Living in Toronto’s Bloor West Village comes with its share of perks. Perhaps the greatest advantage is the fantastic food. Incredible restaurants and patios abound, providing a fun way to spend a morning, afternoon, or evening with friends or family.
What if you’re daydreaming of the perfect meal from the comfort of your own home? Takeout from one of the neighbourhood’s many delicious digs might be in order. However, if you’re looking to delight your taste buds and inner chef at the same time, there’s no shortage of gourmet food shops along the charming streets of Bloor West Village!
Ready to whip up a dinner your family won’t soon forget? Here are five local grocers where you can shop for the high-quality ingredients you’ll need.
Bloor Meat Market
Calling all carnivores! If you’re planning to fire up the barbeque in the weeks ahead, you should make a trip to Bloor Meat Market first. Sure, you could pick up a couple of steaks from one of the big-name supermarkets in a pinch.
However, you’ll almost always get better customer service and a superior product from a specialized butcher shop. Beef, pork, poultry, lamb—you’ll find the freshest cuts of whatever you’re looking for at Bloor Meat Market. This family owned and operated shop, which has been serving in the area since 1929, is one of the top landmarks of Bloor West Village!
It helps that they are fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, which means everyone can have the joy of a high-quality, home-cooked meal. There’s even a children’s toy box to keep the little ones busy while the grownups peruse the gourmet cuts.
If you want to skip some of the cooking while still savouring the flavours, you might try some of the pre-made kebabs or sausages or take home a helping of preservative-free cooked roast beef or turkey breast.
Thinking of downsizing in the West End? Here are a few resources for a seamless transition:
- Your A to Z Guide to Downsizing in Toronto
- 9 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Downsizing
- Best Toronto Neighbourhoods for Active Retirees
Cheese Boutique
There are few events that can’t be made better with cheese! Many people associate cheese plates and charcuterie boards with dinner parties and fun, social gatherings. Thanks to the Cheese Boutique, it has never been easier to enjoy a nice camembert or aged brie at home.
This Bloor West Village staple represents the finest of Toronto’s Foodie culture, and its unforgettable vault features some of the rarest and long-aging cheese wheels in the world!
Stop by for a DIY meal kit, complete with recipe card, that will allow even a novice cook to show off their culinary creations. Alternatively, you could arrange catering for your next big event or anniversary, or visit the daily food truck for a meal by chef Jimmy Doukas. There are endless creative options to get your cheese fix in.
Snappers Fish Market
More partial to grilled salmon or mackerel than a juicy steak? Head over to Snappers Fish Market, a local Bloor West Village gem just west of Runnymede and Bloor.
While many of us are quick to order perfectly-prepared seafood from our favourite restaurant, not everyone feels confident in making it themselves.
However, the recipes, ingredients, and education in all things fish-based might just change your mind. If you love seafood and trying new things,then check out what’s in stock at one of our favourite local markets.
Fresh & Wild
You can’t have a meat or fish dinner without the right vegetables. That’s why you should head over to Fresh & Wild. This small grocer, which is an outpost of a shop with the same name on Spadina and King, is a fantastic local go-to for fresh produce.
It offers an impressive selection, including many organic options. Whether you’re looking for asparagus and baby potatoes to eat with your main course, or some flavourful berries and melon to accompany dessert, check out Fresh & Wild—you won’t be disappointed! Even the pickiest eaters are sure to find something to love.
Are you getting ready to search for your West End dream home? The resources below will help:
- Could a Cosmetically Imperfect Home Be the Best Choice in Toronto?
- Navigating the Journey as Your Family Outgrows Its Home
- What Are Toronto’s Most Affordable Neighbourhoods for First-Time Buyers?
The Wine Shop
You’ve got the appetizer and the main course all ready to go. But what about something to drink? A perfectly paired glass of wine just might be the ideal complement for your gourmet meal. And upscale restaurants aren’t the only places to enjoy some nice vino with dinner.
Simply head over to the Wine Shop, conveniently located on Bloor Street West. Whether you’re looking for a merlot, sparkling Riesling, or even a seasonal cider, you’ll find it here. Friendly and knowledgeable staff are happy to guide you into what wine will pair perfectly with your creations. If you prefer to shop from home, you can find nearly anything you want online.
Looking to buy your dream home in the Bloor West Village area? We know West Toronto inside and out, and we’d love to help! Get in touch at info@sidorovainwood.com or call 416-769-3437 to learn what’s available.
