Top Restaurants In Toronto's Kensington Market

A cluster of narrow alleyways, colourful Victorian homes and unique shops, Kensington Market is one of Toronto‘s most vibrant neighborhoods. Declared a national historic site in 2006, community groups have fought over the years to keep this independent area free of chain stores. As you might expect, Kensington’s cuisine reflects its rich cultural diversity and commitment to authenticity. Enjoy our guide to the top nine places to grab a bite in Kensington Market.

Fika

Fika takes its name from a Swedish expression that describes taking a short coffee break along with a snack. Owner Nikki Leigh McKean was inspired by the local café culture during a year spent studying in Sweden and wanted to bring some of the country’s delightful traditions to Canada. The menu features a selection of sandwiches, soups, pastries and daily specials. Go for the delicious grilled cheese & prosciutto sandwich. Stop by between Wednesday and Sunday to try the café’s larger brunch menu. The café mascot, a Swedish pony, is playfully incorporated into the bright interior décor.
Fika, 28 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada

El Trompo

During the summer months, El Trompo‘s small patio is one of the neighborhood’s best hangouts for people-watching and enjoying the sun. The 20-seat patio is almost always packed, but service is fast and friendly and the food is well-worth the wait. The restaurant serves up simple yet authentic Mexican cuisine, including tacos, quesos fundidos, taquitos, quesadillas, and fajitas. Go for the popular ‘chuleta con queso taco’, made with grilled pork, sautéed onion, mozzarella cheese and fresh cilantro. The menu also includes plenty of Mexican beers and margaritas to keep you refreshed during your meal.
El Trompo, 277 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada, +1 416 260 0097

Fresco’s Fish & Chips

Fresco’s Fish & Chips serves up a menu of traditional fish and chips along with poutine, sandwiches, chicken wings and chili. The small restaurant is known for its extra crispy fish crust, which is made using crushed Miss Vicky’s Salt & Vinegar kettle chips. Standards are high at Fresco’s: their fish dishes are prepared using Ocean Wise sustainable seafood products and owner Michael Fresco claims to have tested over 300 pounds of potatoes before selecting Ontario Russet for the restaurant’s chips. Fresco’s pays homage to the British origins of its signature dish, with Beatles memorabilia featured prominently in the restaurant’s interior.
Fresco’s Fish & Chips, 213 Augusta Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada, +1 416 546 4557

Torito

Ranked among Toronto’s best tapas by blogTO, Torito presents its Spanish-influenced menu in an inviting setting. The interior plays up the Spanish theme with Salvador Dali artwork and Pedro Almodóvar movie posters. The restaurant’s small but well-chosen menu focuses on local, sustainable ingredients wherever possible. You’ll find classic tapas dishes such as patatas bravas with aioli, along with more innovative offerings such as the piquillo peppers stuffed with braised oxtail on a vanilla scented puree. An excellent selection of cocktails and wines rounds out the menu.
Torito, 276 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON, Canada, +1 416 961 7373