CLOSED: Mela Mangeria

There's love in this quaint little cafe, and it shows in the food.

Entrees and desserts are mostly premade and presented in the display case and on platters on the counter. Since the food rotates constantly it's not so helpful to describe the offerings, but I had a potato, TVP and greens type dish with baked cherry tomatoes that was something an old Italian mum would make if she had a kindly vegan heart.

The owner is incredibly energetic and pours out waves of positivity.

This place is also the closest veg restaurant to Yonge & Bloor.

I had the eggplant panini (tender yet crisp breaded thin slices of eggplant, and some other ingredients that blended together magically) on yummy bread. Tomato sauce drizzled on the plate to dip the sandwich in. I could eat one every day and not get sick of it. And a great lentil cauliflower soup.

The only problem is serving size. I am a small person but could easily have eaten 3 paninis (6 or 7$ each). You are paying for taste and quality, not quantity. THat said, the taste was so good that I will go back again and again. Several options for those who still eat dairy/cheese. Multiple options for vegans. Great if you are shopping in Yorkville and need a quick light lunch.

This is a great little spot for a quick lunch. The vegan selections were plentiful and my non-vegan friends had some good choices too. Really cheap pricing and fast service but definetly not a sit-down and linger kind of place. The seating area is actually quite cramped.

Mela is a small, charming Italian place with a front open to a patio in the nice weather. The food is absolutely delicious, with a combination fixed and daily menu (ordered off a chalkboard and from what you see at the front counter). It is all vegetarian, with many vegan options, and I have taken 4 non-veg*ns so far who have loved it as much as I do. The menu is really unique and strays far from the usual Italian fare of pasta and pizza, including quite a few healthy options. I highly recommend the breaded eggplant sandwich.

Tiny place with fantastic, fresh, and inspired food. You can feel the enthusiasm and love (for both food and vegetarianism) from Chef Roberto, who is also the owner. It is not often that you find a fully vegetarian, mostly vegan Italian restaurant with food of this quality. Prices are quite reasonable and portion sizes are excellent.

I've visited Toronto from NYC (which is known for great food too!) and Mela is unbelievably good. It's a simple small hole in the wall (like a coffee shop) with the most balanced layers of flavors. For any foodie, this is a must try. I've gone there everyday. The simple marinara sauce and great complementary flavors is remarkable. they use fresh seasonal food only and run out of stuff bc they only cook small amounts and don't recook once gone. worth every penny!