Great Cooks On Eight

Cool location although it may be moving. Had an amazing grilled cheese and good ice tea.

This place is definitely a hidden gem and definitely hits the mark!
They are only open 11−3pm for lunch but the ambiance is wonderfully modern, the view fantastic and the food equisite. Best part? The prices are incredibly reasonable (15 – 20 for entrees)!
The menu is small and changes quite frequently. Usually there are 1 – 2 fish options, a chicken, a pasta and some burgers/​sandwiches. I usually ask the server’s recommendation as they know their stuff. Service is attentive without being overbearing. On a recent visit I had the albacore tuna and it was positively AMAZING!
Its not the easiest place to find (you have to head to the 8^th floor of the simpson tower) but its divine once discovered.

I’ve been to lunch here twice so far, I’m sure I’ll be back. It seems to be a popular place for lunch with the working crowd, it’s always busy. The food and service have been great on both my visits. The view from the top floor of The Bay is also spectacular. I’ve also done a pastry class there and that was hands on which was good, it was well organised and I would definitely do another class in future.

This calls for another ‘hidden gem’ alert! Located on the 8^th floor of the Bay building at Bay/​Queen, this bright, modern lunch spot has a special place in my heart (and stomach).
The menu is quite small but the daily specials are usually excellent. I had the ‘special’ pasta today which was a delicious piece of vegetable lasagna. Gave Mom a run for her money, let me tell you.
I’m not normally one to turn down dessert, so we finished up with the plate of 4 mini desserts — the tiny cheesecakes were tasty and the perfect size to round out the meal.
Service is prompt and friendly. Make a reservation or arrive before noon to avoid the rush.

The environment is divided into 2 sections. One is a fast food style, and you sit on high-​chairs and grab your own seats with no service. The other section is where you are served by waitors. Everytime I go there, I go for the fast-​food style. I ordered from their limited specials (it’s different every once in a while), pay, grab my own water and sit. It’s a small area, so it’s not that noisy and has an excellent view facing City Hall. The food is around $ 12-​$ 15 depending on your selection. I got the stuffed chicken which was decent with ceasar salad (extra cost). The salad was mild. The people at the counter, would take your order, and reheat each dish (chicken, salmon, etc.) separately with the microwave before serving the salad and giving it to you. The chicken was a bit dry though (the time I went).
A bit pricey for fast food style but it’s a tradition for my ex-​co-​workers to go there and chat. I’m sure you can get cheaper choices around at Eaton Center.

This has become one of my favourite lunch places in the downtown core. Plates are consistently full of flavour and ingredients are top notch. The menu has changed a bit earlier this year I’ve been told — the crusted pickerel and lamb shoulder are my favourites. Both are on the revised menu. Both are equally addictive. Very busy at lunch so reservations needed. Nice Ontario wines compliment. Coffee is pressed and important to negate the wine when going back to work. A must visit when doing holiday shopping at the Bay.

Great Cooks on Eight is one of my favourite lunch spots when I can afford a long, leisurely lunch. It’s a little far to be considered to be in the Finance District, but seasoned PATH walkers will be able to find their way to this spot without ever walking outside — a key feature as the temperature continues to drop!
This is not your typical restaurant. In fact, from the website, you have to work hard in order to determine that yes, they do indeed serve lunch, alongside their myriad of cooking classes and corporate events.
The lunch here is GOOD. Everything is super fresh and tasty. I had the grilled fish, which was done just right. My friend had the tuna salad, which was hearty and fresh.
The price is about $ 15 — $ 20 an entrée. More than the food courts for sure, but decently-​priced for a restaurant of this caliber.
The décor is minimalist and modern, the prime feature being the huge picture windows that looks out onto the corner of Bay and Queen, where you can glimpse both the old and new city halls. It’s an escape away from the «corporate”-ness of the typical finance district restaurants and a great place to enjoy the few and some fresh food.