Where To Eat In Kensington Market

Kensington Market, a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood in Toronto, is a food lover’s paradise. With its rich cultural diversity, the market offers a wide range of culinary options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. From traditional Canadian fare to international cuisine, Kensington Market is a treasure trove of gastronomic delights. In this article, we will explore the best places to eat in Kensington Market, highlighting the must-try restaurants, cafes, and eateries that showcase the neighborhood’s culinary prowess.

Overview of Kensington Market’s Culinary Scene

Kensington Market’s culinary scene is a reflection of its cultural diversity, with a mix of old and new, traditional and modern, and familiar and exotic. The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries that serve everything from classic comfort food to innovative fusion cuisine. From Mexican taquerias to Italian trattorias, and from Vietnamese pho shops to Jamaican jerk joints, Kensington Market has something for everyone.

Neighborhood Highlights

In this article, we will delve into the heart of Kensington Market, exploring the neighborhood’s hidden gems and popular hotspots. We will cover the best places to grab a quick bite, indulge in a leisurely meal, or satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a foodie, a local, or just visiting, this guide will help you navigate the culinary landscape of Kensington Market and discover the best places to eat in this vibrant neighborhood.

Where to Eat in Kensington Market

Kensington Market, a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood in Toronto, is a food lover’s paradise. With its rich cultural diversity, the market offers a wide range of culinary options to suit every taste and budget. From traditional Canadian fare to international cuisine, Kensington Market has it all. In this article, we’ll explore the best places to eat in Kensington Market, covering everything from casual eats to fine dining experiences.

Casual Eats

When it comes to casual eats, Kensington Market has plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular spots:

• Wanda’s Pie in the Sky: This beloved bakery has been a Kensington Market staple for over 20 years, serving up delicious pies, tarts, and sandwiches. Try their famous chicken pot pie or a slice of their decadent chocolate cake.
• Jumbo Empanadas: This family-owned Argentinean eatery serves up mouth-watering empanadas, sandwiches, and salads. Don’t miss their daily specials and discounts.
• Sanagan’s Meat Locker: This butcher shop-turned-restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, and soups, all made with locally sourced ingredients. Try their famous porchetta sandwich or a bowl of their hearty beef stew.
• Kensington Café: This cozy café serves up breakfast, lunch, and brunch options, including omelets, pancakes, and sandwiches. Don’t miss their daily specials and discounts.

International Cuisine

Kensington Market is a melting pot of cultures, and its culinary scene reflects this diversity. Here are some of the best international eateries in the area: (See Also: Where To Eat In Ngong Ping Village)

• Momo’s Korean Restaurant: This family-owned Korean eatery serves up authentic dishes like bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi stew. Don’t miss their daily lunch specials and discounts.
• El Trompo: This colorful Mexican restaurant serves up delicious tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try their famous carne asada tacos or a bowl of their spicy tortilla soup.
• Jerk King: This Caribbean eatery serves up mouth-watering jerk chicken, pork, and beef, all marinated in their secret blend of spices. Don’t miss their daily specials and discounts.
• Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos: This popular taco joint serves up Baja-style tacos, burritos, and seafood dishes, all made with fresh, sustainable ingredients. Try their famous Baja-style fish tacos or a bowl of their spicy seafood soup.

Fine Dining Experiences

For a more upscale dining experience, Kensington Market has several fine dining options to choose from. Here are some of the best:

• Ufficio: This Italian restaurant serves up creative, farm-to-table dishes like handmade pasta, risotto, and osso buco. Don’t miss their daily specials and wine pairings.
• La Taqueria: This modern Mexican restaurant serves up innovative dishes like grilled octopus, roasted bone marrow, and duck confit. Try their famous tacos or a bowl of their spicy tortilla soup.
• The County General: This farm-to-table restaurant serves up seasonal dishes like roasted beet salad, grilled trout, and lamb shank. Don’t miss their daily specials and wine pairings.
• The Burgernator: This gourmet burger joint serves up creative burgers like the “Thanksgiving Burger” (topped with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce) and the “K-Town Burger” (topped with Korean BBQ beef, kimchi, and spicy mayo).

Food Markets and Specialty Stores

Kensington Market is also home to several food markets and specialty stores, offering a wide range of artisanal goods and international ingredients. Here are some of the best:

• Kensington Market Food Centre: This bustling food market offers a variety of international ingredients, including Asian, Latin American, and Middle Eastern goods.
• Sanagan’s Meat Locker: This butcher shop offers a wide range of locally sourced meats, including grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and heritage pork.
• Bunners: This popular bakery offers a variety of gluten-free and vegan treats, including bread, pastries, and cakes.
• Jumbo Empanadas: This family-owned Argentinean eatery also offers a variety of artisanal goods, including empanada dough, Argentinean cheeses, and Latin American spices.

Conclusion

Kensington Market is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of culinary options to suit every taste and budget. From casual eats to fine dining experiences, the market has something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Canadian fare, international cuisine, or artisanal goods, Kensington Market has it all.

In this article, we’ve explored the best places to eat in Kensington Market, covering everything from casual eats to fine dining experiences. We’ve also highlighted some of the area’s best food markets and specialty stores, offering a wide range of artisanal goods and international ingredients.

So next time you’re in the area, be sure to check out some of these amazing eateries and markets. Whether you’re a foodie, a local, or just visiting, Kensington Market is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves good food and good company. (See Also: Where To Eat In Durness)

Recap

In this article, we’ve covered the following topics:

• Casual eats in Kensington Market, including Wanda’s Pie in the Sky, Jumbo Empanadas, Sanagan’s Meat Locker, and Kensington Café.
• International cuisine in Kensington Market, including Momo’s Korean Restaurant, El Trompo, Jerk King, and Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos.
• Fine dining experiences in Kensington Market, including Ufficio, La Taqueria, The County General, and The Burgernator.
• Food markets and specialty stores in Kensington Market, including Kensington Market Food Centre, Sanagan’s Meat Locker, Bunners, and Jumbo Empanadas.

We hope this article has been informative and helpful in planning your next dining adventure in Kensington Market. Happy eating!

Frequently Asked Questions: Where to Eat in Kensington Market

What are the best restaurants in Kensington Market for brunch?

Kensington Market has plenty of amazing brunch spots. Some popular options include Wanda’s Pie in the Sky, a bakery and café serving delicious pies and sandwiches; Lazy Daisy’s Café, offering a cozy atmosphere and creative dishes; and Seven Grams Caffè, a popular spot for coffee and Italian-inspired breakfast items.

Are there any vegan or gluten-free options in Kensington Market?

Yes, Kensington Market has several vegan and gluten-free options. Some popular spots include Urban Herbivore, a fully vegan café and bakery; Hibiscus Café, offering vegan and gluten-free Caribbean-inspired dishes; and Jumbo Empanadas, serving gluten-free empanadas with various fillings.

What are some budget-friendly options for eating in Kensington Market?

Kensington Market has plenty of affordable options for dining. Some popular budget-friendly spots include Tacos El Asador, serving delicious and authentic Mexican street food; Patty King, offering Jamaican-style jerk chicken and other Caribbean-inspired dishes; and Sanagan’s Meat Locker, a butcher shop with a small eatery serving sandwiches and soups. (See Also: Where To Eat In Milford Sound)

Can I find international cuisine in Kensington Market?

Yes, Kensington Market is known for its diverse international cuisine. You can find a variety of international options, including Mexican at El Trompo; Jamaican at Island Mix; and Asian-fusion at Swatow.

Are there any food markets or specialty stores in Kensington Market?

Yes, Kensington Market has several food markets and specialty stores. Some popular options include the Kensington Market Art Fair, which takes place on Sundays and features local vendors selling food and crafts; the historic St. Andrew’s Fish & Chips, offering fresh seafood; and the Latin American-inspired grocery store, Sanagan’s Meat Locker.