A stretch of Roncesvalles Avenue and surrounding blocks with Ukrainian and Polish delis, Eastern European bakeries, pierogi restaurants, and sausage shops that have barely changed since the 1950s. The food here is extraordinary — and the neighbourhood remains one of the most authentic ethnic commercial districts in a city increasingly full of imitation ones.
Area: Roncesvalles / Bloor West · Address: Roncesvalles Ave & Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 1A1 · Best time: Weekend
Insider tip
European Quality Meats & Sausages on Roncesvalles is a Toronto institution — the kielbasa is made in-house and is exceptional. Café Polonez (694 Roncesvalles) has been serving Polish food since 1979 and makes what many consider the best pierogies in the city. Sunnyside Pavilion nearby is a beautiful heritage building worth seeing while you're in the area.
Getting there
Subway to Dundas West (Line 2), then streetcar 505 Dundas south to Roncesvalles. Or bus 63 Ossington to Roncesvalles. Roncesvalles Ave runs north-south.