St. Lawrence Market

Toronto, ON

For over a century, St. Lawrence Market has been a source of high-quality food and goods for Toronto residents. It is a vast, two-story market housing all manner of meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables, and other delicacies. If you are looking for that Triple Grade A steak, rare European cheese, or ingredients for a special dinner party, St. Lawrence Market will provide.

Additionally, St. Lawrence Market sells food you can eat right in the market. Many a brave visitor has been beaten up by a sandwich from Mustachio's (warning: if you attempt one of these, make sure you have nothing to do for the next few hours!) If proving your worth by preparing your own meal is not your thing, the market provides fare such as peameal bacon on a bun, sushi, pizza, pasta, and many other dishes.

The general rule for the market is that delicatessen kinds of food are located upstairs, and all other types of shops are downstairs. It is important not to forget all the sweets and baked goods for sale! There is even a bulk food store downstairs in the back corner where you can find European chocolate that is actually from Europe and not manufactured locally.

Visit the Market Gallery in the South Market, home to official City of Toronto Archives exhibitions. Saturdays is the local Farmers’ Market, which has been operating for over 200 years! On Sundays you will find a vast array of antiques dealers at the North Market and spilling out onto the surrounding sidewalks.

St. Lawrence Market is worth the visit not only for the shopping, but for the immense history in the building. If you pass through the front lobby, take a look at the walls; you can actually see images of tall ships from the 1800's docked in the back of the market. It also served as Toronto's first City Hall from 1845 to 1899. It is worth taking the time to breath in the history of the place. And when you get home, you can breath in the smells of all that good food you bought!