Just north of downtown Toronto are two shopping centres that are home to great shopping, plenty of space and delicious food offerings that might become your new favourite spots in the GTA.
Yorkgate Mall, a two-level community shopping centre located just east of Highway 400, is a hidden gem in the North York community. Featuring ample parking, access to transit and over 60 stores, services and restaurants, visitors can enjoy a one-stop shopping experience.
Over at Disera Drive just north of the city in Thornhill, this vibrant shopping hub offers over 40 exciting retail stores, services and restaurants, with free parking as well. Just steps away from Centre Street, this shopping centre is an easy walk for condo dwellers and a go-to spot for young families.
But the highlight of both these GTA centres is without a doubt the variety of food options — step inside and you’ll be greeted by the sights and scents of some of the most delicious cuisines you can imagine.
“We offer a diverse array of restaurants showcasing the rich cultures and communities from around the world,” says Chris Couch, marketing associate at Yorkgate Mall and Disera Drive. “Our goal is to present an enticing variety of dining options within a welcoming, family-friendly environment for our customers.”
Yorkgate Mall — take a tour across the globe just by stepping inside this shopping hub. Try Caribbean Cuisine, featuring classic Caribbean dishes that include jerk chicken, curry goat, braised oxtail and more, all served with mouthwatering sides. There’s also China Wok, a neighbourhood favourite; enjoy fast service, great portions and an amazing assortment of hot table Chinese foods for affordable prices — including what some consider the best chicken wings in the city.
For satisfying and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, try El Greeko — this family-run business offers fast and delicious Greek food, with customers often highlighting the lamb shank as their stand-out dish.
If you’re looking for a taste of Jamaican food, Montego Jerk has it all, from callaloo to brown stew kingfish to, of course, jerk chicken. There’s also Top Food Asian Cuisine, with large portions and a variety of options that include sweet and sour chicken and Shanghai noodles — plus combo deals that can’t be beat! If chicken’s more your thing, Church’s Texas Chicken is the place to be.
At Disera Drive, the options are similarly delicious — you could spend the whole day there, from breakfast to dessert!
Locally-owned Bagel World is a go-to spot for breakfast and lunch, whether you’re picking up a dozen freshly-baked bagels or sitting down for a piled-high sandwich. Copper Branch also offers a tantalizing plant-based breakfast menu for those who are looking for more health-minded options; try their power bowls, grab a nutrition-packed smoothie or even a deluxe beet and brown rice burger.
For lunch or dinner, head to Halibut House Fish & Chips, a family business offering seafood platters, all kinds of fish and chips options and starters that include fish tacos and clam chowder. Or try Desi Pakwan, featuring an extensive menu of flavourful Indian and Hakka dishes. There’s something for everyone thanks to plenty of vegetarian options and everything from noodles to rice to fish to curry.
And for dessert, head over to Marble Slab Creamery where you can pick your own mixins and choose from over 50 flavours.
Yorkgate Mall and Disera Drive are ideal destinations for a family outing, quick bite to eat, celebratory meal or anything in between.