Any trip or outing often seems incomplete without shopping or strolling the markets, and shopping seems incomplete without refreshments or some great food. Isn’t it?
In this article, I will be discussing the best restaurants in the world’s most vibrant and busy market, the Kensington market. So, the next time you go for a brunch date with your friends, a family gathering, or a date night with your loved ones, drop by these amazing restaurants.
I must tell you that the Kensington Market is known for its colourful shops, boutiques, art spaces, independent stores, foods, events, lively spirits, bars, cafes, and restaurants. This market is an all-time favourite destination for locals and visitors that represents the indigenous culture of Canada.
While exploring this market, you will find almost all international foods, this food paradise offers you some of the best cuisines in the world at reasonable prices.
1. Jumbo Empanadas
Jumbo Empanadas is a family-run restaurant in Kensington Market located at 245 Augusta Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 1M5, Canada.
I must say that it is one of the most popular Kensington market restaurants that serve authentic food items prepared in the Chilean style of cuisine.
You can have beef or chicken empanadas, corn pie, Chicken salad, cheese empanadas, spicy salsa, humitas, and desserts. One just can’t skip their empanadas; as they serve the best in the whole neighbourhood at very cheap rates. Enjoy some great food in its lovely atmosphere presented by a very friendly staff.
2. Wanda’s Pie In The Sky
While exploring the Kensington market, you must visit Wanda’s Pie in the Sky at 287 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M2, Canad, if you start craving some pies or desserts.
I love this restaurant because it’s cozy and lovely. It serves the best pies, cakes, and other desserts to soothe your cravings. What I love the most about this place is that the items here are all homemade.
They also provide amazing lunch options and brews, you can’t miss the special coffee served here. Try soup, pizza, pierogies, lasagna, or salad. They have a large collection of delightful and attractive cakes, pies, tarts, and other treats.
3. The Dirty Bird Chicken & Waffles
The Dirty Bird Chicken &Waffles is my all-time favourite Canadian restaurant located at 79 Kensington Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2K2, Canada.
This is one of the best restaurants for fried chicken and other chicken dishes, they serve world-famous waffles with a classic touch. It would be best if you kept in mind that there are no seats in the restaurant, so you will have to eat while standing, unfortunately, I was wearing heels, so don’t make the same mistake!
You will love the fried chicken, dirty fries, and waffles with fresh toppings, they also offer gluten-free and Halal food options. It would be best to eat in this restaurant to gain a unique food experience at affordable prices, parking is also available near it.
4. Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos
Another one on my list is the Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos, located at 72 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2K2, Canada.
I love the delicious Mexican food it serves and trust me it offers the best seafood tacos in Toronto. Grab a bite of Baja fish taco, which is the most famous there. Their food menu is not too large, but the food they offer is too good and must be tried at least once. You will love the spicy salsas Gobernador tacos with shrimp, fish, or pulled pork tacos.
All are very fresh and taste unique, also most of them are prepared from locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy these sweet treats with your family!
5. Rasta Pasta
If you are looking for Jamaican or Italian dishes, you must visit Rasta Pasta, located at 61 Kensington Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2K1, Canada.
This restaurant is best known for its fusion recipes of Jamaican and Italian flavours. I would recommend you try the Jerk chicken panini dish. Apart from it, they have several other dishes on their menu. All the items served are prepared from scratch, and you cannot resist visiting there again and again once you taste their most innovative recipes.
Their menu offers some amazing foods, including fusion pasta dishes, Italian pasta, grilled Panini, Jerk pork, and much more. They also offer cocktails and other drinks on their menu. From my visit here, I must say that the staff is very friendly and offers super fast service, and the atmosphere is cool, with great vibes.
6. King’s Cafe
If you are a vegetarian, you can opt for King’s Cafe located at 192 Augusta Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2L6, Canada.
The King’s Cafe offers an extensive menu with vegetarian and vegan options and Japanese, Chinese, and Indian cuisines, they also provide several tea varieties. Who wouldn’t love to try this? You will love to have spring rolls, veggie shrimp dumplings, fried bean-curd & veggies, soups, sushis, curry fried rice, and various other combinations of tasty and healthy dishes served there.
They also provide several healthy drinks & boosters and desserts. You must try a sip of their high-quality tea.
7. Grey Gardens
Have an amazing seafood treat at Grey Gardens, located at 199 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2L4, Canada.
I can assure you that you will love the interiors there. Yes, they are awesome with beautiful vibrant decor and a relaxing atmosphere. Grey Gardens offers an extensive wine list, so chill out there with your friends or bring your date after a long stroll in the market.
They also organize small parties for customers’ birthdays or anniversaries, you can book private dining rooms for special meetings or occasions.
The food menu includes almost everything to satisfy customers. From light snacks to heavy seafood, coffee to cocktails, main courses, and desserts. Have small plates of noodles, shrimp, scallops, oysters, smoked fish, pork, and lots more. What else can one ask for?
8. Fresco’s Fish and Chips
Fresco’s Fish and Chips is located at 201 Augusta Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2L4, Canada.
If you love to have fish, I must say, this one offers the best. Taste the traditional menus of fish and chips prepared using a very good quality oil, the best fish, and other fresh ingredients. The crisp fish crust delights every customer visiting this cozy and wonderful restaurant.
You will love its outdoor seating arrangement, where you can enjoy people-watching with some great food. Order the crab cakes, burgers, Halibut, chicken tenders, poutines, fried fish, and chips.
9. Otto’s Berlin Döner
Otto’s Berlin Döner is a Berlin-style restaurant located at 256 Augusta Ave, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2L9, Canada.
It is a popular eatery in Kensington market that serves some popular street foods of Germany at very cheap rates. I loved the taste of their Döner and currywurst. You can try this small restaurant and order feta and fries, chicken tenders, kebabs with hot sauce, sandwiches, lamb, or salad. They also serve a great wine collection along with amazing food options.
Delight your taste buds loaded in these restaurants and experience the most incredible food scene in Kensington Market. From classic cuisines to trendy dishes, they have it all.
I am sure that once you try any of these Kensington market restaurants, you will love to visit them again and again. Have fun!
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Kensington Market?
The best time to visit Kensington Market is from 11 am to 7 pm. If you are going to the restaurants here at Kensington Market, then you can also visit post 7 pm.
What is the timing of Kensington Market?
The time of Kensington Market is 10 am to 9 pm.
Why is Kensington Market so popular?
Kensington Market is popular for its cultural and unique touch. The market dwells with colourful shops, bakeries, coffee houses and the best restaurants where you can try varied types of food.
Last Updated on April 7, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani
