An Argentine-inspired spot that does empanadas, grilled meats, chimichurri, and Malbec with a casual confidence that makes it a natural neighbourhood anchor. The empanadas are excellent and the wine-and-aperitivo hour is well-priced for the King West strip.
Neighbourhood: King West / Wellington · Address: 1078 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON · Hours: Mon–Thu 12PM–10PM | Fri–Sat 12PM–11PM | Sun 11AM–8PM · Price Range: $$ · Phone: (416) 533-6666 · Website: https://elalmacentoronto.com · Editorial status: Not yet verified
Empanada fans will find few better in the city, and the evening wine-and-small-plates atmosphere is way more chill (and affordable) than most King West spots. It's a genuine taste of Argentina with no pretense and real value.
El Almacen skips trendy steakhouse vibes for something closer to a Buenos Aires café—where you can linger over yerba mate as easily as you can tuck into dulce de leche desserts. Their empanada selection is wider (and cheaper) than anywhere downtown, and they've seriously nailed casual service paired with quality wine. Even on busy nights, it feels like a local hangout rather than a see-and-be-seen spot.
El Almacen has quietly held court on Wellington for years, serving up proper Argentine snacks and a few Peruvian and South American specialties for the King West crowd. The room has that global-café energy—bare wood tables, handwritten chalkboard menus, and the whiff of grilled beef never far away. The kitchen puts most of its love into flaky empanadas, grilled meats, and deeply herby chimichurri, while service moves with a deliberate ease. The owner, an Argentina expat, is usually nearby, ready to chat about mate or suggest a bottle from the Malbec-heavy wine list.
Not usually needed for small groups—walk-ins are common, but it’s wise to call ahead for parties of 5 or more or weekends.
The beef empanadas with chimichurri—crisp pastry, just enough spice, and the house sauce is addictive.
Best in groups of 2–6; they’ll push tables together for more, but it gets tight during peak hours.
Empanadas run about $5 each, mains $16–$28, and glasses of wine from $9—solid value for the area.
WTF Toronto creates guides using independent editorial research, official sources, local knowledge and firsthand experience where available. Commercial relationships are disclosed where applicable.