Heartbreak Chef

What is Heartbreak Chef? Chef Jerome Robinson’s comfort-food haven holds court at 170 Baldwin Street in Kensington Market, expanding from earlier west-end iterations into an energized brick-and-mortar storefront. Inside, the space features vibrant murals by local artist Sumartist, a vintage arcade console, and casual dine-in seating for around 25 guests alongside a compact drink counter. Robinson built the concept from grass-roots catering and festival pop-ups into one of Toronto's most recognizable spots for unapologetic, heavyweight indulgence.

Heartbreak Chef Menu & What to Order The kitchen specializes in halal fried chicken and carb-heavy soul food built for maximum comfort. The headliner is the Big Ass Chicken Sandwich, which loads colossal crispy chicken tossed in Carolina butter sauce onto a potato bun with spicy ranch, pickles, and creamy slaw, while the Dutty Chicken Sandwich layers Jamaican jerk heat with grilled pineapple. Pair the chicken with the five-cheese Big Ass Mac or deep-fried Brussels sprouts in a honey-balsamic glaze, washed down with a cold local canned beer or soda.

Know Before You Go Service is counter-style and walk-in only, meaning weekend afternoons and Kensington Pedestrian Sundays regularly draw steady queues out the front door. Street parking is tight in the market, so take the 510 Spadina or 506 Carlton streetcar or use the municipal parking garage nearby on St. Andrew Street. The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner, takeout, and delivery.