Galleria Korean Supermarket now open on York Mills

[Nelson]

It's a well-kept secret hidden away in the Hangul-only section of the corporate website, but the excellent Galleria Supermarket from Yonge and Steeles has just opened a new location at 865 York Mills Road. The supermarket is situated at the back of the building, with signage just visible from the western-most side; the main entry, shopping carts, etc. are all hidden behind the main body of the building, but there are some small direction signs along York Mills to help.

Things are a little chaotic in their first week of operation, but all the trademark specialities are on offer: fresh perilla (sesame) leaves, spicy pork bone soup, superbly fresh and reasonably priced salmon and yellowtail sashimi, live eels, marinated bulgogi to cook at home . . . the new location lacks the variety of food stalls of the old, featuring instead a single "canteen" counter and prepared food display where you can order hot prepared foods to eat in or take away (Kimchi dumplings were a winner.)

While seems not yet quite up to the standard of the original, a welcome ethnic addition to the north-east end grocery neighbourhood.

[Moimoi]

Thanks for the posting... Just went today. As an uptowner, it is definitely a welcome addition. The place is SPOTLESS, and odour-free (no fishy smell)! The BEST selection of produce I've seen in TO that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Meyer Lemons, a big bag for $3.99, TONS of selection of greens - possibly more than T&T. The staff are knowledgeable, friendly, helpful and speak English... Lots of free parking. Yey! Cool kitchen and housewares section too... There was even a car inside the store - some promotion for a leasing company, but still....

[elvisahmed]

Do they still have the food court the new location. I used to like the Chinese place there (didn't care much about the sushi spot though)

[Moimoi]

Yes, there's a pretty big open kitchen surrounded by prepared foods, as well as hot buffet table and a small eating area... Haven't been to the other location so I can't say if it's smaller or bigger, but everything looked fresh, and they were busy.

[elvisahmed]

Thanks for letting me know as I think I read somewhere on this forum earlier that their food court hadn't transfered to the new spot. Anyway the great part is this location is open 24 hours!! yay! now I can use my zipcar to get there at half the rate after midnight :)

[sweetie]

You may want to check the 24 hr thing.... when I was at Galleria last week the sign said 7 am to 12 midnight

[I eat therefore I am]

Yonge and Steeles is 24 hr and York Mills location is till midnight.

[canmark]

There was an article in the Toronto Star about the Galleria and their KFC (Korean Fried Chicken).

http://www.thestar.com/living/food/ar...

[flyinggonzo]

Spotless is right, and the service in fantastic. I brought the family there for munchies on a rainy night and was startled when their staff ran out of the store and escorted us holding up golf umbrellas. I felt a bit silly, but was nonetheless very impressed with the service.

The quality of meat there looks to be very high quality and be reasonably priced.

[elvisahmed]

Well that's service eastern style for you :)
I have experienced lavish service in Japan and Korea from a grocery stores that would put a luxury store here to shame.

[ock]

Happy to discover that this opened up closer to downtown. I almost had a heart attack when I drove up to their original location and saw the fences.

This new location is cleaner, brighter, and will probably get better as time goes on. Nelson is right, they are still kinda getting their act together. Lots of fresh food, lots of packaged to-go food, but unlike the previous food court, the option for hot food is a little more limited.

All in all, I'm thrilled to have it here!

[Crispier Crouton]

The Thornhill Location is now open at the northwest corner of Yonge and Steeles where the Chapters used to be.

[spankyfinch]

Does anyone know if they sell Kimchi-ed bean sprouts, tofu or potatoes (banchan?)
i love when they are served at 'Korean' BBQ or Korean sushi places
But havent found them for sale in other Asian food stores (ie T&T)
I have found the traditional cabbage Kimchi

[jlunar]

They definitely had banchan stuff at the old Galleria. I haven't been to this new location, but I would imagine they'd have them too, given the size (of the banchan area) of the old one.

[sweetie]

I just came from there, this afternoon. I did not see any potato banchan, but they had spinach, bean sprouts, bell flower kimchi, crab kimchi, pollock tripe kimchi (?????). They will cost you though. If you buy three little containers of stuff it is $9.99, if you buy one it is $3.99. They sell fresh tofu and some sort of soy/sesame oil dipping sauce to eat with the tofu. I didn't see tofu kimchi though. One awesome thing that I love is, almost everything is labeled in english as well as korean. So you should go and check it out, you never know what you will find.

[erly]

This is great news, just a ten minute drive for me.
I am a bit confused.
Is it behind another building?Restaurant? etc.
If so, do you know what is in front?

[blui]

Right behind Artisano Bakery Cafe. Turn south onto Upjohn Road, the parking for Galleria is on your left.

[erly]

Thanks
Don't be tempted by the Artisano Bakery, it is barely one step up from McDonalds.
But a good cheap place for students to study.

[jayt90]

I can barely remember where Upjohn is but I think it is near Longo's which is parking lot hell.
Maybe I'll stay with P.A.T. at Warden and Lawrence, and Diana's for sashimi.

[erly]

Hi Jay,
It is not near Longos, but closer to Don Mills Rd.
I shop at P.A.T., but also at Longo's.
The parking is much easier at Longo's.
I am not sure what kind of experience you had in their lot, as I have never have a problem finding a spot.

[Nelson]

There is plenty of parking--no resemblance to Longo's! Coming along York Mills from the east, it is just before the overpass (beyond which to the right is Longo's), turn left into the side-road (Upjohn?) that feeds into the parking lot. It is actually in the building (865 York Mills), but occupies the rear part of the building and thus somewhat hidden from York Mills.

[erly]

Was there today.
Lots of parking, Just look for the Bakery, and go behind it.

[jlunar]

Just so people know, the old location on Yonge, North of Steeles, is closed until they build the condo or something like that.

[Crispier Crouton]

No, it's moving to the northwest corner of Yonge and Steeles, where the Chapters used to be. They're working on it as we speak.

[jlunar]

Ah! Thanks for the update!