Whether you’re looking to enjoy a quick lunch or spend more time with friends or family over dinner, it can all be done at food halls in Toronto.
Given the mosaic of cultures that make up Toronto, I am a huge fan of the innovative cuisines blending cultures in our city. We see a variety of fusion cuisines as independent chefs create pop-up installations at food halls.
It brings me joy to see the variety of restaurants at our food halls. Authentic cuisines live alongside new creations, harmoniously coexisting for us to enjoy.
These are some of my favourite Toronto food halls right now.
Waterworks Food Hall
Best for: families and counter-side dining
Of all the Toronto food halls, Waterworks Food Hall reminds me most of the ones I’ve visited in Europe. This Toronto food hall in King West is steeped in history. The newly re-designed building started as a market in the 1800s before the original Water Works building was constructed in the 1930s.
I especially enjoy the inviting spaces that have been purposely restored, ensuring that historic elements like the skylights, the art deco gates and reclaimed wood are woven into the decor alongside modern art installations featuring the work of thirteen diverse artists from across Canada.
There’s also a playground right by the food hall, making this a very family-friendly option. Grab some artisanal Scooped by Demetres ice cream or Boxcar Social coffee and enjoy watching the kids play!
Don’t miss:
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Seafood lovers should grab a counter seat at Aburi Sushi and enjoy the fresh hand-rolled omakase-style offerings
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Ramen fans will not be disappointed when they take a seat at Musoshin Ramen
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For unique fusion offerings, pop into Karak Stuffed Naan & Chai café
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You can enjoy daily happy hour drinks at the Waterworks Bar if you plan to meet friends after work or celebrate that recent win
Chef’s Hall
Best for: foodies looking to explore and a relaxed vibe
Whether you’re looking to grab a couple of bites over beers or relax on their sun-drenched patio, Chef’s Hall located near the Financial District and Entertainment District, is always a crowd-pleaser.
Having opened in 2018, this is one of the older food halls in Toronto, but it continues to offer a delicious array of culinary and seating options. There are over 15 vendors here for you to sip and nibble.
Just don’t forget to grab some treats from pop-up vendors like Mary’s Brigadeiro. If you’re visiting after 2 p.m., be sure to check out the daily drink features and Bar Bites under $10 menu!
Chef’s Hall also hosts trivia nights and movie screenings if you’re looking for activities to accompany your eats and drinks here.
Don’t miss:
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No matter what you do, be sure to grab an award-winning Grandma Loves You sandwich
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Keep an eye out for daily deals at Oswald’s Pizza where every Detroit-style deep-dish pizza is made fresh to order
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Don’t snooze on the fragrant and spicy biryani and kebabs from Charcoal Biriyani
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Pasta lovers will definitely want to pop into Osteria Scossa for some made-to-order dishes
Wellington Market
Best for: playing board games and dining from a wide variety of places
Located in The Well, this Toronto food hall has multiple experiences under one roof and is also pet friendly so Fido can join you for a meal.
Wellington Market offers grocery shopping, a sit-down restaurant experience, and food-to-go options. What I enjoy most about this food hall is the access to popular vendors like Shake Therapy from the suburbs!
In addition to the main dining room adjacent to the food tables in the centre court, this restaurant also has a patio. Or perhaps you’d rather sidle up to the Pier bar for a shaken cocktail?
With over 40 food outlets here, there are endless options to tantalize your taste buds. You can also play board games with your friends by swinging by Snakes and Lattes at this food hall.
Don’t miss:
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Savour a cup of Karak or dig into piping hot Middle Eastern dishes at the beautifully designed East Tea Can
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Order the colourful Samosarie samosas and try the fusion flavours
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Try something new like the famous Japadog or a Blue Claw lobster roll
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Bite into a renowned La Cubana sandwich
TABLE Fare + Social
Best for: those looking for multiple seating options and great for large group hangs
Located on the fourth floor of CIBC Square, this Toronto food hall is quite possibly the prettiest! The design team here has curated various nooks to suit your needs—be it a fancy gathering or a quiet alcove for those one-on-one meetings.
They even have a private terrace, which allows you to access one of Toronto’s highest rooftop parks. There are plenty of seating options as you sample the food from seven popular food spots at TABLE.
When it comes to dining at TABLE, some of Toronto’s best chefs are featured here via their outposts.
Don’t miss:
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Delicious Thai dishes from Chef Nuit’s Chaiyo by Pai
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Michelin-starred Alobar Yorkville and MICHELIN-recommended Aloette have a sister location here called AloetteGo, giving you a chance to try their popular items
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Enjoy Chef Joe Friday’s famous burgers and slurp Misoya Ramen’s noodle bowls here
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Salad Days and Chef Benny Cohen’s Plancha will ensure you get your daily veggies
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In Good Spirits will ensure you’re living your European dreams as you sip wine and nibble on elevated snacks with friends.
Other food hall concepts around Toronto
As I mentioned, Toronto’s burgeoning food hall scene has more options for you.
Yonge & Dundas / Eaton Centre
Queen's Cross is where you’ll want to head when you need a break from all the shopping you’ll be doing at Eaton Centre.
There are 16 chef-driven food stalls, a lively café and bar, and a rotating roster of local pop-ups here. Their Crossbar has daily happy hours from 2 to 7 p.m.
Another option if you’re shopping at Eaton Centre and are a fan of Pusateri’s is Sak’s Food Hall.
Liberty Village
If you’re roaming around Liberty Village, Kitchen Hub is a unique food hall concept. It allows you to order your food ahead of time and pick it up.
This means you can enjoy quick meals from popular Toronto restaurants like Pai, Wvrst, Mandy’s Salads and 3 Brother’s Pizza. All of the flavour with none of the wait!
City Centre / Union Station
If you’re rushing through Union Station and want to grab a bite, Union Foodie Aisle is a fantastic option. Here, you will find a diverse selection of market-style cuisine, from roti and bao to fried chicken and tacos.
North York
For those exploring North York, Food Hall TO is doing some amazing work. When you dine here, know that each kiosk is managed by incubator students who are new immigrants.
You will be supporting their culinary journey as they learn how to run a food business alongside mentors well-versed in the restaurant industry.
These food halls are a testament to Toronto’s ever-evolving culinary scene, and I for one am always ready to meet friends at a food hall for a quick and tasty catch-up!
