Stroll this eclectic east end street for unique fashion, lifestyle and foodie finds.
Doing some gift shopping or looking to spoil yourself a little? Pay a visit to the local shops, studios and markets of Gerrard East, an up-and-coming neighbourhood in east end Toronto.
Dubbed #Gerrones by locals, its nexus is Gerrard Street East and Jones Avenue, abutting East Chinatown, Little India and Leslieville. From cute local bakeries to homey wellness shops, the indie shops of Gerrard Street East are well worth a gander or two.
If you’re a music fanatic, you’ll definitely want to stop into Pop Music in East Chinatown. You can shop old-school and contemporary vinyl records of all genres, quality-made turntables and licensed band tees and merch at this little boutique record shop. 581 Gerrard St. E.
Stockpile single-origin, bean-to-bar chocolates at this local chocolatier. They use ethically sourced cacao and organic ingredients to make their delicious chocolate bars, including classic milk, gingerbread or matcha white chocolate. This eco ethos extends to their compostable product packaging, which is printed with soy ink. 583 Gerrard St. E.
You can shop a curated selection of vintage clothing, collectibles and more at this fun combination coffee/vintage shop. From old-school graphic tees to modern collectible figurines, there’s plenty to uncover in this little gem. If you’re in need of caffeination, order their top-notch coffee made with beans from local Canadian roasters, including Oakville’s Carvalho Coffee roasters. 940 Gerrard St. E.
A bit further east along Gerrard Street East, you’ll find Tea N Bannock, a café that stocks artisan food gifts from local Indigenous makers. Shop their hand-picked teas, organic wild rice, or even their freshly baked bannock to take home or stock your hotel room. If you’re hungry, dine at their restaurant and enjoy dishes like their hearty bison burger (made with Alberta bison) or hot and delicious fry bread. 1294 Gerrard St. E.
A gorgeous collaborative space between Tiny House Mama in front and Heri Furniture in the back, you’ll want to take your time walking through this stylish, light-filled shop. Shop vintage and new home decor and furniture and locally produced beauty goods, or even have your hair done in the salon part of the space. It’s even housed in an adorable flower-painted building. 652 Gerrard St. E.
Both a wine and tapas restaurant and a gourmet food market, East End Vine sells all kinds of Canadian meats, cheeses, sauces and more. Load up for a winter picnic to be enjoyed next to one of Toronto’s ice rinks, such as Evergreen Brick Works, or grab something to enjoy back home. They’ve got everything from all-natural cured meats from Niagara Food Specialties to tasty sauces from local fave Wildly Delicious. 817 Gerrard St. E.
Philippine Oriental Market & Deli
Shop Asian groceries, traditional Filipino pastries and home-style lunch platters at the Philippine Oriental Market. You’ll find a range of Filipino groceries to take home with you, including pantry staple sauces to snacks and chips. Heading home and need refreshments for the journey? Try their made-fresh Filipino pastries and desserts. 1033 Gerrard St. E.
You’ll surely find some good cheese at this local fromagerie offering up everything from Ontario Brie to Quebec haloumi. You can also shop plenty of other locally made pantry and grocery items, including cured meats, pickles, jams, craft beers and wines. 614 Gerrard St. E.
Located inside the Gerrard Square Shopping Centre, you’ll find a range of popular brand-name jewelry and watches at this friendly and knowledgeable family-run business. They also specialize in jewelry and watch repairs if you need, say, a timepiece tuneup while you’re in town. 1000 Gerrard St. E.
Getting to Gerrard Street East:
Catch the 505 Dundas bus eastbound from downtown and take it to Gerrard Street East.
Or hop aboard the same bus southbound from Broadview subway station, on the Line 2 Bloor-Danforth line. (The 505 bus replaces the 505 streetcar during road construction).
