One of my favourite ways to catch up with friends is by having a picnic. You’ve got to do it at least once this summer! It’s an affordable and easy way to enjoy our many parks, splash pads, and green spaces. Plus, Yonge North York has many great local spots to pick up everything you need. When a bunch of old friends and their kids were getting together, I knew it was the perfect chance to introduce them to some Yonge North York staples.

Rice Cakes from Luna Bakery

I’d been wanting to try Luna Bakery ever since it opened. It’s a beautiful café filled with natural light and an assortment of tempting pastries. For this picnic, I was especially excited to try their traditional Korean rice cakes. They’re individually wrapped and come in a variety of flavours. I was surprised to see so many still available in the afternoon—they’re clearly a hot spot.

Falafel and Other Finds at Rabba

I always knew there was a Rabba in the area, but I hadn’t had the chance to visit until now. I was happy to finally check out the location near Yonge and Sheppard. It’s a hidden local gem, since most of the visitors seem to be from the nearby condos. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the parking was, and I loved that they carry everyday staples as well as prepared international foods. Plus, it’s open 24 hours — super convenient for whenever you need a quick snack or essentials. I picked up vegetarian samosas, a pack of falafel, hummus, and multigrain crackers — perfect picnic snacks. The vibe reminded me of a New York bodega: community-oriented and full of little surprises. And the little kiddies in our group loved the falafel!

Korean Treats from H Mart

I love visiting H Mart, and we’re lucky to have several locations nearby. Whether I’m picking up noodles, short ribs, or even flowers — I recently bought fresh-cut peonies there and they were stunners! This time, I stopped in with the picnic in mind, especially knowing there’d be kids joining us. I picked up some fun snacks like Milkis, Kancho cookies, and jelly lollies — cute, colourful, and all kid-approved. Honestly, what a great store. It never disappoints!

Your Picnic-Ready Neighbourhood

There’s something so special about slowing down, grabbing good food, and enjoying the outdoors with friends, and Yonge North York has everything you need to make that happen. From beautifully wrapped rice cakes at Luna Bakery to falafel and samosas from Rabba, and fun, kid-friendly treats from H Mart, you can pull together a picnic that’s delicious and local.

Whether you’re catching up with old friends or planning an outing with kids, these local gems make it easy to create a spread that’s both convenient and memorable. This summer, enjoy a picnic in the Yonge North York area and impress your friends with your finds!

Luna Bakery | 5376 Yonge St | lunabakerytoronto.ca

Rabba Fine Foods | 12 Harrison Garden Blvd | rabba.com

H Mart | 4885 Yonge St,  5545 Yonge St,  5545 Yonge St | hmartca.com