Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Helena's Magic Kitchen

    4.4 (36 reviews)

    Helena's Magic Kitchen Photos

    Business Info

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Helena's Magic Kitchen

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Spinach quiche + 2 sides (apples and coleslaw)
    Victoria F.

    Cheap ($10) and healthier options in this area... what more do you need! The sides are simple cold items... along the lines of simple salads. My favourite thing to get is the grilled chicken since it's grilled to order (it's probably only like half a butterflied chicken breast hence it being so cheap at $10). The potato latkes here are not my favourite bc of the texture... it's gummy. All the food is fresh! Huge plus at this price point. Definitely a go-to lunch spot, especially if you work out go to school in the area.

    Stuffed chicken breast with potato pancake, carrots and beets
    Mike H.

    One of my colleagues let me in on his secret lunch spot, and it was Helena's Magic Kitchen. The food stall is among many options in the Village on the Grange next to OCAD, but it consistently has one of the longest lines. The stuffed chicken breast with spinach is amazingly flavourful, and I order it every time with potato pancake & beet salad for a perfect meal. The chicken is meaty and juicy encased within a crispy outer layer. The kitchen also offers other east European menu items including various pies, quiches, meatloafs, veggies and soups that are all made fresh. Once the limited quantities are gone, that's it for the day. It's a really good deal so don't mind taking food away from OCAD students, they can have less healthy alternatives like McDonald's nearby. There's a reason why Helena's Magic Kitchen has been around for about 20 years. The kind Korean couple who run the show now is creative with the dishes and works quickly to take care of your meal selection.

    Combination platter
    Fred L.

    It certainly seems like magic the quality and quantity of food you get for the prices. We moved offices and this is now my go-to spot. I've tried the combination platter (pictured), the chicken breast, and the stuffed chicken breast. The latter is my favourite so far. Note that there's usually a line so try to go earlier or later to avoid the lines. They cook a lot of things in real-time so it's fresh, but contributes to the longer lines. Do yourself a favor and give them a shot.

    Mushroom pie with coleslaw and beets
    Tina C.

    The magic of Helena's Magic Kitchen rests in the fact that you can get a wholesome, on-the-go combo for under $8! So what makes Helena's menu of quiches, pies, cold salads, pierogies, cabbage rolls, soups, stuffed chicken, chicken of the day and potato latkas wholesome? Unlike many fast food options out there, Helen's seemingly from-scratch cooking is creative and healthful. Unlike other fast food options at the same price point, you don't taste an overuse of salt. Instead, it feels like Helena's is always trying to hold off on the flavouring to let the ingredients shine. To some, this might mean flavours of some of the sides seem lackluster, but for me I think it's just right, especially paired with the flavourful pies and quiches one can get as the main. Speaking of pies, I'm always impressed by what's on the menu for vegetable pies. Thus far I've tried the spinach pie, mushroom pie and Crepes pie which were, especially the mushroom and Crepes pie, delightfully unexpected. Elsehlwhere, I'm used to the usual spinach quiches, but, at Helena's, I'm sure to always find something intriguing to try. If you like savoury pies and appreciate some good side salads to go with definitely stop by. Note that the best time to drop in is earlier in the day, when the full daily menu is available. Once evening descends the options dimish dramatically!

    Spinach and smoked ham quiche + 2 sides.
    Cecilia M.

    Terrific place for lunch! ATMOSPHERE: Homecooked goodness. Located inside the food court at The Grange, the place is a student hub. Amidst various selections here, Helena's stands out with their food. SERVICE: Friendly. A lovely couple run this place! PRICE: Average food court-type prices. There are lots of options just to order single items, or get combos for lunch which includes 1 main and 2 sides. FOOD: Fried potato latkes are AMAZING. Served with a huge dollop of sour cream - it's available as an add-on or as your main. I also love ALL their savoury pies and quiches. Such a great selection to choose from. But remember: Get there EARLY or they may be sold out of most of their delish pies and quiches. Their sides are super tasty! You'd think it's only the mains that keep them going, but don't overlook the various veggie/salad side dishes. I've been trying to order something different every time - and I'm never disappointed. Highly recommended.

    Periogies with beets and potatoes
    East End G.

    Great food option if you're in the AGO neighbourhood. Everything is fresh, homemade and full of flavour. You cannot go wrong with their offering of six periogies with two sides for $6 (including tax)! Be advised: these are not frozen, they're homemade, traditional periogies made with potato and cheese. I visit this place at least a few times a month and have converted a few co-workers into loyal customers as well. The couple who runs this place are also very nice and efficient.

    the shepherds pie with coleslaw and potato salad
    Vivian L.

    honestly im quite upset about this place. i have bought my lunch from here at least two times now and each visit was a disappointment... the first time i went i ordered the potato latkes with the green quinoa (it was quinoa with maybe cilantro idk?!) and the potato salad. the latkes were a huge letdown. it wasn't exactly too flavourful and idk it just didn't do my tastebuds justice. the quinoa thing was absolutely dreadful dear lord never again. and for the potato salad, it was the only remotely edible thing **i bought this before the lunch hour and my food was not hot.. not even that warm :( the second time I went I ordered the shepherds pie because GORL I LOVE SHEPHERDS PIE AND I WAS LEGIT SO HAPPY I FOUND A PLACE WITH SHEPHERDS PIE (yall hit me up with some bombass restaurants or food joints with shepherds pie plsss) for the side orders i got the potato salad again and tried the coleslaw this time . first of all it was yet another let down again .... like the meat was alright but the MASHED POTATOES MAN WHYYYYYY I'm really particular with my mashed potatoes like they gotta be smooth like a baby's bottom and buttery and just NOT GRAINY OKAY AND CLUMPY BUT IT WAS EXACTLY THAT .. GRAINY AND CLUMPY (D::;) but yeah potato salad tasted weird this time but the coleslaw was okay ** food was again not hot and not warm overall im PROBABLY not gonna come again (i do wanna try the stuffed chicken breast) but yeah despite all the good reviews HOMEGIRL can not give this place a lot of stars :( IM SORRY THE COUPLE THT WORKS THERE

    Roast chicken special and 2 sides.

    See all

    Photo of Arbi D.
    1
    20
    42

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of V. S.
    501
    706
    733

    17 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jon A.
    7
    19
    14

    8 years ago

    Excellent prices for the portions you get. A mom and pop kind of shop. Has good amount of varieties and always a lineup.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Allie Y.
    0
    109
    21

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of T. G.
    2
    15
    0

    17 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Homestyle food that tastes excellent and is reasonably priced. Highly recommend it!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Max B.
    36
    5
    1

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J D.
    1
    40
    0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lanna C.
    118
    9
    17

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of G P.
    0
    15
    0

    11 years ago

    tasty home cooking at a reasonable price. Usually, these places oversalt to gain flavor but this place had simple yet delicious dishes.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jann L.
    15
    95
    71

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Best place in the grange by far. Healthy, fresh and tasty food. Totally different style of food than what you usually find in a food court.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for American 1,956 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Earls

    Earls

    3.7
    (24 reviews)
    1.7 km

    This was my second visit to this bistro, and as always, the food was enjoyable overall…read more This time, I opted for the $40 daily special, which consisted of: A salad as a starter (Excellent) For my main course, I had marinated salmon tartare with rice and other garnishes, which I thoroughly enjoyed except for the avocado, which I left on the side of my plate because, in my opinion, it had an unpleasant aftertaste. The atmosphere was a bit too noisy for my taste, possibly because I hadn't made a reservation and was seated near the bar. The table the hostess assigned me hadn't been thoroughly cleaned, and I made sure to point it out. She apologized and roughly mopped up the spilled liquid. Furthermore, instead of offering me a seat at the table she had indicated, the same hostess practically forced me to sit at the table with my back to the entrance (which I hate). Once she left, I immediately changed seats. Despite these minor inconveniences from the hostess, my waitress exhibited a higher level of professionalism, though she unfortunately lacked enthusiasm. It seemed like she was in a hurry to finish her shift. I don't know if I'll ever go back to this place, as I'm eager to explore other restaurants in downtown Toronto.

    I would not recommend this restaurant. Toronto is known for…read moreits great food, but this place was a real disappointment. It was extremely busy, with lots of servers and bus staff walking around, yet no one seemed to be taking care of our table. There were too many people involved, but no one was actually providing good service. We waited about 40 minutes for our food, and when it finally arrived, it was cold. I asked for it to be reheated. Five minutes later, the manager came over, apologized, and said the dish would be removed from our bill. After waiting another 10 minutes, the food came back at almost the same temperature. Overall, I was very disappointed with both the service and the food. Although this restaurant is popular and conveniently located near Yorkville, it didn't live up to the hype. The food felt more like fast food than a quality dining experience. There are plenty of other restaurants in the Yorkville area that offer much better food and service. I won't be returning, and I can't recommend this restaurant.

    Photos
    Earls
    Earls
    West Avenue Cider House Heritage Dry

    See all

    West Avenue Cider House Heritage Dry

    Helena's Magic Kitchen - tradamerican - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...