Budget
Benny's Family Restaurant & Lounge
183 weber street north. this is one of the best places in the region for breakfast, served until 2pm. a good breakfast with three eggs, a side, hash browns, and pancakes for under $10. a short drive away from the universities.
Noodle Hut
230 king street north. a little hidden, but well worth the find. a wonderful family run place that is super cheap and filling. a great variety of food, including great vegetarian selection. $5-7, max, which includes a soup and a huge entre.
Lotus Tea house
79 regina st. n. a lovely calm buddhist vegan restaurant, with home made teas that will leave you wanting more. great student prices. a huge lunch is $5 for students and $6 for non-students. its an amazing deal. a great place to relax and let the stress melt away. a bit hidden, but well worth the find. closed on sunday and monday.
Just N Pita
150 university ave w. egyptian pitas. they may have a silly name, but the food is tasty, and it's good for lunch or a smallish dinner. a pita will cost you $5-8. not great when in a rush though—service is friendly but not always quick.
Kismet Restaurant
150 university ave w. indian food. the naan is very good there, they prepare it on the side of their clay oven. the butter chicken is amazing. the decor is bland, but the food is good. around $10 for the curry dishes, and it comes with either naan or basmati rice.
Hot Pot and Bubble Tea
King and hickory. chinese hot pot. hot pot is amazing, don't let the appearance of this place fool you. all you can eat for under $15. freshest food in waterloo.
Midrange
Mongolian Grill
University shops plaza on university ave, just across the tracks from uw, 747-4400, (http://www.mongoliangrill.com/). grab a bowl and fill it with your choice of meats, veggies, sauces and spices. then, give it to the grillers, who will chop, fry, and thrash your meal into shape right before your eyes on a huge round grill 3m/9' across, temp 300°c/600°f. $17 for all you can eat, including rice and tortillas to go with your stir-fry. be forewarned: there's often a wait in the evenings, especially on weekends.
Jane Bond
5 princess st. (http://www.janebond.ca/ja...). a wonderful vegetarian restaurant with great atmosphere. they make wonderful martinis and have a great selection of wines and beer as well. they also have live entertainment some nights. right across the street from princess cinema.
Symposium Cafe
4 king street north (http://www.symposiumcafe.com/). a restaurant with a bit of a modern-art touch. great food and a groovy, relaxed atmosphere.
Ennio's Pasta House
384 king st n, 893-0543, (http://www.ennios.ca). at ennio's you will find authentic italian cooking at its best. the love of fine cuisine!
The Rude Native Bistro and Lounge
The Rude Native features an eclectic mix of international cuisine.
Top end
Solé Restaurant & Wine Bar
Offers updated versions of classic Italian and Canadian cuisine.
King Street Trio
65 university ave. e. (http://www.kingstreettrio.com/). upscale dining with live jazz every wednesday through saturday night.
Going Uptown the King/Erb area will provide traditional and cultural foods for many price ranges. Waterloo Region was one of the first municipalities in Canada to ban smoking in all restaurants and bars.