THE LAB'S LOCAL EATS
We’re often asked: “what options are there for meals and good coffee locally”?
The Lab is located in Toronto’s vibrant Leslieville neighbourhood, which is home to tons of cafes, take-out spots and catering companies.
So we decided to make a list of local businesses that can fuel different production sizes, cater to dietary restrictions and serve cosmic eats that taste infinitely better than actual space food. 🌎
NEED ROCKET FUEL?
We all know that coffee is the most important meal of the day. Why order from the Big S when there are insanely awesome artisanal coffee shops just steps away from the studio? 🔥
Remarkable Bean Coffee and Tea
Remarkable Bean is a cosy cafe known for their Fair Trade Organic Certified coffee. This family-owned operation roasts all of its beans on-site. Along with heavenly coffee, you’ll find a wide selection of baked goods, quiches and sausage rolls. 🛸
416.461.9111 | remarkablebean@sympatico.ca | 1103 Queen St E | Website | Vegan & Gluten-Free Options
Mercury Espresso Bar
This shop lives up to its intergalactic name by offering out-of-this-world espresso. A community staple since 2006, this snug cafe serves a variety of coffee, tea and pastries. ☄️
647.435.4779 | info@mercuryespresso.ca | 915 Queen St E | Website
Pilot Coffee Roasters
Located just up the street is the original storefront of one of Toronto’s favourite coffee chains. This Leslieville gem features a decked-out coffee and espresso bar, cold brew and tasty pastries served in a chill industrial-style cafe. 🚀
416.465.2006 | hello@pilotcoffeeroasters.com | 983 Queen St E | Website
Tango Palace Coffee Company
Founded in 1993, this cafe is one of the oldest in Toronto. Tango Palace’s freshly brewed coffee pairs perfectly with their baked goods. You can read this article about the cafe to learn more about its rich history.
416.465.8085 | 1156 Queen St E | Instagram
QUICK & EASY
If you’re ordering for a smaller team and need quality food fast, look no further! Below, you’ll find spots that serve sandwiches, tacos and even BBQ that will take you to a new universe. 🚀
Leslieville Pumps
Located inside a general store, Leslieville Pumps is home to some of Toronto’s best BBQ and poutine. If you’re looking for hearty and mouth-watering eats, this is the place to be. Fun fact, this spot used to be a gas station. 
416.465.1313 | hello@pilotcoffeeroasters.com | 913 Queen St E | Catering Menu | Menu | Vegetarian Options
Completo
Completo has incredibly tasty Latin Food. You don’t want to miss out on their stuff-your-face good dishes. Good luck leaving without an armful of tacos. 🚀
416.901.9233 | 5 Coady Ave | Instagram
Samaira's Kitchen
Samaira’s Kitchen is known for its amazing pizza, calzones, burgers, fries, onion rings and salads. They’ll make you never want to order from a pizza chain again! 
416.466.0888 | info@samairakitchen.ca |1056 Queen St E | Menu | Offers Delivery | Vegetarian Options
Mira Mira
We can confirm that Mira Mira has some of the most inventive and delicious sandwiches in the east end. You’ll find all the classic diner hits at this quirky take-out spot. Their crinkle-cut fries, milkshakes and fresh cookies are to die for! 🛸
416.901.9338 | 1372 Queen St E | Menu | Vegetarian Options
Purple Penguin Cafe
It’s impossible to miss this vibrant purple cafe and its paninis, fresh baked goods and sandwiches served up in Montreal-style bagels. Make sure to grab their famous made-to-order fritters for the entire crew (or just yourself… we won’t tell)!
416.465.8448 | marketing@purplepenguincafe.com | 889 Queen St E | Menu | Offers Catering | Vegetarian Options
OK OK Diner
Make a pit stop before an early shoot and grab a classic dinner meal at OK OK. Shoutout to Reid Nielsen, who suggested this old-school spot for its quality bacon and egg breakfast. 
416.461.2988 | Instagram | 1128 Queen St E | Take-out Available
Slow Hand Sourdough Pizza
Looking for something a little different than your traditional pie? The guys at Slow Hand Pizza have been serving up delicious Detroit-style pies in Leslieville since 2021. Support this community staple and give their Fungus Amongus a try. 
416.469.0001 | Website | 99 Pape Ave | Take-out & Delivery | Vegetarian Options
CATERING & FOOD TRUCKS
When grab-and-go just isn’t enough, these next spots will come in clutch! Here are some catering companies and food trucks that specialize in feeding loads of hungry mouths. 🛸
Pumpernickel's
Pumpernickel’s serves breakfast boxes, sandwiches, hot entrees, coffee and sweets. With many locations throughout the city, they also offer easy and professional delivery services. 🚀
416.863.9880 | order@pumpernickels.ca | Menu | Delivery Available | Vegetarian & Gluten-Free Options
The Food Dudes
The Food Dudes provide sophisticated dishes using fresh and local ingredients. With hospitality at the forefront, they offer buffet and food truck packages that suit a range of productions and budgets.
Note: they no longer offer a walk-in storefront on Carlaw, so orders should be placed in advance!
647.340.3833 | events@thefooddudes.com | Menu | 24 Carlaw Ave Unit #2 | Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Options
Blazing Kitchen & Rancho Relaxo
Blazing Kitchen specializes in catering for film, TV and music video shoots. Beyond offering self-catered lunches, their food truck, Rancho Relaxo, serves delicious Mexican-inspired fare. ☄️
416.993.2362 | blazingkitchen@rogers.com | Menu | Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Options
Cinq Foods
Feeling bougie? Look no further than Cinq Foods. They provide individually packaged meals made from fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. With over 25 years of experience, Cinq Foods can customize its menu to suit your needs. 👩🚀
416.558.5064 | orders@cinqfoods.com | Menu | 11 Carlaw Ave Unit #5 | Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free Options
Cleese Catering
Cleese Catering offers customizable menus made with local and sustainable ingredients. From individually boxed meals to hot buffets, to artisanal food platters, they have it all! 👏
416.463.3895 | catering@cleesecatering.com | 11 Carlaw Ave Unit #14 | Menu | Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Kosher, Gluten-Free Options
VEGAN? NO PROBLEM!
These next places exclusively offer vegan eats that will even leave meat-eaters satisfied. 🚀
Animal Liberation Kitchen
This family-operated joint is all about serving reasonably-priced vegan food. This spot is so good that even Joker star Joaquin Pheonix and Acadamy Award Winner Rooney Mara grabbed a bite when they were in the six. 🛸
647.570.2355 | info@thealk.com | 100 Broadview Ave Unit #202 | Menu
KaSpace Cafe
KaSpace Cafe serves healthy and flavourful plant-based vegan soul food. This Jamaican-inspired spot offers breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner and a juice bar. KaSpace Cafe is also zero-waste! 👩🚀
647.657.9600 | connect@ka-space.com | 1183 Queen St E | Menu
nutbar
nutbar is a superfood cafe perfect for those looking for healthy grab-and-go items. Their smoothies, matcha, salads, coffees, juices and bowls will keep your team fueled throughout the entire day.
647.417.4546 | hello@nutbar.co | 899 Queen St E | Menu | Offers Catering
TREAT YO' SELF
Who doesn’t have a sweet tooth? Our mouths are watering just thinking about these next spots. Your sugary cravings are guaranteed to be satisfied.
Sweet Bliss Baking Company
Sweet Bliss’ cinnamon buns, scones, cupcakes and butter tarts are next-level. It’s impossible to leave this take-out counter with only one tasty treat. Buy sweets from Sweet Bliss and your team will love you for infinite. 🚀
416.916.7895 | 1304 A Queen St E | Website
Brick Street Bakery
Brick Street Bakery is home to artisanal bread and fresh pastries. Along with Canadian classics like Nanaimo bars and butter tarts, this place makes loads of savouries and sandwiches. 🛸
416.465.6808 | 255 Logan Ave | Website
Craig's Cookies
Craig’s Cookies has become a Toronto classic. This place has over 100 unique rotating cookie flavours including Mars Bar, M&M and apple pie. 
