At the mention of the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood, does your mind immediately race to the thought of fresh cuts of meat and seafood, gourmet cheese, and baked goods? It’s normal to associate the words “St. Lawrence” with a sunny Saturday morning down at the market, but we’re about to blow your mind – the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood is also an epic place to spend a Friday night. We recently attended an event that introduced us to all of the restaurants that have recently opened on Market Street (which is going to turn into a giant patio this summer – FYI). After sampling some amazing food and drinks, we were inspired to give some love and attention to one of our favourite Toronto ‘hoods. Check out our top restaurant picks for the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood…
Barsa Taberna
When you walk into Barsa Taberna, you will immediately feel like you’re in a little café in Spain. From traditional tapas like grilled octopus and churros, to inventive starters like pinxtos with a duck-mortadela whip, you will not be disappointed. It’s a great place to spend a Friday night with friends and, hey, they make an amazing sangria!
Bindia
This family-owned Indian restaurant, also located on Market Street, offers Indian classics with modern flourishes. The people who own the restaurant are so warm and welcoming that you will feel like you are at a friend’s house. Don’t forget to order the mango lassi – it is creamy and sweet and perfect for a warm summer evening.
Market St. Catch
Run by the same people who own Buster’s Sea Cove in the market, this is a great spot to have a quick but delicious meal. The seafood is fresh and delicious, and the staff is very friendly. Don’t pass up the fish tacos or the lobster roll.
Pastizza
There is nothing better than starting the weekend off with pasta and red wine. Pastizza offers all of the Italian classics with a twist. We suggest the ravioli con castagne, which is a chestnut and ricotta ravioli with pancetta, brown butter, sage, and pomegranate. It’s a rich and savoury indulgent — perfect with a bottle of wine.
The Works
The Vv team often debates over who serves the best burger in TO, and we all agree that The Works is in contention for first place. Just steps from The St. Lawrence Market, The Works offers a variety of burgers like “The Blues Burger” and “The Barking Cow” (smoked brisket, Barking Squirrel BBQ sauce, caramelized onions, jack cheese, and bacon). The menu is so large that the only problem you’ll face is deciding what to order.
Sukho Thai
Sukho Thai is one of our favourite places to order green curry (Gaeng Kiaw Wan, to be exact). Located at 52 Wellington East, the atmosphere is relaxed, but the restaurant is always busy. Trust us, it will be worth the wait.
Le Petit Dejeuner
This family-owned restaurant is a breakfast hotspot. Known for their Belgium-Canadian comfort food, you will usually find a line out the door on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Try their light and fluffy waffles or their eggs benny and you will go home satisfied. If you’re in the area in the evening, stop by for an intimate dinner with a seasonal menu.
Balzac’s
Balzac’s is an elevated coffee shop with artisanal coffee seasonally sourced, serving only fair trade and organic beverages. Stop by the Market Street location for a coffee and dessert.
What are some of your favourite joints in the St. Lawrence Market area? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below or follow us and the conversation on Twitter at @ViewTheVibe.
