Spotlight
June 5, 2025
Homegrown Guide to Yonge + St. Clair
Discover What Locals Already Know
This isn’t just a list—it’s a guide written by the people and storeowners who live and work here. From tucked-away cafés to indie retailers and trusted neighbourhood services, these are the hidden gems that give Yonge + St. Clair its character. Start with what’s nearby and discover the neighbouhood from the lens of locals who know the block.
Scroll down to browse these categories: Shopping | Dining | Services
All walkable. All homegrown. All yours to explore.
DINE LOCAL
Whether you’re craving a sit-down meal or something sweet to-go, these restaurants and cafés serve up flavour with community spirit.
El Inka
Authentic Peruvian cuisine + cocktails in a laidback atmosphere
One look at their menu and you’ll see why El Inka is a as real as they come. Family-owned, authentic Peruvian recipes without compromising identity, and forever growing in popularity, this restaurant is a place you hope will remain a local hidden gem for years to come.
21 St. Clair E →
(647) 812-4652
Open daily: 1130AM – 9PM
elinka.ca | IG: @elinkacanada
Zelden’s Deli and Desserts
One of the City’s last remaining traditional deli experiences that’s consistently delicious
A pillar of the deli scene since the 1980’s Zelden’s is a local legacy that scratches the classic deli itch with hearty sandwiches and homemade sauces. Delicious, wholesome and familiar. It’s hard to imagine a more traditional deli in Toronto. Don’t miss their outdoor patio this summer.
1446 Yonge Street → (647) 347-3474 Mon–Fri: 8AM – 9PM Sat-Sun: 9AM-9PM zeldensdelianddesserts.com IG: @zeldensdeli
Ambiyan on Yonge
Wine, dine, and unwind with modern Indian cuisine
A refined-yet-relaxed spot serving modern Indian dishes alongside a curated wine list. A must-add to your repertoire of dine-in restaurants in this neighbourhood, enjoy a summer evening on their cozy covered patio. A family-owned restaurant with a sister location in Unionville.
1560 Yonge St. (In the Ground-Level Courtyard) → (416) 792-5656 Open daily: 12PM–10PM ambiyan.ca | IG: @ambiyanonyonge
Eva’s Original Chimneys
Sweet summer desserts, with a twist
Crunchy pastries with ice cream fillings? This might be your new go-to summertime treat. This Toronto-based hotspot is growing quickly across the City with its third of five locations in the City here at Yonge + St. Clair.
55 St. Clair W (Unit 101) → (226) 700-3479 Mon-Fri: 11AM-10PM Sat-Sun: 12 Noon – 9PM originalchimneys.com | IG: @ogchimneys
La Barista Café
Your go-to for friendly faces and coffee/tea
Known for their owner’s neighbourly charm and infectious personality, this tucked-away café offers locally roasted coffee, pastries, and warm welcomes daily. Serving this neighbourhood for over 20 years.
2 St. Clair Ave E (Lower Concourse, find it down the escalators) → (416) 922-2233 Mon–Fri: 7AM–5PM | Sat: 8AM–4PM | Closed Sun
IG: @labaristacafe
Pita Lite
On the run? Grab your shawarma and Mediterranean grill staples for a fast casual bite
Whether it’s a pita wrap, rice or fries you’d like to accompany your choice of Mediterranean grill selections this locally-owned and operated shawarma shop serves up great flavour and value.
1409 Yonge St.→ (416) 923-1777 Open Daily: 11AM-12AM
pitalite.com IG: @pitalite_
Grandma Loves You
Toronto’s most popular sandwich shop has its flagship location here
A local startup success story, the entrepreneurial couple from Germany took the premium sub sandwich scene by storm in 2018 expanding from a single, over-the-counter shop in Rosedale to multiple locations across Toronto’s busiest intersections. From savoury subs to creative takes on grilled hot dogs this is a go-to hotspot for a satisfying bite.
40 St. Clair W→ (416) 735-3233 Open Daily: 830AM – 8PM
grandmalovesyou.ca IG: @grandmalovesyoutoronto
SHOP LOCAL
Looking for something special? These retailers offer unique finds, curated collections, and proudly Canadian picks—all within a short stroll.
Book City
Independent bookshop with eclectic finds at great prices
Since 1976, this Toronto-run independent bookstore has stocked its shelves with an eclectic mix of new and backlist titles, packing their shelves high with bargain and unexpected finds.
1430 Yonge St.
(416) 926-0749 Mon-Sat: 10AM-6PM Sun: 11AM-5PM bookcity.ca | IG: @bookcityto
Pawmart
Boutique finds for your pet and other rare treats
An indie pet shop that pampers shoppers and their pets, Pawmart focuses on retailing high quality pet products and premium treats you won’t find anywhere else. Locally-owned with some of the friendliest service you’ll encounter, stop by if you’re shopping in the area for you and your pets.
1402 Yonge St.→
(416) 923-1777 Open Daily: 830AM – 8PM pawmart.ca | IG: @pawmart.ca
St. Clair Greetings
Gifts for every occasion with a Canada Post mailing centre for added convenience
30 years and going strong, this family-owned gift and card shop boasts a postal mailing service via Canada Post on-site too!
1421 Yonge St.
(416) 961-7678 Mon-Fri: 9AM-7PM Sat: 10AM-5PM stclairgreetings.ca | IG: @stclairgreetings
Paperboy Cards & Gifts
Boutique gifts and flair in the heart of Midtown
For 22 years Steven Gerry has been collecting, curating and vending some of this neighbourhood’s most unique and trendy gifting options. You’ll find a touch of class and humour in the stock they carry. This spot is perfect for your next special occasion.
1421 Yonge St.
(416) 926-8622
Mon-Sat: 10AM-6PM Sun: Closed
Health Shoppe
Your local home goods to feel your best
Andrea Szomor has been a trusted local source of natural health products, supplements and curated home goods for the Yonge + St. Clair community for over 25 years. Their shoppe also has a mini grocery store stocking vegan, non-GMO and green foods.
1378 Yonge St. (416) 968-1225 Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 10AM–7PM | Wed 10AM – 6PM| Sat 10AM – 5PM | Sun: Closed
healthshoppetoronto.com
LOCAL SERVICES
From self-care to everyday essentials, these services are run by people who live—and care—right here in your community.
Top Knot Pet Grooming & Atelier
Expert pet grooming with heart, style, and a splash of colour.
New to the Yonge + St. Clair community, Top Knot is a woman-led, Canadian-owned boutique salon offering low-volume, high-quality grooming with a focus on gentle handling, skin + coat care, and beautifully styled cuts—from breed-standard to Asian Fusion and Teddy-Bear trims. They even offer pet-safe colouring and spa-like treatments for your pup.
46 St. Clair East E, Unit B102 (647) 325-6274 Tue–Fri 10AM-5PM | Sat 11AM – 5PM IG: @thetopknotgrooming
Haru’s Barbershop
Classic men’s cuts, newly rooted in the neighbourhood
New to the area and independently run, Haru’s offers men’s cuts with a side of community charm.
1388 Yonge St.
(416) 975-0000 Mon-Sun: 10AM-8PMIG: harusbarbershop
Book your appointment online
HealtFlow Wellness
Proudly locally owned and operated for nearly 8 years, many of this wellness clinic’s clients are local office workers who stop in for massages on their lunch breaks or after work—making wellness a part of their regular routine.
49 St. Clair W
(416) 983-4325 Mon-Sat: 10AM-8PM Sun: 10AM-6PMhealflow.ca
Book your appointment online
Straight Up Health
Straight Up Health is the neighbourhood mental wellness clinic for youth, adults, and families using evidence-informed mental health support in a way that’s modern, personalized, rooted in real connection and grounded in clinical expertise. Supporting individuals and families in the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood for over half a decade their office is easy to access, and they regularly collaborate with local schools like The York School, UCC, and Branksome Hall, and local businesses like Fitzrovia and Wittington.
2 St. Clair W
(647) 250-7579 Daily: 8AM-9PM
straightuphealth.ca
Book your appointment online
Oxygen Yoga & Fitness
Ronit Wilk, owner and operator of the local Oxygen Yoga & Fitness Studio comes from a Biomolecular Research background and has taken a multi-disciplinary approach to combining health sciences, fitness and wellness. This studio space features far-infrared panels for additional warmth and therapy, and focuses on group classes within their vibrant community. OYF studios are proudly Canadian with 15 years of operational history.
1560 Yonge St. (Entrance on Yonge)
(416) 964-3247 Mon 7AM – 830PM | Tues 930AM – 730PM | Wed – Thurs 6AM – 830PM | Friday 645AM – 730PM | Sat 9AM – 230PM | Sun 9AM – 730PM
oxygenyogaandfitness.com
Book your classes online
UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Sunny Side
July 3 – Aug 28 at 1507 Yonge Street (Yonge + St. Clair)
Sunny Side is a reimagined pedestrian cut-through – now transformed into a linear public seating area filled with picnic benches, dappled shade, and just enough programming to brighten your day. Visit yongestclair.ca/sunnyside to learn more.
Explore the full directory at yongestclair.ca/whats-here
More listings are being added—check back soon!
