Located just below the perpetually buzzy Golden Shoe Food Centre, Mercado is the latest to jump on the grain bowl trend, but with a Spanish twist. They are open all day, which makes it the perfect place to kick back with some colleagues over a glass of Sangria ($8) after work. Mercado is by the folks behind the nose-to-tail restaurant Dehesa, so you know the meats are in good hands. You can choose to Create Your Own Bowl at $16.50, but there are several combinations (Hola Bowls, $14.50) that come with pre-selected grains, protein and sides, perfect for uninitiated diners. We especially enjoyed Cerdo Bowl, which features flavour-packed braised pork shoulder and their more unique side dishes of celeriac and pickled turnips!
Avg Price: $20 per person
Photo by Burppler Muriel A