The Legendary Café Polonez: A Sanctuary of Authentic Polish Cuisine in Toronto's Roncesvalles
A family-run restaurant in Toronto, known for its comforting Polish cuisine, carries on a four-decade long culinary tradition.
For over four decades, Café Polonez has stood tall as a beacon of hearty, comforting Polish fare on Roncesvalles Avenue. This beloved establishment, nestled amongst a diverse mix of locals, newcomers, and old souls like Lauryn Bodde, is more than just a restaurant—it's a home away from home for many.
Three times a year, Bodde trades the city of Windsor for Toronto's vibrant hub for a girls' trip. One obligatory stop? Café Polonez. The allure of its authentic atmosphere and delectable dishes speaks volumes to Bodde and her family, reminding them of their roots. "We're Ukrainian," Bodde explains, "and this food strikes a chord with our heritage, especially during festive times like Christmas when we enjoy perogies, much like at Café Polonez."
Café Polonez, one of the few remaining Polish restaurants in an area once brimming with Eastern European eateries, has been a sanctuary for Torontonians and curious foodies alike since 1981. The Zychla family, comprising Irena, Zygmunt, and their daughter Sofia, purchased the restaurant from its previous owners, who dabbled in various dishes, and have since dedicated themselves to providing an authentic Polish dining experience.
Stepping into Café Polonez, one is immediately greeted with a bright, inviting space, the heart of which is a bar stocked with Polish beers. The rear wall showcases a breathtaking mural of Warsaw, while framed illustrations of Poland's official coat of arms hover above the north and south walls. The air is thick with the aroma of traditional dishes like Placek po wegiersku and Leczo Warzywne.
Patrick Front, the 41-year-old grandson of the Zychlas, acts as the restaurant's general manager. He notes the menu's consistency as a key factor in attracting and retaining customers. "Over the years, I've witnessed regular customers bring their children and introduce them to our dishes. It's truly heartwarming to see that."
The richness of the flavor profiles in dishes like the cabbage rolls and white borscht delights the senses. Perogies are plentiful and bursting with flavor, while the Sernik cheesecake offers a light, fluffy indulgence reminiscent of Japanese cheesecake. Café Polonez goes through approximately 1,000 pounds of potatoes and 350 pounds of beets weekly—a testament to the restaurant's commitment to serving quality.
Unique to Café Polonez is the requirement for staff to fluently speak both Polish and English, catering to the predominantly Polish clientele. Front mentions that in recent years, they have hired Polish-speaking Ukrainians who have moved to the city, further solidifying the restaurant's connection to Eastern Europe.
Originally hailing from a small Polish town called Radom, Irena Zychla, along with her husband and daughter Sofia, joined the staff as a cook and waitress, respectively. Just three months after their arrival, the owners offered to sell the restaurant, and with savings amassed from their tannery business in Poland, they purchased the restaurant. Sofia took charge soon after, expanding the menu to include more Polish and Eastern European dishes. Today, Sofia's children help manage the restaurant, preserving the legacy begun by their grandparents.
Forward-thinking adaptations have helped Café Polonez maintain its relevance in a modern, ever-changing city. In the 1980s, as Roncesvalles transformed into a hub for Polish businesses, Café Polonez became a magnet for freshly emigrated Polish immigrants, reflecting the neighborhood's character. With growing demand, the restaurant underwent renovations 20 years ago, expanding the back area to accommodate more patrons and refreshing the overall aesthetic.
Over the years, Café Polonez has welcomed numerous Polish dignitaries. Among these notable visits was Lech Wałęsa, the Polish president, who paid a visit in the early '90s. Despite suffering a broken hand, Irena chose to stay upstairs while Walesa and his security team paid her a beautiful tribute with gifts and heartfelt words. "He loved our tripe soup, which continues to be a favorite among our customers to this day," says Front, eliciting a warm smile.
Café Polonez stands today as a shining example of immigrants preserving their heritage while contributing to the rich cultural landscape of Toronto. Sofia and her family continue to strive to uphold the legacy initiated by her parents, carrying on the traditions that have resonated with so many diners over the years. And as Patrick Front notes, "There's something deeply fulfilling about managing a family business that has a physical presence, a testament to our family and our history."
- In Toronto's vibrant hub, Cafe Polonez is a regular stop for Lauryn Bodde during her girls' trips from Windsor, as the authentic Polish fare reminds her of her Ukrainian heritage, especially during festive occasions.
- Cafe Polonez, a sanctuary for Torontonians and foodies, offers a traditional Polish dining experience, complete with dishes like Placek po wegiersku, Leczo Warzywne, cabbage rolls, white borscht, perogies, and Sernik cheesecake.
- The media often highlights Cafe Polonez as a beacon of Eastern European cuisine in Toronto, with numerous articles showcasing its rich flavors, commitment to quality ingredients, and its unique staffing requirement for bilingual speakers in Polish and English.
- As global cuisines continue to evolve and invade the Toronto landscape, Cafe Polonez stands as a testament to the importance of preserving heritage and tradition, as the Zychla family, now managed by Sofia's children, continue to uphold the legacy of authentic Polish cuisine they began over four decades ago.
