The idea of an all-you-can-eat buffet is ascribed to Herbert “Herb” Cobb McDonald. In 1946, McDonald started the “Buckaroo Buffet”—an all-you-can-eat, 24-hour buffet costing only a single dollar. From there the reign of affordable excess began! We at Secret Toronto are no strangers to the occasional low-budget banquet, and it’s easy to see why they are so popular.
All-you-can-eat menus are the perfect way to extend a meal, sample multiple types of food, and revel in the cheeky, shameful splendour of it all. Did you like the crispy spring rolls? Why not take three more? Did you try the carnitas taco and feel like you missed out on the fried chicken one? Order two of each! When it comes to giving the people what they want, Toronto’s restaurants are setting the bar high.
1. La Chingada
La Chingada recognizes the value of a good deal without sacrificing quality. From All-You-Can-Eat Taco Thursdays to a daily $5 Happy Hour Menu to drink specials, you can find your bargain here whilst trying some seriously delicious, authentic Mexican food. Head to La Chingada on Thursday’s for AYCE tacos and eat as many of those scrumptious, hand-sized treats as possible for just $29. Between 4pm and 7pm everyday, you can order from a $5 food menu of Spanish-style dishes.
🌮1242 Dundas St. West, Toronto
2. Pennies
For just $16.99, and the price of one beverage, you can gain access to unlimited cheeseburgers and OG Tots at Pennies. And don’t fret, veggie cheeseburgers are an option! Pennies is known for its cheap sliders and drinks. If you want to add some variety to your meal, you can always opt for one of the combo meals allowing you to choose between 3 and 6 different sliders. Keep an eye on Pennies’ calendar for upcoming AYCE deals and other tempting offers.
🍔127 Strachan Ave, Toronto
3. Dragon Pearl Buffet
At Dragon Pearl, not only do you reap the benefits of an impressive buffet, but you can also feel a sense of history and culture in the restaurant. Named after the lucky deep fried sesame ball, Dragon Pearl also has an impressive collection of petrified wood on display. The AYCE menu includes Peking Duck, sushi, sashimi, BBQ items, and more. Prices vary depending on age and whether you are going to the lunch or dinner buffet.
🍣865 York Mills Rd, Unit 2, North York
4. KaKa All You Can Eat
You’ll find KaKa in the heart of downtown Toronto. The AYCE sushi restaurant focuses on serving premium sushi at a low price point which is evident from the fact that KaKa was the first AYCE restaurant in Toronto to serve torched sushi. With over 100 items on the menu, the chef intends for KaKa’s food to appeal to both sushi and non-sushi lovers. Again, prices vary depending on age and the time of day. Beef tacos, fried shrimps with wasabi mayo, nigiris, maki, and udon are among the many things you’ll see on the menu.
🍣655 Bay St, Toronto
5. MARKED Restaurant
Every Saturday and Sunday, between 11am and 3:30pm, you can get your money’s worth at an elegant, all-inclusive brunch at MARKED. Choose from unlimited small plates, including French toast, pancakes, ceviche, and pork belly bacon. Make sure to read the fine print, there are no takeaways—don’t order with your eyes! The menu costs between $75-$95 for adults (depending on whether you want the bottomless prosecco option or not) and $35 for children aged 10 and under.
🥂132 John Street, Toronto
6. Spring Sushi
As well as A La Carte, Bento Set, Donburi and Sushi Combo menus, Spring Sushi also offers, you guessed it, an all-you-can-eat menu! Before 3:30pm, you can test the elastic on your pants with the AYCE lunch menu. From miso soup and grilled items to fried rice and vegetarian sushi, there are plenty of dishes to try. The dinner AYCE menu starts after 3:30pm and, if it’s possible, offers the same and an even more extensive list of things to order.
🍣10 Dundas St. East #500, Toronto
7. Copacabana
Copacabana Brazilian Steakhouse takes the AYCE experience to new levels. An unlimited tasting menu costing between $80 and $85 ($35 for children 3-11) is the true definition of decadence. Designed with carnivores in mind, the menu features speciality braised beef ribs, pork belly, steaks, lime chicken, and more. Grilled vegetables and other vegetarian-friendly options also appear on the menu. Try the platter of orange flan, chocolate brownie, vanilla bean gelato, and mixed berry cobbler for dessert!
🥩230 Adelaide St. West, Toronto
8. TOCA
TOCA is a restaurant in the Ritz-Carlton serving seasonal, Italian cuisine. It regularly hosts brunch buffets featuring live action stations, a seafood bar, a dessert cave, and more. Known for its impressive Cheese Cave, TOCA provides an elegant setting for tackling a bloat-inducing buffet. Monitor TOCA’s website to look out for one of their legendary, upcoming brunches.
🍝181 Wellington St W, Toronto
9. Hothouse
What could make Sunday brunch even more special? Add live music and a buffet! Hothouse’s Sunday brunch buffet is just $40 for adults and $17.50 for children aged 10 and under. Tuck into mini croissants, scones, biscuits, sausages, eggs, lasagne, waffles, you name it! After 25 years in business, Hothouse knows how to make their guests feel welcome. Indulge in delicious food while listening to smooth jazz.
🥞35 Church St, Toronto