Ghost kitchens are having a major moment in North America. For those in the dark, a ghost kitchen forgoes the physical restaurant (and sky-high commercial leases in cities like Toronto and Vancouver), instead relying on a delivery-centric digital model that’s facilitated by apps like Uber Eats, Door Dash, and Skip the Dishes.
While they began to emerge on the scene pre-pandemic, their popularity surged once lockdowns became a reality. Many ghost kitchens launch in shared commissary kitchens that function as coworking spaces for chefs. Some are run discretely out of existing restaurants. While some ghost kitchens to hit the scene in recent years have disappeared like ghosts (we had to), others have become delivery staples across the country.
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Here are some of our favourites Ghost Kitchens in Canada
COAST by MDP
Matt Pettit (of the former beloved Rock Lobster restaurant) offers comforting seafood goodness and smash burgers through his Toronto-based ghost kitchen concept, Coast by MDP. Menu items include things like lobster poutine, PEI lobster rolls, and smash burgers with special COAST aioli.
Pigot’s Burger Club
Pigot’s Burger Club offers burgers from award-winning Alberta chef Mike Pigot. While the spot scored major points for its quality beef, crispy bacon, and flavourful buns, the star of the show in these indulgent burgers is arguably the secret sauce. Pigot’s is available in Calgary, Vancouver, and Toronto.
Divine Dumplings
Greater Toronto Area residents with a soft spot for dumplings have a beloved go-to spot for dumplings with Divine Dumplings. The authentic Chinese dumplings have gained a cult following with options that range from beef and chicken dumplings to salted crispy chicken bites. Available in the Greater Toronto Area.
Church of Pizza
A new(ish) pizza spot changes Toronto’s pizza delivery game with creative pies that range from the classic “Virgin Margherita” to their “Priestly Prosciutto.” Regardless of pizza preference, a common feature of all the addictive pies is a bulb of their signature roasted caramelized garlic in the middle.
Super Baked Deep Dish
West coast pizza lovers with a soft spot for deep dish pizza have found a trusted go-to with Super Baked Deep Dish. The celebrated pizza place features a signature baked signature cheese blend and marinara sauce. Available in Vancouver and Victoria.
VanSuya
Vancouver’s VanSuya serves up addictive and authentic Nigerian BBQ and cuisine that’s inspired by the country’s street food. Menu highlights include the crowd-pleasing Naija Smokey Jollof Rice, BBQ turkey, and the “one and only” Vansuya shawarma.
Carnitas El Rolys
Ghost kitchen Carnitas El Rolys brings Michoacán-style carnitas to Vancouver. The beloved brand follows the owners’ family’s traditional recipe. Here, salsas are made fresh every day, from crunchy pico de gallo and Jalapeños, to guacamole or fiery hot habanero/morita red salsa.
Laid Fresh
Those who enjoy breakfast for any meal will appreciate Laid Fresh and its all-day breakfast restaurant concept by award-winning chef Michael Lewis. Available in Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton the spot delivers an assortment of breakfast sandwiches and other goodness straight to your door.
Chikin
Chikin has become a quick guilty pleasure for fried chicken lovers in North America with its chef-driven chicken dishes from renowned chef Michael Lewis. With locations in Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto the ghost kitchen serves up a variety of chicken sandwiches, fully-loaded waffle fries, fried chicken wings, and salads.
