Discover the most beloved quick-service restaurants across Canada! From iconic coffee houses to regional pizza legends and mouthwatering burger joints, this list highlights the fast food chains that Canadians consistently choose.
Whether you are a newcomer to the Canadian culinary scene or a long-time resident looking for a quick bite, explore the top ten essential stops for delicious and affordable Canadian fast food.
Get ready to explore the chains that locals rely on for everything from casual meals to family celebrations, ensuring you know exactly where to find the best quick meals North of the border.
1. Tim Hortons: The Iconic Canadian Coffee House
Tim Hortons holds a special place in the hearts of Canadians, so much so that many believe there is not a single Canadian who dislikes the chain.
It is highly favored over competitors like Starbucks, especially since customers feel they receive better quality at Tim Hortons without the high cost.
Patrons love the food because it is not greasy, unlike many other fast-food establishments. Beyond the quality, the service is fast, reinforcing its appeal as a beloved Canadian institution.
The love for this chain is considered “epic,” and it is anticipated that the USA will soon come to understand its significance in Canadian culture.
2. Mary Brown’s: Home of Juicy, Locally Owned Chicken
Mary Brown’s is a true staple in many Canadian households, often relied upon for various occasions, ranging from birthdays and date nights to regular weeknight dinners when cooking is too much effort.
A significant appeal is that the chain is locally owned, which is reason enough for some customers to enthusiastically support it.
The quality of the product sets it apart from competitors, as Mary Brown’s utilizes much bigger, fresh products, in contrast to the smaller, obviously frozen pieces used by “other guys”.
Customers rave that they can feed an entire family more affordably and with superior food compared to typical burger joints. Its chicken is described as the juiciest and tastiest many have ever experienced.
3. Harvey’s: Making the Hamburger a Beautiful Thing
Harvey’s is well-known for its compelling slogan, “Harvey’s makes your hamburger a beautiful thing,” a sentiment with which its loyal customer base firmly agrees.
This chain is a frequent destination for families who consistently enjoy their offerings. The dedicated patronage of Canadian fast-food enthusiasts suggests the quality is consistently high.
For anyone exploring Canada’s fast-food landscape, Harvey’s offers a reliable and beloved option, providing fresh, customizable toppings.
The chain delivers a unique Canadian burger experience that keeps customers returning for more, reinforcing its position as a favorite among quick-service restaurants.
4. A&W Canada: Premium Beef and Real Cane Sugar Root Beer
A&W Canada operates as a completely separate entity from the American A&W chain, having split from the shared company during the latter part of the last century.
In Canada, A&W is renowned for both its food and its root beer, which is notably made using real cane sugar.
Their tasty Alberta beef burgers are highly praised, and popular items include the “baby burgers” and the unique “Call of Duty burger,” which is noted for being “wild-caught”.
Canadian customers assert that the Canadian version is superior to McDonald’s. Interestingly, Canada possessed proprietary elements like “The Great Root Bear” and “The Burger Family” (including Papa Burger) before the U.S. company borrowed them.
5. New York Fries (NYF): The Poutine Pioneer
New York Fries (NYF) holds an “oddest” claim to fame: its highly popular poutine, despite the dish not originating from New York or the U.S.
The chain successfully incorporates the great and mighty Canadian poutine, which is noted by some as an essential, though perhaps not truly balanced, part of the Canadian diet.
This dish is truly considered a national treasure in Canada. NYF makes this iconic mixture of fries, cheese curds, and gravy widely accessible, ensuring that this classic comfort food is consistently high-quality.
The chain provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to try this fundamental Canadian culinary experience.
6. Pizza Nova: A Toronto and Hamilton Area Favorite
Pizza Nova is highly regarded as a great pizza chain, often preferred over other available options due to its consistent quality. True fans recognize the iconic jingle: “4 3 9 OH OH OH OH Pizza Nova!”.
Although customers appreciate the high quality of the food, it is important to note that access to this chain is limited, as it is primarily found around the regions of Toronto and Hamilton.
Because of this geographic concentration, only a certain number of people have had the chance to experience its unique offerings, but those who have visited praise it as a consistently better option than many alternatives in the market.
7. Mr. Sub: The Canadian Sandwich Champion
Formerly known officially as ‘Mr. Submarine,’ the chain now called Mr. Sub continues to thrive despite the massive presence of the colossal sandwich competitor, Subway. Mr. Sub successfully maintains a satisfied Canadian customer base by providing good food paired with fair prices.
Customers frequently describe its offerings as a “better sub than the competitors”. The chain is considered by some to be a superior, Canadian version of Subway.
Its survival and popularity demonstrate its ability to deliver high-quality, dependable submarine sandwiches that appeal strongly to the Canadian palate and market.
8. Pizza Pizza: Known for Excellent Crust
Pizza Pizza is highly praised by customers who value excellent crust quality, noting that winning them over requires a superior crust, which this chain certainly achieves.
The pepperoni, in particular, is a frequently loved item. A major point of concern for loyal patrons, however, is the pricing, as the chain is considered expensive; ordering often requires significantly more than $20.
If the prices were lower, many customers would visit much more frequently. Interestingly, the chain’s presence prevented the Canadian branch of Little Caesars Pizza from adopting a certain catchphrase, forcing them to use “Hot ‘N Ready!” in their TV advertisements instead.
9. Hero Certified Burgers: Gourmet Quality in the GTA
Hero Certified Burgers has established a strong presence, particularly throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), where its burgers are noted for being extremely tasty.
Many patrons, including visitors who are not native Canadians, have consumed the food countless times, reflecting its wide appeal and quality.
Customers consistently feel that Hero Certified Burgers surpasses McDonald’s any day in terms of taste and quality.
The chain is also recognized for offering excellent options, such as providing one of the best post-Toronto Marathon veggie burgers. Its reputation for some of the best burgers in the cities where it operates solidifies its place on this list.
10. Pita Pit: The Healthy Fast Food Alternative
Pita Pit stands out as a healthier fast food option, providing excellent alternatives to traditional quick-service fare.
The chain offers unique filling choices, moving beyond the “same old, same old” ingredients found elsewhere. Customers appreciate that the fillings are not smothered by a huge bun, making the meal feel lighter.
The service is consistently great across all locations visited by patrons, and the establishments are noted for being very clean.
They provide something suitable for everyone’s taste preferences, including awesome smoothies.
Despite its benefits, this type of fast-food chain sometimes struggles with popularity, with customers wishing there were more locations available.
Declan Kelly