Kensington Market’s Top 5 Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Guide
Kensington Market, you know, it’s almost like this amazing patchwork of cultures, sounds, and tastes that’s pretty unique, I guess. It’s really just a spot unlike any other in Toronto, and that certainly goes for its food scene. Over the years, I’ve kinda made it my mission to eat and drink my way through practically every nook and cranny of this place. And so, I’m happy to share, you know, my go-to spots. So, if you’re wondering, you know, where to grab some grub or just chill with a drink, you’ve come to just the right spot.
1. Rasta Pasta: Island Vibes in the City
Oh my gosh, Rasta Pasta is just too good; it really transports you right to the Caribbean with every bite, or so it feels, right? It’s one of those places, I would say, that locals actually rave about, very much, and with seriously good reason. Very much like the name hints, their specialty truly is pasta dishes with, like, a Jamaican twist. Just too great. The jerk chicken pasta, as a matter of fact, that is something else, is that not true? It’s creamy, it’s kinda spicy, and just bursting with these island flavors. It is like having a mini-vacation for your taste buds. And then there’s the oxtail pasta. It’s incredibly rich and incredibly savory; you know it really melts in your mouth. Now, very, very important to mention: They usually have daily specials, which is kinda neat, actually, so just always check those out before you finally make your decision!
2. Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos: The Taco King
Seven Lives, that is practically a Kensington institution, so they are, that, in a way, specializes, you see, in these Baja-style seafood tacos. Just too good. Prepare to just possibly wait in line – that’s a good thing, very much! – but honestly, so very worth it. Really. I would argue. Their Gobernador taco is pretty much the star. With that, shrimp is smoked, some cheese is there, too it’s almost like you taste heaven with the very first bite. Don’t underestimate the, I want to say, simple fish taco, yet; they are, you see, simply perfection with the fish that’s very lightly battered. Too yummy! And then comes the smoky-hot salsa, right? I swear, Seven Lives knows how to party!
3. Moonbean Coffee Company: Caffeine & Community
Moonbean is totally like your classic Kensington Market spot, you know? Just too perfect, they really dish out amazing coffee that has like a neighborhood kinda vibe, I swear. A bit like walking in, you’re walking, you know, into this welcoming haven, in that case, for everyone, right? So, it’s like, students huddle up with these textbooks. So many artists there. Very much tourists, too. And people that work nearby all stop for, like, their coffee breaks and chit chat. It’s got kinda a bohemian touch and, I’m telling you, that latte that I got – so smooth! They bake a couple of pastries, you know, which could be fine if you get hungry. So grab your stuff and chill there.
4. Grey Gardens: Sophisticated Sips & Bites
Okay, so now for some like, higher class stuff: Grey Gardens has very, very neat dining meets awesome wine vibes, so it seems to be, I swear. It’s kinda the spot when, as a matter of fact, you’re, you know, wanting something a tad special. First, there’s the very tasteful, so sleek, setup; then, these plates that go from awesome and easy bites all the way to filling meals, they are just spectacular. Oh yeah, so awesome wines too, you should just check that out, maybe you could see how, say, pairings would change it. They make wine nights something else! If you’re that sort.
5. Ronnie’s Local 069: Kensington’s Dive Bar Gem
Ronnie’s Local, it is a gem. They really got, like, the dive bar vibes down! The beers? So, just so many on the menu, which is too awesome for everybody who enjoys beers and wants fun vibes with friends, I would suggest. There is, usually, some hubbub from the bar itself. Is that it? Nope. It’s quite something when you see live sets from some great people who, you know, play their awesome sets or something along those lines. You are that cool with something fresh, here they have everything that they play live or what stuff you might just think of getting on that visit. Too easy and too friendly for visitors to make new memories, oh yeah!
