Toronto has a ton of flavors to explore, with 250 ethnic groups living here. That means every expat can find something that reminds them of home. Polish expats can savor their favorite dishes even across the ocean. And with summer around the corner, it is the perfect time to enjoy those beloved pies, pork, or Polish dishes in vegetarian form, all while soaking up some fresh air. Just for you, we have rounded up the top 7 best Polish restaurants in Toronto. Keep reading to discover more about these spots, their menus, and prices.
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- Cafe Polonez
- Babushka Club
- Hastings Snack Bar
- Kovalsky Restaurant
- Albatros Pub
- Orbit Bar & Restaurant
- Drom Taberna
Cafe Polonez
For expats who left Poland long ago, Cafe Polonez is probably a familiar name. Situated in the heart of Toronto’s Polish community, this restaurant has been dishing out delights for 30 years. Its founders had a simple aim: to give Toronto a taste of authentic Polish home cooking. And just like it was 30 years back, Café Polonez remains a cozy family spot where you can enjoy homemade treats in a friendly atmosphere and at wallet-friendly prices. The menu of this GTA’s best Polish restaurant features classics of Eastern European cuisine. Plus, they have got a bar where you can sample various Polish beers and stronger spirits if you are in the mood.
Address: 195 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto
Babushka Club
Where to go with a big group if none of you have had pies or bigos in ages? Babushka Club is the spot. In its unmatched clubby vibe, you can dive into classic Polish dishes that will stick with you. Their menu offers up childhood-favorite soups for $11, homemade salads serving 10 people for $28-$43.50. And there is more: red caviar on baguettes for $47 for 10 pieces, pancakes with various fillings for $35, and grilled veggies with basturma and bocconcini cheese for $54. Plus, you can host weddings, bar mitzvahs, birthdays, corporate gigs, and any other special shindigs here. Just ask, and the chef, staff, and waiters will go the extra mile to make your time at Babushka Club unforgettable.
Address: 9141 Keele St, Vaughan
Hastings Snack Bar
Toronto is a cultural hotspot. Even the most seasoned foodies can stumble upon a hidden gem where they least expect it. Take Leslieville, for example — you can find a great spot for Polish food nearby called Hastings Snack Bar. It is a cozy little joint with a Polish vibe. They serve up warm homemade bigos, handcrafted pies, a plate of kielbasa, or a schnitzel sandwich in the winter, and refreshing soups in the summer — there is always something tasty on offer at Hastings Snack Bar. Plus, on weekends, they’ve got fresh pastries — perfect for breakfast.
Address: 5 Hastings Ave, Toronto
Kovalsky Restaurant
If you are wondering where to find Polish food near me, the answer might just be to head to Kovalsky Restaurant. They serve up Polish and Eastern European dishes, with lots of veggie options, all at wallet-friendly prices. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll be itching to go back for more. Kovalsky Restaurant is perfect for lunch or dinner, whether you are with family or flying solo — there is plenty of space for everyone. At Kovalsky, you have got a wide-ranging menu: zurek and Red Borscht go for $6.99, Flaczki (Tripes) for $7.99. If you are into pork, there is Bigos with Mashed Potatoes at $16.99, Goulash with Mashed Potatoes at $19.99, or Meat Balls (Mielone) for $18.99. And there are plenty of chicken, fish, and pierogi options too. For vegetarians, there are a bunch of meat-free choices. Coleslaw, Red Beets Salad, or Cucumber Salad are $5.50 each, Vegetarian Cabbage Rolls are $19.99, and you can get vegetarian Red Borscht for $6.99, along with Kopytka (Polish Gnocchi) and Potato Pancakes at $14.99.
Address: 667 The Queensway, Toronto
Albatros Pub At
Albatros Pub, you can dive into traditional Polish cuisine with a pub vibe. It first opened its doors in the winter of 2000 and has since become one of Toronto’s go-to spots for classic European pub fare. Aside from the mouth watering dishes on the menu, Albatros Pub boasts an extensive bar selection. You will find a range of domestic and international beers, along with a variety of spirits. And the prices? Totally reasonable: escargot for $13.95, calamari rings for $15.95, borscht for $5.95, French onion soup for $11.50, beef tripe soup for $10.50, finger foods under $10, burgers from $17.50 to $19.50, pork schnitzel for $22.50, homemade pierogies for $17.95, and gnocchi with goulash for $22.50. But Albatros Pub is not just for chilling with friends or throwing parties — it is also a haven for sports fans. With 7 HD TVs, you can catch all the big games while you dine.
Address: 3057 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke
Orbit Bar & Restaurant
Good food at a fair price, attentive staff, generous portions, and incredibly tasty Eastern European cuisine — that is what Orbit Bar & Restaurant is all about. Those who have dined here rave about the attentive service, even with large groups of 20 people. With hundreds of positive reviews, there is no doubt about it. Let’s take a peek at the menu, where most items are priced under $10. Barszcz goes for $9.50, Flaczki for $9.95, and you can grab White Borsch with eggs or Red Borsch for just $9.50. And every Thursday, they dish out what they claim to be the best chicken wings in town for just $0.99 each, tax not included. Saturdays feature DJ-led disco nights, while Sundays offer fantastic family dinners. Orbit Bar & Restaurant runs many specials. For instance, Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, they serve up lunches for a mere $13.99, tax not included. And from Monday through Saturday, they offer dinners with free soup for $17.99, tax not included.
Address: 2025 Dundas St E, Mississauga
Drom Taberna
The best Polish restaurant of its kind is Drom Taberna. The founders created a place that pays homage to the places they come from, have traveled to, or have never been to — lands stretching from the Baltic to the Balkans and the Black Sea. That is why you can sample Polish, Ukrainian, Latvian, Estonian, Belarusian, Czech, Russian, Montenegrin, Georgian, and even Romani cuisine here. So, guests from every corner of the globe are welcomed. The food here is abundant and incredibly flavorful. It is astonishing how the chefs at DROM Taberna capture the essence of this diverse region. From pierogi to pelmeni, a variety of beet dishes, and a delightful carrot salad, to a stellar selection of regional wines and schnapps, there is something to please every palate. And dining here with live music, whether alone or with friends, is an absolute treat. Polish and Siberian style dumplings for $11-14, pickle plate for $5-8, Georgian Adjapsandali pouline with eggplant and vegetables for $16, Bosnian cevapi for $15 for 5 pieces, and Hungarian Goulash Pouline for $18.
Address: 458 Queen St W, Toronto
