Italian food marketplace Eataly has opened a seasonal pop-up in Toronto’s Distillery District, adding a new destination for coffee, sweets, and grocery items in one of the city’s most visited historic neighbourhoods. The temporary concept follows a successful activation during the Distillery Winter Village in 2024 and will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. throughout the warmer months.
The Eataly pop-up is located at 21 Trinity Street, in the lower level of the Gotstyle store as a sub-lease. It brings with it a curated menu of coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and gelato, alongside a retail assortment of imported Italian grocery products. Outdoor seating has been added to accommodate patio season and increase foot traffic from tourists and locals alike.
Coffee, Cannoli and Takeaway
At the Distillery location, visitors can order Illy coffee beverages, grab a traditional farcita sandwich, or indulge in Italian desserts such as cannoli and tiramisù. A range of gelato flavours is also available, as well as pre-packaged snacks and takeaway meals for those on the go.
The retail component of the space includes giftable sweets, artisanal pasta, olive oil, and other pantry staples from Eataly’s signature line. The format mirrors the brand’s pop-up activations seen in other global markets, designed to complement its larger flagship locations.
Temporary Format, Long-Term Strategy
The launch of the Distillery District pop-up is part of a broader strategy by Eataly to grow its footprint in Toronto, which has become one of the most active markets for the Italian food and beverage brand in the world. The company now operates three permanent stores in the city and is preparing to open a fourth in the fall.
Eataly made its Canadian debut in November 2019 with a 50,000-square-foot flagship location at the Manulife Centre on Bloor Street. Spanning three levels, the store includes multiple restaurants, bars, and a cooking school, in addition to a full Italian grocery market.
A second location opened at CF Sherway Gardens in November 2023, offering a 25,000-square-foot format geared toward shoppers in Toronto’s west end. The third store opened May 30, 2024, at CF Shops at Don Mills, with a 10,000-square-foot layout, a 180-seat restaurant, and quick-service counters. A fourth store is slated to open at CF Toronto Eaton Centre in fall 2025, taking over a portion of the former Nordstrom space.
Once the Eaton Centre store opens, Toronto will become the city with the highest number of Eataly locations in North America, tied with Tokyo globally.
Brand Overview
Founded by Oscar Farinetti in 2007, Eataly operates more than 50 locations in 15 countries and employs over 5,000 people globally. The brand combines dining, grocery retail, and culinary education into a single experience that emphasizes premium Italian ingredients and the concept of “Made in Italy.”
In 2023, European investment firm Investindustrial acquired a 52% majority stake in the business, fuelling further international expansion. The brand has since opened new locations in markets including the Middle East and Europe, while reinforcing its presence in North America.
Why the Distillery District?
Toronto’s Distillery Historic District is a natural fit for Eataly’s pop-up concept. Once the home of the Gooderham and Worts Distillery—established in 1832—the site was revitalized in the early 2000s and is now one of Toronto’s most popular pedestrian-only cultural hubs.
The area is home to more than 40 retailers, many of which are Canadian-owned, along with a range of galleries, cafes, and performance venues. With cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a growing residential population in the surrounding area, the district attracts both tourists and locals year-round.
Recent years have seen the addition of new residential towers and commercial tenants, strengthening the area’s positioning as a mixed-use destination. Seasonal activations such as the Winter Village and summer art festivals help sustain visitor interest throughout the year.
Eataly’s arrival adds a new layer to the neighbourhood’s retail mix, bringing an internationally recognized culinary brand into a space best known for independent boutiques and arts-focused enterprises.
Strategic Positioning
While Eataly’s Distillery District location is temporary, it is seen as a strategic move by the company to maintain brand visibility between major store launches. The pop-up format also allows Eataly to test new locations, engage directly with customers in pedestrian zones, and build awareness among new segments of the city ahead of its CF Toronto Eaton Centre opening.
The compact size and fast-casual menu position the space as a convenient stop for tourists exploring the district, as well as office workers and nearby residents. With Toronto’s summer tourism season underway, the timing of the launch is expected to drive meaningful traffic to the brand.
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