Amelie CameronIf you want to experience Toronto like a local, then going to the St. Lawrence Market is a must. Housed inside a historic building that dates back to 1803, this market is one of the oldest markets in Toronto, and it features over 120 vendors selling all kinds of stuff!
I love going to this market every weekend. Inside, it’s lively with the vendors shouting, and I love browsing the local crafts and vintage clothes. Of course, there are stalls selling delicious food as well!
If it’s your first time visiting, don’t worry because I’m here to help you with this guide.
Things to Know
Address: 93 Front St. E
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—9 am to 7 pm
- Saturday—7 am to 5 pm, 5 am to 3 pm (Farmer’s Market)
- Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14163927219
How to Get Here
By Subway: Take the Route 1 subway and alight at King Station. From there, it’s a five-minute walk to the market.
By Car: Drive along Dundas Street West and turn onto King Street or the Esplanade. The ends of the market complex are located on these streets. For parking, there’s a lot at Lower Jarvis Street and the Esplanade. The rate is C$1 per hour.
Visitor Tips
To ensure you’ll have a hassle-free trip, be sure to keep in mind the following tips:
- Payment methods differ from vendor to vendor. Some accept Interac and/or major credit cards, while some don’t. To be safe, I recommend bringing cash with you because all vendors accept cash.
- If you run short on cash, there’s a TD Bank machine at the front of the North Market. The South Market, on the other hand, has several ATMs available on both levels.
- Please keep in mind that pets aren’t allowed inside the market.
- If you’ve lost something, the Lost and Found section is located in the Administrative Office at 105 The Esplanade.
- There’s free public Wi-Fi available in the market. The network is named “City of Toronto.”
Where to Shop
Anything Goes Accessories
– From: anythinggoesaccessories
Location: Lower Level
Contact Number: +14162008219
For people who love to express themselves through jewelry, Anything Goes Accessories is a must-visit. This small boutique shop is owned by a talented and experienced jewelry designer, and her pieces are undoubtedly stunning.
I personally love their colourful beaded necklaces and bracelets. There are also accessories with real precious stones like diamonds and sapphires as well as rare trinket jewel boxes from Poland and Costa Rica!
Bright Sky Jewellery
– From: brightskyjewellery
Location: Lower Level
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—10 am to 5 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +14163041287
Bright Sky Jewellery is another shop I recommend for people who love all sorts of shiny accessories. The owners specialize in custom-made works, which is perfect if you want extra personalization for your jewels.
I don’t always buy here, but I do love browsing the ready-made accessories. I also love seeing all the precious gemstones on display; examples include jade, coral, mother-of-pearl, turquoise, and amber.
If you have a defective piece of jewelry and watches, you’re in luck because this shop offers repair services as well!
ChocoSol
– From: chocosoltraders
Location: North Market
Contact Number: +14169236675
ChocoSol is one of the most popular chocolate shops in Toronto, and fortunately, it has an outlet inside the market. This is your opportunity to try out some of their chocolates!
I personally recommend any of the premium chocolate bars. My favourite flavour is the Cacao Symphony, which is incredibly rich and has notes of bittersweet. In a way, it tastes like wine!
Alex Farm Products
– From: alexfarm_beach
Location: Upper Level
Contact Number: +14163682415
Alex Farm Products is a paradise for cheese lovers. It offers a wide variety of cheeses, and you can tell just from the scent that wafts from the shop.
It actually takes me forever to browse this shop because I love picking a cheese and sniffing it—rinse and repeat. Usually, I become so overwhelmed with all the options that I end up picking a cheese basket, especially the ones with brie and camembert.
Aside from cheese, this shop sells jams, dips, oils, and crackers. There are even jars of giant olives sometimes. As such, you can create your dream cheese board here!
Chris’ Cheesemongers
– From: cheesemongers_to
Location: Upper Level
Contact Number: +14163685273
Chris’ Cheesemongers features a wide array of cheeses as well, and the best part is that many of the cheeses come from other countries. The staff is also super passionate and knowledgeable about cheese, so feel free to ask any questions.
To complement the cheeses, this shop also sells olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and wines. If you’re not sure about a product, you can even ask for a sample. I love that because it helps me narrow down my cheese-and-wine pairing.
Olympic Cheese
– From: olympic_cheese
Location: Upper Level
Contact Number: +14163637602
Cheese from France and Italy is great, but Canadian artisan cheese also deserves some love. If you’re curious about how this tastes, then you must try Olympic Cheese—a store that has been operating in the market since 1958.
Some of my favourite cheeses to get here are the ones from Stonetown Cheese because they’re super creamy, kind of like Swiss Cheese. I also love Ivanhoe Cheese. The products here are aged, so the flavours are richer and sharper.
Scheffler’s Delicatessen and Cheese
– From: schefflersdeli
Location: Upper Level
Contact Number: +14163642806
Time to stock up your pantry with treats and goodies from Scheffler’s! This shop sells all sorts of antipasti (Italian term for appetizers), which absolutely delights me.
The gourmet cheese display is the main highlight here, but my personal favourite is the prosciutto section. This shop probably has the largest selection of prosciutto because there are just so many options!
And it doesn’t just stop there. I’ve also spotted spice-stuffed peppers, different kinds of patés, and even fresh truffles! Truly, this is the spot to go if you’re planning a fancy feast.
Caviar Direct
Location: Lower Level
Contact Number: +14163613422
Another shop inside the market selling gourmet cooking ingredients is Caviar Direct. As the name suggests, this shop specializes in the finest caviars, and the best part is that they’re sustainably sourced.
But caviar’s not the only thing you can buy here. There are also artisanal smoked salmon sides that are perfect as appetizers for any fancy dinner.
You can even buy special order European truffles, but these are available for a limited time, and you have to order ahead of time.
Acropolis Organics
– From: acropolisorganics
Location: North Market
Authentic and high-quality olive oil makes all the difference, which is why I recommend Acropolis Organics. This shop makes its own olive oil, using olives from the owner’s family’s orchards in Crete, Greece!
My favourite thing to get here is the Bioharvest Extra Virgin Olive Oil because it’s so good that you can actually drink it if you want! It tastes rich and buttery, and it’s also loaded with polyphenols and Vitamin E. So, not only is it delicious, but it’s also nutritious.
Gorgeous and Beautiful
– From: gandbatthemarket
Location: Upper Level
Contact Number: +14168621933
Whenever I feel down, I just have to buy a bouquet of gorgeous flowers to cheer myself up. If you do the same, then I recommend you stop by Gorgeous and Beautiful inside the market.
What I love about this store is that it always has different arrangements for different moods. My go-to choice is The Drawing Room because I love how demure and elegant it looks, with its whites and delicate greens. I always feel peaceful whenever I have this bouquet.
Where to Eat
Churrasco’s
– From: meetandeats
Location: Upper Level
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday—7 am to 7 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14168622867
At Churrasco’s, expect to find a menu full of traditional comfort dishes.
The barbeque chicken is the bestseller, and it’s also the one that I recommend. It’s perfectly grilled, but inside, it’s still juicy and tender. It’s also served with the shop’s “secret” hot sauce, which gives a nice kick of spice to every bite.
Crepe It Up Cafe
– From: goodfoodtoronto
Location: Lower Level
Contact Number: +14169131737
If you love a sweet treat, then you’ll love Crepe It Up Cafe. This shop offers freshly made-to-order crepes that have Vietnamese-inspired twists.
I usually stick to the classics, so I stick to the crepes with whipped cream and fresh fruits on the side. But sometimes, I like to spice things up by ordering a savoury version, typically topped with bacon or chicken.
While you’re here, try ordering Vietnamese coffee with your crepes. It will definitely energize you.
Buster’s Sea Cove
– From: busters.stlawrence
Location: Upper Level
Contact Number: +14163699048
Are you a seafood lover? Then, you have to check out Buster’s Sea Cove. This restaurant offers your favourite seafood classics!
I wholeheartedly recommend the East Coast Lobster Roll. The lobster pieces are tender, buttery, and garlicky, and the pickles add a bit of tanginess. The dish also comes with fries that are crispy and well-salted—the perfect companion for the lobster roll.
St. Lawrence Pizza and Pasta
– From: stlawrencepasta
Location: Upper Level
Contact Number: +14163683479
I love pasta and pizza, so it’s not a surprise that St. Lawrence Pizza and Pasta is one of my go-to eateries in the market. Even though I’m still a good distance away, I can already smell the fragrant aroma, and my mouth instantly waters.
The classic Margherita pizza is my usual order here. The tomato sauce base is tangy, and the fresh basil adds a hint of sweetness. I also love that the pizza crust gets charred in some places. The smokiness in every bite is to die for.
Uno Mustachio
– From: unomustachio
Location: Lower Level
Contact Number: +14163678325
Italian cuisine is one of my favourites, so it only makes sense that I’d love Uno Mustachio.
I tend to order any of the sandwiches because I’m always in a hurry. My go-to choice is the Godfather Chicken Parmigiana Sandwich, which is loaded with chicken parmigiana, two eggplant slices, mozzarella, and parmesan. It’s such a tangy and cheesy dish!
Paddington’s Pump Restaurant
– From: paddingtonspumpto
Location: Upper Level
Contact Number: +14163686955
Paddington’s Pump Restaurant is the best place to go if you’re absolutely starving. This spot has lots of comfort dishes, and the portion size is pretty generous. I’m always full and satisfied whenever I dine here!
The Big Hog Burger is my favourite dish to get because it’s so hearty. It has fried egg, bacon, and cheese, so it’s a symphony of salty and savoury flavours. I also like to have the egg with a runny yolk because it adds a kick of umami to the dish.
Quik Sushi
– From: quiksushi
Location: Lower Level
Contact Number: +14166030016
Quik Sushi is one of the staples in the market, and it’s perfect for people who love Japanese and Korean cuisines.
This place always has a variety of sushi and sashimi available, and they’re always made fresh, so there’s no need to fear. I always get the different variations of salmon sushi because they’re just so buttery, with a hint of sweetness.
Aside from sushi, you can also find other Japanese and Korean food staples, such as teriyaki, tempura, bibimbap, bulgogi, and don katsu.
Yianni’s Kitchen
– From: yiannisgreekkitchen
Location: Lower Level
Contact Number: +14163610769
I’m always on the hunt for phenomenal Greek restaurants, so you can imagine how thrilled I was when I learned that this market has Yianni’s Kitchen.
This restaurant is operated by one family, and they use recipes that have been passed down by their ancestors. Their food has a lovely homey feel like a grandma’s homecooked meal.
I love getting the iconic souvlaki (Greek-style barbequed meat). I usually choose the chicken, and the pieces taste smoky and savoury. They taste even better when dipped in tzatziki because the sauce is pretty tangy and garlicky.
Yip’s Kitchen
– From: yips_kitchen
Location: Lower Level
Contact Number: +14162032472
Sometimes, all you’re craving is dim sum, even when you’re in a crowded market. Fortunately, St. Lawrence Market has Yip’s Kitchen, so I can satisfy my cravings in no time.
I love ordering har gow and siu mai. These are steamed shrimp dumplings and steamed pork dumplings, respectively, and they’re an explosion of juicy savoriness!
Other Things to Do
Stop by the Farmer’s Market every Saturday
– From: stlawrencemarket
Every Saturday, from 5 am to 3 pm, St. Lawrence Market holds a Farmer’s Market event, and I definitely recommend that you come to check it out.
What makes the Farmer’s Market different from the standard market experience is that the vendors here sell the freshest of their locally sourced produce. It’s the perfect place to stock up on your fruits, vegetables, and other grocery needs.
There will also be stalls of local bakeries selling freshly baked bread and pastry. I personally love buying a loaf of baguette or a whole sourdough bread.
Attend any of the market’s fun events
– From: stlawrencemarket
The Farmer’s Market isn’t the only recurring fun event held here. St. Lawrence Market also hosts workshops, classes, and more!
My favourite events are the cooking classes. Back in the day, I attended the classes on Tuscan and Thai cuisines, and they were so much fun! I learned a lot about different spices and tips on how to season your cooking, which I appreciate.
Check out their events page and see what cooking classes and workshops they have.
Rent a space to sell your handmade goods here
– From: stlawrencemarket
St. Lawrence Market also supports local artists and craftspersons by allowing them to rent a space here for the Arts at the Market.
The Arts at the Market is a program that aims to have artists and craftspersons sell their handmade goods. It’s such a lovely program, and I’m always looking forward to it because I love supporting local talent.
If you’re interested in signing up, check this page first.
