Hi again. Last-minute question: Where do I want to pick up takeout dinner for the train to Montreal? Bonus points if it’s close to a stop on the yellow metro line. (I’m all over the place on that line today.) Any cuisine, so long as there’s a vegetarian option or two. Maybe a favorite sandwich/salad place? Thanks again!
I used to have a very lengthy thread on takeout meals and sandwiches close to Union station, on Chowhound, because I used to take the train 8 times a month.
I like the sandwiches at Forno Cultura, which has a location in the PATH, which reaches Union Station. I believe Forno Cultura is in the First Canadian Place food court. There is a much smaller Forno Cultura Biscotteria with one or 1 sandwiches (which may not be veg) in the concourse (aka Front Street Promenade) under Union Station’s VIA departure hall.
The larger Forno Cultura at First Canadian Place has Caprese sandwiches and a few other vegetarian sandwiches. King or St Andrew Station on the Yonge University line is the closer stop if you’re coming from the north. You can walk from Forno to Union underground or at Street level.
https://fornocultura.com/#eastroom
There’s is a large food court at Union Station’s GO Station food court that is west of the VIA part of Union Station, that has some other fast food options.
If you have time for a 10-15 minute walk in each direction, you could buy an Italian eggplant sandwich, which is vegetarian, but will be messy for the train, at Mustachio’s inside the St Lawrence market. I have purchased this for the VIA train on occasion.
93 Front St E, inside the St Lawrence Market. 10-15 minute walk east of Union Station.
The Chef’s Hall at 111 Richmond St West near Osgoode Station is a street level food court with a dozen upscale options. It’s a 10 minute walk from Union. There are quite a few vegetarian options there.
You could order ahead online so it’s ready to pick up.
Yellow Line is called the Yonge University line by most people, I suspect most people won’t know what Yellow Line means 
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You are amazing - thank you! (And duly noted re the subway.)
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Let us know how you do, and what you order!
If you like sweets, there is also a Danish Pastry House location in Union Station in the concourse near the arrivals hall. Also a Pilot Coffee, if you want to grab a coffee for the train.
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Because I am a giant idiot, I lost track of time and barely made my train. There was no time for takeout so it’s Via Rail hummus and crackers for me. So sad. On the plus side, I did manage to pick up a small orzo salad while out and about, as well as this delightful local seltzer.
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I will be back at least once in the upcoming months and will do better next time!
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VIA actually used to give all economy passengers a packaged lunch with a sandwich, salad and cookie from around 1989-1995.
The cart offerings have gotten worse every year over the past decade. They stopped taking cash around 2019. Just credit cards, which doesn’t work well with some passengers from smaller places who are used to using cash. The Via1 offerings are also not to my taste.
When I have the time, I stop somewhere to get a really nice packed lunch before heading to or from Montreal. I even have bought my sandwich the night before, when I had an early morning train or bus. I do the same thing in NYC before I take the taxi to LaGuardia.
I had my routine down to a science where I would swing past the Union Station McD’s McCafe for a grilled cheese or egg McMuffin, then a cappuccino at Pilot in the concourse, before boarding, when I was short on time.
Better luck for your train snacks next time!
I also have a routine for Montreal, before heading back to Toronto!
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You did fine! No big misses. Lol
