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Experience the vibrant blend of cultures, food, and shopping in Toronto’s Kensington Market. A must-visit for every traveler!
Bordering Toronto’s bustling Chinatown, Kensington Market melds many cultures within a few blocks. In the early 1900s, Jewish and Italian immigrants opened shop in this downtown Toronto neighborhood. In 2005, the Market was declared a national historic site.
Kensington Market is a ‘must do’ when in Toronto. This bohemian hood houses amazing eateries, the best bakeries and java joints, bars, vintage clothing shops, tattoo parlors, food markets, and more. Visitors to Kensington are a mix of students, hipsters, families, and tourists of all ages.
I live in Toronto and have been to Kensington Market many times. Every time I visit, I notice something new. The amazing eateries serve up dishes combining classic elements with modern twists. Where else can you eat Schnitzel and Pad Thai in the same establishment? Or chow down on Jerk Chicken Lasagna? Five Mexican restaurants in Kensington Market are also worth a visit. After dinner, try a decadent dessert.
Toronto’s Kensington Market Eateries
El Trompo Taco Bar and Cactus Grill
El Trompo is an intimate, family-owned restaurant in the heart of Kensington Market. Lucero Hernandez and Hector Lopez bought the Mexican restaurant from a couple from Puebla, their home state. I made a reservation to sit indoors but scored a spot on the patio in front of the restaurant.
The guacamole had chunks of tomato, avocado, and onions. I washed it down with a strawberry Margarita. I’m a cheese lover, so I tried the Quesongo, a dish of sauteed mushrooms and onions on a bed of melted mozzarella. I scooped the cheese mixture onto a freshly made flour tortilla for a bite of heaven.
Delicious Mushroom Tacos from El Trompo Restaurant. Photo by Merle Rosenstein
After dinner, a mariachi band serenaded guests on the packed patio. I asked Hernandez what makes her restaurant special. “We cook what we like to eat ourselves,” she told me. El Trompo is vegan and pet-friendly.
Hungry Thai
The Hungry Thai, specializing in Hungarian and Thai cuisine, has been a fixture in Kensington Market for 25 years. Owner Marianne Kecskemeti is Hungarian and had a partner from Malaysia who wanted to serve Thai food, thus the fusion. The restaurant has a garden feel, and the lovely patio is separate from the street. Kecskemeti prepares all of the food herself.
I ordered the best-selling Chicken Schnitzel and Pad Thai. As I waited for my meal, I could hear the breaded chicken sizzling in a pan from the nearby kitchen. The Pad Thai had a generous sprinkling of crushed peanuts on top and was a lovely combination of tangy and sweet. The large piece of schnitzel was hot and crisp. I took some of it home for lunch the next day.
Schnitzel Pad Thai at the Hungry Thai Restaurant. Photo by Merle Rosenstein
Rasta Pasta
If you like jerk chicken, you’ll love Rasta Pasta. This restaurant offers authentic Jamaican fare, Jamaican-style pasta (e.g., pasta with spicy tomato sauce ), grilled panini, and roti. The chicken is marinated for two days and seasoned with the restaurant’s own recipe.
I ordered the gnocchi in marinara sauce, served with ackee and saltfish, Jamaica’s national dish. While the sauce was spicy, the ackee took on the saltiness of the fish. The pillow-soft gnocchi added a new texture to the dish.
Best Bakeries in Toronto’s Kensington Market
Bunner’s Bakeshop
Bunner’s Bakeshop is a dairy, nut, and gluten-free, vegan bakery. The beautiful cakes, brownies, and muffins taste like their classic counterparts. If you aren’t sure what to order, try the Josephine Louise—two layers of Red Velvet Cake with a thick serving of light and fluffy coconut cream-based vanilla frosting coated with chocolate ganache. I sampled the lemon blueberry scone stuffed with homemade blueberry jam.
Wanda’s Pie in the Sky
Wanda Beaver began making pies at nine years of age. “I learned to make pies before anyone told me how difficult it was,” she says. Beaver picked the fruits for the pies herself.
Wanda’s Pie in the Sky bakes over 30 different apple, fruit, and cream pies, from classics like apple, cherry, and pecan to rustic pear and apricot. Wanda’s is known for generously sized pie slices and creative fruit combinations. I tried the best seller, sour cherry. The pie crust, a wide-fluted lattice top, was brimming with cherries.
Sour Cherry Pie from Wanda’s Pie in the Sky. Photo by Merle Rosenstein
Cozy Cafes in Toronto’s Kensington Market
Film Cafe
The Film Cafe serves an all-day breakfast, signature sandwiches, Japanese and Mexican street foods, Korean-inspired drinks, and specialty coffees. The coconut butter coffee, made with coconut oil, butter, espresso, water, and vanilla syrup, was sweet and satisfying. The café is spacious and has an outdoor patio.
Creamy Butter Coffee at The Film Cafe. Photo by Merle Rosenstein
Coffee Dak Lak
Coffee Dak Lak specializes in Vietnamese cuisine and street food, including Banh mi, Vietnamese-style dripping espresso, Egg Coffee, and Bubble Tea. I tried egg coffee from Northern Vietnam, made from whipped condensed milk and egg. I licked the lid of the sweet, frothy concoction to make it last.
Dak Lak Coffee Makes You Stronger. Photo by Merle Rosenstein
Best Bars in Toronto’s Kensington Market
Handlebar
The dimly lit bar, decorated with bronze-colored bikes, was opened by bicycle enthusiasts in 2012. Handlebar hosts musicians and performers who push the boundaries and explore new sounds. It showcases emerging artists in genres ranging from Indie Rock and Soul to Electronic and Funk.
Handlebar is known for its classic cocktails—who doesn’t love a Dark and Stormy—and it serves up a good selection of Ontario craft beers. Handlebar is popular with tourists and locals alike who enjoy checking out new musical talent while sipping a classic cocktail.
The Embassy
The Embassy is low-key, with comfy couches, an s-shaped, polished wood bar, and an extensive, varied drink menu. Bartender Rose Bird explains, “The Embassy is almost a secret place. A lot of people miss it.” Bird noted that the bar has a “strong community of various generations.” She hopes it is a welcoming, safe place for artists and tourists.
The drinks-only Embassy was one of the first in Toronto to serve craft beer. Brews from Ontario and Quebec still dominate the menu. I tried the Mcauslan Apricot Wheat Ale, a fruit-forward beer with a subtle sweetness.
Chill at The Embassy. Photo by Merle Rosenstein
Stunning Street Art in Toronto’s Kensington Market
Kensington Market’s alleyways showcase eye-catching street art. Nick Sweetman, a multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto, painted a massive green, purple, and pink crab in Kensington Market. He dedicates many projects to raising awareness about social and environmental issues.
Massive Crab Mural in Toronto’s Kensington Market. Photo courtesy Mary Crandall
Vintage Wear
Courage my Love
Courage My Love is a vintage store selling clothing and other items sourced from around the globe. It was founded in 1975 by former teachers Stewart and Patricia Scriver. Over the years, it has attracted the attention of shoppers like Mick Jagger and Kurt Cobain. The store has also made appearances in several movies and TV shows.
Inside, you’ll discover everything from glassware, beads, and incense to leather goods, patches, and vintage sunglasses. I always enjoy checking out homemade earrings and crystal pendant necklaces. You can follow the Courage My Love team on Instagram and check out products on the Etsy store.
Mama Loves You
Mother and daughter Melo and Mahro Anfield opened Mama Loves You in 2012, selling vintage clothing from the early 1900s to the 1990s. Every item at Mama Loves You is chosen with love, shipped across the country, washed, mended, and steamed before selling to customers. Whether it’s a pink tulle prom dress from the 1950s or wide-leg pants from the 1970s, you’ll find it at Mama Loves You.
When You Go To Kensington Market
Kensington Market is one of Toronto’s best attractions. Gone are the historic handcarts and food stalls on residents’ front lawns. Kensington has broadened its appeal with premier shopping, delectable dining, and coffee shops. But the best way to enjoy Kensington is at an outdoor café, sipping coffee and watching people go by.
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Insider Tips
From May to October, the last Sunday of each month is designated Pedestrian Sunday. This is a car-free festival with live entertainment from noon to 7:00 PM (10 PM on Augusta Avenue from Oxford Street to College Street).
Kensington Market is dog-friendly. However, some shops may not allow dogs. Contact the establishment beforehand to make sure it is pooch-friendly. Parking is tough to find downtown, so I recommend you take public transit, if possible.
Check the hours of restaurants and shops before you go. Many shops are closed on Mondays, and some close early.
We invite you to explore Wander With Wonder for more of our favorite things to do when you visit Canada.
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