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 »

Pisces

More expensive than most, Pisces caters to the local, well-to-do Rosedale crowd. But quality here is among the best in the city and they'll go the extra mile and pre-cook lobsters so you can avoid the mess (and drama) at home. More »