When the lunch hour strikes, the Financial District very quickly dissolves into something of a feeding frenzy. Traders, analysts, lawyers and stock brokers descend on the area's food courts and restaurants looking for a quick fix. And because time is of the essence, the default destination often becomes the food court closest to the escape pod (the elevator).

And that's too bad. When I last worked in the area, I was right at Yonge and Wellington and was often resigned to grabbing a bite at the underwhelming offerings in Brookfield Place. It was the typical generic food court, over-run with ubiquitous fast food chains like Subway, The Bagel Stop, Manchu Wok, Edo, McDonald's, Piazza Manna and Jimmy the Greek. Uh, no thanks.

And that's a common sight. From Commerce Court to Scotiaplaza, some ill-advised landlords let in way too many of the same stuff. I don't really have anything against Sushi! by Bento Nouveau but do we really need six of them within a half mile radius? Same goes for the all too familiar sites of Pumpernickel's, Mr. Sub, Taco Bell, Made in Japan Teriyaki Experience and Druxy's.

Of course there's plenty of more original, higher-end fare that's perfect for the power lunch (more info on this over here), but for a tasty meal that's less than a commission at E*TRADE here are 15 of Bay Street's best options: