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The Best Foods in Kensington Market That Are Worth the Food Coma Afterward

foods-in-kensington-market

I feel fortunate to live in Toronto because we have a thriving food scene. There are many enclaves of restaurants scattered throughout the GTA, so I’m always inspired to go on a spontaneous foodie adventure by myself or with friends.

Kensington Market is one of the neighborhoods I tend to come back to for these trips because it has a diverse array of options. From delicious pastries to hearty burgers to affordable tacos—this place has it all!

If you’re thinking of checking out this bohemian neighborhood, here are my food spot recommendations!

Wanda’s Pie in the Sky

From: wandaspieinthesky

Address: 287 Augusta Ave

Operating Hours

  • Sunday to Wednesday—10 am to 6 pm
  • Thursday—9:30 am to 6 pm
  • Friday and Saturday—9:30 am to 7 pm

Contact Number: +14162367585

Website

I can never resist a slice (or two) of great pie, and if you’re the same, you need to stop by Wanda’s Pie in the Sky. In my opinion, this one offers some of the best pies in the city!

I love getting the R&B Medley pie, which is made of raspberries and blueberries, so every bite is sweet and tart at the same time. 

If you’re looking for a savory option, don’t worry because this place also has it. I recommend getting the pierogies, which are Polish-style dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, and sauerkraut. It’s such a hearty treat!

Pro Tip:

If you want to order a whole pie, please keep in mind that not all flavors are available in the store every day. If there’s a particular flavor you want, I recommend you pre-order to ensure you’ll get it. 

Rasta Pasta

From: eatrastapasta

Address: 61 Kensington Ave

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday to Saturday—11 am to 7 pm
  • Sunday—11 am to 6 pm

Contact Number: +16475014505

Website

Ever wondered what Jamaican-Italian cuisine fusion would taste like? Well, now you can have your answer by stopping by Rasta Pasta! 

The pasta dishes are the highlights for me. The titular Rasta Pasta is my absolute favorite because the gnocchi pieces are soft and fluffy and the marinara sauce (or alfredo if you prefer) is perfectly tangy. 

The whole dish is also served with ackee and saltfish, Jamaica’s national dish that adds a lovely nuttiness to every bite.

Pro Tip:

This restaurant offers catering services. Contact them via phone to avail of these services.

Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos

– From: sevenlivesto

Address: 72 Kensington Ave

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 7 pm

Website

Tacos are some of my favorite comfort meals, so it’s not a surprise that I love stopping by Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos. Plus, this is a relatively cheap spot, so all the more reason to come here! 

My go-to order is the Camarones a la Diabla, which is a shrimp taco. The shrimp pieces are wonderfully grilled, and they are paired with a creamy, spicy chipotle sauce. I also love that the taco is sprinkled with lots of cheese, giving it a satisfying cheese pull!

Pro Tip:

Keep in mind that this restaurant only accepts cash.

Gus Tacos

From: gustacos.to

Address: 225 Augusta Ave

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm

Contact Number: +14169778226

Website

Gus Tacos is a popular taco joint in the city. In fact, it has many outlets throughout the GTA, and thankfully, one is located in Kensington Market. 

The tacos are made with a soft corn tortilla, which I like because I don’t struggle eating it. Thanks to all the sauces and the lime wedges, the tacos have a sour kick to them, which complements the crispy, savory protein of your choice (mine is chicken). 

Pro Tip:

If you’re planning a private event, you can book this restaurant’s catering services.

Blackbird Baking Co.

– From: bbirdco

Address: 172 Baldwin St, Kensington Sound

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday to Saturday—9 am to 6 pm
  • Sunday—10 am to 5 pm

Contact Number: +14165462280

Website

If you’re just looking for a delicious treat instead of a hearty meal, then you might like Blackbird Baking Co. This bakery serves absolutely scrumptious bread and pastries!

I love getting the cinnamon bun because it’s such a decadent pastry. The sugary cinnamon flavor is strong, and the bun itself is so fluffy and sticky at the same time. This pastry tastes even better when I pair it with a cup of hot coffee!  

Pro Tip:

Some of the products are only available during specific days. I recommend checking the menu before your visit to ensure you’ll get what you want. 

Kos Restaurant

– From: kosinkensington

Address: 61 Bellevue Ave

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8 am to 11 pm

Contact Number: +14165976912

Website

Kos Restaurant boasts a huge patio and a serene vibe, and that’s why it makes for a wonderful brunch spot. I personally love coming here on a weekend with a friend or two, and we just catch up while eating delicious food. 

The steak and eggs is a must-try. The 8-oz striploin steak is more than enough to fill my stomach, and it’s also so tender that every slice melts on my tongue. As for the eggs, I usually have them sunny-side-up. The runny yolk adds a lovely richness to the whole dish.

Pro Tip:

If you’re planning to dine with a group of 15 people, you need to book a reservation ahead of time. You can do so by emailing [email protected]

Grey Gardens

From: greygardens199

Address: 199 Augusta Ave

Operating Hours: 5 to 10 pm

Contact Number: +16473511552

Website

Grey Gardens is best known for being a wine bar, but it’s also a restaurant that serves delicious food. 

I’m a big fan of the fried rice here, which tastes rich and earthy, thanks to all the truffles. I also love the classic lasagna because it’s perfectly tangy and savory. Plus, it has a satisfying cheese pull, which is a bonus for me.

Don’t pass up the opportunity to try any of the wines here. I recommend any of the Pinot Noir bottles because they taste layered and complex—an elegant drink to elevate your experience.

Pro Tips:

Planning for a private event? You can email your request to [email protected]. If you want to book a reservation at the last minute, you can do so via phone.

Top Gun Burger

– From: topgunburgers

Address: 251 Augusta Ave

Operating Hours

  • Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
  • Friday and Saturday—11 am to 11 pm

Contact Number: +14169770251

Website

I already know that if I ever so much as pass by Top Gun Burger, my diet will be ruined. I just can’t resist the savory aroma that wafts from this restaurant. Plus, the burgers here are so huge and delicious that I always drift off to a food-induced coma afterward! 

The Invader is what I like to get whenever I’m feeling extra indulgent. This burger has a whopping three patties, plus all sorts of other toppings, including cheddar cheese, beef bacon, pickles, and more. Every bite is just an explosion of savory goodness!

Pro Tip:

It’s better if you walk or Uber to this restaurant because it doesn’t have a lot of parking spaces. 

El Rey Mezcal Bar

From: elreymezcalbar

Address: 2a Kensington Ave

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday to Thursday—5 pm to 12 am
  • Friday to Sunday—12 pm to 12 am

Website

El Rey Mezcal Bar may not have the biggest space, but it compensates by exuding a vibrant and warm atmosphere that’s perfect for friendly hangouts. 

My friends and I love to feast on their tacos. My favorite option is the Chicken Tinga Taco, which is creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy. 

The Al Pastor is another one I recommend. The pork is perfectly grilled, and the taco is also topped with salsa and pineapple relish, giving it a tangy and refreshing flavor. 

Pro Tip:

Book your spot ahead of time if you’re planning to dine here. 

Rikki Tikki

From: rikki.tikki.to

Address: 209 Augusta Ave

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 12 am

Contact Number: +14167923229

Website

Craving Indian cuisine? Then, you need to head to Rikki Tikki ASAP! This restaurant has a menu filled with so many dishes that I always have to take a few minutes before I order anything.

My go-to order is, of course, butter chicken. What I like about the butter chicken here is that the pieces have a nice char, which adds a layer of smoky flavor to the dish. Plus, the sauce is thick and rich, featuring strong tangy and even sweet flavors (thanks to the fenugreek). 

Pro Tips:

If the weather permits it, take a seat on the patio. There’s a semi-private dining area at the back that’s perfect for large groups. To reserve a spot, call the restaurant in advance.

Hawker

From: hawker.to

Address: 291 Augusta Ave

Operating Hours

  • Tuesday—11 am to 3 pm
  • Wednesday—11 am to 2 pm, 5 to 10 pm
  • Thursday—11 am to 3 pm, 5 to 10 pm
  • Friday and Saturday—11 am to 3 pm, 5 to 11 pm

Contact Number: +14166281905

Website

For vegetarian and vegan foodies, Hawker is a restaurant worth checking out. This place is perfect if you’re looking for a vegan brunch experience!

What makes Hawker stand out from its fellow brunch spots is the fact that it offers a multi-course dining experience inspired by Indian cuisine. The menu changes every time, so you never know what to expect! 

During my last visit, I was served with crispy samosas and richly flavored curries. I felt so full and satisfied afterward!

Pro Tips:

If you can afford to splurge further, book the Chef’s Table Tasting Menu. It has six courses. You’ll be seated at the bar, and the chef will explain the dish to you as it’s being served. Give a fellow foodie a gift card from this restaurant!

Midnight Arcade

– From: midnight.arcade

Address: 158 Augusta Ave

Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—6 pm to 2 am

Website

Midnight Arcade is one of my favorite spots to go for late-night snacks because this place is open until 2 am. Plus, it serves my favorite comfort foods, such as chicken wings!

I recommend getting the gochujang wings, which taste salty, sweet, and spicy at the same time. Each piece is also super sticky, and I love licking my fingers clean every time I finish one. 

This place also serves pizza. So far, my go-to flavor is the smoked duck, which has pesto, tomatoes, and arugula. It’s a perfect balance of nutty and tangy, and the duck pieces are incredibly tender.

Pro Tip:

This restaurant also has an arcade. Feel free to play a few games during your stay.

The Dirty Bird Chicken + Waffles

From: dirtybirdto

Address: 79 Kensington Ave, Kensington Market BIA

Operating Hours

  • Monday to Thursday—11 am to 8 pm
  • Friday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm

Contact Number: +16473452473

Website

Chicken and waffles are such an elite combination, and one spot that gives justice to this food pairing is The Dirty Bird. The chicken is always well-battered and super crispy, and the waffle toes the line between fluffy and crispy.

My favorite so far is The Big Dirty. It’s served with cheddar cheese, tomato, and a special aioli sauce, and once you mix everything together, you can taste a symphony of savory, tart, and garlicky flavors. I can’t get enough of this!

Pro Tip:

If you have a friend who loves chicken and waffles as much as you do, you can give them a gift card from this restaurant. 

Otto’s Berlin Döner

– From: ottosdoner

Address: 256 Augusta Ave

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 9 pm

Contact Number: +16473477713

Website

At Otto’s Berlin Döner, you can expect to get a taste of an authentic döner and other popular German street foods. The treats here are always hearty, so they’re my go-to when I need something comforting. 

You’re free to customize your döner however you want. Personally, I get the chicken, then pair it with the garlic sauce because I love the oomph it gets. There are already lots of filling (lettuce, red cabbage, and more), but I usually add fries as well for extra texture.

Pro Tip:

You can book their catering services for your event. 

Ka Chi Korean Restaurant

– From: kachi_korean_restaurant

Address: 8 St Andrew St

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10:30 pm

Contact Number: +14165971999

Website

Looking for a Korean restaurant to satisfy your Korean cuisine craving? Kensington Market has got you covered with Ka Chi. 

I usually come here for lunch, so I tend to gravitate toward the hearty dishes. My go-to is the Korean BBQ beef ribs, which are coated in this lovely, sweet sauce.

When the weather is gloomy outside, I treat myself with a stew. The classic kimchi stew with pork and tofu is a favorite of mine. I love its savory, sour, and spicy flavors, and the pork and tofu pieces soak up the broth well, so biting into them is always a delight.

Pro Tip:

Fill out this form to book a reservation.

Birria Catrina

From: birriacatrinatoronto

Address: 214 Augusta Ave

Operating Hours

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday to Sunday—12 to 10 pm
  • Wednesday—11 am to 10 pm

Contact Number: +16475327104

Website

Birria has to be one of my favorite Mexican foods, so when I heard that there’s a spot in Kensington Market that specializes in it, I, of course, had to check it out. Now, it’s one of the restaurants in the neighborhood that I keep coming back to! 

Of course, the birria taco is the main star of the show, so you have to get it. The beef is incredibly succulent and rich, and the consommé is a combination of rich, tangy, and slightly sweet. Dipping the taco into it makes every bite much more delicious.

Tacos aren’t the only things served here. You can also get birria quesadilla, birria torta, and even birria ramen! 

Pro Tip:

This restaurant offers satisfying combos (a main course and a drink)!

Pizzeria Via Mercanti

From: pizzeriaviamercanti

Address: 188 Augusta Ave

Operating Hours

  • Sunday to Thursday—12 to 10 pm
  • Friday and Saturday—12 to 11 pm

Contact Number: +16473436647

Website

Wood-fired pizza and a cocktail? Sounds like a great combo to eat during brunch! If you agree, then you need to dine at Pizzeria Via Mercanti the next time you’re available. 

There are so many pizza flavors here, so you might feel overwhelmed just looking at the menu. My recommendation is the titular Via Mercanti. It’s a double-layered pizza, which is something you don’t see often! 

The base has ricotta, mixed mushrooms, and prosciutto cotto, and then it’s topped with a margherita pizza. Creamy, tangy, sweet—this pizza has it all! 

Pro Tips:

Gluten-free pizza crust is available. During weekdays, from 12 to 3 pm, you can score a lunch special for a discounted price.On Thursdays, the restaurant offers 50% discounts on its wines.