St. Lawrence Market

20 Best Things to Do in Toronto, According to Local Experts

@travelleisure

"The oldest and largest food market in Toronto with more than 80 vendors, established in 1803. It reflects the city’s diverse population with many delicious dishes to try." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"St. Lawrence Market is perhaps the most famous market in Toronto, and locals regularly shop its stalls for produce, meats, cheeses, and more. While the focus of your trip should be browsing the dozens of food stalls, it’s interesting to take a look at its architecture, too. Though the current main building was erected in 1902, part of the Old City Hall, which dates to 1845, was incorporated into it. There’s also The Market Kitchen, a cooking school and event space where you can take culinary classes or partake in special hands-on dinners that include shopping the market for ingredients." - Stefanie Waldek

@appstore

I mean come on. Largest indoor food hall in Canada and the selection is crazy.

My Toronto 2022 Trip!

On the Grid : St. Lawrence Market

Bodhi Anders

Google

This market makes you want to become a chef at a fancy local restaurant just to come here every day before your shift to get fresh ingredients. Awesome diverse array of every culture, cuisine, and product. We went on a weekend so it was popping, but if you don't mind going with the flow this place is freaking sick. Love the vibes

Rolando_ Rose

Google

Full of energy the moment we entered the market! A place full of historical significance and cultural diversity. A market that is full of character and architectural elements. It is the living symbol and anchor of the neighborhood and for the people that live here. It is the community’s beating heart and the culinary focal point of the city of Toronto. Lots of stuff to discover, food to share and enjoy and everything in between! Love the vibes here! Feels like a Granville Island Public Market in Vancouver. Highly recommended! A city landmark indeed!

Valsaraj R

Google

I had an incredible experience at St. Lawrence Market in Toronto! I tried the fresh fruits, bakeries, and crepes, and everything was amazing. The market is massive, and I was really impressed with its layout and how beautifully it's built. I also had a meal there, which was absolutely fantastic. From the vibrant atmosphere to the variety of fresh, local products, it’s a great place to explore and enjoy some delicious food. Highly recommend visiting for anyone in Toronto, it’s a must-see spot!

Mj Mj

Google

Nothing special. Though it's nice to check what's inside and have a little walk in the market. It's clean, prices are no different from other commercial stores, BUT fruits and veggies are fresh in this market. There's few interesting food and snack to try otherwise I wouldn't go back. Maybe if I live within the area, why not?! ☺️🫣

Chasmitha Prem Pragna

Google

Loved the vibe here. It's very rustic and really cheap produce to buy. Tried some food in their lower level, and we loved it. You get loads of selection with meat, cheese, produce, sea food, etc etc etc.

Yalda N

Google

Place is great, i went on a week day. Products are fresh. I bought stuffed jalapeno and Portuguese tart and sarma. They were all great but its expensive than regular farmer markets. Make sure you go before evening since everything is almost finished by then.

Jules Cates (Jules)

Google

I quite enjoyed this market, as with a few market places I've traveled to...I tried to experience the market life in the big cities. This one reminded me a little of Market Hall in Rotterdam, it's layout, variety of shops...wares and merchandise of all kinds...from fresh seafood, bakeries to grocers, restaurants and bar...ooh and a good variety of baked goods, which is a must for those delectable breads and pastries. Location is a few feet away from the dog park fountain, a nice hangout spot...the market area is clean and good upkeep, also on the outside the area felt safe with people shopping a lively atmosphere on the street.

Can Luo

Google

The first time I came to this market, I spent a whole morning here, very fulfilling. A wide variety of shops filled the market. I tried lobster rolls, oysters, Italian sandwiches, coffee, egg tarts and yellow mustard here. You can come and sit outside with food and they have lots of umbrellas and chairs. Enjoying the food and saxophone music at the same time, what a leisurely morning.

Bodhi Anders

Google

Rolando_ Rose

Google

Valsaraj R

Google

Mj Mj

Google

Chasmitha Prem Pragna

Google

Yalda N

Google

Jules Cates (Jules)

Google

Can Luo

Google

Alana K.

Yelp

My friend and I came here on a Saturday morning. I got breakfast at one of the food stalls here, and we spent a few hours walking around. It's a great place for speciality grocery items (especially fancy cheese), and there are a few options for hot/prepared food. Don't skip the lower floor; there are a ton more stores down there!

Nicole E.

Yelp

Closes today at 5PM. Overwhelming market and super busy. More market downstairs too. Good variety of produce, fruit, meats, pastries, seafood and random gift items too.

Denny T.

Yelp

Cool little place to stop by and check out if you're in Toronto. So many vendors and stalls and a huge variety of fruits and veggies, breads, meats, seafood, desserts, etc. if you want to eat freshly prepared food, they pretty much have all kinds of foods like Italian, Greek, Asian, etc. There are two levels, so don't forget to go downstairs where they have more shops and food items. There are also some tables to eat inside and some outside upstairs and downstairs, but it is pretty packed. Came here on a Saturday so it was really packed and busy, but not sure if it is always this busy and crowded.

Nai S.

Yelp

This was one of the highlights of my visit. I got poutine fries and molasses pastry. This place has 2 floors and everything from clothes to tea to bakery to full on cooked food to souveniers. The prices are very good ($4) routine considering it is a tourist spot. I came back for souveniers and a jerk chicken pie (don't do it). My next trip I will definitely visit again.

Michelle W.

Yelp

After arriving in Toronto, wanted to take the advantage of nice weather to walk around the city. I stumbled upon St. Lawrence Market. I thought it was like a farmer's market, but it's more than that. They are prepared foods that you can eat here, groceries, essentials, specialities, etc. I love this kind of market (but where I live doesn't have one). It is indoor, so it will fit for all seasons. Check it out!

Dan K.

Yelp

St. Lawrence Market is like my hometown farmer's market on steroids. Many shops and stalls selling Canadian souvenirs, vegetables, meats, candy, nuts, figs....and on and on. I another satisfied customer of Carnicero's and went with what others have recommended, the roasted bacon sandwich - delicious! Next stop Future Bakery for dessert. Don't forget to go downstairs where you'll find many more options. Next time will be the Godfather sandwich.

Frank F.

Yelp

A Timeless Gem in Toronto: St. Lawrence Market I've been coming to the St. Lawrence Market for 40 years now, and my love for this place has only grown. It's a true treasure trove of culinary delights, offering an incredible variety of high-quality seafood, meats, and so much more. Every visit feels like a new adventure. Whether I'm discovering an array of unique olives, stumbling upon some beautifully aged steaks, or indulging in the freshly baked goods that tempt at every corner, there's always something interesting to find. The vendors are passionate about their products, and it shows in the quality and diversity available. The market also boasts an excellent selection of spots to grab a bite for lunch, making it a perfect place to refuel while exploring. From savory sandwiches to delicious pastries, there's something to satisfy every craving. After all these years, St. Lawrence Market remains one of my favorite places in Toronto. It's more than just a market; it's a vibrant part of the city's history and a must-visit for anyone who appreciates good food and a lively atmosphere.

Adri R.

Yelp

St. Lawrence Market is truly a food lover's paradise! With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, it's no wonder it's a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. The variety of vendors and the quality of the products are indeed impressive. It's well worth the trip to go upstairs to see the vendors. As well to get stuff to make it home.

Doreen T.

Yelp

Great place to check out when you are in the heart of Toronto, but very dangerous when you are hungry. My eyes were definitely bigger than my belly and I wish we had more time during our trip to eat more. It's like a giant food hall, grocery store and meat market all in one. It was crowded when we visited during Labor Day weekend 2024 so it was hard to find a table for the 4 of us. We managed to try a few things such as Portuguese egg tarts, Lobster rolls and bisque at Buster's Sea Cove, the famous croissant bagels "Craigel" at St Urbain, and fresh lox at a seafood vendor. There were a few more places we wanted to try, but note that they are closed on Mondays so we ran out of time on our trip. Our friend also bought some local maple butter as souvenirs. Definitely come to St Lawrence Market to eat a few things and more!

Maria O.

Yelp

Amazing selection of different foods and flavors. We had the Montreal Smoked meat sandwich at Stacked Deli Kitchen, it was amazing delicious and perfectly put together with plenty of meat. We also had beef ribs, bacon and pork belly at Carnicero's, all excellent! The place has plenty for everyone. Dessert was from the Future bakery, delish.

Jennifer L.

Yelp

This market was so fun and so cute! My friend and I stopped here for lunch and got the iconic ham sandwich as well as a butter tart! The workers are the stands were really nice even when it was busy. Everything was great and I love walking around all the stands. It's also in such a great area and there's so much to do and see. I'd definitely recommend visiting on your trip or stopping in weekly.

Ray N.

Yelp

Rode rental bikes from hotel to St Lawrence Market. When i searched "things to do in Toronto", this place was mentioned . If you were staying at an airbnb that had a kitchen , this place would be good to get cheeses, meats and vegetables. I guess I assumed there would be a lot of restaurants and food options but there wasn't many. Looking back, I would have skipped this place and visit just for picture taking but not to eat.

Deej Jo A.

Yelp

So much to taste, try and see! Do not miss when you're in Toronto! Not just 1 floor level and they have some outdoor seatingst too. Just like regular "markets" I always feel the food are expensive. Bakery in the middle part or the upper level is very affordable though! Tried 5 spots in 2 hours!

Taylor L.

Yelp

Such a great market! So many good options and so many different cuisines. It's rather large and has tons to look at! The food was amazing, we got a craigle (mix between croissant and bagel) and grilled octopus on a bed of rice from two different food vendors. A must visit if you're in Toronto!

Emily L.

Yelp

One of my favorite markets to date. I will say that they have a really good selection for all types of food. By far.... my favorite nata I've had! I am so mad I did not get more but it is what it is. Lots of eating in a short amount of time. Tea, coffee, baked goods, Loads of baked goods, seafood, paella, empanadas, bbq, loads of cheese, lobster roll, fruits, some dessert and even pizza. Not sure how I consumed all of this, but it happened. Everything was so good too! If you see a line, jump in there!

Ashley T.

Yelp

St. Lawrence Market was awesome! At its simplest is a food court/grocery store but it is soo much more. It's a multi story food court filled with incredible food stalls. I am not sure you could go wrong but we got sandwiches at Stack'd and they were fantastic! I got the Reuben and it was stacked with meat, the bread was crispy and it was absolutely phenomenal! Honestly we will probably be back it was that delicious!

Emily C.

Yelp

An essential stop when visiting the city! A large variety of amazing vendors. Great food and a fun market experience!

Meena P.

Yelp

This market was a maze of amazing food, so much variety and an array of wonderful smells....we had some fabulous fish and chips here, wow, so good, crispy batter and nice flaky haddock. Yum. Made fresh to order so we waited a bit, but worth every minute. Lots of fresh veggies and fruit stands, fresh fish, meat, cheese. Some great looking Italian food. I could spend all day eating here. If I could find another stomach. I loved all displays and the samples. The cheese shop was my favorite. So much stuff I'd never heard of before. Definitely you need to hit this place while wondering the sights in Toronto. With an empty stomach!

Oren R.

Yelp

St Lawrence market is heavenly. You walk in, look to your right, fish; look to your left, meat; keep walking straight and you'll see a wide selection of yummy foods. They've got the type of foods that'll make you want to brush your teeth after and then regret brushing your teeth cuz you want that taste back in your mouth. That's my opinion don't be a hater boi

Hannah H.

Yelp

Had such a fun time at the St. Lawrence market in Toronto! They had so much produce, i wanted to buy it all. I found the place lively and full of life!

Janet W.

Yelp

Definitely the place for your foodie needs! Beware, it gets crowded and can be a bit overwhelming. Bring durable bags, and comfy walking shoes. Food selection is vast!

Jessie Z.

Yelp

BRING CASH. This place is cool. Even if its a well known tourist spot, its still worth the trip. Sort of some giant warehouse ( similar to pike place market but less maze like) with loots of diff food options/things to look at and sort of grocery stalls. Apparently the peameal bacon sandwich is not that recommended by the locals, but the pasta place upstairs, excellent. Its fresh pasta and very basic but reasonable price, but soo filling. You're unlikely to get such nice pasta elsewhere for the price tag. ( they were also giving out samples and you can get all three sauces, though I do wish their tomatoe sauce had more flavor). Also across, on the weekend seems to be a vintage market with lots of handmade stalls and perfect for the elevated thrift shopper. The walk there and around is quite scenic with parks/basketball court and surprisingly close in the direction to the airport. Couldn't spend too much time, but I would say you can also get cute maple syrup souvenir at the grocery store/china town. The only thing is especially on the weekend there is barely any tables and even moreso lack of seating. I don't know why there isn't picnic tables/benches ( perhaps limited outdoor because of the snow?) Would come back to explore more and take my time, lots of options in this food Hall.

Elaine N.

Yelp

I went here on a Wednesday around 6:05pm since I knew there were a lot of food places here! I also heard this place is very touristy, so I knew I had to check it out! They sell things like seafood here, sandwiches, fine meats, and other small bites. It was cool seeing all the fresh food and the seafood too! I wasn't too hungry at that time, but I ended up getting a sandwich from Carousel Bakery inside this market for to go since I was planning to eat my actual dinner at a nearby business. I'd recommend this place! It's a cool place to walk around and pass time! It's also a cool place to get food since they have a big variety and it was good too.

Jennifer R.

Yelp

I saved the best for last in the Toronto trip reviews. St. Lawrence Market is the mothership of food markets. It puts every other food market I have visited to shame. We visited on a weekend and they had an outdoor farmers market set up around the perimeter of the building. The produce was so beautiful! They had so many varieties of fruits, fresh veggies and flowers. Inside the main building are two levels of foodie paradise. There are several bakeries, meat markets, fish markets, family owned specialty food stores, gift shops and I cannot leave out the cheese shop. I loved how the market was filled with unique small, and family owned, businesses. No chains here. There are several ethnic food stalls as well. We really enjoyed a late morning breakfast from the Greek place. We took several hours to walk around, stocked up on the makings for a picnic, and of course picked up some pastries!

Nick P.

Yelp

I always love coming to these markets because you can find some unique food as well as good quality dishes that don't cost a fortune. There are two levels so make sure you check out both. The top floor has shops that are good for buying seafood, cheese, meat, etc and take home to cook. They also have some restaurants, souvenir shops, and bakery goods. Bottom has additional restaurants, smoothies, souvenirs, coffee, two places to grocery shop. You can find seating on both levels as well as outside. You can probably eat breakfast, lunch, and an early dinner here. They close at like 7 pm on most nights and 5 pm on Sat.

Gene W.

Yelp

Like so many large cities, Toronto has its own old school food market blending yummy food stalls with overpriced produce & kitchen supplies with souvenir shops. Having recently been to the iconic markets of Seattle (Pikes Place), Philadelphia (Reading), Vancouver (Granville Island), Charleston (City Market), Cincinnati (Findlay), Sydney (Paddy's Haymarket), & SF (Ferry Plaza), the St. Lawrence market compares favorably. But it lacks a truly memorable feature (e.g., fish tossing, an iconic statue, etc.) that makes it stand out. Maybe it's a Canadian thing but this market is heavily meat-centric (nothing wrong with that). There arec2 levels here with the lower floor appearing to be substantially smaller than the upper floor. If you come here for a diverse lunch where you can try different cuisines and baked goods, this is the place for you. But food sampling seems to be thing of the past (only came across 2 vendors amongst dozens that gave samples). Worth a visit especially since it's a covered space.

Jay R.

Yelp

St. Lawrence Market is an enduring hive of activity, teeming with a lively crowd that mingles among the myriad of vendors. This is not the place for your run-of-the-mill grocery haul unless you're aiming to empty your wallet in record time. That said, it's my go-to spot for those unique finds that just can't be replicated elsewhere. I always make sure to pick up some thick roasted side bacon (not the peameal variety, bleh) and some Kozlik's mustard. It's a great place to spend an afternoon, nibbling on snacks and crowd-watching.

Jenny G.

Yelp

A great place to go for any meal (or snack times)! Also for unique gifts and kitchen supplies. The wine merchant is very knowledgeable and helpful. Took the time to describe the differences in the Canadian wine and brands. I believe I remember ramp accesses to upstairs and down stairs and aisles are large. Lots of outdoor eating spaces and some indoor.

Andrea O.

Yelp

This was high on my Toronto Bucket list. It's two stories of food, beverages and a few wares. The cultural influence in Toronto is evident in this lovely market. Vendors are friendly and helpful. Don't miss it!

Romina Antonella

Yelp

What's a better plan than starting your day by visiting one of the oldest and most famous markets in Toronto? Here, you can find excellent food spots and fresh products such as high-quality meats, seafood, dairy products, and baked goods. It's a vibrant place full of local flavor and charm.

Joy Q.

Yelp

Very touristy spot with a big crowd. It was hard to move around without bumping into other people, and seating after ordering food was limited. Pretty hard to find a spot, especially for a large group. A lot of the vendors only take cash, so be aware of that I had the famous chicken sandwich and egg tart from the Portuguese spot on first floor. The chicken sandwich was very flavorful and was of a big portion. However, I wish they could heat it up. Similarly the cold egg tart was just not good since it has been sitting there a long time, and the shell was not crispy at all. One thing that I like to call out with the hot sauce from this vendor - worthy of a try!

Courtney O.

Yelp

I love a public market and this is a great one. It is huge and filled with all sorts of great eateries and shops. The possibilities are endless! We, of course, tried the pea meal sandwich from carousel bakery. We were tempted by some fresh pasta and baked bread as well. The market is split across two floors and there are often vendors outside as well. I was impressed with the sheer size and the amount of both ready made food items as well as produce and fresh seafood.

Jamie K.

Yelp

Fun to walk around, basic "green market" nothing special... if you are going for the food then that's really the only the reason to go. It's mostly for locals.

Tabbatha P.

Yelp

Wow what a fun place! If you want an extremely wide variety of food choices this is the place for you!! We had so much fun walking around looking and trying to decide what to eat for lunch. It's busy but everyone is friendly. The use of the old building is very cool.

Tiffini D.

Yelp

I absolutely loved this market! My friend and I decided to walk around first before settling in on what to eat but stopped for a butter tart first. Buttery and sweet with a thick perfectly baked crust, I could see why these are so popular. I went back later and got half a dozen for friends. We decided on Uno Mustachio and split the godfather veal parmigiana with eggplant because the sandwich was huge and neither of us could finish one on our own. I asked for the peppers and onions on the side since I can't eat those and they put ample portions in containers for my friend. The meat and eggplant were breaded well, cheese fresh and had the perfect pull, the marinara sauce sweet and flavorful. I'd definitely buy this again. I bought some giant, juicy and sweet grapes from a stand on the lower floor and a few pastries from Stonemill Bread to try later. My only disappointment was the store that sold kitchen and housewares. I forgot the name but I wanted to purchase a reusable grocery bag and was ignored by the cashier as she sorted receipts. I understand having to make sure everything matches before ringing another sale but she could have at least said just a moment and I would have been fine with it. She only half heartedly apologized when I put the item back and was headed out of the store.

Hannah M.

Yelp

Farmers markets fresh smelling food great place for broswing around. Great company relaxing environment!

Monty W.

Yelp

Definitely a place to visit. Lots of stalls with great variety. I found parking a couple blocks away at an office underground garage. The lower level of the market had better pricing than the main floor. We tried a number of vendors, some had samples. I love markets and this one did not disappoint.

Emmie H.

Yelp

This place is so beautiful and a must see in Toronto. I bought some cute little things for my dog. The vendors were very friendly and loved the food. Tons to choose from 5 stars

Alex D.

Yelp

Awesome market! The food offerings are super diverse and fun, and the overall ambience is reminiscent of many public marketplaces I've been to in different countries. We came here several times during our Toronto stay, and the business owners always provided prompt and courteous service with the items we selected for ourselves. This is a must-visit place when in Toronto!

Gerry T.

Yelp

Here's my last review for 2022, Happy New Year to all!! I like to do comparisons, after all, without a comparator, it's hard to say if it's 3, 4 or 5 stars. I also like to write a review after more than one visit. I've only been to St. Lawrence once but was very impressed. In comparison to Milwaukee Public Market, West side market (Cleveland) and Findlay Market (Cincy), St. Lawrence is so much bigger. It also has a great variety - crepes, pastel de natas, cold cuts, duck eggs, marrow, souvenirs, etc. It's not as big as Pike's Place in Seattle but it's a close second. You could really spend 3 hours looking around and eating stuff. I can hardly wait to come back.

Eric D.

Yelp

I love love love this market it's great so much to see and get here! Lots of food stalls selling everything from meat to seafood, sandwiches, deli cheeses, fruits veggies and everything in between! The smells sounds and sights are just fun and I love the neighborhood this place is in its very cool and feels like where real Torontoians go! I'll make a point to come back every chance I get!

Mimi N.

Yelp

Having been to a few public markets before in other cities, St. Lawrence Market is a pretty solid stop if you're visiting Toronto for the first time. Quick notes about this place: -Fresh produce, fruits, fish, cheese, meats - If you're looking to do a quick grocery shopping for food, found the prices here to be pretty reasonable for the quality offered. -Food to eat - Quite a few options ranging from seafood to small bites like pastries and such. Bring cash as some vendors don't accept credit cards or they only accept Canadian debit. There are ATMs located within the market. -Best time to visit - If you can, go during the weekday at non-lunch hours. Came here around 1pm during the week, and it was super relaxing to wander around without the crowds. If you plan to just browse, an hour or less is enough to visit this place. If you plan to eat, allow yourself at least 1-1.5 hours to savor the different foods as some vendors may have longer lines due to popularity.

Brad W.

Yelp

Two levels of food and frolicking, but not enough places to sit and eat and lots of repetitive stands, mostly bakeries. I got there too early to eat lunch, although it was available. I tried a few pastries and a Montreal Bagel , which was not to my liking. The Nutella creme brulee was excellent though. Half of market is for locals to buy groceries.

Master Vicente A.

Yelp

Our next family Toronto adventure vacation take us to St. Lawrence Market located in Downtown with a category of 4.6 and more than 31,867 reviews, after walking around Toronto downtown and enjoy every place in this incredible place. The best decision we made is visit this Market is so amazing they have food make your palate blow and the best part everything is fresh and prepared daily. Whe you seat to eat you can feel the savor. You can feel the freshness of the ingredients they used to prepare your order, we ordered from different places but the result was equally delicious and exquisite. High recommend place if you like eat so many plate and the best thing is the price was very perfect for the quality they offer.

Theresa M.

Yelp

What a massive indoor market! They sell everything here. It's even two floors! Food to take home and food to eat there! Jewelry and other homemade crafts, as well! A must see when touring Toronto - you really get a feel for the flavors of the City! Check them out!

Justin K.

Yelp

Interesting market with food, fruit market, deli market and souvenir shopping etc. I did not have an appetite for this visit but saw there was a lobster roll that many ordered that looked interesting. There were also places that offered peameal but I did not get a chance to try it. Will come back in the future to try these. There were a few souvenir shops that included magnets, shirts etc so that is available here for tourists.

Tiffany D.

Yelp

This place is so much fun. Come with an empty belly and big pants because it is a feeding frenzy. This place is clean and has so many options of treats. We sampled st ubain bagels which were my favorite but we also had fruit, chocolate, pastries. This is definitely worth the stop.

Kristen H.

Yelp

A must see when you visit Toronto. Beautiful indoor public market, selling a variety of fresh produce, fresh meat, prepared foods as well as baked goods. Something for everyone!

Shannon S.

Yelp

An indoor market in the center of Downtown Toronto, St. Lawrence Market is a place for patrons to explore, try new foods, and support local business. It reminded me a lot of Chelsea Market in NYC. You can walk through all the vendor stations, taste a selection of fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, ice cream, and more! It's bustling on weekends with tourists, families, and locals, and it's certainly worth stopping by if you're visiting Toronto!

@onthegrid

20 Best Things to Do in Toronto, According to Local Experts

@travelleisure

@appstore

I mean come on. Largest indoor food hall in Canada and the selection is crazy.

My Toronto 2022 Trip!