Aliu IsaMe and my friends recently went on a two-week bender, and it was epic. No, we’re not talking about drinking (although we did that as well). We just spent weeks sampling all the best bites in Kensington Market—yep, it was as awesome as it sounds!
Known as having some of the most delicious eats in the city, this foodie paradise is definitely a must-visit. From luscious Indian dishes and fresh tacos to juicy burgers and addicting fish and chips, you’d want to (and you probably will) try them all.
So, for your next Kensington Market food trip, bring your wallet, put on some stretchy pants, and bookmark this handy guide to the yummiest food spots in the area.
Rikki Tikki
Media credit: https://www.instagram.com/b_sanjj/
Website: https://rikkitikki.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rikki.tikki.to/
Address: 209 Augusta Ave
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 12 AM
Contact: (416) 792-3229
Must-Order: Dal Makhani
Rikki Tikki is an authentic Indian food spot run by Chef Ricky, who adds love, passion, and affection to each dish (as well as, you know, the actual ingredients).
Impressively, his joint makes everything in-house, and honestly? We can absolutely taste the difference.
One dish we tried (and loved!) is their creamy and buttery Dal Makhani—who knew lentils could taste this amazing? Scoop it up with some warm, pillowy naan, and I swear, you might even forget your own name.
Another must-try here is their Lamb Rogan Josh—a dish that definitely does not play around. Imagine tender, slow-cooked lamb drenched in a rich sauce with a slow-burning heat; you’d be having seconds before you know it.
Pro Tip:
If the weather’s nice, snag a seat on their lovely patio. Believe me, food tastes a lot better when there are random people looking at you with envy.
Sleepy Pete’s
Media credit: https://www.instagram.com/sleepypetes/
Website: https://www.yelp.ca/biz/sleepy-petes-toronto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleepypetes/
Address: 69 Kensington Ave
Hours: Mon, Wed – Sun: 8 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (416) 979-2603
Must-Order: Egg & Sausage Sandwich
If you’re walking around Kensington Avenue and see a blue restaurant with a cheerful yellow awning, then congrats—you’ve found Sleepy Pete’s! This no-frills, cozy spot not only serves market folks but is also run by market folks.
For breakfast, we recommend their famous Egg & Sausage Sandwich. You can’t go wrong with a juicy chicken sausage topped with a crispy fried egg—and that hot honey sauce just sends it over the edge.
But if you’re not exactly a morning person, drop by for lunch and grab a Fried Chicken Sandwich. Sounds simple, but nope; imagine crispy chicken coated in a hot lemon pepper sauce and tucked in a buttery biscuit—now you know what you’re up against!
Time your visit wisely as they don’t take reservations. You know what they say, the early bird gets the amazing breakfast sandwich.
Pro Tip:
If you’re around Pedestrian Sundays in the summer, then make sure to stop by. Sleepy Pete serves off-the-menu specials during this season only—I mean, my friend’s still bragging about his orders last summer, so don’t miss out!
Ka Chi
Media credit: https://www.instagram.com/food.fun.friends/
Website: https://kachikoreanrestauranttoronto.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kachi_korean_restaurant/
Address: 8 St Andrew St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 10:30 AM
Contact: (416) 597-1999
Must-Order: Beef Bibimbap
Ka Chi is that casual Korean restaurant that you never knew you needed in your life.
One dish you definitely shouldn’t miss is their mouthwatering beef bibimbap; it’s loaded with rice, thinly sliced beef, and crunchy veggies, and served in a sizzling hot stone bowl. Now, add some chili garlic on top, break that yolk in the middle, and you’re all set.
While you’re at it, try other K-classics such as Korean BBQ ribs, bulgogi, rice cakes, and ramen, along with traditional Korean sides like kimchi and spicy pickled radish.
Lastly, wash it all down with a cold glass of banana, strawberry, or peach milk—all done? Nailed it.
Pro Tip:
Korean food (well, everything, really) tastes better with a discount, so students—make sure to bring your IDs for a nifty 10% off!
The Heartbreak Chef
Media credit: https://www.instagram.com/marvedtv/
Website: https://theheartbreakchef.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theheartbreakchef/
Address: 170 Baldwin St
Hours: Tue – Fri, Sun: 12 PM – 8 PM
Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM
Contact: (437) 388-9536
Must-Order: Big Ass Sandwich
The Heartbreak Chef might’ve closed in 2023, but they’re back with a vengeance, ready to steal our hearts all over again!
Remember their ‘Big Ass (pardon my French) Sandwich’? They’re still as massive and delicious as before—prepare yourself for two huge pieces of crispy and spicy chicken with ranch, pickles, and fresh coleslaw.
And unlike before, they now offer a late-night menu of appetizers and snacks. What’s cool is that they have a new liquor license—cold beer and chicken? Oh yeah.
As for the location, it’s more spacious than the original—it now seats 25, plus it has a bar! You can play arcade games with your friends or catch a live show.
Pro Tip:
If you want to have your cake (or sandwich!) and eat it too, then join the Heartbreak Chef Club. Not only do you get exclusive invites and special menu items, but you also earn 5 points per dollar and redeem them!
Pera Cafe
Media credit: https://www.instagram.com/leticiardevens/
Website: https://www.yelp.ca/biz/pera-cafe-toronto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peracafetoronto/
Address: 62 Nassau St
Hours: Mon – Sat: 8:30 AM – 6 PM
Sunday: 9 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (647) 606-6327
Must-Order: Turkish Breakfast
If you want nothing more in life than an honest-to-goodness cup of rich Turkish coffee, then Pera Cafe should be on your radar.
Of course, good coffee should be paired with something just as amazing—enter their authentic Turkish breakfast. You’d be getting a platter with a Turkish bagel, cheeses, olives, honey, tomatoes, cucumbers, and more—I’m feeling healthier just looking at it.
Naturally, vegans would love this place. It’s where you can grab a cuppa joe with a plant-based milk alternative, and a vegan brownie so rich it should be illegal!
On sunny days, make sure to sip your coffee at their cool little patio and soak in the charming vibe of Kensington.
Pro Tip:
We noticed that Pera Cafe is on the small side, and they don’t take reservations as well. So, if you don’t want to fight for your seat, then avoid visiting during peak hours.
FIKA Cafe
Media credit: https://www.instagram.com/fikakensington/
Website: https://www.fika.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fikakensington/
Address: 28 Kensington Ave
Hours: Mon – Fri: 10:30 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5 PM
Contact: https://www.fika.ca/contact-us
Must-Order: Swedish Cinnamon Bun
“Fika” is a Swedish word that means “coffee break,” so trust me, you’ll want to take your sweet time in this charming Nordic-inspired cafe.
You can’t go here without grabbing a Swedish Cinnamon Bun; it’s properly sticky, moist, and oh-so-fluffy. Just a heads up though—this item sells out quickly.
Pair it with an Iced Fika Latte. But if you want to try something unique, then order their Fika Iced Pineapple Americano—topped with a dried pineapple slice, it’s a drink that might seem weird at first but would slowly grow on you.
Make sure to check out their back room—it has a wall that’s entirely covered with books!
Pro Tip:
Looking for a chill spot to read a book, flip through a magazine, or let’s be honest, scroll through your phone? Then, head straight to their gorgeous backyard patio.
Fresco’s Fish and Chips
Media credit: https://www.instagram.com/6ix.spoonful/
Website: https://frescosfishandchips.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael.fresco
Address: 201 Augusta Ave
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 8 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (416) 546-4557
Must-Order: Fish and Chips Platter
Fresco Fish and Chips is my go-to whenever I’m craving a big platter of guilt-free fish and chips. That’s because they use healthy canola and corn oils with zero trans fat!
Of course, it’s not just about the oil—their fish and chips are made with top-tier Ocean Wise fish and fresh Russet potatoes from Ontario. I’ve actually compared them to other fish and chip joints, and they win every time.
To complement your meal, make sure to grab an order of deep-fried pickles. Sliced lengthwise, they’re coated in batter and fried to perfection.
Beyond the food, you’d enjoy this UK-inspired haunt, with its cool Beatles memorabilia (and sometimes their music playing in the background).
Pro Tip:
We suggest grabbing your order and heading straight to Kensington Park (just across the location). Nothing beats crunchy fish and chips with a side of fresh air.
Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos
Media credit: https://www.instagram.com/sevenlivesto/
Website: https://sevenlivesto.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sevenlivesto/
Address: 72 Kensington Ave
Hours: Mon – Sun: 12 PM – 7 PM
Contact: https://sevenlivesto.ca/ContactSEND
Must-Order: Baja Fish Taco
Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos opened in 2012 with a mission to serve the most amazing Baja-style tacos. We’ve sampled a few, and it’s safe to say they’re succeeding.
Here’s the game plan—first, order their Baja Fish Taco, which is their bestseller (and for good reason). Who can’t say no to crispy mahi-mahi fillet topped with fresh pico de gallo and your choice of house-made spicy salsa?
We both know that one taco isn’t enough, so make sure to also get their Black Marlin Taco. The fish is beautifully cooked and drenched in yummy avocado sauce.
Vegetarians aren’t left out in the cold either—get their Mushroom and Cactus taco, which is as satisfying as any of their other tacos. I’m pretty sure even meat lovers (like yours truly) would agree.
Pro Tip:
Seating is limited inside, and there are only a couple of benches outside. Your best move is to grab your tacos (yes, plural) to-go and explore Kensington Market while you wolf them all down.
Grey Gardens
Media credit: https://www.instagram.com/greygardens199/
Website: https://greygardens.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greygardens199/
Address: 199 Augusta Ave
Hours: Mon – Sat: 5 PM – 10 PM
Contact: (647) 351-1552
Must-Order: Albacore with Watermelon Kimchi
Grey Gardens is one of the few spots in Kensington Market where the ambiance is just as stunning as the food. It’s giving French country eatery, with its delicate pastel palette and gold accents here and there.
They’re known for their amazingly fresh crudo, which is just a fancy word for raw fish—our fave is their albacore with watermelon kimchi. Have your phone ready since you’d want to take pics of this beautifully plated appetizer.
As for the main dish, we recommend their lamb with feta and herbs. Typically cooked medium-rare, it’s definitely a dish that’s one for the books.
Pair your meal with one of their curated wines–it is a wine bar after all.
Pro Tip:
In terms of budget, Grey Gardens is more like an “I’ve had a bad week, and I deserve this” kinda spot. But don’t worry, you definitely get what you pay for!
King’s Café
Media credit: https://www.instagram.com/kingsvegetarian/
Website: https://kingsvegetarianfood.ca/canada-restaurants/kings-cafe-toronto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingsvegetarian/
Address: 192 Augusta Ave
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Contact: (416) 591-1340
Must-Order: Wonton Soup
Back in 1997, vegetarian restaurants were far and few in between. So, you could say King’s Cafe paved the way with their delicious Chinese vegetarian offerings.
Start your meal with a comforting bowl of wonton soup. You’d be happy so see they’re not stingy with their plump, veggie wontons at all.
And for your entree, you just have to try their Veggie Duck with Plum Sauce. It’s amazing to think that just by tweaking the texture, shape, and flavor of plant-based meat, you could almost swear you’re eating a juicy duck.
To round things out, order a Cleansing Cherries Cocktail—it’s a refreshing mix of carrot, beet, ginger, and apple.
Pro Tip:
Don’t leave without checking out their selection of vegetarian products for sale. Grab some vegan dim sum or plant-based meatballs for a healthy snack at home.
