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Hawker, Toronto, ON

Hawker

4.9
4.9
165 Reviews
CAN$31 to CAN$50
Tapas / Small Plates
Top tags:
At Hawker, Chef Jeff Merkel spotlights his naturalistic worldview with beautifully composed plant-based small plates, cocktails, and a thoughtfully curated list of vegan wines.

Located in Kensington Market, the cozy dining space features an earthy, palette of dark wood and moss. A picturesque, romantic back patio is naturally decorated with ivy. A front patio lets you enjoy the lively sights and sounds of the market.

All reservations have a 15 minute grace period. Please call us if you are arriving later than 15 minutes. Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 45 minutes for parties of 1-2; 2 hours for parties of 3-4; 2 hours 30 minutes for parties of 6 or more. If arriving late, we may not be able to extend your seating time if there are reservations scheduled after your allotted timeframe.

Please note, an 18% gratuity is automatically added to the bill for groups of 6 or more.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 7 times today
Experiences are available.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Tapas / Small Plates, Indian, Vegan
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (416) 628-1905
  • Website
    http://www.hawker.to/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Owned/operated by
    South Asian
  • Executive Chef
    Jeff Merkel
  • Catering
    Enjoy Hawker's naturalist cuisine for various events, from casual to formal gatherings. Our catering services adapt to different settings, ensuring a memorable meal at any venue. With a customizable menu, we accommodate your event's needs, providing a fitting and delightful dining experience.
  • Private party facilities
    Host your private event in our cozy dining room and savour our artful vegan creations with your guests. Our intimate setting can comfortably accommodate up to 18 guests across our intimate dining room. Cherish an exclusive dining experience amidst an earthy decor and inviting setting.
  • Location
    291 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M2
  • Neighbourhood
    Chinatown / Kensington Market
  • Cross Street
    College & Augusta Avenue
  • Parking Details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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Experiences

  • 6-Course Indian-Inspired Brunch

    $40.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy our 6-course Indian-inspired tapas style brunch featuring dishes from our small plates menu as well as some brunch exclusives.
    6-Course Indian-Inspired Brunch photo

  • 6-Course Chef's Table Tasting Experience

    $70.00 per person

    Multiple dates available
    Join and watch us prepare a Chef's choice six-course tasting menu for you, inspired by our à la carte menu. Each course will be served and explained to you by our Chef while seated at the bar style counter overlooking our open kitchen. The fine print: Your seating is for 2 hours. We will hold the table for 15 minutes before your reservation is released. Give us a call if you're running late! Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will result in a $25 per person charge being applied to the credit card used at the time of booking. The tasting menu is offered at $70 per guest and does not include beverages, gratuity, and tax.
    6-Course Chef's Table Tasting Experience photo

What 165 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Toronto / Ontario

    Innovative

  • Toronto / Ontario

    Vegetarian-friendly

  • Toronto

    Innovative

  • Toronto

    Healthy

  • Toronto

    Vegetarian-friendly

165 Reviews

  1. LeslyM

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Don't let the small plates fool you. The food here is delicious and very satisfying. I've been to Hawker twice and will be back again. The service was friendly and he server explained each dish to us. Highly recommended!

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  2. kappy

    Toronto

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic experience at the chef’s table. Will definitely go again!

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  3. TedR

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our dining experience was excellent. Each dish came beautifully presented and the flavours were spectacular. Staff was friendly and well informed. The variety of dishes were wonderful and the fact that it's all small dishes meant that you never got tired of eating the same thing. The Dusk (Old Fashioned) was also very good, complete with smoking rosemary sprig. Perfect little spot in Kensington!

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  4. RobertaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful place. Excellent small plates Went for Bruch on Sunday. Every dish was unique and very enjoyable. The rasmalai ice cream at dessert was one of the best I've ever had

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  5. MadisonV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely fantastic food and service. My new favourite place in Toronto for vegan tasting menus!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Mooshu

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    Great flavours but costly for the quantity. Accessing the washroom downstairs was an adventure.

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  7. Lovefood

    Toronto

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food presentation was wonderful and the food itself was delicious. The back patio is so quaint. I highly recommend this restaurant.

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  8. KaMW

    Toronto

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious & innovative food in an intimate setting.

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  9. AndrewS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Hawker is, I’m quite sure, my newest favourite restaurant in Toronto. Every dish is full of complex flavour, and in my opinion if you’re not used to plant-based food (disclosure: I am) you won’t believe there’s no animal in the dishes.

    Is this helpful?

  10. KarenC

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic!! A very special place :)

    Is this helpful?

  11. Krystal

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food, staff, vibes, decor was superb!! You can tell so much work and effort was put into the dishes and it all complimented each other well.

    Is this helpful?

  12. NicoleA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding explosion of flavors in each bite. I’ll be going back each season

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  13. Pooja

    Toronto

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was stunning! The portions are small! I'd recommend 5-6 plates for 3 people. The service was very attentive. The Biryani was the star of the night.

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  14. AdrianH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Probably the best meal we’ve ever had, at least in recent memory, certainly the best vegan meal. We dined inside, and the lighting, noise level, everything was soft and romantic and gorgeous. Surprisingly peaceful for being on such a busy street, and for having an open/visible kitchen! Would love to come back with a larger group so we could try everything on the menu, but from the half or so of it we had, they’re absolutely working with magic here. Enormously recommend and we’ll be taking all of our out of town visitors here for sure.

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  15. Faye

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    The food was delicious, portions were small. The employees in the kitchen and their commentary decreases the ambiance of the restaurant as it is an open concept kitchen- we can hear you and it isn't that difficult to word your statements in a non-abrasive manner. We went for Asialicious so for the price point it was worth it, unsure if we would still think so if it was the regular menu. The waitstaff were great and very friendly.

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  16. CanadErik

    Toronto

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Elegant, flavourful dishes - it doesn’t matter if you’re vegan: you’ve got to try what their kitchen makes. The biryani (“Starry Night”) and romano beans (“God’s Work”) were show-stopping. I especially appreciate the creative use of naturalistic products: spruce, birch, ferns, etc Delicious! Can’t wait to come back!

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  17. LindseyS

    Toronto

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Cozy and delicious. Beautiful ambience, not to spicy but extremely flavourful and surprisingly filling. A night I want to repeat soon!

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  18. Mark

    Baltimore

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My wife and I had the pleasure of experiencing the first ever Sunday night chef’s table service. Everything about our dinner was excellent. The dynamic duo of chef and sous chef delivered us what we consider to be the best gluten free plant based dinner we have ever had. The food was approachable, affordable, and absolutely delicious. Kudos to everyone at Hawker!

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  19. Mikayla

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow wow wow! The Hawker brunch tasting menu was such an amazing treat. Such an elevated dining experience with profound Indian flavors. We also loved sitting on the garden patio-it was so peaceful and inviting. The only thing that wasn't my favorite was the roti. It was about too sweet and oily for the dishes that it was served with. I feel as though something lighter would suit the dishes better. That being said-I will still definitely be back to try more.

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  20. FrankW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exquisitely presented, delicious small plates of vegan food, prepared to order and served promptly. Staff and chefs were friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. Non-vegan members of my party were surprised at how tasty vegan food can be. Would vote 6 stars if possible.

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  21. Erin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great spot if you like vegan food! We had a large group and they were super accommodating and the food was great to share.

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Ottawa

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of my favorite vegan restaurants in the world!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We tried the vegan brunch menu and the food was absolutely phenomenal. The value for the amount of food served was outstanding as well. As someone who doesn’t eat vegan food often, this place is a 10/10

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  24. RitaJ

    Toronto

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The only issue was that the place next door was playing music incredibly loud, not sure what can be done about that.

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  25. ACanadianGuy

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always excellent and inventive food in a relaxed environment

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  26. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Hawker immediately became our favourite restaurant in Toronto. The food and service were outstanding. Given the quality, it’s also great value. We can’t wait to visit again!

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  27. Kenjamin

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Talented chefs. Very flavourful dishes. Dishes bring surprises. Counter top experience was great as you can see your dishes being created. We really enjoyed it and totally recommend the chef tasting menu!

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  28. Bruce

    Toronto

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Creative and beautifully presented array of small plates, unique tastes, friendly and attentive service, highly recommended

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  29. christinaf

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and vibes, the service staff were very friendly and knowledgable. All around, a really amazing time

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  30. AudreylynS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible food and the chef that was serving us was knowledgeable and super friendly! Can't wait to go back.

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  31. ErikArana

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Pretty wicked. Love the food. Love the staff. Love the whole places vibe and energy, was able to chill and talk for around 3 hours after my meal with my date and the staff was very kind and respectful. Especially when letting us know that there were other coming in and we Had to wrap it. Very good experience 15 out of 10

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  32. Parc502

    Toronto

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The innovative menu, fantastic ingredients and friendly service will bring us back again! Thank you for a lovely evening.

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  33. KatiaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a wonderful dining experience. The food is incredible and all the staff here make it such a lovely restaurant.

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  34. NancyM

    Toronto

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    It was ok small plates we just that small but happen to have a fully vegan restaurant

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  35. LEOS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food prepared beautifully. Excellent service. Made our anniversary special.

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  36. Audrey

    Toronto

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    This is one of our favourite places to come on a special occasion. We brought our best friend here for her birthday, it was a wonderful experience. The food was very thoughtfully created and delicious. We will 100% be back.

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  37. KMH1

    Yorkshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Top good, top place, top service - great.

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  38. jdl2

    Toronto

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Lovely place with interesting flavour combinations. Faves were the Starry Night and Starry Night 2. Love when dal makes a splash at the table. Service was fantastic.

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  39. avotoast

    Toronto

    13 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    The food is absolutely delicious. However, they are the smallest portion sizes you've ever seen in your life, even for small plates. 3-5 plates were recommended per person, which gets very expensive and even 5 plates probably wouldn't have been filling. I know high-end dining is more about flavour and artistry, but you also don't want to leave a restaurant just as hungry as you came. There was also an issue with the credit card machine at the end of my meal where their machine didn't register my payment as complete. I had to log onto online banking to prove I'd paid. They didn't offer me anything for this inconvenience. They also took a screenshot of my credit card statement, took it to the back of the house, and never re-approached my table to let me know if the issue had been resolved. A kind of disappointing experience overall. However, I'll reiterate that the food's flavour was absolutely delicious.

    HawkerResponded on July 18, 2023

    Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience. We do understand that our dining style may not meet everyone's preferences in terms of portion sizes and we will ensure there's more clarity about that for our guests as well as advising which dishes are more filling than others. The price point reflects the ingredients, culinary knowledge of the kitchen staff and the overall dining experience we aim to provide in the small space we have. Please check your private messages regarding the card issue!

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  40. alex

    Toronto

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    one of the most special places in the city, a must visit

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available

FAQs

Hawker is rated 4.9 stars by 165 OpenTable diners.

Hawker does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 7 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Hawker

291 Augusta Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2M2

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    College & Augusta Avenue
  • Neighbourhood
    Chinatown / Kensington Market
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Price
    CAN$31 to CAN$50
  • Cuisines
    Tapas / Small Plates, Indian, Vegan
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Owned/operated by
    South Asian
  • Executive Chef
    Jeff Merkel
  • Additional
    Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.hawker.to/
  • Phone number
    (416) 628-1905
  • Catering
    Enjoy Hawker's naturalist cuisine for various events, from casual to formal gatherings. Our catering services adapt to different settings, ensuring a memorable meal at any venue. With a customizable menu, we accommodate your event's needs, providing a fitting and delightful dining experience.
  • Private party facilities
    Host your private event in our cozy dining room and savour our artful vegan creations with your guests. Our intimate setting can comfortably accommodate up to 18 guests across our intimate dining room. Cherish an exclusive dining experience amidst an earthy decor and inviting setting.
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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