Cześć! Welcome to Toronto’s Polish Neighbourhood!

Roncesvalles Toronto A.K.A. Roncy’s to the locals, is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in the city and not just because I’m Polish … tak, well maybe, but who doesn’t love a pierogi? Aside from that Roncy’s is really the place to find the best Polish food in Toronto.

Roncesvalles has always felt like a little Polish oasis to me with its long stretch of one-of-a-kind shops, local cafés and some of the best Polish restaurants Toronto has to offer. I grew up on pierogi, gołąbki, placki ziemniaczane and of course tons and tons of pączki … and well,Roncy’s is the closest thing Toronto is going to get to the authentic taste of Poland.

Luckily for us there’s nothing more authentic Polish in Toronto thanRoncesvalles. I mean even my grandpa immigrated from Tomaszów, a small town in Poland to Toronto’s very own Polish neighbourhood. Both my parents grew up here and my Nana and Papa’s house forever smelt of dill. Keep reading to find out why you need to explore Roncesvalles Toronto!

Where is Roncesvalles?

Roncesvalles Village can be found between Queen Street West to the South, Bloor Street to the North, Lansdowne Street to the East and Parkside Drive to the West. It’s one of the hottest neighbourhoods in Toronto, and one you need to spend an afternoon galavanting about!

Why isRoncesvalles Known as Toronto’s Little Poland?

Here’s a quick and easy back story! The development of Roncesvalles is all thanks to the Toronto’s very own TTC street-car. Back before the street-car grazed Toronto’s tracks, Roncy’s was a middle-class neighborhood that was both affordable and boasted good jobs (including building the streetcar system) for those willing to move to the area in the early 1900s.

Following the Second World War an array of Eastern Europeans, predominantly Poles, immigrated to Canada and began calling Roncesvalles home. In the decades to follow, Roncy’s saw growth and prosperity for its Polish community where many local establishments built and embraced the Polish community!

Today Roncesvalles Village is an urban community with a unique village vibe that is a Toronto destination not to be missed! I mean, there’s nothing like a sunny, warm afternoon with apączki in one hand and a Tyskie beer in the other!

Where to Get Authentic Polish Food in Toronto’s Roncesvalles

1. Cafe Polonez

The heart of Toronto’s Polish community starts at Café Polonez. Probably the best Polish restaurant in Toronto, it has been serving the people of this city for over 30 years. Although their menu is lined with incredible dishes you don’t want to pass up the opportunity to sip on one of their tasty homemade soups! Like their cold red and white borscht, chlodnik and barszcz biały!

📍Cafe Polonez, 195 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto

2. Chopin Restaurant

Chopin Restaurant is serving up Polish and Ukrainian style dishes like potato pancakes, goulash, schnitzel and of course pierogi. They also serve up a variety of regional classics such as tripe soup and red borscht! Yum!

📍Chopin Restaurant, 165 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto

3. Benna’s Bakery & Deli

This long-standing, family-owned bakery and deli is your one stop shop for a selection of Polish specialty foods and groceries. Their in-house baked goods, smoked meats and fish are to die for! Don’t forget to pick up one of their fresh Polish donuts, paczki, for an afternoon treat!

📍 Benna’s Bakery & Deli, 135 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto

4. Village Meat Products & Deli 

You haven’t had a great Polish sausage if you haven’t tried the ones offered up at Village Meat Products & Deli! Just outside Roncesvalles this butcher shop is serving up some of the highest quality of meats, so be sure to take a gander inside!

📍Village Meat Products & Deli, 2342 Bloor St W, Toronto

5. The Whole Plate

If cooking isn’t your thing, The Whole Plate lets you choose one main and two sides for just $9.95 CAD. They’re takeout hot table is full of wholesome and delicious ready-to-eat meals at an affordable price and of course  includes some incredible Polish dishes!

📍The Whole Plate, 83 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto

6. Chicago Bakery & Deli

Chicago Bakery & Deli is a little Eastern European store that makes an assortment of fresh Polish style breads and pastries. They have a wide variety of imported pantry items, deli smoked meats, donuts, danishes, cakes, buns, breads you name it!

📍 Chicago Bakery & Deli, 289 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto

7. Inter Steer Tavern

This local pub regularly hosts live music and offers up some of those smooth Polish beers you’ve always needed in your life! Inter Steer Tavern is also serving up cabbage rolls and even dessert pierogies.

📍Inter Steer Tavern, 357 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto

Why You Need To Go To The Roncesvalles Polish Festival

You just cannot miss North America’s largest celebration of Polish culture in Toronto’s best neighbourhood, Roncesvalles Village! Typically held in September Roncesvalles Polish Festival is entering its fifteenth year where you can enjoy great local and international music, Polish folklore, Polka and Euro dance bands, and entertainment from near and far.

This 2 day festival just can’t be beat in my books! I’m talking authentic Polish Cuisine, tons of vendors, beer gardens and patios, and outdoor stages with brilliant traditional performances!

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Oh Canada. My home and mother-land! What an amazing country it is! And it has so much to offer travelers too! With some of the most stunning landscapes, tasty food, incredible wildlife, brilliant breweries and above all, the most wonderful locals, Canada is a great place to come and adventure! Checkout more of my blogposts below!

Check out my Toronto travel guides…

📌 33 Cute Cafes In Toronto You Need To Checkout
📌 49 Places To Love In Toronto’s Kensington Market That Never Disappoint!
📌 How To Have The Funnest Winter in Toronto This Year
📌 Toronto’s Little Poland: 7 Spots For The Most Authentic Polish Food in Toronto Roncesvalles

Things to do in the GTA just outside Toronto …

📌 The Ultimate Guide to Port Credit Mississauga
📌 Roundup of the 10 Best Snack Spots in Mississauga
📌 Your Ultimate Guide to Oakville Ontario
📌 16 Instagram Worthy Spots in Mississauga to Checkout Now

More Ontario travel for you…

📌 19 Fun Things To Do As A Tourist In Ottawa
📌 Eh Frame Haus: A Dreamy Waterfront Cottage In Haliburton
📌 Thirty Island Lake Hide-Out: A Tranquil Cottage Retreat in South Frontenac

Heading to Montreal?

📌 This 3 Day Montreal Itinerary is All You Need!

Heading to Halifax?

📌 This 3 Day Halifax Itinerary Is All You Need!

If you have any questions or just want to see some more travel content find me on Instagram at @agirl.enroute! I’m always happy to chat!