Toronto meets Central Europe in this area filled with food, festivals and fun. Roncesvalles Village, home to the city’s Polish community, is a tightly knit neighbourhood that has an almost small-town charm to it.

Take a peek into authentic Polish butchers, flower shops, bakeries and fruit markets on a stroll down Roncesvalles Avenue. Try some paczki (known as “the Polish donuts”) at the Roncesvalles Bakery & Deli, or fresh sausage at Warmia’s Deli. But don’t get too full just yet – no visit to the Village is complete without lunch at one of the many area restaurants.

Indulge in traditionally-prepared perogies, borscht and other Polish fare at Staropolska, or try the varied international menu (with everything from chicken bastilla pie to seafood quiche) at Butler’s Pantry. Both the wings and burgers at Loon’s have been voted among the “ten best in the city.” Or try some “fair trade” coffee with a variety of sandwiches at Alternative Grounds Café.

In September, the friendly atmosphere in the village gets downright festive as The Roncesvalles Polish Festival begins. The street is closed off, then filled with Polish dancers, kids’ rides, polka bands and plenty of food and drinks. Soak up the energy of the neighbourhood as you eat and dance in the streets with the thousands who visit from around the country each year.