Not-your-average grocery stores in Toronto
If finding the perfect bunch of kale for your smoothie or a chicken pot pie that tastes as good as mom’s is what really fuels your foodie mojo, it’s time to step away from the big box grocery store. We’ve rounded up our top independent grocers for premium produce, take-home fare, gourmet cheeses, all-natural products and ethical meats, plus a food co-op and a 24-hour neighbourhood favourite.
Harvest Wagon Grocers Ltd
1103 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2L7Even if you don’t live near this Summerhill locale, one visit and you may find yourself making the trek regularly. You’ll find some of the most high-quality fruits and veggies in the city at Harvest Wagon: no mealy apples or sour oranges here. Mangoes are ripe, polished and plump, crunchy grapes with the perfect amount of sweet lay on tissue paper for easy sorting, while leafy Lacinto organic kale towers amongst its green counterparts. Head toward the back for fresh-baked foccacia bread and baguettes or take home some succulent tiger shrimp and a slab of housemade turkey lasagna.
Summerhill Market
446 Summerhill Ave, Toronto, ON M4W 2E4Did you know there’s a “village” nestled between Mount Pleasant and Glen Road in heart of Rosedale’s residential neighbourhood? A hidden gem, this specialty independent grocery store carries a huge selection of ultra-premium, ready-made food options. Take a spin through the outside perimeter starting on the left for a plethora of housemade salads, juices, and skyr (Icelandic yogurt). Hit the back right corner for a smattering of take-and-bake goods that are totally worth the splurge: soups, homemade pot pies, lasagnas, tiger shrimp, roasted veggies, and our personal fave, chicken quesadillas – perfect for dunking in sour cream.
La Fromagerie
868 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A3Perched at the College and Ossington junction is a little piece of Paris. Few things are more satisfying than the French staple of a perfectly crunchy on the outside, melt-in-your mouth on the inside baguette, with a hunk of rich, aged cheese, and this is the spot to find it. La Fromagerie carries a huge selection of cheeses from Quebec, Ontario, England and Italy – think quality AND quantity. If meat’s on the menu, premium sausages and assorted terrines are aplenty. Also on the roster: juicy Kalamata olives, spicy French olives and flaky buttery croissants.
Sunshine Wholesome Market
942 College St, Toronto, ON M6H 1A5This mini, wholesome market at College and Dovercourt serves up premium made-to-order juices and smoothies as well as fresh-baked muffins, cookies, and grab ‘n go items. There’s also a hearty selection of food staples: organic dairy and eggs, snack foods and packaged staples like rice, pasta and canned beans. The produce is fresh and owners stock as much organic and locally sourced items as possible.
Herbs And Nutrition
572 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6G 1K1This Annex health food “superstore” is your one-stop-shop for fresh, packaged, and bulk food staples to fuel up, plus a ton of items you may not know you needed until you hit the aisles. For staples, you’ll find organic dairy, eggs and produce, nut butters, grains and cereals. Annex-dwellers also flock here for the huge selection of vitamins, protein powders, superfoods, herbs, essential oils and natural body care.
The Butchers Son
2055 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4S 2A2If a high-grade cut of Atlantic beef is on your mind, look no further. This specialty butcher shop located on the Yonge strip between Davisville and Eglinton is a meat gourmand’s paradise. Choose from a premium selection of ethically treated, grass-fed beef, marinated chicken, ribs and steaks plus a ton of specialty housemade items. Ready-to-go items are made from scratch with hearty and comforting ingredients (think: pot pies, soups and tomato sauce), so all you need to do is heat and dig in.
Karma Food Co-Operative Inc
739 Palmerston Ave, Toronto, ON M6G 2R3Would you like to have a say about which products your store carries, or are you willing to work a couple hours a month or pay a monthly fee for lower prices? If the answer is yes, then a food co-op may be for you. Nestled in the heart of the Annex in an old Victorian home, this member-run market carries a robust selection of organic produce, dairy and meat, plus meat alternatives. Shelves are stocked with all the regulars, too: nut butters, grains, and cereals alongside tons of bulk items. Hot tip: membership not required to shop.
Readygo Superfresh
384 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X2Open 24 hours, this Annex staple carries a wide range of all the essentials. Stepping into the store you’ll find a large fruit and veggie selection, which includes both organic and non-organic produce. The cold case stocks organic milk and eggs, plus hard-to-find bevvie faves like Cherry Coke. Dry and packaged goods range from healthy nut butters and oatmeal to classic comfort staples for those after-the-bar cravings: chips, chocolate bars and ice cream.
