Scollard Variety & Deli

Overall experience: ⁹⁄₁₀
Food: ⁹⁄₁₀
Atmosphere: 7.5÷10
Service: ⁹⁄₁₀
A hidden local joint just behind Yorkville, I will definitely be back to grab a casual brunch here. You seat yourself, but will be served most likely by the owner.
Breakfast was great great great! Homefries were maybe the best I’ve ever had — piping hot and extra crispy.
I’m only taking points off for atmosphere, as the inside feels a little bit neglected. They also sell convenience-​like store items at the front (toilet paper, juice, batteries), which adds a weirder vibe. But you know what? Food is great and well-​priced, will definitely be back!
THE BOTTOM LINE: great food at non-​Yorkville prices. Go for brunch!

If you don’t know what it is, you’ll walk right past it. Don’t. In a sea of ridiculously priced eateries and higher-​than-​your-​nose bistros is this little gem. Charming lady behind the counter knows everyone by name, knows what they order, and is intuitive in terms of needs.
Ordered the toasted club with fries and salad. Tasted EXACTLY as it should, Real chicken, properly prepared fries, no nouveau alien greens, artificial meat, seasoned fries… Just exactly what your taste buds remembered. Wife ordered a chicken Greek salad — was excellent. Good portions — they don’t mess around.
And judging by the regulars who come here, and the wonderful treatment they receive, it’s no wonder that this place has a constant stream of people. It’s an oasis of Olde Style Food Normality in a neighbourhood where the upscale grub is overpriced and undersized, where they spend more money on the décor than the food, and where the staff do you a big favour to wait on you.
Definitely will be coming back. In fact, if it weren’t for the pay-​through-​the-​nose parking, I would be there more often.

I come down to Scollard quite often as my hair salon is located there. I can’t believe I did not notice this little gem (not so little) of a café. Great for lunch, they serve sandwiches, baked goods, some hot dishes, and many espresso drinks. I had a very nice iced latte. The staff/​owners were so kind and attentive, even took me for a tour to their back patio (which is beautiful). When I had to go, I didn’t have to ask, they put my drink in a take out cup. They have been around for quite a while, I’m glad I finally discovered it. :)

I work in Yorkville, which used to make buying lunch a whirlwind adventure. I desperately ran in and out of restaurants, searching for affordable food and good portion sizes.
Then I found Scollard Variety & Deli. Thank Buddha! This place is so cute, has great service and delicious food. It has a small patio that looks out on Scollard Street. The patio only has two tables, but if one is empty, then it’s the perfect spot for an afternoon lunch. It also has a large interior with a lot of seating. I always sit outside, read my book, eat my delicious garden salad and watch/​judge passing pedestrians.
What to get:
Garden salad (with Balsamic vinaigrette) is about $ 7 and totally worth it. I associate garden salads with boring rabbit food. However, this garden salad is special. You pick your dressing and the portion is huge. You get lettuce and tomatoes and cucumbers and radishes and peppers. They do not skimp out on the veggies!
I always get a coffee when I’m there. I forgot the price, but my bill for the salad and coffee comes to less than $ 10, which is pretty amazing for a healthy Yorkville lunch… on a patio!
It’s a local place and the owner (or at least I think he’s the owner) is a really personable guy. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to support local business and enjoy a delicious lunch. Food is fresh, coffee is strong (if you want it to be) and the setting is perfect.
If you’re in the area and need to grab food or coffee, avoid Starbucks and Lettieri. Visit Scollard Variety & Deli!
Location:
105 Scollard Street, Toronto,
(416) 964‑9326
Subway: Get off at Bay Station. Walk north along Bay. Make a left when you hit Scollard Street. Walk a couple blocks and you’ll find it!