bread, crams a juicy fried boneless leg and thigh in between, and adds in beef bacon, lettuce, tomato and maple aioli for good measure. At $15, it can feed two without difficulty.

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Black Camel

2

4 Crescent Rd, Toronto, ON M4W 1S9

• Phone Number
  • 416-929-7518Primary
• Directions
• Menu

A brisket sandwich isn't so crazy. However, once you find out it takes five days to prepare – that includes smothering it in dry rub before marinating it for three days, slow-cooking for 12 hours and letting it sit for 24 hours longer – you'll agree it may be the most fanatically made sandwich on this list, not to mention the most tender.

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Banh Mi Boys

3

399 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5B 1S9

• Phone Number
  • 416-977-0303Primary
• Directions
• Menu

While the kimchi fries and jicama papaya salad are curious sides, Banh Mi Boys' mainstay Vietnamese subs are what launched it into mainstream popularity throughout the city. To be honest, any of the baos or sandwiches are solid, affordable choices – lemongrass tofu, kalbi beef, or grilled pork, anyone? The five spice pork belly best complements the julienne carrots, fragrant cilantro and spicy hot sauce.

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Canoe Restaurant & Bar

4

66 Wellington St W, 54th Floor, Toronto, ON M5K 1H6

• Phone Number
  • 416-364-0054Primary
• Directions
• Menu

If you have $24 to spend on a sandwich, spend it at Canoe. Toronto's perennially lauded upscale restaurant, catering mostly to Bay Street business men and women, serves up a club sandwich with baked brioche, tarragon puree and living lobster (served cooked, of course) imported from Prince Edward Island – a good 1,700 kilometres away, no big deal ;-).

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The Lakeview

5

1132 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1X2

• Phone Number
  • 416-850-8886Primary
• Directions
• Menu

With a divey atmosphere and exceptional prices, The Lakeview is a west-end favourite. While the triple-decker cornflake chicken club deserves its own slot on this list, even meat-eaters agree: it's the portobello sandwich that's most surprising. Plump portobello mushroom caps are stuffed with asiago and Havarti cheeses, while the fluffy bun is filled out with caramelized onions and smooth coriander pesto. Wash it all down with one of The Lakeview's light craft beers.

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More from Michael Fraiman

Michael Fraiman is a Canadian freelance journalist and travel writer. He's worked for the Globe and Mail, the National Post, Maclean's, The Walrus and the CBC, and pens a monthly column on Jewish comedy for the Canadian Jewish News. He calls Toronto home, but has often resided in other cities around the world for short stints as well.

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