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An Overview Of The St Lawrence Market Toronto

The St Lawrence Market is a go-to foodie destination for tourists and Toronto locals. National Geographic once called St Lawrence Market the best food market in the world and it’s easy to see why. Loaded with restaurants, produce stands, delis, butchers, seafood stands, specialty stores, and souvenir shops, the market has a dazzling array of food and food related products.

I missed this amazing food hall/ farmers market on my first trip to the city, so it was high on my must-see list for my second trip and I was extremely eager to sample foods from the best restaurants in St Lawrence Market Toronto.

If you’re looking for a great place to eat or to do some shopping for unique Toronto souvenirs, head over to the St Lawrence Market. You’ll find everything from lobster rolls and fresh pasta to gourmet Canadian mustards and maple syrups at some of the best casual restaurants in Toronto.

While the market has a wide variety of food, I’ll be concentrating on the amazing restaurants located within the market and some of their must-try dishes. I hope you’re hungry because your taste buds are about to be delighted.

History Of The St Lawrence Market Toronto

The St. Lawrence Market in Toronto has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. Originally established in 1803 by Lieutenant Governor Peter Hunter, the market has been a vital hub for commerce and community in the city. Over the years, the market underwent several renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing population and demands of the thriving city.

The South Market, designed by architect William Thomas, was built in 1845 and is a prominent architectural landmark in Toronto. It has served as a marketplace for fresh food and artisanal products, attracting locals and tourists alike. In the late 20th century, the North Market was renovated and reopened in 2015, further enhancing the market's offerings and historical significance.

Today, the St. Lawrence Market continues to be a bustling center of activity, hosting vendors selling a wide array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more. It remains a beloved destination for food enthusiasts and a key part of Toronto's cultural heritage.

Best Restaurants In St Lawrence Market Toronto

There are a wide variety of restaurants and shops offering the freshest food from all over the globe. Below are some of the top spots you’ll want to try on your trip to this Toronto hot spot.

One pro tip, many of the shops only accept cash. I have indicated below the forms of payment accepted by each establishment.

1. Paddington’s Pump

Paddington’s Pump is the Market’s only full-service, sit-down restaurant. It offers a full breakfast menu beginning at 6 a.m. and a complete selection of lunch and dinner foods with fully licensed bar service.

Paddington’s serves up massive portions from an all-day breakfast menu. They’re one of several establishments known for their peameal bacon sandwich, a local delicacy. But they also offer a wide variety of sandwiches, scrumptious French toast, burgers, and more.

It can be difficult to find a seat elsewhere within the market. So, if things are busy you may want to head to Paddington’s Pump for a great sit-down traditional dining experience.

Payment Method: Cash, Credit or Debit

2. Uno Mustachio

An institution since 1984 within the historic St.Lawrence Market, sandwich lovers flock to this Italian eatery for their generous portions and fresh, flavorful ingredients. They offer a variety of fresh pasta and sandwiches that are a little slice of Italy in the heart of Toronto. This is the be-all end-all of Italian restaurants in St Lawrence Market.

Vegetarians will love the eggplant sandwich or fresh pasta dishes, while meat lovers will adore the meatball, hot sausage, veal, or chicken parmigiana sandwiches.

Payment Method: Cash, Credit or Debit

I settled on a veal parm sandwich with hot and sweet peppers. It was amazing. The sandwich was loaded with fresh peppers, onions, mushrooms, melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and a generous dollop of marinara sauce. The bread was out of this world delicious. If you’re extra hungry, eat like a king and order it “Godfather style” with added eggplant.

3. Buster's Sea Cove

If fish is more your style, head over to Buster’s Sea Cove. This eatery opened in 1992 and offers everything from fish and chips to grilled fish sandwiches. Buster’s has been a Marketfavorite with its famous fish and chips, fresh seafood, and homey "Down East" atmosphere. Try the lobster roll, it comes highly recommended.

Payment Method: Cash, Credit or Debit

4. St. Urbain Bagel

For a taste of Montreal in Toronto, head to St. Urbain Bagel. These authentic Montreal-style bagels come fresh out of the oven. St. Urbain Bagels, at the back of the South Market since the early 1990s, was the first company to introduce Montreal-style bagels to Toronto. All their bagels are baked fresh daily on the premises.

St. Urbain Bagel is a family-owned and operated business that commits to the freshest and best products you can find in the market today with the freshest ingredients. They have been voted best Bagel in Toronto for many years running.

Payment Method: Cash or Debit

Winner of tons of awards, these bagels are clearly the best in Toronto. I came late in the day when the selection was a bit sparse. So, if you’re hungry for a fresh bagel with cream cheese, get there early and head right to St Urbain Bagel .

5. Carousel Bakery

Known for its famous peameal bacon sandwiches, Carousel Bakery is a must-visit for those craving a taste of Toronto. The fabulous sandwich has often been imitated but never duplicated by many competitors. You’ll see these sandwiches offered all over the market, but if you’re considering giving one a try, Carousel Bakery is the one and only spot to do it.

I had to get this picture late in the day near closing because the shop was jam-packed with crowds ordering peameal sandwiches all day. Throngs of Canadians can’t be wrong!

Carousel Bakery has been at the same location in the St. Lawrence Market for over 30 years. There are big lines at the counter every weekend as well as weekday lunch hours for this Toronto tradition. Even Celebrity Chefs Emeril Lagasse and Bobby Flay have returned for seconds!

In addition to the peameal bacon, Carousel Bakery also offers a delicious selection of sandwiches and wraps including chicken and veal parmigiana, sausage, steak, and vegetarian options. There’s also an amazing selection of over 300 types of international breads, rolls, bagels (Montreal style), baguettes and pastries

Payment Method: Cash Only

6. Brown Brothers Meats

Brown Brothers Meats is the oldest Market butcher having come to the St. Lawrence Market in 1895! The Brown family ran a wholesale butcher shop for over 60 years before Anthony bought the business in the 1970s.

Anthony learned his butcher skills working in the family enterprises since 1958. So, you know he knows his meats. Brown Brothers Meats serves up hot sausages, ribs, and other meats as well as being a high-quality butcher. The sausages are massive, so come hungry.

Payment Method: Cash, Credit or Debit

7. Stack’d Deli Kitchen

Stack'd Deli Kitchen offers delicious sandwiches, soups, and salads that are made with the freshest ingredients. Smoked meat sandwiches, soups, arepas, lepinjas, schiacciatas abound!

Stack’d offers a variety of salads and sandwiches, including vegetarian options like burrata and eggplant. They are dedicated to providing fresh options including their legendary Montreal-style smoked Meat Sandwiches, Soups, Arepas, Lepinjas, Schiacciata's and their epic Build Your Own Salad Bar.

Payment Methods: Cash, Credit or Debit

Can’t Decide? Why Not Take A St Lawrence Market Food Tour?

You can sample a little bit of everything on a St Lawrence Market food tour. This wheelchair-accessible St Lawrence Market food tour takes you on a 3-hour tour sampling Toronto’s signature food like the peameal bacon sandwich, a "Montreal style” bagel, and more!

Click Here For A Wheelchair Accessible St Lawrence Market Food Tour

Where is the St Lawrence Market Located?

The St Lawrence Market is located at 92-95 Front St. E., Toronto, Ontario M5E 1C3 Canada

St Lawrence Market Hours

North / Farmer's Market:
Saturday - 5 am to 3 pm

South Market:
Tuesday to Friday – 9 am to 7 pm
Saturday – 7 am to 5 pm
Sunday – 10 am to 5 pm
Monday – Closed

St Lawrence Market FAQs

Is The St Lawrence market Wheelchair Accessible?

Yes. The St. Lawrence Market is wheelchair accessible. An elevator is available just inside the main doors of the South Market that allows customers to access the Market Gallery, The Market Kitchen, and the lower level of the Market.

Are There ATMs inside the market?

There is a TD Bank machine located at the front of the North Market. In the South Market, there are a number of ATMs available throughout the building on both levels.

Are Pets Allowed Inside the st lawrence market?

No. Due to Toronto Public Health regulations, pets are not permitted inside the North or South Market buildings.

where can you park at the st lawrence market?

City of Toronto Green ‘P’ parking lots are located south behind the South Market Building, at Lower Jarvis Street and the Esplanade and in the parking garage on the east side of Lower Jarvis Street adjacent to the South Market, just below Front Street.

On Saturday's, Market shoppers get the special rate of $2.00 for the first two hours at this Green 'P' parking lot.

Final Thoughts On The Best Restaurants In St Lawrence Market

Come hungry and prepare to be blown away. From Canadian delights like the Peameal Bacon Sandwich to some of the best Italian sandwiches this side of the Atlantic, the St Lawrence Market has something for everyone.

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