Looking for the best restaurants in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood to check out?
Fun fact: St. Lawrence Market is located in the Old Town neighbourhood, which is actually the oldest part of Toronto, dating back to the early 1800s.
While St. Lawrence Market has plenty of delicious eats within the market, maybe you’re in the mood to dine in at a sit-down restaurant instead.
Here are some of the best restaurants to eat at in Toronto’s historic St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood!
And if you’re looking to just explore St. Lawrence Market, definitely check out this guided group food tasting tour to taste the best of the market!
Be sure to also follow me on Instagram and TikTok – I share a lot more content on those platforms that don’t make it to the blog!
More things to do in Toronto
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Toronto, you might enjoy these posts:
- Searching for more great restaurants? Visit the best restaurants in the Financial District or Entertainment District.
- Looking for things to do downtown? Check out the best activities or cafés in downtown Toronto.
Best restaurants near St. Lawrence Market
Cluck Clucks Chicken & Waffles
Cluck Clucks serves up amazing chicken and waffles at their casual spot on the Esplanade.
This counter-serve eatery offers up a variety of chicken and waffle options, with your choice of bone-in chicken or boneless chicken breast.
Go for their Cluck Yeah! with jalapeno cheddar waffle, coleslaw, chipotle aioli, and dill mayo, or their Shut the Parm Up with basil parmesan waffle, marinara sauce, mozzarella, parmesan, and basil!
All of their chicken is also halal, which is amazing for my friends who eat halal.
You can also find their other locations in Scarborough and Mississauga!
LOCATION: 222 The Esplanade, Toronto, ON
Le Petit Dejeuner
If you’re in the mood for some good brunch near St. Lawrence Market, hit up Le Petit Dejeuner.
This cozy, brick-lined brunch spot serves up Belgian-Canadian comfort foods made with seasonal ingredients, and they’re well-known for their delicious Belgian waffles.
You can enjoy their Belgian waffles Benedict-style with a poached egg and hollandaise, Melody-style with scrambled eggs, or sweet-style!
LOCATION: 191 King St E, Toronto, ON
Fresh Restaurants
Fresh is one of my all-time favourite vegan restaurants in Toronto, and they’ve got a location right on Front Street East.
Their burgers are probably my fave thing on the menu – as an omnivore myself, they don’t even taste like they’re vegan.
They have all kinds of delicious and healthy options on their menu, including their wraps and bowls.
I also love their Quinoa Onion Rings, though I’m not sure if those are that healthy.
I personally haven’t dined at their Front Street location, but it looks absolutely gorgeous and super Instagrammable.
They’ve also got a bunch of other locations across the GTA, including at Yonge & Eglinton and by Queen & Spadina.
LOCATION: 47 Front St E, Toronto, ON
The WORKS Craft Burgers & Beer
The Works may be a burger chain, but they make some of the best burgers in Toronto.
Their burger offerings are completely customizable, and you can choose everything from the bun to the patty.
They have literally a million different burger combinations you can come up with!
I usually grab whatever the burger special is for that season, but my go-to is the Hipster, which features a delicious combo of caramelized onions, avocado, and havarti cheese.
The burgers come with your choice of side, and I always go for the spicy die cut chips (literally so good).
For appetizers, definitely grab the Wrecking Balls – they’re bacon-wrapped cheddar tater tots with bacon roasted garlic aioli and bacon sticks (AKA Hickory Sticks).
If you don’t grab the Wrecking Balls, still ask for the amazing bacon roasted garlic aioli to dip your spicy die cut chips!
LOCATION: 60 Wellington St E, Toronto, ON
Cafe Oro di Napoli
This laid-back café and pizzeria serves up Neapolitan-style pizzas, house-made pastas, and gelato in their contemporary space.
All of their pizzas are cooked in their signature pizza oven, and you can opt for one of their red sauce pizzas or their white sauce pizzas, with options like their Margherita, Prosciutto e Burrata, or Carne e Miele Piccante (spicy and meaty).
For pastas, the Tonnarelli del Tirreno is perfect for seafood lovers and the Rigatoni ai Funghi is a must-try for mushroom lovers.
You can also enjoy a variety of Italian cocktails and wines from regions across Italy!
LOCATION: 75 Jarvis St, Toronto, ON
Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
Satisfy your BBQ cravings at this cozy Japanese BBQ spot on Church.
They offer up yakiniku (grilled barbecue), which is where you get to cook your own meats over a flaming grill.
You can take your pick between a variety of meat options, including beef, chicken, and pork, and they’ve even got seafood and veggies.
Aside from the grilled meats, you can enjoy small plates like their Spicy Tuna Volcano (on crispy rice), Chili Mayo Fried Shrimp, and Miso Chili Wings.
Gyu-Kaku is actually a chain based out of Japan, and they’ve got over 800 locations around the world!
LOCATION: 81 Church St, Toronto, ON
Sukhothai
If you’re in the mood for Thai food, definitely stop into Sukhothai on Wellington.
This amazing Thai restaurant in Toronto was Chef Nuit Regular’s very first restaurant in the city, and she and her husband now own a bunch of wildly popular Thai restaurants across town.
You’ll find all the Thai dishes we know and love, and more, and everything on their menu is also halal!
Their Pad Thai is absolutely amazing – definitely one of my favourites in the city.
You can find Sukhothai in the Old Town neighbourhood, as well as on Dundas West and in the Canary District.
If you can’t get enough of Sukhothai, you can also shop their house-made chili oil to take home with you!
LOCATION: 52 Wellington St E, Toronto, ON
Terroni
Terroni is one of Toronto’s best Italian restaurants, serving up amazing Southern Italian dishes and pizza.
I always get the Spaghetti in Canna a Mare, which is a seafood pasta and pretty much my go-to at any Italian restaurant.
You can find them on Adelaide near St. Lawrence Market, and they’ve also got locations on Queen West and in Summerhill.
P.S. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, definitely hit up their Summerhill location for their stunning rooftop patio – ask for the table facing the LCBO (which occupies the historic building across the street) for the incredible skyline view!
LOCATION: 57 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON
ARDO Restaurant
This modern Italian restaurant on King East offers up house-made pastas, pizzas, and traditional Sicilian dishes.
From their Polpo (grilled octopus), to their spicy Salsiccia Pasta, to their Milazzo Pizza, you’ll find a variety of delicious and authentic Sicilian eats.
ARDO is co-owned by a husband-and-wife team, and the restaurant is named after their son Leonardo, who at two years old, pronounced his name as “Ardo”.
They’ve also got an extensive selection of European wines and house-made cocktails.
LOCATION: 243 King St E, Toronto, ON
Pearl Diver
Pearl Diver is a cozy seafood restaurant serving up a menu of shareables, seafood towers, and fresh oysters.
From their Chicken Liver & Oyster Pate to their Grilled Sardines, they’ve got plenty of unique dishes you can order.
They also have daily specials everyday, including $65 seafood towers on Tuesdays and 100 oysters for $100 on Thursdays!
LOCATION: 100 Adelaide St E, Toronto, ON
Piano Piano Restaurant
Piano Piano’s newest outpost near St. Lawrence Market serves up modern takes on classic Italian dishes in their eclectic and whimsical space.
Enjoy options like their Hawaiian Pizza (pineapples on pizza are elite!) or their Egg Yolk Ravioli.
They’ve also got a pretty decent lunch special, featuring an appetizer, pizza or pasta, and dessert for $34.
Don’t forget to snap a pic with their fun carousel horse before you leave!
This quirky Italian restaurant also has locations in Harbord Village and Midtown Toronto, as well as in Oakville.
LOCATION: 55 Colborne St, Toronto, ON
Amano Trattoria
If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant to visit in the Old Town neighbourhood, Amano Trattoria is the perfect spot to visit.
Seasonally-inspired and modern Italian dishes are what you can expect on the menu, with options like their Bone Marrow, Grilled Branzino, and Charred Octopus.
They’ve also got some pretty unique dishes like their Lamb Neck Croquettes and Campanelle al Nero di Seppia (pasta with Dungeness crab and pancetta cream).
They also do a fun Sunday Gravy family-style experience every Sunday, which features the ultimate Italian-American feast with slow-cooked meat, fresh pasta, and appetizers for just $39 per person!
LOCATION: 9 Church St, Toronto, ON
The Chefs’ House
Go for a really fun and unique fine dining experience at this student-driven restaurant that’s completely run by culinary and hospitality students at George Brown College!
They serve up seasonally-inspired lunch and dinner menus from Monday through Friday.
You’ll find unique and globally-inspired offerings like Crispy Cod Cakes, Channa Chat, and Lamb Shoulder Ragù.
If you’re looking to pair your meal with a drink, you can enjoy a selection of Canadian and international wines, craft beers, and signature cocktails.
It’s both a fun experience and great way to support students!
LOCATION: 215 King St E, Toronto, ON
LOUIX LOUIS
LOUIX LOUIS is located on the 31st floor of The St. Regis Toronto, and it’s the perfect bougie restaurant to visit if you’re looking to treat yourself.
With appetizers like Seared Foie Gras and Beef Tartare and mains like Wagyu Short Rib and Lobster Risotto, you’ll definitely leave super satisfied.
You’ve also gotta save room for their iconic King’s Cake, which is an epic 13-layer chocolate cake.
They also offer up an incredible brunch on the weekends!
LOCATION: 325 Bay St, Toronto, ON
Best restaurants in the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood:
- Cluck Clucks Chicken & Waffles
- Le Petit Dejeuner
- Fresh Restaurants
- The WORKS Craft Burgers & Beer
- Cafe Oro di Napoli
- Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ
- Sukhothai
- Terroni
- ARDO Restaurant
- Pearl Diver
- Piano Piano Restaurant
- Amano Trattoria
- The Chefs’ House
- LOUIX LOUIS
These were some of the best restaurants to eat at near St. Lawrence Market, whether you’re in the mood for casual comfort foods or fine dining spots!
And if you’re looking to just explore St. Lawrence Market, definitely check out this guided group food tasting tour to taste the best of the market!
Have you been to any of these restaurants near St. Lawrence Market? What are some other great restaurants in the Old Town neighbourhood? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
More things to do in Toronto
If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Toronto, you might enjoy these posts:
- Searching for more great restaurants? Visit the best restaurants in the Financial District or Entertainment District.
- Looking for things to do downtown? Check out the best activities or cafés in downtown Toronto.
Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest if you aren’t already!
Feel free to subscribe to my weekly newsletter to get my blog posts delivered straight to your inbox.
Like this post? Pin it for later!