What’s the vibe
With all the indulgent eating we do here at Foodism, it’s good to be reminded that “tasty” and “somewhat health-conscious” aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive categories. So we’re happy to hear about eateries like Mary Be Kitchen entering the mix. Yonge and St. Clair is already lined with fantastic restaurants so we welcome a spot with wholesome food options that also caters to dietary needs in the neighbourhood.
The interior of Mary Be Kitchen is bright, fresh and summery. Windows fill the space with natural light which is great for capturing that perfect Instagram shot. Takeout is common here but it’s also a popular spot for a casual coffee or dining in. Mary Be Kitchen gets busy during the lunch rush so make sure to come earlier if you want to grab a seat.
What to drink
Caffeine addicts will appreciate that Mary Be Kitchen takes their coffee seriously, pulling from a La Marzocco setup made in Italy. The expected options of lattes, espressos and cortados are available here but for something a little out of the ordinary, the lavender latte is the one to get. The lavender complements the espresso in a subtle, pleasant way. Non-coffee drinkers can still get their energy fix through a menu of tea lattes and assorted loose leaf teas, along with non-caffeinated options as well like a turmeric-ginger latte.
Aside from the typical coffee and tea offerings, they also have drinks on tap. For a fresh kick in the morning or midday pick-me-up, their kombucha is a popular choice. Drinks made in-house are also available on tap, including ginger lime fresca, cucumber mint lemonade and iced tea. If you’re inclined to imbibe, there are a few beer and wine options also on tap.
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What to eat
Navigating food menus with a dietary restriction or as a socially conscious eater can be challenging, but Mary Be Kitchen does a good job of catering to different needs whether you are gluten free, vegan, vegetarian or a meat eater. Their main food menu is centred around flexible combos that range in size. From there, select between hot or cold sides, stews (dahl and chili) and proteins (grilled scallion-ginger tofu and herb flank steak are among the options).
Side dishes are definitely not an afterthought here. The roasted beets, dressed with mint-lemon yogurt, are light and refreshing with toasted hazelnuts adding a satisfying crunch to the mix. Complete your visit on a sweet note at the baked goods bar. The tahini chocolate cookie is a tasty option that’s surprisingly gluten free.
Lunch and drinks for two: about $45
21 St. Clair Avenue W., 416-792-7596, marybekitchen.com
