Page Builder Instructions
St. Thomas Ontario
  • Things To Do
    • Arts & Culture
    • Food & Drink
    • Downtown
    • Heritage
    • Jumbo
    • Murals
    • Parks & Nature
    • Shopping
    • Gift Shop
    • Spas & Wellness
    • Sports & Recreation
    • Whistlestop Trail
  • Events
  • Stay
  • Blog
  • Things To Do
    • Arts & Culture
    • Food & Drink
    • Downtown
    • Heritage
    • Jumbo
    • Murals
    • Parks & Nature
    • Shopping
    • Gift Shop
    • Spas & Wellness
    • Sports & Recreation
    • Whistlestop Trail
  • Events
  • Stay
  • Blog
Picture

Hidden Gems for Food Lovers: A Guide to Independent Grocers & Markets in St. Thomas

3/18/2025

1 Comment

 
Picture
Local and specialized grocers in St. Thomas are more than just places to shop - they’re hubs of community, craftsmanship, and culinary discovery. Scattered throughout the Railway City, these hidden gems offer fresh produce, artisanal goods, and unique flavors you won’t find in big-box stores. Beyond great food, they foster a sense of connection, supporting local farmers, makers, and food lovers alike.

From spice blends to farm-fresh finds, each spot has its own charm and character. Let's dive in!

Pyza Deli

Picture
Picture
🥟 Discover traditional Polish deli products right here in St. Thomas! ⁠Pyza Deli offers delicious meats, cheeses, bakery treats, groceries, and freshly made hot food. The hot table menu changes daily — check their Facebook page for updates. This hidden gem in our local area adds a touch of Eastern Europe to our community! 

Pyza Deli offers an authentic taste of Polish comfort food with each bite showcasing the care and tradition that goes into their homemade recipes. If you’re craving hearty and satisfying Polish cuisine, Pyza Deli is the place to go! Stop in to get their traditional Paczki, a fluffy and delightful Polish doughnut that will leave you wanting more — These are always a household favorite! 
​
You can order in person or call ahead. ⁠Stop by and see what they have to offer!⁠ Since you're already there, be sure to check out the vibrant “Field of Dreams” mural by Meaghan Claire Kehoe. 

📍 125 Ross Street⁠, St. Thomas ON
🔗 www.facebook.com/pyzadeli

Steelhead Food Co.

Picture
Picture
🎣 Next up, for all fish lovers out there, let's visit Steelhead Food Co! Steelhead is a family owned and operated fresh fish & seafood wholesale supplier that offers a great selection of fresh and frozen seafood products. With great prices for super fresh products, it is a great place to catch the star of your next meal! Whether you’re a seafood lover, or are just curious, Steelhead offers the freshest catches that you should try! With the vast selection of frozen to fresh, show some community love for the locally sourced fish in the region. Check out their socials for weekly specials and features!

📍 5 Barrie Blvd, Ontario
🔗 www.steelheadfoodco.ca

Pepper Tree Spice Co.

Picture
Picture
🌶️ Pepper Tree Spice Co. has been women led and family owned since its founding in 2010. They have a passion for providing exceptional products for the community that seamlessly fit into every lifestyle. With award-winning spices & herbs, elevated gourmet products, and exceptional service, this is the place to fulfill all your flavour needs!
​
Transform your culinary journey as they hope to help you and your families create amazing food that is seasoned with inspiration! Their Grilled Chicken & Rub Spice, Fish Rub, and Garlic Lover Trio will definitely elevate your next dishes. Check out their website for some meal innovation, gifts, materials, specialty blends, and classes!

📍 24 Churchill Cres, St. Thomas
📍 223A Colborne St, Port Stanley
🔗 https://peppertreespice.com 

Briwood Farm Market

Picture
Picture
🍯 From farm to table, the Briwood market offers fresh, local, and unique products to our community. This market specializes in retail fruit, hearty vegetables, fresh meats, dairy, and in-store bakery goods & bulk! Briwood proudly supports locally grown and produced products like meats, honeys, and so much more. With an amazing international selection, and vast in-store produce coming in from within a 100-mile radius of the store, Briwood is the perfect stop to support your local community.
​
📍 1030 Talbot St, St Thomas, ON
🔗 https://www.briwoodfarmmarket.com 

Pete Charlton’s Butcher Shop

Picture
Picture
🍖 If you’re looking for a quality meat butcher shop, you may want to try Pete Charlton’s Butcher Shop! Located here in St. Thomas, this local gem is known for their great selection of meats and excellent service. Buy local and buy fresh, as they have you covered for your next grocery run! Their knowledgeable staff can help you choose the perfect cuts for your next meal, so why not try some of the best meats around?!
​
📍 273 Ross St, St Thomas, ON
🔗 https://buylocalbuyfresh.ca/petecharltonsqualitymeats 

Horton Farmers’ Market

Picture
Picture
🧑‍🌾 St. Thomas is surrounded by rich agricultural land and heritage, but not only that, markets like Horton help secure our local food system and bolster the local economy.⁠
⁠
Come on down and experience the vibrant heart of St. Thomas at the Horton Farmers’ Market! Immerse yourself in a bustling outdoor market filled with fresh, local produce, artisanal delights, and community spirit. From farm-fresh fruits and veggies to mouthwatering meats, handcrafted breads, and sweet treats, there's something to satisfy every craving. Enjoy live music, delicious hot food, and refreshing drinks while exploring the market's unique offerings. Horton is open all year long, so in the winter months ⁠come on out to visit the indoor market and ⁠connect with farm vendors that have product available year round! ⁠You'll see many indoor vendors from the regular season along with a few from outside that are able to join!
⁠
While picking up some goodies from the market, stroll by Andrew Lewis’ stunning mural, ‘La Chorcha’, located behind the old storefronts on Talbot Street, connecting to the Horton Farmers' Market.⁠ This artwork celebrates community, inclusivity, and the joy of coming together—a true reflection of connection and positivity. 

📍 10 Manitoba St, St Thomas, ON 
🔗 https://www.hortonfarmersmarket.ca 

​Babu’s Mart

Picture
Picture
🛒 Babu's Mart, a grocery store that is meant for buyers to meet their ethnic cravings in a superior and timely manner. Putting their customers' needs first, Babu’s Mart will make sure you are satisfied with your purchased goods within a day of your request. Offering a variety of everyday essentials and snacks, to international treats and delights, there is so much to explore!
​
📍 308 Wellington Street, St. Thomas ON  
🔗 https://www.babusmart.ca 

Cole-Munro Foods Group

Picture
​🐟 Want to satisfy your craving for freshwater fish? With Cole-Munro Foods Group they pride themselves on their great Canadian heritage and taste. They offer nutrition and a growing aquaculture production to make freshwater Rainbow Trout more accessible to you!

Cole-Munro Foods is dedicated to maintaining the tradition of fresh, local, and responsibly processed Rainbow Trout. Beginning in Port Stanley, their growing business includes many family farms with their head office and processing facility right here in the Railway City! 

Currently, Cole-Munro Foods is the only company in the province focused solely on trout, so they are definitely worth a visit. On top of that, when you purchase the products at their location you will support local farmers employed by local businesses — it's a win-win! Learn more about their fish as North America’s largest Steelhead trout producer, their mission, and great family values on their website!

📍 175 Edward St, St Thomas, ON
🔗 https://colemunro.com 
Picture
​Not only do these local grocers and markets support the community, but this presents you with an amazing and unique opportunity to discover new flavours and products that you may not find anywhere else! On your next grocery run why not consider exploring local options right in town? You might just find your new favourite spot!

Picture

Author

IZABELLA GONZALEZ
​​​Raised in St. Thomas, and currently studying at Western University for BMOS Accounting, Izabella is excited to help reveal the wonders of this amazing city. Coming from a family that was searching for a better life and decided to move to Canada, Izabella shares the love of bringing cultures together. Making St. Thomas the home they wanted to raise their family, Izabella understands the importance and impact of what a small-town community can accomplish. Helping out with the Horton Market and various events grew Izabella’s love for her hometown. Being the Railway City Tourism Assistant has encouraged Izabella to bring that enthusiasm of sharing diverse and unique experiences to others wanting to experience the Railway City.

1 Comment
Robin
3/19/2025 07:51:28 am

Thank you! This is great info, keep up the good work.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

        It is not down in any map; true places never are. 
    - Herman Melville

    Author

    We are here reporting from the L&PS Station, home of Railway City Tourism. Join us as we explore this charming city, where nature, culture, and railway heritage intertwine at every turn.
    ​

    Categories

    All
    Arts & Culture
    Canada
    Downtown
    Elgin County
    Event
    Food & Drink
    Heritage & Museums
    Holiday
    Jumbo
    Parks & Nature
    Railway
    Shopping
    Sports & Rec
    Stay
    St Thomas
    Wellness


605 Talbot Street, St. Thomas ON N5P 1C6
​
Sitemap | About | Privacy | Contact
Picture
#ExploreRailwayCity​
© 2025 Railway City Tourism 
Photo from miguel.discart

E19823942023LUMIN283