Kensington Market Winter Guide: 10+ Cozy Spots for Food & Finds

When it’s cold out, it’s easy to just hibernate, but you’d be missing out on one of the 6ix’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. So, is Kensington Market open during winter? You bet it is, and a snowy day just adds to its charm, making it a must-visit.

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How to Spend a Perfect Wintry Day in Kensington Market

Your Guide to Things to Do in Kensington Market

Forget what you’ve heard, Kensington is absolutely worth visiting in the winter. Unlike the more structured St Lawrence Market, Kensington is a sprawling, open-air neighbourhood where the vibe is all about discovery. The best time to go to Kensington Market really depends on you: pop by on a weekday for a chill vibe or brave the weekend crowds for the full, bustling experience.

Grab a Hot Drink at FIKA Cafe

You’ll need something warm to clutch while you wander, and FIKA is the perfect spot. This cozy, book-lined cafe is an Instagram dream and serves up great coffee and pastries. It’s the ideal starting point for your adventure.

• Price: $
• Location: 28 Kensington Ave, Toronto
• Contact: https://www.fika.ca |  info@fika.ca 
• Pro Tip: Grab a window seat. It’s one of the best spots in the market for people-watching.

Or a Classic Brew at Moonbean Coffee Company

A true Kensington OG, Moonbean roasts its own beans and has a massive menu of coffee and tea. The vibe is pure, unpretentious market, and their warm patio (yes, warm in winter) is a great little hideaway.

• Price: $
• Location: 30 St Andrew St, Toronto
• Contact: https://moonbeancoffee.com | (416) 595-0327 | info@moonbeancoffee.com 
• Pro Tip: They make a killer London Fog if you’re not in the mood for coffee.

Hunt for Treasure in Vintage Shops

The Kensington Market stores are legendary, especially for vintage. Winter is the best time to hunt for a unique coat, cozy sweater, or broken-in boots. Check out spots like Courage My Love, Sub Rosa, and Bungalow for the best finds.

• Price: $$-$$$
• Location: Throughout the market (mainly on Kensington Ave & Augusta Ave)
• Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to dig. The best stuff is often hidden in the racks.

Warm Up with a Bagel from Blackbird Baking Co.

People on Reddit are always debating the best food in Kensington Market, and this is a top contender. Nothing beats a fresh, hot bagel loaded with cream cheese and lox on a cold day. These are proper, Montreal-style bagels, and they are life-changing.

• Price: $
• Location: 172 Baldwin St, Toronto
• Contact: https://www.instagram.com/bbirdco 
• Pro Tip: Try their almond croissant fresh out of the oven — it’s melt-in-your-mouth perfection.

Eat Your Weight in Tacos at Seven Lives

Okay, it’s not “hot” in the temperature sense, but the spice will warm you right up. Seven Lives Tacos Y Mariscos is a Toronto institution. Their Baja fish taco is famous for a reason.

• Price: $
• Cuisine: Mexican (Tacos)
• Location: 72 Kensington Ave, Toronto
• Contact: https://www.sevenlivesto.ca  | (416) 393-4636 | sean@sevenlivesto.ca 
• Pro Tip: Bring cash. We can’t stress this enough.

Grab a Hot Sandwich from Sanagan’s Meat Locker

Yes, it’s a butcher shop, but their sandwich counter is one of the market’s best-kept secrets. The Roast Beef sandwich or the classic BLT (even in winter) is incredible. It’s a proper, hearty meal.

• Price: $$
• Cuisine: Sandwich Shop
• Location: 176 Baldwin St, Toronto
• Contact: https://sanagansmeatlocker.com | (416) 593-9747 | kensington@sanagansmeatlocker.com 
• Pro Tip: Check their daily hot sandwich special. It’s usually something amazing.

Feel the Heat with Rasta Pasta

This spot is a Kensington legend, blending Jamaican and Italian food. A warm box of jerk chicken with pasta or rice and peas is the ultimate winter comfort food.

• Price: $
• Cuisine: Jamaican/Italian
• Location: 61 Kensington Ave, Toronto
• Contact: https://eatrastapasta.ca | 647 501 4505 
• Pro Tip: The “Dutty” T’ing (jerk chicken on creamy pasta) is the go-to order.

Snack at Wanda’s Pie in the Sky

For something sweet and soul-warming, head to Wanda’s Pie in the Sky. This charming bakery is a Kensington staple, known for its colourful space, flaky crusts, and pies that taste like a warm hug.

• Cuisine: Bakery & Café
• Location: 287 Augusta Ave, Toronto
• Contact: https://www.instagram.com/wandaspieinthesky  | (416) 236-7585
• Pro Tip: Pair your slice with a hot latte and snag a window seat for the best market views. 

Stock Up on Cheese at Global Cheese

What can you buy at Kensington Market? Amazing cheese. Global Cheese is one of the classic shops where you can get lost just sampling. The staff know their stuff and can help you build the perfect winter cheeseboard.

• Price: $$
• Cuisine: Cheese Shop
• Location: 76 Kensington Ave, Toronto 
• Contact: https://globalcheese.ca | +1 416-593-9251
• Pro Tip: Ask for a sample of the 5-year-old cheddar. You won’t regret it.

Snack on Crispy Fries at Fresco’s Fish & Chips

When you’re wandering the market with frozen fingers, nothing hits the spot quite like a pile of hot, golden fries. Fresco’s Fish & Chips has that cozy, no-nonsense vibe you want on a cold day, serving thick-cut fries and crispy fish that’ll warm you right up.

• Price: $$
• Cuisine: Fish & Chips
• Location: 201 Augusta Ave, Toronto
• Contact: https://www.facebook.com/frescosfishandchips | +1 416-546-4557 | frescomichael@gmail.com 
• Pro Tip: Go for the halibut and chips combo — it’s big enough to share but you probably won’t want to.

Indulge in Filipino Sweets at Asukal Desserts

If you’re craving something sweet with a twist, make your way to Asukal Desserts inside the 6×8 Market. This Filipino-inspired dessert spot brings tropical vibes to chilly Toronto days, serving up creative treats like ube macarons, leche flan, and calamansi tarts. Each bite is a burst of flavour that’ll make winter feel a little sunnier.

• Price: $–$$
• Cuisine: Filipino – Canadian Desserts
• Location: 6×8 Market, 160 Baldwin St, Toronto
• Contact: https://www.instagram.com/asukal_to 
• Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying the ube flan tart — it’s as Instagrammable as it is delicious.

Get Your Spices at Global Flavors at Caribbean Corner

When the cold’s got you craving bold flavours, head to Caribbean Corner, one of Kensington Market’s hidden gems. This colourful grocery shop is packed with vibrant ingredients — from jerk seasonings and plantain chips to tropical sauces that bring instant warmth to your kitchen. 

• Price: $
• Location: 171 Baldwin St, Toronto
• Pro Tip: Grab a bottle of their house-made pepper sauce — it’s the perfect way to spice up any winter meal. 

Go Natural at Essence of Life Organics

This is the market’s go-to independent grocery store for all things organic, vegan, and gluten-free. It’s a great place to stock up on healthy snacks, kombucha, or natural wellness products for the winter.

• Price: $$
• Location: 50 Kensington Ave, Toronto
• Contact: https://www.instagram.com/essenceoflifeorganics | (416) 506-0345
• Pro Tip: Their produce section is small but has a great, well-curated selection.

Have a No-Fuss Drink at Ronnie’s Local 069

After a long day of walking, duck into Ronnie’s for a pint. It’s the essential Kensington dive bar—no frills, just good beer, a colourful local crowd, and a perfectly worn-in atmosphere.

• Price: $
• Location: 69 Nassau St, Toronto
• Pro Tip: It’s tiny and gets packed, but that’s all part of the charm.

How to Get There

Figuring out your Kensington Market directions is easy.

• By TTC: The best way is to take the 505 Dundas or 506 Carlton streetcar and get off at Spadina. From there, it’s just a short walk. You can also take the Spadina 510 streetcar and get off at Nassau St. or Baldwin St.
• Kensington Market Address (General): The market is bordered by College St, Spadina Ave, Dundas St W, and Bellevue Ave. If you need a Kensington Market map for your GPS, plugging in “214 Augusta Avenue” will get you to the heart of it.

Ready to Hit the Ice?

After you’ve explored every nook and cranny of the market and your hands are full of vintage finds and tasty treats, you’ll probably be looking for another classic Toronto winter activity. If you’re heading back toward the centre of the 6ix, why not go for a skate? Make sure you’re prepared by checking out our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide To Skating At Nathan Phillips Square for all the details on rentals, ice conditions, and avoiding the crowds.

More…

• https://secrettoronto.co/things-to-do-in-kensington-market-toronto 
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/best-things-activities-to-do-at-kensington-market 
• https://www.destinationtoronto.com/leisure-blog/post/guide-to-kensington-market 
• https://www.overheretoronto.com/festive-things-to-do-in-toronto-this-holiday