Leave the Porch Light On

In Roncesvalles, community isn’t just a concept—it’s part of everyday life.

WORDS BY Erica Dutra

It’s little surprise that Roncesvalles, or Roncy as it’s known to locals, has a vibrant, cultural past—this is Toronto, after all. But this pocket of charming local shops and characteristic Victorian and Edwardian homes, nestled between High Park, the Junction and the waterfront, has homey, familial roots, too.

“The neighbourhood was first laid out around 1850 by Colonel Walter O’Hara, who named the streets after his family: Marion for his wife, and Constance and Geoffrey for his kids, and borrowed ‘Roncesvalles’ from a Spanish battle he’d fought in,” says Amanda Gaskey, Heaps Estrin real estate agent and longtime Roncy resident.

The post-Second World War immigration wave saw the Polish community settle in and proudly claim it as their own, infusing the neighbourhood with cultural outposts and a diasporic infrastructure that remains alive and well—the annual Roncesvalles Polish Festival alone brings in over 300,000 revellers. And as classic pierogi spots now sit beside trendy continental cafés, it’s the family ties that continue to bind Roncy, drawing in young families thanks to excellent schools, high walkability and community-centric culture.

That was certainly a draw for teacher, artist and mom-of-three Laura May, who first moved to the area in 2016. “We love having access to the lake, High Park and so many amazing cafés at our doorstep. You’re within walking distance to everything, and there’s still that small-town feel.”

In fact, Gaskey points to Roncy’s signature architecture—specifically the grand front porch of classic Edwardian style—as perpetuating the family-friendly vibe.

“In most Toronto neighbourhoods, the front porch is basically decorative,” she says. “In Roncy, people actually use them. You end up knowing your neighbours, kids play on the street and in vibrant laneways, people wave from their porches.” In fact, the sweeping porches of these heritage architectural gems are fiercely preserved by the residents, even those with a fixer-upper on their hands.

“Even with large renovations, you see owners try to keep the facade and signature details well intact or refurbished,” she says, pointing to charming details like brick facades with bay windows, pitched roofs and stained glass.

A home in the neighbourhood runs anywhere from $1 million to $3.5 million, but if those prices don’t appeal, everything else the area has to offer undoubtedly will.

Where to Fuel Up

Craving a quick bite? Head to Gold Standard (385 Roncesvalles Ave.) for one of the city’s best breakfast sandwiches. For a different handheld meal, grab a mortadella panino at Tutto Panino (100 Sorauren Ave.). Browse the aisles at Alimentari (319 Roncesvalles Ave.), the Italian grocer that’ll help you bring a taste of Italy home. Then, savour your coffee while listening to a curated vinyl collection at Café Russo (139 Roncesvalles Ave.). Try their “Roncy Classic,” a double espresso with chocolate, steamed milk and vanilla cold foam. For a more refined take on sweet delights, check out Steven Tran Pâtissier & Chocolatier (476 Roncesvalles Ave.). The former Shangri-La pastry chef’s handcrafted bonbons include flavours like coconut yuzu and banana caramel.

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From top Alimentari;

Another Story; Steven Tran Pâtissier & Chocolatier

Photography Interior: Ian Patterson

Little Tibet in the Big City

Nestled in the southeast corner of Roncesvalles is Parkdale, a neighbourhood as celebrated for its indie nature—think vintage shops, galleries and plenty of nightlife—as its strong ties to Tibetan culture.

EAT

Momos, Tibetan fried or steamed dumplings, are a must at Loga’s Corner (216 Close Ave. and 1407 Queen St. W.). Run by a husband-and-wife team, they pack each bite with savoury meat or vegetarian fillings. Don’t skip their housemade hot sauce.

SHOP

At Himalayan Creation (1542 Queen St.W.), where you’ll find a variety of specialty gifts and items to help deepen your spiritual practice. Whether you’re a meditation devotee or just browsing, you’ll find housewares, accessories and more from Buddhist artisans.

JOIN

While the Tibetan community gathers for traditional, intergenerational dance circles (the gorshey) weekly, all of Parkdale comes together for its annual street festival. Parkdale Music Crawl takes over a stretch of Queen Street West every summer for an all-out showcase of local performers.

Where to Shop

Roncesvalles is home to a long list of independently-owned boutiques. In the neighbourhood since 2005, Another Story Bookshop (315 Roncesvalles Ave.) is a mainstay for progressive books and diverse authors. Peach Boy (365 Roncesvalles Ave.) houses an artful mix of clothing, toys and books for kids. Their selection includes design-forward brands that are sure to appeal to adult shoppers, like Spain’s The Campamento and Repose AMS, which is designed in Amsterdam. For stylish accessories for yourself and your home, explore the offerings at Scout (405 Roncesvalles Ave.). Owner Leah Eyles’s selection of locally made goods—everything from puzzles to jewellery, stationery and socks—will spark plenty of gift ideas. While you’re there, don’t miss Good Neighbour (415 Roncesvalles Ave.), where you’ll find brands like Citizens of Humanity, Clare V., D.S. & Durga, GANNI, as well as Toronto’s own Jenny Bird.

Where to Go

From fitness classes al fresco to the annual pumpkin parade or famed farmers’ market, it’s always worth strolling through Sorauren Park (289 Sorauren Ave.). Meanwhile, cinephiles flock to Revue Cinema (400 Roncesvalles Ave.) for screenings of classics throughout film history. Don’t miss their recurring series, like Designing the Movies (which puts costume and art direction in the spotlight) or Neon Dreams (for fans of neo-noir cinema). Once the credits roll, contemporary art aficionados can peruse what’s on display at Olga Korper Gallery (17 Morrow Ave.). Round out the day at Bluebird Bar (2072 Dundas St. W.), where you can hear live jazz, folk or pop music every Thursday.

Where to Dine

New openings blend with neighbourhood institutions on the strip. Dig into the area’s Polish roots at cozy Café Polonez (195 Roncesvalles Ave.), where they’ve served housemade pierogi and schnitzel for 45 years. Restaurant Stop (397 Roncesvalles Ave.) takes a more elevated approach by infusing their Eastern European menu (think: borscht and khinkali) with French culinary techniques. Proper (392 Roncesvalles Ave.) brings New York-style Italian to Roncy, via staples like buttermilk-fried calamari and ravioli al ragù. Chef Mani Panwar’s Dil Se Indian (335 Roncesvalles Ave.) is a Michelin-recognized destination for North Indian cuisine. Arbequina (325 Roncesvalles Ave.) also earned a Michelin stamp of approval, thanks to its rotating menu of modern Arabic dishes. Hungry diners can’t resist Barque Smokehouse (299 Roncesvalles Ave.), where can’t-miss mains like smoked beef brisket are served alongside apple cider slaw and garlic butter cornbread. To sweeten an already delicious meal, kids eat free on weeknights.

→ From Top Café Polonez; Proper

Photography Street: Destination Toronto

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