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 built by locals who know the block.

Scroll to browse by: Dine. Shop. 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

💈 LOCAL SERVICES

From self-care to everyday essentials, these services are run by people who live—and care—right here in your community.

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-8PM
🌐IG: harusbarbershop
📅 Book your appointment online

HealthFlow 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-6PM
🌐healflow.ca
📅Book your appointment online

🖱️ Explore the full directory at yongestclair.ca/whats-here