By: Lora Maghanoy, FW Editor

Nestled in the west-end of the city, Roncesvalles has garnered
a reputation for being home to independent shops and antique
hotspots. But like many Toronto neighbourhoods (and perhaps
credited to the increasing popularity and gentrification of nearby
Parkdale), the seemingly quiet region has had a surge in visitors
and has longtime Torontonian’s newfound respect.

High Park
West of Roncesvalles
Considered the gem of Toronto parks,
High Park is the largest park in Toronto,
spanning 398 acres. The park is home
to recreational and sporting facilities,
gardens, playgrounds and a zoo. It also
boasts live theatre in the summer time
with their annual, “Dream in High
Park,” where a production of a popular
Shakespearean play is put on. Those
looking for a bite to eat are in luck- the
Grenadier Café is a large restaurant with
a massive outdoor patio to let you enjoy
your beautiful surroundings.

Roncesvalles Bakery
& Deli
173 Roncesvalles Ave.
Everyone loves a bakery. nd this
bakery in the west end is one of the best.
Considered the best place for Eastern
European delicacies, they provide fresh
dishes to eat-in or take-out, including
cabbage rolls, stuffed peppers, patichki,
kopytka, pyze, potato pancakes, blintzes
(nalishniki), European style hamburgers and
chicken. For those with a sweet tooth, look
no further, as they also carry a number of
pastries, cakes and various sweets.

Gate 403
403 Roncesvalles Ave.
Part restaurant and part bar, Gate
403 has become a popular spot for those
looking for good food (bar menu includes
burgers, pasta and steak dishes) and a
cool spot to spend your evening. An
added bonus is that on some night the
spot has seemingly become a perfect
venue for an intimate jazz show (they
often feature local musicians) and on
other nights resembles a chill piano bar.
Definitely worth a visit.

Polish Festival
During the festival, the street is
closed to vehicles, making way for
pedestrians to enjoy the sites, sounds and
taste of Poland. Tens of thousands of
Torontonians and tourists visit the event,
making it a popular festival in our city.