Best of Toronto
The Best Fish Stores in Toronto
Toronto might not be famous for its fish, but for an ocean-starved city bordering a seriously polluted lake, we don't do so badly when it comes to tracking down salmon, trout, mussels or other fresh seafood options. We might not have anything quite like, say, Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market but for many Toronto's famous St. Lawrence Market is a good place to start.
At the south end of the South Market, three fish mongers rule the day - Mike's Fish, Seafront Fish Market and Domenic's. Of the three my loyalties lie with Seafront - mainly for their superior selection of salmon, shrimp and smoked fish - but to the casual observer they're all pretty much the same. Prices are the same too except at around 3pm on Saturdays when everything gets heavily discounted in a mad-rush to sell off inventory prior to their Sunday/Monday shut-down.
Beyond St. Lawrence Market, specialty fish and seafood stores are scattered across the city. A lot of the best stuff is supplied wholesale to Toronto's restaurants from fish mongers like City Fish, Bill's Lobster or Diana's Seafood but luckily all three of these spots also have bustling retail operations. There's also niche purveyors like Kristapsons (smoked salmon), Caviar Direct (guess!), grocers like West-coast powerhouse T&T Supermarket and neighbourhood spots in Kensington Market, Bloor West Village and beyond.
Behold the top ten our city has to offer as voted in our recent Best of Toronto poll:
Mike's Fish Market
One of the three big fish mongers in St. Lawrence Market, Mike's positions themselves at the socially-responsible choice. Lots of fresh and frozen seafood options including fish skewers and other creations ready for the oven or BBQ. More »
Bill's Lobster and Fish Market
Bill's supplies lobster and fish to many east-side restaurants. Even if you don't want to buy anything, just go to this East Chinatown store to take a look at the massive lobsters they have for sale. More »
Kristapsons
The city's finest purveyor of smoked salmon, cold-smoked to boost omega 3 fatty acids. It's now available in fine food grocers around the city but don't let that stop you from visiting their Leslieville store. More »
City Fish
City Fish supplies hard to find blue-fin tuna and other fish to high end restaurants in Toronto. Best to get here early in the day before their offerings are picked over. More »
Seafront Fish Market
Seafront sells many of the same fish, shrimp and other seafood options as Mike's but sometimes the quality or selection here can be a bit better (or worse) depending on what you're looking for. More »
Diana's Seafood Delight
Scarborough's top spot for fresh fish and seafood. Diana's bread and butter is the wholesale market but that doesn't prevent them from offering seriously fresh seafood through their retail store. More »
Snapper's Fish Market
Snapper's is where residents of Bloor West Village go to stock up on fresh fish and other seafood. Find fresh fillets, lobster and a range of specialty canned/dry goods. More »
T&T Supermarket
The fish here can sometimes leave a lot to be desired but T&T more than makes up for it with their fresh lobster, crab, shrimp and other seafood. For the quality, prices are among the best in the city. More »
Friedmans Fresh Fish
This small fish monger on Bathurst (near Lawrence Avenue) keeps things kosher and fresh for their loyal customers. Pick up some bagels at Haymishe while you're in the area. More »
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Can anyone recommend the best place to find fresh Ontario fish, like Lake trout, pike, etc.
"Can anyone recommend the best place to find fresh Ontario fish, like Lake trout, pike, etc. "
Lake Ontario?
My loyalties with Osler's. They're commercial suppliers, but also have a retail side. Lots of Portuguese/European foodstuffs as well.
@ RYAN L
I was thinking that aswell...I really like Lake fish...Pearc and pickeral esp.
Although i would refrane from calling those species "lake ontario fish" :)
Anyone know of a great fish place near Mt. Pleasant and Eglinton? Is Pisces really the closest one? The supermarkets in the area seem very weak for seafood.
Thanks
Been buying at Avenue Seafood ( Eglinton & Avenue ) for 15 years. Excellent quality and nice folks.
where can i buy anchovies in toronto?
I am looking to buy some Snook fish.
Hopefully in the Toronto area or have it shipped
to northern Ontario.
much appreciated for any help.
thanks
Patrick
Grabbed some Rainbow Trout fillets here : http://is.gd/4YtaC
Extremely fresh at a great price, will definitely return within the month.
Last time I shopped at Avenue seafood, all they had to offer was farmed salmon and shrimp that smelled like ammonia. I felt safer buying frozen stuff at Metro.
I just tried Fanning Smoked Salmon in the beach on Queen St. E at Beach st. It was melt in your mouth delicious! and its make locally.
Want to buy salmon (good quality, good price) for export to China.
Hoping to hear from wholesalers. Thanks.
Does anyone know where in Toronto and area I can by REAL Arctic Char fillets FROM THE ARCTIC?