Heading to a FIFA World Cup game at Toronto Stadium this week? Skip the eyewatering prices at the concession stand and try one of the city’s neverending cheap eats instead.
What to know
- Food prices inside Toronto Stadium have sparked debate among World Cup fans.
- A chicken tenders and fries combo costs more than $25 inside the venue.
- Several affordable restaurants are located within walking distance of the stadium.
- Options include burgers, tacos, sushi, coffee and Vietnamese food.Most menu items at these spots cost less than a typical stadium meal.
It’s no secret that attending a World Cup game is already expensive. Between tickets, hotel bookings, and flights, visiting Toronto for a family of four could cost more than $3,100.
But the spending doesn’t end there. Satiating hungry stomachs during a World Cup is no cheap feat either. Photos of the concession prices posted to social media show an order of chicken tenders and fries costing $25.25 and a “Visa cardholder combo” of two footlong hot dogs and two drinks costing $57.50.
To help keep wallets full and stomachs happy, here are five cheap eats to hit up near Toronto Stadium before a World Cup match.
Burger Drops
- Location: 116 Atlantic Ave.
Have a hankering for juicy smashburgers? Burger Drops in Liberty Village is serving up single, double, and veggie burgers a quick 10-minute walk from Toronto Stadium. During the World Cup, Burger Drops is also serving burgers, chili cheese dogs, and curly fries from their trailer, which is parked only seven minutes away from game central. Burger Drops is open until 11 p.m. on game nights. A single patty Original Burger costs only $9.50 and curly fries are $6.50.
Check out Burger Drops’ menu here.
Arvo Coffee
- Location: 80 Atlantic Ave.
Also conveniently located only 10-minutes from the World Cup stadium, Arvo Coffee is both aesthetically pleasing and affordable. Both of its toasts (Avocado, Smoked Salmon, and Almond Delight) and handhelds (Brekkie Roll, Braised Breakfast Sando, and The Sammie) come in at under $15. Arvo Coffee is open until 6 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, and 5 p.m. on Monday and Sundays.
Check out Arvo Coffee’s menu here.
Ghost Taco
- Location: 151 East Liberty St.
Craving something heartier than breakfast sandwiches? Ghost Tacos, located in the Liberty Market Building, offers delicious tacos in a multitude of flavours a 10-minute walk from Toronto Stadium. Get three tacos or a burrito bowl for only $14.99. Or if you’re just looking for a light snack, Ghost Taco has birra fries, guacamole and chips, or Spanish rice, for under $10. The eatery is open until 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 8 p.m. on Sunday.
Check out Ghost Taco’s menu here.
Kibo Sushi House
- Location: 171 E Liberty St.
A tried and true Toronto staple, Kibo Sushi House has been feeding the city since 2012. Also situated in the Liberty Market Building, most of Kibo’s sushi rolls come in at under $10. The eatery also offers a variety of sushi and rice combos for around $20 that include a mix of sushi rolls, gyoza, and tempura. Kibo is open until 10 p.m. every day.
Check out Kibo Sushi’s menu here.
Pho Asia 21
- Location: 1208 King St. W.
Hidden on King Street West across the street from the Toronto Carpet Factory, Pho Asia 21 is one of the West End’s best hidden gems. Most of its menu comes in at under $20, with more affordable menu items like spring rolls and bahn mis costing around $10. Although this restaurant is slightly further away from Toronto Stadium, it’s still only a 14-minute walk from the World Cup stage. Pho Asia 21 is open until 10 p.m. every day except Sunday, closing at 9 p.m.
Check out Pho Asia 21’s menu here.
