Roncesvalles food guide: Polish delis, cafés and brunch in Toronto's west end

Roncesvalles Village, known to locals as Roncy, is a walkable west-end neighbourhood running along Roncesvalles Avenue between Queen Street West and Dundas Street West, beside High Park. After the Second World War, many Polish immigrants settled here, and the neighbourhood still has Polish delis, bakeries and restaurants alongside newer cafés, brunch spots and restaurants. It is one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Toronto for a slow day of eating.

Where is Roncesvalles in Toronto?

Roncesvalles Avenue runs north from Queen Street West to Dundas Street West, just east of High Park. The 504 King streetcar runs along it, and Dundas West station on Line 2 is at the northern end, near the UP Express stop. Parkdale is to the east and High Park to the west.

Why is Roncesvalles called Little Poland?

Polish immigrants, many arriving after the Second World War, settled in and around Roncesvalles and opened churches, community centres, delis, bakeries and restaurants. While the neighbourhood is now much more mixed, its Polish heritage is still visible in its shops and food, and it has hosted a Polish festival in September in some years. Check local listings for current events.

What Polish food should you try in Roncesvalles?

Dish	What it is
Pierogi	Dumplings filled with potato and cheese, meat, sauerkraut or fruit
Kielbasa	Smoked Polish sausage, from the deli or grilled
Cabbage rolls	Cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and rice in tomato sauce
Borscht	Beet soup, served hot or cold
Schnitzel	Breaded, fried pork or chicken cutlet
Paczki	Filled Polish doughnuts, especially before Lent
Babka and poppy seed cake	Traditional sweet breads and cakes

Polish delis sell smoked meats, sausages, pickles, breads and frozen pierogi to take home, and some grill sausages outside on summer weekends.

What else is there to eat in Roncesvalles?

Beyond its Polish roots, Roncy has independent coffee shops (some famous for their baking), brunch spots, bakeries, pizza, sushi, wine bars and neighbourhood restaurants. It is a family neighbourhood, so many places are relaxed and welcoming.

Where can you buy Polish groceries in Toronto?

Roncesvalles Avenue still has Polish delis and grocers selling smoked meats, sausages, pickles, rye bread, frozen pierogi, sweets and imported goods, and some make their own sausages and smoked meats. The staff are usually happy to explain what is what and to slice to order. Before Easter and Christmas, delis and bakeries are especially busy with traditional foods, so go early. For a quick lunch, a deli sandwich on rye with kielbasa or ham is hard to beat.

Is Roncesvalles good for dinner?

Yes, in a relaxed, neighbourhood way. Alongside Polish restaurants, the avenue has wine bars, pizza, sushi and small restaurants popular with locals. Weekend evenings are busy, so book ahead for a group.

Is Roncesvalles good for brunch?

Yes. Roncy's brunch spots are busy on weekends with locals and people heading to or from High Park. Lines are usually shorter than in Leslieville, but arrive early for the most popular places.

How do you combine Roncesvalles with High Park?

High Park, Toronto's largest public park, is right next to Roncesvalles. A classic day is coffee and pastries on Roncesvalles, a walk through High Park (especially in spring, when the cherry blossoms bloom, usually in late April or May), then lunch or an early dinner back on the avenue. In summer, pick up deli sandwiches or pierogi for a picnic.

Is Roncesvalles good for families?

Very. It is full of young families, and many cafés and restaurants welcome kids and strollers. High Park has playgrounds, a zoo and plenty of space.

How much does eating in Roncesvalles cost?

Mostly mid-range. Polish delis, bakeries and cafés are affordable, and neighbourhood restaurants are moderate. Ontario adds the 13 percent HST to restaurant bills. Tip 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax amount at table service; at deli counters and bakeries, tipping is optional.

Is there a Polish festival in Roncesvalles?

Yes. Roncesvalles Avenue has hosted a Polish festival for many years, usually in September, when the street closes to traffic for food stalls, music and dancing. It is one of the best times to taste the neighbourhood's Polish food in one place: pierogi, kielbasa, cabbage rolls, potato pancakes and pastries.

It gets very busy, so arrive early for the shortest lines and bring cash as a backup, since some stalls may not take cards. The rest of the year, the bakeries, delis and restaurants on Roncesvalles keep the tradition going. Check the festival's current date before planning around it.

How to spend a day in Roncesvalles

1. Take the 504 streetcar or Line 2 to Dundas West.
2. Coffee and baking at an independent café.
3. A walk in High Park.
4. Lunch at a Polish restaurant, or pierogi and sausage from a deli.
5. Browse the shops and pick up treats for home.

On Mosey you can rate the places you ate at and the dishes you ordered, with photos, and keep a list of Roncy delis and cafés. Following friends who live nearby is the easiest way to find the best pierogi on the street.

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