Explore Kensington Market’s diverse food scene through standout dishes at neighbourhood favourites. Here’s what to eat and where to find it.
A big part of my job involves travelling to eat and I absolutely love it! But whenever I get back home, I’m reminded how incredible the food scene is here in Toronto.
Kensington Market is the kind of neighbourhood that makes you feel like you took several international trips in a single day: it’s diverse, bohemian and truly iconic.
These Kensington Market favourites offer a taste of the neighbourhood’s diverse food scene. Here’s what to order at each stop.
Fresco’s Fish & Chips
What to order: Fish and chips with Miss Vickie’s Extra Crisp Batter
Everyone has an opinion on what style of fish makes for the best fish and chips. Some love halibut, while others swear by haddock or cod. But the one thing we can all agree on is that a great batter is key, no matter the fish.
If you’re ever at Fresco’s Fish & Chips, get your fish with Miss Vickie’s Extra Crisp Batter. The added crunch that comes from this premium batter made with kettle-cooked potato chips is an absolute game-changer.
Wanda’s Pie in the Sky
What to order: Peach Praline Pie
Of all the restaurants featured on this list, Wanda’s Pie in the Sky was probably the toughest to choose only one iconic item from.
Why? Because they make such a wide variety of delicious pies, including some that can be pre-ordered as vegan and gluten-free options.
Buuuuut there’s something about the way the brown sugar praline topping and that hit of tanginess from the peaches on the Peach Praline Pie that just seduces your taste buds.
Pancho’s Bakery
What to order: Churro Cheesecake (consider ordering ahead for pickup)
Full disclosure, the first time I saw Pancho’s Bakery’s churro cheesecake, I was casually scrolling through Instagram…and then pretty much lost my mind. Feelings of joy, lust, wonder and jealousy hit me all at once.
The image of dulce de leche slathered on top of creamy cheesecake, wrapped in sweet, crispy churros, was permanently burned into my head. Now I suggest that you share this masterpiece with friends and family, but if you want to go at it solo, you will get zero judgment from me.
Golden Patty
What to order: Patty Supreme
The Jamaican beef patty sandwich has become somewhat of a staple in Toronto, but what makes the one at Golden Patty so special is that this Jamaican and West Indian bakery has been serving the community for over a decade.
Golden Patty’s Patty Supreme provides you with a choice of patty on coco bread with lettuce, tomatoes & mayonnaise or coleslaw and you can add cheese for an additional cost.
Now, I don’t blame anyone for ordering oxtail, doubles, or something from their massive baked goods display… but please do not leave without a patty sandwich as well.
King’s Cafe
What to oreder: BBQ-flavoured Soy Drumsticks
Nothing is better than a crowd-pleaser when it comes to food; you know, those bites that everyone can enjoy. And who doesn’t love fried chicken? Well, people who don’t eat chicken, that’s who.
But at King’s Café—a vegetarian destination in the market since 1996—a table of strict carnivores and vegetarians can dine on crispy fried drumsticks in perfect harmony.
Simply order a plate or two of their BBQ-flavoured Soy Drumsticks: these crunchy and flavourful bites are not only iconic, but they may even prove to be the great unifier.
Kensington Jerk & Pasta
What to order: Jerk Chicken Lasagna
Nothing says “Toronto” like the meeting and melding of cultures. And no one does this better than Kensington Jerk & Pasta. The fusion of authentic Jamaican cuisine with Italian-Canadian fare makes for a menu unlike anything most have seen before.
Yes, Caribbean favourites like oxtail, curry goat, and ackee and saltfish are served up at this iconic establishment. As are Italian staples like Penne Con Pesto.
But for my money, the menu must-have is the Jerk Chicken Lasagna. We are talking flavourful Jerk Chicken nestled between layers of lasagna noodles and Alfredo sauce.
Getting to Kensington Market
Kensington Market is in downtown Toronto, between College Street, Dundas Street West, Spadina Avenue and Bathurst Street. Taking public transit? Use the TTC trip planner for directions from your starting point and check current service updates before heading out.
This story has been updated with new details since it was first published in 2021.
