Food halls are the rage in Toronto โ one of the hottest trends. Dating back to ancient marketplaces, modern food halls revive the community spirit of gathering for fresh, artisanal foods.ย
If you’re not in the know, here’s the lowdown on what they offer and why they’re all the buzz.
Waterworks Food Hall
Opened on July 3, Waterworks Food Hall sits in the heart of King West at Richmond and Spadina. This spectacular mixed-use development houses 297 condominiums, along with restaurants and food stalls from some of the cityโs best-known chefs. It is also connected to one of Torontoโs oldest and most historic parksโthe 1.45-acre St. Andrewโs Playground. The European-style Food Hall seamlessly blends with its surrounding neighborhood, boasting a 55,000 sq. ft. space featuring heritage brick walls, a soaring 30-foot ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the interior with natural light. Steel beams, exposed brick walls, sophisticated tile floors, and expansive skylights lend a modern aesthetic, while an old gantry crane adds an authentic touch.Foodies from all over the city can indulge in a wide range of cultures and flavours from vendors selling everything from freshly-baked goods to vegan eats.ย Vendors at the food hall include Harryโs Charbroiled, Aburi Sushi, Musoshin Ramen, Daveโs Genuine Deli, and Ottoโs Berlin Dรถner.
Wellington Market Food Hall
At Front and Spadina, The Well is a mini-city. With 22,000 people daily and 11,000 living and working on site, it offers 1.2 million square feet of office space and 320,000 square feet of retail and dining. Spanning six rental and condo buildings, plus an office building and a three-level Retail Walk, The Well is always busy. The Wellington Market on the lower level is a foodie hot spot with 50 vendors offering a range of options. Enjoy hearty dishes from Gus Tacos and Hooky’s Fish, or sweet treats from Big Fat Cookies and Isabella’s Mochi Donuts. With a liquor license, you can sip and savour as you explore. Spanning 70,000 square feet, it includes communal dining and a 5,000-square-foot event venue for cooking classes and corporate events.
Queens Cross Food Hall
Did the Toronto Eaton Centre just become the city’s top foodie spot? With The Queens Cross Food Hall opening in the mall’s lower level, it certainly seems so.ย From the team at Oliver & Bonacini, this expansive 19,000 square foot space features 13 food stalls, two rotating pop-up spots, and a stylish bar and cafรฉ with seating for 300 hungry patrons.ย The food stalls offer a variety of globally inspired options, including quick-service brands, creative twists on established O&B eateries, and occasional pop-ups and partnerships. Get ready to indulge in everything from gourmet burgers to finger-lickin’ fried chicken, fresh seafood and a bunch of vegetarian options.ย
Union Market
Stop and dive into Toronto’s culinary scene at Union Market, smack dab in the heart of the station. This bustling hub is home to a vibrant collection of local food vendors, serving up everything from quick grab-and-go lunches to dishes that’ll spice up your dinner routine. At the market you’ll find international flavours from he likes of #DESI, Chocollata Brigadeiros, Hazukido, and Manotas Organics as well as fun pop-ups like Isabella’s Donuts.
St Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market, dating back to 1803, stands as one of Toronto’s oldest and most beloved public markets. Located downtown near Front and Jarvis Streets, it boasts over 120 vendors offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and more. Divided into the South Market and the weekend-operating North Market, alongside St. Lawrence Hall, it’s a historic and vibrant hub cherished for its culinary diversity and local charm. Top spots to visit include Carousel Bakery, Scheffler’s, Buster’s Sea Cove and Sausage King by Bespoke Butchers.
Table Fare and Social
TABLE Fare + Social offers a fresh dining and social concept in Torontoโs financial district. Featuring a variety of vendors curated from the cityโs top chefs, including Aloette Go, Chaiyo by Pai, Friday Burger, and Plancha, thereโs aย delicious dish for every palate.ย
Chefs Hall
Chef’s Hall at Toronto’s Richmond-Adelaide Centre is a sprawling culinary playground where 17 ย of the city’s top chefs present their mouthwatering creations. Try everything from crispy fried chicken to tacos, massive sandwiches and mouthwatering smash burgers, all washed down with drinks that wonโt let you put them down. Whether itโs a power lunch, after-work hangout, or game-night grub session, Chef’s Hall offers four distinct spaces โ Beer Hall, Chef’s Lounge, Main Hall, Coffee Bar and Outdoor Patioโspanning 18,000 sq ft. It’s the spot to indulge in Oswaldโs Pizzaโs famous Detroit-style pies, Grandma Loves You’s freshly made sandwiches and their own hits like Grateful Chicken and Lost Coffee.