More eating, less thinking — take the guesswork out of navigating one of the top food markets in the world.
One of the oldest markets in Canada, this Toronto treasure is a must-visit with roots that date back to 1803. Gaining worldwide recognition, it earned the title of best food market in National Geographic’s Top 10 Food Markets in 2011, beating places like Borough Market in London and Union Square Greenmarket in New York City.
Walking through the doors, you are transported by the sounds, sights and smells of 120ish vendors who have made the St. Lawrence Market home—many of whom have been in the same spot for decades!
As a local, I come to the Market at least once a week. I appreciate being able to find specialty items, fresh produce and high-quality ingredients and support local cheesemakers, butchers and fishmongers, who always greet me with a smile. To know St. Lawrence Market is to love St. Lawrence Market.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor, here are 14 essential stops in the St. Lawrence Market.
1. Carousel Bakery
Carousel Bakery is the reason some people come to St. Lawrence Market alone! 30+ years old, and a place you can expect to find a lineup of hungry patrons on any day of the week! It is so epic that it’s attracted the likes of Anthony Bourdain, Bobby Flay, Emeril Lagasse, Guy Fieri, and Chuck Hughes.
What to order: The Peameal Bacon Sandwich is a local invention, and you can proudly tick it off your bucket list here. Don’t skip on the house mustard options or on adding onions, cheese and a fried egg to the top of your sandwich.
2. Blackbird Baking Co.
This well-loved Toronto bakery opened up shop in a prime location on the upper level of the Market in the summer of 2024. This is the 3rd location, joining their ever-popular Kensington Market and Riverside shops. Go for breads, like their famous sourdough and pastries all made by hand and baked fresh daily.
What to order: The Kensington Sourdough loaf is great for avocado toast and serving alongside a variety of saucy dishes—it’s the perfect bread to mop things up with! Try their baguettes and other artisanal loaves, and if you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss their Danishes, pain au chocolat and Kouign Amann.
3. Buster’s Sea Cove
A mainstay at the Market for decades, Buster’s Sea Cove serves your fish fix, done pretty much any way that you like it!
What to order: Fish and Chips, and take advantage of that. This is one of the few places in Toronto to get a lobster roll all year round.
4. St. Urbain Bagels
Another hotspot at St. Lawrence Market serves up wood-fired Montreal-style bagels that will satisfy any craving. Family-owned and operated for over 37 years, St. Urbain has been voted Toronto’s best bagel for several years.
What to order: The viral Craigle—part croissant, part bagel, all delicious! St. Urbain became TikTok famous for this sandwich, and it’s a must-order. You also can’t go wrong with a build-your-own bagel selection. Choose from lox slices, bacon, tuna salad, turkey, and spreads like, various flavours of cream cheese, hummus and babaganoush.
5. St. Lawrence Pizza & Ice Cream
Open since 1996, come to St. Lawrence Pizza & Ice Cream (known to many as St. Lawrence Pizza & Pasta) to find fresh pasta and pizza with beautiful sauces made with fresh ingredients and lots of love.
What to order: The noodle shape of your choice and the famous tricolour sauce which has tomato, cream sauce, pesto and a bit of spice if you ask for it.
6. Scheffler’s
Scheffler's is my go-to shop for cheese and charcuterie. This place is truly an emporium of cured meats of all types, cheeses from around the world, spreads, and artisanal crackers to accompany them.
What to order: Cheese, cured meats, pickles, preserves, spreads and more. Peruse the olive bar.
7. Churrasco of St. Lawrence
Churrasco of St. Lawrence is a taste of Portugal in the St. Lawrence Market, complete with azulejo tiles on its storefront! This tiny stall has been in continuous operation since 1989. The aromatic scent of churrasco and the mesmerizing sight of chickens on the rotisserie will be sure to draw you in.
What to order: The whole BBQ chicken slathered with their churrasco sauce, of course! This is also one of the few places in Toronto where you can have an authentic Bifana sandwich. And for a sweet ending, their Pasteis de Nata are as good as any you’ll have in Portugal.
8. Ponesse Foods
Every local has their favourite produce vendor in the Market. This is mine. Ponesse Foods is one of the original vendors in St. Lawrence Market, dating all the way back to 1900! You can’t miss the colourful mural topping their stall on the ground level.
What to order: Go here for fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables.
9. Everyday Gourmet
Go inside to peruse the plethora of coffee beans from around the world, or join the line of locals at the coffee bar to get your java fix. Everyday Gourmet is a Market fave for coffee, coffee gadgets and paraphernalia, specialty teas and spices. They’ve been operating since 1979 and have an on-site roaster to be able to offer fresh roasted coffee and beans daily.
What to order: Bar Italia for espresso-style beans, their Kenya and Ethiopia light roasts, which are great for pour-over coffee, and the chocolatey House Espresso, which is perfect for cold brew.
10. Manota’s Organics and Fine Foods
If you’re in search of authentic Spanish and Latin American goods, Manota’s is the place. They sell everything from fresh corn tortillas to salsas and spices like saffron. On weekends, go early enough to be able to try a hot empanada.
What to order: any of their tortilla products, and their fresh-made salsa, mole, guacamole and cold bean dishes.
11. Mike’s Fish Market
Mike’s is your friendly neighbourhood fishmonger, working with Ocean Wise to promote sustainable seafood choices. This fish market has been purveying fresh and frozen seafood for over 40 years. You can find a good selection of wild-caught and organic fish, live lobsters, oysters and mussels, as well as ready-to-cook and serve options.
What to order: The fresh house-made salmon Gravlox and capers are the perfect toppings for a bagel. The crab cakes are a must-try, and you can purchase accoutrements, like sauces, here, too.
12. Lively Life Fine Foods
Navigate your way to the lower level of the Market for Lively Life Fine Foods. This is an essential stop during every market run for me. They have every kind of specialty item you can think of—your pantry will never not be stocked!
What to order: Take your pick from their wide selection of international spices, dried pasta, condiments, sauces, grains, flour, salts, honey, sugars, juices, dried fruits and vegetables.
13. Kozlick’s Mustard
Serving up mustard since 1948, Kozlick’s little stall opens you up to a world of mustard! Simply put, there are more flavours than you could ever imagine.
What to order: Mustard—try a new type! The Triple Crunch is perfect for those prime-popping mustard bubbles, and the list of options goes on with flavours like maple, curry, honey, lime and more.
14. Alex Farm Products
Alex Farm promises “adventures in cheese,” and they deliver! Boundless selections from around the world and friendly service make for a wonderful experience that’s as guided or self-guided as you would like.
What to order: Pick out your favourite cheese(s) and then ask for a recommendation! My favourite is the Truffle Trove aged cheddar from Snowdonia. Don’t miss the refrigerated section by the inner wall.
