Café
Balzac’s Coffee Distillery District
A two-storey coffee house in the Distillery District's restored 1890s Pump House, run by Ontario roaster Balzac's and open every day from early morning.
Carousel Bakery
A family-run bakery inside St. Lawrence Market, known as the home of Toronto's famous peameal bacon sandwich, with breads, bagels, pastries and hot sandwiches.
At a glance
- Type
- Bakery and sandwich counter
- Area
- St. Lawrence, Toronto, Canada
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- stlawrencemarket.com
Good to know
- Takeaway
- Catering
- Inside St. Lawrence Market
Why we recommend it
Carousel Bakery is a counter inside St. Lawrence Market that describes itself as the home of Toronto's world-famous peameal bacon sandwich. It has been run for close to half a century by the brothers Robert and Maurice Biancolin, who were given the Key to the City, Toronto's highest civic honour, in July 2025 as they prepared to retire.
The peameal bacon sandwich is the reason most people queue. Peameal bacon, known abroad as Canadian bacon, was invented at the market, according to the city, which makes this sandwich one of the most local things you can eat in Toronto.
The bakery sells much more than its signature sandwich. Freshly made sandwiches and wraps include chicken and veal parmigiana, steak, sausage and vegetarian options, and the bread counter carries more than 50 kinds of breads, rolls, Montreal-style bagels, baguettes and pastries. Sweet things include apple pies, turnovers, churros and apple cheese sticks, which make a good mid-morning snack. The bakery also caters for corporate clients and events.
Carousel Bakery is on the upper level of the market, at stall 42, and follows the market's trading pattern; the South Market is open from Tuesday to Sunday and closed on Monday, with the earliest opening on Saturday at 7am. Check with the bakery for its own hours, especially late in the day.
The bakery suits anyone visiting the market, families looking for a cheap and filling lunch and food lovers who want to try a true Toronto speciality. It is an easy stop before or after browsing the rest of the market. The bakery has served Torontonians for nearly 50 years, and when the brothers received the Key to the City, Mayor Olivia Chow repeated the market's claim that peameal bacon was invented at St. Lawrence Market. The brothers have said they plan to hand the business on to new owners, with Robert planning to take up improv and Maurice to travel, so the bakery is entering a new chapter. Its reputation has been built by word of mouth from visitors, chefs and the international media.
Because the Biancolin brothers have spoken of retirement, it is worth confirming the bakery is trading before making a special trip.
Carousel Bakery FAQs
What is Carousel Bakery famous for?
Its peameal bacon sandwich, which the bakery calls Toronto's world-famous peameal bacon sandwich.
Where is it?
On the upper level of St. Lawrence Market, at stall 42.
What is peameal bacon?
A cured pork product known abroad as Canadian bacon, which the city says was invented at the market.
What else does it sell?
Sandwiches such as veal and chicken parmigiana, more than 50 kinds of bread, Montreal-style bagels, pastries, pies and churros.
Is it open on Mondays?
The South Market is closed on Mondays; check with the bakery for its own hours.
Who runs it?
Brothers Robert and Maurice Biancolin, who received the Key to the City in 2025.
Does it do catering?
Yes, for corporate clients and events.
Is it expensive?
No. It is a budget-friendly stop for a quick lunch.