This downtown neighbourhood is the place to go for international food, street art and the best vintage shopping in the city.
With its vintage shops, street art and eclectic food scene, Kensington Market is one of the city’s quirkiest, most diverse neighbourhoods.
The area has always been a hub for immigrant communities, from the first waves of British and Irish workers, to successive waves of Jewish, Asian, Caribbean and Latin American newcomers.
Today, you’ll find Instagrammable bars and restaurants, grocer stands hawking ingredients from around the world, and a selection of boutiques selling vintage clothes, midcentury modern housewares and other effortlessly cool souvenirs.
Here’s how to spend the day getting lost in this endlessly fascinating neighbourhood.
Morning: Photo safari + food
But first: coffee. You can’t go wrong with local favourites Fika, Moonbeam and Jimmy’s. All three cafes also sell their signature beans, which make fantastic souvenirs and gifts.
Grab a cuppa joe to sip as you stroll around the neighbourhood snapping photos before the crowds arrive. Between the cool storefronts, greengrocer displays, Victorian homes and street art, you’ll find plenty to focus on.
Street art, murals and graffiti cover the walls of Kensington, so you could let yor eyes guide you. But if you’re eager to learn more about the Canadian and international artists who’ve created the neighbourhood’s most iconic pieces, it’s worth viewing this ArtWorx TO Kensington Market virtual tour curated by artist Yung Yemi before or during your visit.
Another unique installation worth seeking out is The Garden Car, a mural-covered car that has a mature garden growing from it. It’s unofficially Toronto’s smallest public park!
After you’ve banished any chance of photo FOMO, sit down to a hearty brunch. The Arch Cafe Bar nails the fusion cuisine that Kensington Market is legendary for, by serving up classic western breakfast faves with Persian inspiration.
Their Mazafati Omelette uses dates and spinach to zhuzh up fried eggs, while a conventional bacon and eggs skillet gets its glow up being served in the cast iron pan it was cooked in, with a house-made croissant on the side.
Bonus: In a neighbourood of adorable, intimate patios, The Arch has one that is stellar.
Afternoon: Shop the market
Kensington Market was and remains Toronto’s original thrifting hub, with an assortment of shops specializing in preloved clothing, jewelry, accessories and housewares.
Make a beeline to beautiful, boho Courage My Love, arguably Kensington Avenue’s flagship boutique. It’s a fave among local fashion stylists and editors, who flock here for clothing that spans the ages (from Victorian to grunge), as well as covetable accessories and jewelry.
We said “arguably” because Exile is another vintage stalwart, with a curated selection of oldies but goodies, including collectible tees. Don’t worry if a well-preserved $300 Bret The Hitman Hart tee isn’t in your budget; their bargain basement has considerably thriftier finds.
Tom’s Place has been selling designer menswear for outrageously low prices in the market since the 1980s. Now in its third generation of family ownership, it prides itself on exemplary customer service, including in-house tailoring. (This is the place to go if you need help transitioning from WFH to return-to-office wear.)
If the words “midcentury modern” get your heart racing, head to Bungalow, which specializes in clothing and housewares from the Atomic age to the early aughts. Their well-curated selection includes Scandinavian modern furniture, retro tableware and lighting. You’ll find vintage clothing alongside new pieces from brands like Dex, Obey and Kuwalla.
Finally, stop by Blue Banana for cheap and cheerful souvenirs to take back home. An indoor market with individually owned stalls, it’s worth a slow-paced ramble. Authentically local items include funny greeting cards designed by Toronto artist Wendy Tancock and a selection of hot sauces. You’ll also find Canadiana such as YYZ mugs, poutine socks and Trash Panda votive candles.
Evening: Explore the bar and restaurant scene
Kensington Market has options for a low-key or a high-energy evening out. If you’re wiped from the day’s activities, stop by chic Grey Gardens for wine and small plates. Their walk-in wine bar ensures you can grab a seat even if you didn’t think ahead to make rezzies at this MICHELIN Bib Gourmand-recognized local haunt. Their wine list spans the world, with choice selections from Ontario’s Niagara and Prince Edward County wine regions.
Sip as you savour a light, seafood-forward menu and catch up on the day’s events with your travel companion(s). But if the evening is young, start off at Grey Gardens, then stroll the market in search of live music, with more food and drink along the way.
Tapestry is a hidden gem of a live music venue. Unpretentious, boho and with a musically diverse lineup that’s heavy on jazz, electronic and Middle Eastern techno, the carpet-draped venue hearkens back to the neighbourhood’s DIY roots, even though it’s only a few years old.
Another unique Kensington venue, Handlebar goes all-in on its cycling theme, complete with wall-mounted, bronzed bikes, making it a must if you’re an avid two wheeler. The menu and drinks are no frills, but well priced: think cheap beer and tacos. Unpack the day’s events on the patio, then head indoors to hit the dance floor.
Close out the night with more food, music and cocktails, this time with an Asian flavour. (Chinatown is right down the block, after all.)
Sunny’s Chinese—recognized with a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand—is a buzzy hotspot located at the end of a hallway in an unassuming mall. With its high energy vibe and pan-Chinese menu, it offers a tasting tour of Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hubei/Shaanxi, Guangdong and beyond.
Or walk north to College Street, where Midnight Market snack bar and lounge beckons. Nosh on crispy pork belly rice balls and kimchi grilled cheese sandos while sipping pineapple lo-tea as DJs spin hip hop, club anthems and throwbacks into the wee hours.
