Over the past year, it certainly seems that Toronto has been having quite a moment with sandwiches. What feels like every few weeks, there's a new spot opening up for loaded subs, juicy fried chicken sandwiches and various other meat- and cheese-stuffed delights.
But what about those who are seeking out a meatless, animal-free option? They've largely been left behind up until now, but that's all about to change with Stefano's Sandwiches. The new sandwich joint, launching tomorrow (February 18), is the first of its kind in the city to offer an entirely plant-based menu. It was dreamed up by the team behind Ufficio, the lovely spot on Dundas West that is known for having an expansive menu of vegan Italian favourites like lasagna, tortellini, calamari and crab cakes. Stefano's represents the restaurant's foray into a more casual takeout iteration of their brand, but with the same mission of offering plant-based versions of classic dishes that everyone is able to enjoy.
Stefano's will be operating out of Ufficio at 1214 Dundas Street West and featuring a short but impressive menu of vegan sandwiches. The all-day breakfast sandwich is stuffed with Just Egg, the popular mung bean-based egg replacer, plus pinto bean sausage, avocado, lettuce and spicy vegan mayo.
Additionally, indulgent fast food-adjacent offerings include the vegan Filet-O-Fish, with a Gardein filet and and dairy-free tartar sauce and the fried chicken, with crispy and spicy pieces of plant-based meat, pickles, vegan mayo and preserved chilis.
More Italian-leaning versions are the meatball sub and the eggplant parm, both of which take the typical staples like mozzarella and Parmesan and swap them for animal-free versions. All sandwiches are served atop house-made ciabatta buns, and all look delicious enough for both vegans and meat-eaters alike to thoroughly enjoy. They also cook up a lasagna stuffed with vegan meat and cheeses, plus offer Caesar salad with a cashew-based dressing and a creamy (but dairy-free) tiramisu.
The vegan meatball sub with plant protein meatballs, pomodoro, vegcheese mozzarella and vegan parmesan on a ciabatta.
The vegan eggplant parm sandwich with lightly breaded eggplant, vegcheese mozzarella, vegan parmesan and pomodoro on a ciabatta.
Whether you're a plant-based eater, are looking to incorporate more meatless options into your diet or are simply looking to experiment with new dishes, Stefano's is going to be a must-try. As of tomorrow, they will be open Thursday to Sunday from 12-8 p.m., and everything will be available to order either through a pickup order form on their website or via SkipTheDishes.
