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Kensington Market
Categories: Food Farmers Market Shopping Fashion Used, Vintage & Consignment Local Flavour Farmers Market, Used, Vintage & Consignment, Local Flavour [Edit]
34 St Andrew StToronto, ON M5T 1K6
Neighbourhood: Kensington Market
(416) 593-0616
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
41 reviews for Kensington Market
Review Highlights
"Pedestrian Sundays make me happy to be a Torontonian."
(in 5 reviews)
"cant forget about blue banana."
(in 4 reviews)
"...and veg shops and the excellent Essence of Life organics."
(in 5 reviews)
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Victoria J.
Vancouver, BC
1/13/2012
This is one of my favourite areas of Toronto. It's perfect because of mix of vintage clothing shops, independent designers, places to eat or pick up some goodies, and to find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts. You could spend a whole day at Kensington Market just going into all of the shops.
There's a huge hippie-vibe in this place, mainly because of a lot of the stores have that quality. A block or two of houses have been converted into boutiques, which is really neat to look at. The houses reminded me of the houses that hippies lived in together during the 60s. If you're a fashion-lover or a vintage clothing-shopper, then this is the place to be. -
Review from Melissa F.
Toronto, ON
2/7/2012
Car free weekends are possibly the best day/night idea for the summer in Kensington. This neighbourhood has so much to offer within a few blocks. I can't tell you how much loitering time I've enjoyed here.
*Not so fun in the winter
*warning: garbage stank in the summerListed in: February Food-Free Yelping…
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Review from Marie F.
Even as a child I was painfully aware that there was nothing cool about my upbringing...
We didn't camp, ski, skate, swim, watch movies, go to restaurants or go on vacation. Family outings consisted of being piled into our little red k-car at 5am and driving from Barrie to Toronto for various groceries!
My friends thought we were nuts! I have memories of walking the streets of Kensington at age 9, basically half asleep, while my dad collected grains, fish and other Caribbean delicacies not available in our hometown.
I always assumed Kensington must be lame if my parents and I spent oh so many Saturday mornings here... but was I ever wrong! Almost 20 years later I realize that Kensington is AMAZING. We are talking about the epicentre of fresh and affordable fruits and veggies, a fusion of cultures, awesome vintage shops, cafes and of course an Army Surplus!
So thanks Kensington... I may not have had a conventional childhood but I know for visiting you once a month at an un-Godly hour I had the coolest family :-)Listed in: Who's down with ROTD? Yeah you…
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Review from Kayla K.
Toronto, ON
1/4/2012
I love this place. There are so many interesting little shops and things in this area. It seems sketchy - especially at night - but I wouldn't pass up this area. Great prices. Unique items.
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Review from Angelo T.
6/18/2011
Whenever I find myself making suggestions to people looking to experience something interesting in their visit to Toronto, I always tell them to spend a chunk of their day strolling around Kensington with their watches locked into their hotel safes.
Full of interesting vintage shops, this was were I found many quirky and interesting items I brought back to friends and families. Amazing food, I always found a cafe, restaurant, shop every hour and walked around with food in my hand.
Interesting characters to meet. I can't say it's a sketch-free environment, but I'll advise walking with an air of supremacy about you will not make this place fun for you. I had an interesting conversation about museums with a polish gentleman who was too modest to ask me for a dollar and I almost got run over by the most gorgeous girl cruising in a vintage bike who stopped by to chat and suggested some Kensington events I check out, sadly I was only around for that weekend and could only pretend that I was some newly arrived to the city local :P -
Review from jocelyn l.
3/13/2011
I was expecting Kensington Market to be a little like Haight-Ashbury in SF.
Parts of it were pretty hippie...including a whole stretch on Kensington Ave that looked like a frontyard sale, complete with Fairy Pajamas (seriously).
Parts of it were very rundown...i was half expecting some of the houses and shops to fall apart right in front of me.
Parts of it were little boutiques with rather expensive goodies (Good Egg, Fresh Collective, Blue Banana Market)...so overall, i think i'm just confused about this whole area.
Parts of it were also filled with lots of Mexican grocery and spice stores + bakeries
I did enjoy walking around and i'll be back...I want to check out Wanda's Pie in the Sky and Miss Cora's Kitchen...they looked lovely -
Review from Jeff M.
North York, ON
10/7/2011
Kensington, what to say... it is like TO, a constantly changing thing. Originally called "The Jewish Market" it was TO's original Jewish neighbourhood and has some of TO's oldest Synagogues. Then as they migrated north others moved in and it has been evolving ever since. thus far Kensington has avoided insurgencies by foodie although there is now one cost you your first born butcher on Baldwin and the attempt to upmarket a former greengrocer into some trendy eatery failed around the corner. FOODIES please stay in St Lawrence Market, really don't need the snobbery or the pricing that goes with it in Kensington. My greatest fear is that it will get destroyed like its predecessors Yorkville, Church St and Queen West.
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Review from Erin K.
Toronto, ON
9/17/2010 3 photos
Pics & Full Review (too long to copy and paste all of it here): http://cookiesandtomat...
On Pedestrian Sundays @ Kensington, Torontonians spill onto the car-free streets to enjoy a day of music, artsy performances, random shenanigans, and delicious face-stuffing. Held on the last Sunday of every month, it has a different atmosphere than some of the more widely advertised festivals.
I love wandering the streets as I shop at the various markets and try different treats. An extra Pedestrian Sunday was held on the 7th anniversary of the '03 Blackout - what a great way to thank a few overgrown Ohio trees for a spike in pregnancies ("blackout babies"), intense street-partying and raw sewage pouring into the Rideau Canal!
Although my major draw was The Bellevue's fish tacos (which was a fail since they didn't end up serving them the day that I went), I stuck around and did what I do best: explore and eat.
Several restaurants were offering street-eats, both from their regular menu and PS-treats. Here's a run-down of what we tried:
Segovia
Patacone
Platanos with pulled pork and sauce
Empanadas
Stuffed Pobleno
El Gordo
Burrito Empanada
Churros
Fresco's Cuisine Inc. Fish & Chips
Kabobs
Other vendors were selling Indian cuisine, pastries, jewellery, and sandwiches. As we munched away, we wandered the streets and enjoyed the fun vibe. In the spirit of Pedestrian Sunday, some locals were playing music and there were children selling some fun treats.
An oyster-loving friend was happy to discover these on sale outside of New Seaway Fish Market. Shucked to order, there were 4 varieties: French Kiss, Lucky Lime (PEI), and Kumamoto (2 for $5) as well as a BC variety (3 for $5). -
Review from Kat F.
9/18/2009
Nowadays I rarely visit Kensington Market if at all possible due to my recently heightened olfactory senses (I'm pretty much a Bloodhound) - I mean, let's be frank: it reeks.
However - when I was a teenager this was THE place to hang out. It was shitty, run down and littered with the same gutter punks that still hang out near the TD kiosk and Global Cheese on Kensington Avenue. We used to troll all the vintage shops on that strip, starting at Courage My Love and ending at Malini, looking for fun pins and badges to cover our James jackets and parkas.
Must-visits:
* Courage My Love (jewellery & other vintage stuff)
* Cheese Magic
* House Of Spice
* Essence Of Life (health food crap)
* Pure Intent (naturopathy, acupuncture)
* Urban Herbivore (veg sandwiches, soups)
* Torito (sangria)
* The Embassy (hangouts)
* Ronnie's (Cosby sweaters & BSS sightings) -
Review from Nicole P.
7/9/2011
My first time walking through the Kensington Market was relatively confusing: lots of cool looking restaurants and shops, as well as the quirkier variety of human beings, who have taken to screaming at themselves and at others throughout the street. A lot of people watching opportunities, on the bright side. Also, the food and variety of shops is pretty great... I just don't know how I'd feel about hanging out there too late. I guess, in the end, the fear of being mugged or just followed by the guy who is staring at me and giggling into his take-out food does not trump the happiness I feel for the food and shops there.
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Review from Melanio F.
6/30/2009
The market is really a central area bordered by Dundas to the South, Kensington and Augusta to the West and East and College St to the North. The area used to be a section of Toronto where immigrants lived and a part of Chinatown Centre.
I was at the Market area to distribute flyers for our film playing at the ReelHeART Film Festival. As I was distributing flyers, one of the street team members from ReelHeART gave me a brief description of the area. Simple terms, an area for some simple food, and also a flea market..
After the short visit to ask complete strangers to view a free showing of our film, In My Living Room, (a little plug), I went back to Kensington on a Saturday walk along from the hotel I was staying. One of the better days in Toronto, humidity is lower, sun is out.
As I arrived in Kensington Market area, I was able to go from one shop to another. it's a really an array of 2nd hand shops and cheap stores. I rarely go to Flashbacks in Hillcrest but here I am in Toronto shopping through the 2nd hand shops (or for the real shopper, the recycling of good quality goods). I have to say that I was impressed to see a variety of items that could prove useful for certain occasions. For one thing I was looking for something particular at a really good bargain for the same reason.
Alas this did not proved fruitful. I was able to purchase other items but this trip was an interesting one and a good recommendation to visitors in Toronto looking for that certain piece for a party or event but failed to bring with them on their visit. The natives are already aware of this area, my advice is for first timers to Toronto.
Bargains are to be had in Toronto after all. -
Review from susan c.
9/9/2009
Kensington Market is not really one big open-air street market like many visitors think it is. It's a former hippie-dippy neighborhood with a bunch of eclectic shops that sell vintage threads, spices, seafood, Latino ingredients, and produce, to name a few.
More recently, the area's seen an influx of cool bars, restaurants, and coffee houses that are more hipster than hippie. If you give a business a fresh coat of paint along with a sign in a nice font, they will come.
But beyond the tasteful signage, there's some great stuff behind the storefronts in Kensington Market. Some of my faves are:
Casa Acoreana for bulk spices http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
Blue Banana for kitschy gifts http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
Mexican Dry Goods for bulk granola ingredients and Mexican staples http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
Cheese Magic for ... cheese http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
European Quality Meats & Sausages for ... right, you guessed it
Torito for sangria and inspired tapas http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
Essence of Life for Natura soy milk at $2.19 a carton and other health food staples[1]
The Good Egg for aesthetically pleasing kitchen and housewares
The Burger Bar for saag poutine[2] http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
The patchouli crowd is probably appalled by the Martha Stewart upgrade (with prices to match) and they certainly don't eat fancy tapas--but hey, the times they are a-changin'.
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[1] OK, this place reeks a bit of patchouli
[2] Saag paneer on fries -- BRILLIANT and SO DELICIOUS! -
Review from Brad R.
Toronto, ON
5/9/2009 ROTD 2/1/2010
Kensington has become my home away from home. Working at Queen and Spadina allows me to frequent Kensington for groceries and other necessities.
I get my cheese from Global, which is reasonably priced (especially compared to super markets). They have a great selection of cheeses and you get to try everything first. I also hear good things about Cheese Magic. Most of my organic needs are served by either Tutti Frutti or Essence of Life (usually the latter) Essence has a huge selection of organic everything, from chickpeas to eggs to produce. I only wish they had bulk whey protein powder.
Meat requirements can be reasonably met by European butcher, though I actually loath the place. Lineups are atrocious, first just to order your meat, then again when you pay. There's only one (possibly two) cash register(s) so when Grandma has to pick through her purse to find every penny she has, there is no way this will be a quick in and out . Prices are decent, but they don't really seem to do custom cuts, it's just whatever has been done by the men in the back. Not the mark of a stellar butcher in my opinion. Cold cut prices are pretty cheap which is all I buy from there. I think I'll stick to St Lawrence for all of my meat needs as the butchers there really know their stuff and will cut anything for you if need be.
So meat needs aside, the produce and staples etc are fully serviced by one of my favourite Toronto destinations. Always worth the trip. A better butcher would yield 5 stars -
Review from Deanna W.
9/1/2009
Pedestrian Sundays @ Kensington market give me a reason to look forward to the last sunday of every month from May-Oct. It's also a perfectly reasonable alternative to the EX all summer: no lineups, no entrance fees and just enough culture and delicious foods to keep you entertained and satisfied!
I think most of the success and popularity of PS Kensington hinges on the fact that for one day a month the streets of the market are reclaimed -allowing revellers to walk with impunity. Add a dash of neighbourhood music and flavour, bring in some local artists and merchants, hold outdoor food stands and you've got the ingredients for an awesome neighborhood block party. Where else can you find a giant scrabble board situated in the middle of the street inviting you to make a move? Or a group of local kids showing off their break dance moves?
It's such a great day to spend at the market that it really makes my usual shopping @ Kensington seem like a reward not a chore! Now go and make party! -
Review from Pinky and the B.
1/20/2011 3 photos
Very charming. I hate to shop but actually bought a purse here that I still have! It is really unique. It has the look and feel of Haight Ashbury in San Fransisco. It is a nice cultural mix of quirky shops and cafes as well as quirky people. I had a guy yell out at me "hey Splash" referring to the movie with Darryl Hannah I guess. I'll take it as a compliment! A must see if you are in the area!
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Review from Kat T.
9/7/2009
Kensington is a Community. Described as Haight-Ashbury meets Lower East Side, but Canadian style, this place is uber liberal. Pedestrian Sundays is quintessential Kensington- keep the cars out and stay open late to allow people of all ages, races and walks of life to mingle among the cheese shop, latin groceries, yuppie clothing and jamaican patty places. The place to go if you need bulk foods from South America, tofu, or cheese! Althought there is a little grocery that was heavily protested, they carry all the things to complete your recipe's shopping list.
Great for folks visiting Toronto to see what a friendly place we are. -
Review from Amanda L.
8/19/2008
I'm going to put Kensington Market the neighborhood under the Action Committee since they basically represent the community.
That being said...
Kensington Market is the Mecca of ALL that is vintage. It's the Newbury Street of Vintage clothing, but at a fraction of the price and Just.So.Amazing.
Where do I start? Looking down any one of the street in the Kensington Market neighborhood you will be bombarded with all that is vintage. Stuck here in there are some of the best little coffee shops, bakeries, and mini-grocery stores in Toronto. Chinatown is mere feet away, Little Portugal and Little Italy also nearby. Kensington Market has a life blood all its own, and I'm so incredibly happy I got to see it. Joe and I did not come during the weekend, but even during the week it was bustling with activity. They close most of the streets surrounding Kensington during the weekends so I can only IMAGINE what the vibe is like then.
Not that I need another reason to want to move to Toronto, but honestly, if you are interested in thrifting, vintage clothes shopping, knitting, looking for some odds and ends, supporting the locals, then Kensington Market is your place! I can't even remember how many stores we went in, but each store had a flavor all its own, which is remarkable considering just how packed some stores are to each other.
If you are visiting Toronto, you MUST come here if you LOVE shopping. I don't need to tell the locals to come here because they already know how fantastic Kensington is. Go, Go, GO!!!! -
Review from Abby R.
Toronto, ON
10/16/2009
Pedestrian Sundays make me happy to be a Torontonian. If you want a true snapshot of what it's like to live in the city, and what the culture is like, then make sure this is a stop on your tour of the city. If you are a local, it's a nice reminder of what you appreciate about Toronto: different people, coming together, appreciating the little and big things, and getting a few good deals.
Aside from the normal Kensington fun, these are the things that I really enjoyed:
- Busy, but not too crowded. I hate the street festivals that are packed to the brim, you can move around comfortably here.
-Mix of people - from Kensington hippies, to tourists, to Chinese grannies with their carts, and everyone in between. There is something for everyone, and everyone is represented.
-Street performers that are actually good! We watched a guy totally rock out on a didgeridoo while playing the drums, a funk band, belly dancers, and a drumming band spontaneously start jamming with some teenage b-boys.
People often complain that people hustle and bustle in this city, not noticing each other. The opposite is true here, people enjoy the atmosphere, the other people, and take their time to enjoy it. -
Review from Jade H.
4/20/2010
This is the market where Hippies and Hipsters collide. The people here are a mixture of spirited hippies who are putting together wares to sell and live a simplistic life and there are spiritless hipsters who are trying to dress up their life and make it seem so much deeper with vintage and ethnic items.
There are a lot of vintage/second hand stores. Some of them carry some very good wares. I tried on a pretty pink outfit that just about fit and looked very cute, but I was hoping more for a gogo girls type dress. Prices are not cheap! Produce is cheaper but everything else was not cheap. It is about reasonable to pricey in my view.
The vibe of the place was fun. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
12/25/2008
This neighbourhood is the singular reason I'm enjoying the city again.
I always had in my mind that Kensington was just a place for overpriced used clothing clearly ripped from Value Village the day before.
But in my daily wanderings through this pedestrian-friendly part of town, Kensington Market is much more, and the only neighbourhood that really feels Lower-East-Side-ish. Despite the tourists, its local community still thrives and fiercely clings to its immigrant and working class roots. It's also one of the only areas where I've sat on a bench and had random people talk to me for no reason at all.
It's an amalgam of great indie art galleries (Project 165), eclectic music venues (The Boat), great coffee shops (Moonbean), and boasts a never-ending supply of used clothing. Plus, my rounds for bread, spices, and vegetables is a well-travelled itinerary and brings a lot of familiar faces into my weekly schedule.
Even though the neighbourhood is seeing a lil' smarmification on the north end of Augusta, it still feels like Kensington and on a regular day has nowhere near the hipster level of Parkdale, just full-on community. I love it here. -
Review from Renee E.
6/21/2010
Kensington Market is a blast to stroll around, check out the shops, grab a bite or a drink and people watch. There's a little bit of something for everyone.
There's a lot of color and individuality, in both the people and the shops and stands. On one visit, I managed to do a lot of browsing, buy a Kombucha from a great health food store (Essence of Life). I got to eat Middle Eastern food, then drinks at the dive bar, Embassy. My husband and I hit a shop that sold a little bit of everything and then some. We needed a corkscrew and lo' and behold there was a corkscrew.
Definitely worth a stroll or 2! -
Review from Kaye H.
Toronto, ON
5/12/2009
I do not know what it is about Kensington Market that affects me so.
Perhaps it's the abundance of vintage everything filling the air of the streets, from used clothing, to the music that floats out of the shops, to just the vintage-esque atmosphere itself. Or perhaps it is the people swarming the streets beneath the sweltering sun; beautiful people consisting of locals, girls with bleached out long wavy hair, an elderly man sitting outside watching everyone, the store owners.
Maybe it's even the memories stored in my head from previous times I've frequented Kensington, the times spent here, but one thing is clear to me: Kensington Market submerses me within an indescribable feeling that I crave. A feeling of satisfaction, safety, summer, and the city itself. Something, like I said, that I cannot describe or pinpoint.
It has not failed these past weeks that when I'm getting real down in the city, if I walk myself over to Kensington Market, it cheers me up remarkably. It is a longish walk, and I always anticipate walking down Augusta from College, or Baldwin from Spadina, into the depths of this wonderful place.
The sun always feels warmer beating down upon me in Kensington, the coffee seems to taste better, and my mood is quite obviously elevated when I am spending time in these few streets.
It is always sad to leave Kensington, it is almost as if I entering reality again, leaving behind my safety net. Kensington does not feel like reality to me, and maybe that's the magic behind the secret of its charm. Upon entering Kensington, I feel as though I am leaving behind reality, even if only for a few hours, to enter my safe haven of these few eclectic, unique and wonderful streets.
Thank you Kensington for aiding me in maintaining my sanity these last few weeks. -
Review from Amanda A.
Toronto, ON
8/24/2009
I find I am beginning to love Kensington Market more and more. When I first moved to Toronto, I'll admit, I didn't get the hype. It was just a collection of fruit markets and garage-sale items.
Then I found Yelp.
There are some awesome little bars, restaurants and shops here (I'll have to review them all seperately). This place is awesome on a hot summer day. And the fruit markets I once criticized are awesome - so far the only place in Toronto that I've been able to find mangosteen!
Go on a day where you aren't already irritated by people, in general. The crowds can be a bit much.
This is a great place to go experience the diversity of Toronto. And the best part is, I can go here and feel like I had a great day out shopping, without having spent a fortune! -
Review from Michael U.
11/11/2009 5 photos
Liberal and Hippy without being contrived and inaccessible, well priced with a plethoric selection of everything from cheeses to vintage clothes, and an absolute blast on their pedestrian Sundays. Quite honestly there really isn't an area like Kensington that I've seen outside of Bekeley and unlike California, the people hanging around Kensington aren't entirely lame-ass and stoned (sure, some are, but its not the majority.)
Honestly, there isn't a single sector of North American culture that would feel entirely out of place at Kensington and the whole area is something I look forward to seeing with each visit to Toronto. -
Review from Soukia S.
Toronto, ON
12/22/2009
Kensington Market is one of the best things about Toronto. I do my weekly grocery shopping there and it's also good for a stroll to find vintage or second-hand items. I've been to other cities and though they have markets as well, I haven't found one as extensive, well-priced, and full of character as Kensington.
You can literally buy everthing you need to survive and the eclectic mixes of ethnic fair is great. Their health food stores have great bulk foods (sugars, flours, cereals, spices, nuts, and so on) , cheap but good quality meats at the meat store, great fish, and the fruit and vegies markets have way better quality and variety than large grocery stores. Did I mention the cheese shops! Any type of cheese you can think of!
Kensington also has great local coffee and tea shops and the people watching during the summertime is excellent. It is a little difficult to navigate during the winter months, especially if you're carrying tons of grocery bags but the alternative of shopping in a chain grocery store makes the trek completely worth it. -
Review from Lynda W.
Toronto, ON
8/31/2008 1 photo
Kensington Market is a secret little world into the alternative/hippy lifestyle. I happen to come across it today on their pedestrian only Sunday, where it feels like one big street party. There's lots of music, patios, food, and interesting sites and sounds.
Shopping is pretty good for eclectic artsy vintage items. Find one-of-a-kind pieces, such as jewelery. The stretch of Kensington isn't too long, so take your time and enjoy everything. I recommend for sure checking it out on a summery Sunday afternoon, where the whole street is car-free. Check out people playing a massive street version of Scrabble or Chess. Just a super good vibe, a great place to spend a few hours. -
Review from kent c.
3/16/2010
This is a good neighborhood just to take a scroll on a weekend. It is close in walking distance to Chinatown, LIttle Italy, and Queen st. Simplicity at its finest.
PROS:
Cheap produce shopping.
A couple local meat and fish shops
Nice vibes around this part of town. Locals singing in french trying to make a buck =)
A lot of good graffiti artwork throughout
A fusion of mixed ethnic foods, shops, and restaurants
A cannabis cafe tucked in the neighborhood
Some 2nd hand thrift shops -
Review from Luke A.
Toronto, ON
10/12/2008
Kensington Market has long been one of the bohemian epicentres of Toronto. It was the setting for the Canadian TV sitcom "classic" "The King of Kensington", after all. Now that might be in jeopardy, as the locals are fighting to keep Starbucks out.
The car-free Sundays are great: the scale is much better than other local street fests (such as Taste of the Danforth or Bloor West's Ukrainian Festival), making it feel like an actual pedestrian street instead of a thoroughfare that's been closed off for the weekend. It's the best time to browse the neighbourhood, but keep in mind it's only the last Sunday of the month from May to October. -
Review from Zona T.
3/5/2010
While visiting this past winter I was dying to find a pair of knitted mittens. The first place I thought of was Kensington Market and bingo! I found them. I also bought a really great scarf here as well.
I love the quirkiness and how kitschy each individual vendor is. Kensington Market has everything you could ever want or think of and it's all so eclectic.
Perhaps I liked it because it does remind me of Haight Street. A little piece of home away from home, only a lot colder and located in Canada. -
Review from Grainne M.
Toronto, ON
8/28/2010
I kind of feel like I almost shouldn't like Kensington Market but I really do! I like the little bakeries, the higgledy piggledy buildings, the cafes and the laid back atmosphere. It's a great place to wander aimlessly-perfect for people watching and there are so many places to gaze at trinkets that you can easily pass a couple of hours. I'm a bit too fond of My Market Bakery and have been known to frequent Wanda's Pie in the Sky and Miss Cora's too. On the healthier end you can find butchers, fruit and veg shops and the excellent Essence of Life organics.
Random people sometimes sell things on the street too-like the guy with braids who rubbed some kind of perfume on my arm and then yelled "oooh. You are nice and short. I like it" as I walked off. I fear he may have also been liking my fat ass (thank you Market Bakery and your cinnamon crunchies)....but a compliment is a compliment, even from random perfume sellers! -
Review from Paul R.
Toronto, ON
9/17/2010
This whole place is sketch as hell...We walked around for a bit and then I think what finally did us in was when a homeless looking guy chased some other homeless looking guy out of a restaurant screaming about something.... we left.
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Review from Teena D.
9/4/2010 6 photos
What a great place to roam around! There's something for everyone ... fruits and veggies, meat, baked goods, cheese, vintage clothes, spices, music, and so much more!
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Review from Esther Y.
12/9/2008
This is one of the best places to go to in Toronto. Whether you live in the city of go to visit, it's just such a great place where like Jennifer said, everything kind of converges. It's filled with clothing stores, music stores, cafes, food stands, stores-that sell the BEST dried strawberries in the world, and everything else in between. Even if you aren't "shopping" you'll always find something you absolutely NEED. LOL. Go here spend money at the local shops. It's worth it.
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Review from John F.
North York, ON
8/6/2009
I reviewed this neighbourhood previously for TripAdivisor and noticed a lot of negative comments, apparently from people who either did not bother to explore the whole thing or were too snobby (or too suburban) to appreciate it. I love it. Not only does it contain a variety of food, clothing and home related shops, it has a lovely funky street appeal and is a great place to take pictures. It looks as is 1960's Haight Ashbury got bumped against New York's Lower East Side.
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Review from Jessie M.
7/6/2010
Ok, this is totally different than I thought. I expected an actual market, but this is more like three blocks of fruit markets, second-hand stores, and some other misc shops. It's lovely, don't get me wrong, just not what I expected. I would love to live in the area though, everything is really cute and I fell in love with the fish markets and the bakery. I would do all my shopping here if I could!
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Review from Aaron B.
Wilberforce, ON
4/5/2010
Went with my girlfriend, and our experience was tainted by cold weather and not having someone "in the know" to guide us to the gems, which are there, I'm sure. However, having strolled around a couple streets (Kensington being one of them) we came away underwhelmed.
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Review from Alexandra K.
12/10/2008
This is a pretty cool marketplace to see, but I've happened upon better. I liked walking around, but when I went it was simply too packed for me to shop. There are lots of cool little trinkets and finds, so it's definitely a must see.
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Review from sunnee s.
Toronto, ON
11/22/2010
kensington is my happy place . i love the people, the food, the vibe .. i love everything about kensington . it makes me feel like ive stepped out of toronto . i love how everyone and everything is so full of character . i love how everyone is doing their own thing with a face as if theyre doing exactly what theyd want to be doing at that moment . it has such a carefree, positive, peaceful vibe . i can spend all sunday afternoon strolling around, checking around the vintage shops, eating unusual authentic ethnic food (catus taco, anyone?), watching people walk by, checking out unfamiliar ethnic products from one of the little supermarkets, stuffing myself with pastries from one of the bakeries .. theres so much to do . oh ! cant forget about blue banana ! they sell all sorts of really interesting stuff from different vendors inside the store, it's really fun to just walk in and spend some time checking everything out !
Listed in: my happy places
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Review from Brian P.
Toronto, ON
11/17/2009
Always a great way to spend an afternoon! Lots of little shops where you can find just about anything you might want. As a self proclaimed chocoholic I was a little disappointed by the store actually called Chocolate Addict (or something like that). I didn't really think they had any chocolate that was all that special. My only other beef with this market are the stores are way too small and cramped. I mean, I could barely stop and look at the ingredients on a label without getting in someone's way. I forget which one, but I bought some fresh salmon from one of the fish market's and it was great product at a price similar to the big grocery stores when they have a sale. I also bought some organic chocolate from the Blue Banana which was just amazing!! Have a great time and be sure to give yourself enough time to visit all the shops.
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Review from Jennifer P.
Edmonton, AB
11/7/2008 1 photo
This is the convergence that is everything Toronto. Kensington Market is the coolest, biggest market I've ever been to, barring Morocco. It's a shanty town of stores, cobbled together in a village for shopping, strolling, visiting, begging and partying. I used to go here not just to pick up my groceries and fill my fridge with specialty items. I used to come for the crowd, to get lost in it, and enjoy being free from work with a day in front of me and nothing to do but buy tasty treats, like authentic homemade hummus drizzled in chili oil with calamata olives, or dozens of cheeses I'd never tried before (what, you mean there's something besides cheddar, mozza and marble?!), fresh veggies for great deals, baklava, fresh peanut butter, fresh breads, flowers, etc. There are cute little shops like, Courage, My Love, where they sell incense, yin-yang pendants, and all other types of bohemian and hippy decor. Head shops and vintage shops. Designer boutiques, and retro flea markets. It was a tossed salad and melting pot of all that Canada's foreign policies have made us. You want culture? Shop Kensington.
