By the Way Cafe

By The Way Café

If your restaurant is busy for breakfast, lunch and dinner and you have been in business
for over 30 years you are doing something right. By The Way is doing it all right. This
community restaurant is a welcoming second home to the Annex neighborhood. Owner,
Amir, was walking around and greeting the patrons. That makes everyone feel so special.
At all times of the day and evening the regulars are seen sipping coffee and enjoying this
delicious food. It has a decided Mediterranean flavor but all palates will find something
tasty. In the warmer weather the large patio is always filled. The patio is enclosed by a
tent so even rain can’t be a deterrent in summer and early fall.
Three cousins arranged to meet at this central location. How wonderful to walk to our
luncheon appointment! How warming to be greeted as long last family! How delicious
to enjoy the wonderful food! The menu is extensive and I can honestly say that I have
always enjoyed my meals over the 30 years I have been a patron.
Each day the Specials are posted. On this day the restaurant was featuring two types of
Soup, Tomato and Rice and Egyptian Lentil ($6.00) Both are flavorful and warming
on a cold fall day. The Omelette special was offered with proscuitto. tomato and
havarti.($9.00) I could see that the Battered fish and Chips was a favorite on this
day.($12.95) The combination of fish and chips is served with veggie chips and tartar
sauce.
I opted for the Breaded Eggplant, Red Pepper, and Bocconcini Sandwich with
fresh basil and tomato. It was served on delicious multi grain bread. ($9.95) It was an
enormous sandwich filled with all those wonderful items I even demolished the crispy
frites served on the plate.
I was tempted with the Stuffed Pepper Squash with quinoa, dates and spinach. It is
baked in a tomato sauce and served with a garden salad.($12.95)
I usually order from the regular menu. One guest had the Middle Eastern Chicken in
Pita. ($10.00) served with a side salad.
My usual order is the Salad Nicoise with Fresh Grilled Tuna. I always have this dish
but decided I needed to have a change. It is fantastic.
One of the cousins had a plate made to order. The Fresh Grilled Tuna was served with
a plate of cooked vegetables. That was an amazing looking plate and I wished I had
ordered that dish.
The Mediterranean Plate is always so tasty.($10.00) tabuleh, babagannough, Israeli
salad and hummus are served with pita bread on the side. It is a great sharing dish.
Egg Dishes are offered all day. You can order your eggs any style or opt for a pedigree
preparation of Benedict or Florentine, or an Omelette of your choice.
One of my favorites is the Original Quesadilla filled with cheese with a salsa piquante
and sour cream on the side.($7.00)
I love the homey atmosphere. It is not high tech and sleek. It is welcoming. The food is
well prepared and always delicious. By The Way is in the heart of the Annex and offers
tempting dishes at the most affordable prices. It is crowded but never too noisy. Just ask
any regular. There is a good reason they all keep returning.

400 Bloor St West

416 967 4295