A giant new 55,000-square-foot food hall just opened in Toronto
Published July 3, 2024 at 12:07 pm
A massive new food hall with over a dozen cuisines plus multiple bars and patios just opened in Toronto after much anticipation.
Waterworks Food Hall spans 55,000 square feet and is housed in a historic building dating back to the 1800s that was actually originally a food market.
The space was first home to St. Andrew’s Market, which at the time was Toronto’s second largest market. After being decommissioned in 1920, the building was turned into the Water Works Building in 1932. The current development now encompasses both residences and a new food hall with 44-foot ceilings, 20-foot windows and 35 chandeliers.
The space is crowned by an art installation suspended high above the food hall, with the work of 13 artists painted on spheres. A mosaic that spans the height of the main stairwell was made using reclaimed wood from the original floor, and skylights were preserved.
The food hall is the result of eight years of extensive research in food halls around the world in places like Lisbon, London, Copenhagen, New York, Chicago and Madrid.
Vendors at the food hall include Aburi Sushi, coffee bar Boxcar Social, Dave’s Genuine Deli, Harry’s Charbroiled, Island Oysters, Musoshin Ramen, Otto’s Berlin Doner, Taco Lupita, Scooped by Demetres, Pizzeria Popolo, Soi Thaifoon, Arepa Republic, Vit Beo, stuffed naan and chai cafe Karak, and the Waterworks Bar serving craft beer and local wines.
Other concepts soon to open at Waterworks Food Hall include “mezzanine themed cocktail bar” Civil Works, natural wine bar Grape Witches and Turkish delight and pastry maker Liu Loqum Atelier.
The reopened Lee Restaurant has also now relocated to Waterworks, having moved from their previous location on King Street West. Helmed by celeb chef Susur Lee, the restaurant fuses Asian and French influences to create refined dishes.
Waterworks is also now home to Sobr Market, Canada’s largest retailer of non-alcoholic wine, beer, spirits, and canned cocktails from around the world.
Waterworks Food Hall is now open at 50 Brant St.