Toronto is one of Canada’s favorite culinary hotspots, mainly due to its eclectic collection of global flavours. Looking for some good eats in the GTA? Look no further, we’ve compiled a list of the best Food Markets in Toronto and the area. These foodie faves include a wide array of cuisine sure to satisfy all tastebuds.
Kensington Market
This popular bohemian neighborhood market showcases a wide variety of attractions, including artisan boutiques, vintage clothing stores, global supermarkets, and culinary treats, including street food, bakeries, and cheese shops. Highlights include the Pow Wow Café fry bread, and Fika Café’s Swedish coffee and baked goods.
St. Lawrence Market
Voted as the number one food market in the world, this long-standing delight has been a staple of Toronto’s bustling food scene for over 200 years. It is home to local favorites such as Carousel Bakery which boasts a “World Famous Peameal Bacon Sandwich” so popular, it has graced the silver screen. In addition to Carousel Bakery, visitors can find organic olive oils, fresh fruit markets, local seafood, and more.
Distillery District
The Distillery District is a pedestrian-only area of Toronto lined with gorgeous cobblestone streets, art galleries, and public sculptures. The district is also home to a variety of pubs, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants, sure to suit all tastes. Don’t forget to check out their special events, such as the Winter Village Christmas market, or Fireside in the Distillery, a culinary celebration of hot chocolate and s’mores.
Wellington Market
Located in the downtown core, this 70,000 square foot market features 50+ food vendors offering exciting eats. The market also offers an innovative design, a bustling entertainment venue, and is fully liquor licensed. It offers an inspiring range of menu options including Montreal-style bagels, Blueclaw Lobster Shack, JapaDog, and so much more.
PAT Central Market
The next time you visit Koreatown, pay a visit to this shopping market offering a wide variety of Asian culinary fare. Not only can you stock up on your favorite products, but you can also indulge in some tasty delights such as fresh Talyaki (a Japanese fish-shaped cake), or you could visit Minto Bakery for some irresistible Korean baked goods.
Chefs Hall
Accessible by the PATH network (Toronto’s Pedestrian Walkway), Chefs Hall is a popular destination for coffee runs, work meetings, date night, and more. Not only is it home to more mouthwatering culinary delights than you could possibly imagine, but it also features a bar and event centre. Popular dishes include Khao Soi from Little Khao, truffle gnocchi from Resto Boemo, and Baja Fish Tacos from Colibri.
World Food Market
Located near Toronto Metropolitan University, this multicultural culinary experience features a wide variety of vendors in a (mostly) covered outdoor market. This busy market is open year-round, and features 6ix Fried Chicken, Kordog, Fruta Libre, Quick Pita, Choco Churros, and more.
Stackt Market
This unique venue (designed out of shipping containers) houses community events, outdoor public spaces, art and leisure activities, and a multitude of retail and food vendors. Stop by for Sunday’s Pasta Lab, Hot Chocolate and Wine Hut, or visit Blue Moon Brewery to try some of their Stackt Market exclusive seasonal beers.
Toronto Market Co.
This resourceful company moved their offerings online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Toronto Market Co. offers a wide range of items, including grocery items, meal kits from local restaurants, cold press juices, fresh produce, prepared sauces, and more. It features 100+ vendors to browse, and since the passing of COVID, has returned to also hosting the occasional pop-up market.
Polson Pier
While not your traditional food market, Polson Pier is still a popular foodie destination. This hotspot combines beach vibes with vibrant nightlife, while featuring popular waterfront dining destinations such as Cabana Poolbar, The Keating Channel Pub and Grill, Paddington’s Pump, and Cherry Street Barbecue.
Harbourfront Centre
Another waterfront dining destination to visit in the GTA is the Harbourfront Centre. Though it may seem similar in nature to Polson Pier, the Harbourfront Centre dining offers a more relaxed laid-back nautical pub vibe. Our favorite restaurants to visit include Amsterdam Brewhouse to check out its great selection of craft beer, or also The Goodman Pub and Kitchen, which offers a Brunch menu!
Jessica Gardner | Contributing Writer
