Rol San Restaurant
Toronto
Katsaus
Arvostelut
Came here with high hopes to get authentic dim sum. Disappointed to find out that they don't serve dim sum with traditional dim sum carts. Bamboo steamers were reinforced with...you guessed it. plastic rims. Shrimp dumpling was good. Everything else was honestly just so so. I would recommend all the shrimp dishes since their shrimps are fresh.
We were looking for dimsum and the sign up front beckoned effectively! We ordered 6 dimsum plates and they came promptly. The chicken feet was good, also the hacao,and siu mai and mushroom dumplings. The pork and beef ribs were too salty. Service was quick and friendly
When it comes to dim sum in Toronto, I don’t care about trendy interior design, fancy plating or modern fusion twists. I want authenticity, speed & perfectly executed comfort food. Rol San has been an absolute staple on Spadina for decades & even after their move down the street, they still deliver exactly what matters. The atmosphere is loud, hectic, and completely unpretentious - just as a proper dim sum hall should be. It’s a bustling environment where the turnarounds are fast, the tea is piping hot & the focus is 100% on the kitchen's execution. If you are looking for a quiet, romantic candle-lit dinner, go somewhere else. But if you want exceptional, traditional Cantonese-style small plates, you line up here. Their pushcart style might be gone, but the made-to-order menu ensures everything hits your table steaming hot. The Har Gow (shrimp dumplings) are the ultimate test for any dim sum chef & Rol San nails it - the crystal skin is thin and translucent yet structurally sound & the shrimp filling is plump, snappy & perfectly seasoned. Their Siomai is dense and savory & the deep-fried taro puffs have that flawless, lacy, crispy exterior without being greasy. My absolute personal favorite, though, is the rice noodle rolls with BBQ pork - silky texture and excellent sweet soy sauce balance. The service is highly efficient. The staff moves with incredible velocity, taking orders and dropping dishes with precision. They aren't there to make casual small talk; they are there to manage a high-volume crowd and keep the food fresh. It’s reliable, timeless & consistently hits the spot every single time, whether you're curing a hangover at 11 AM or having a massive family feast. A true Toronto institution.
Rol San — A Chinatown Legend 1. The Vibe A rare survivor of gentrification, this family-run gem captures the authentic energy of 1990s Hong Kong-style dining. Though it moved to the west side of Spadina two years ago, the heart of the restaurant remains the same: professional, bustling, and nostalgic. 2. The "Must-Orders" • The Classics: You can’t go wrong with their Har Gao (shrimp dumplings) and Siu Mai. Don’t forget to try their chilli oil! Way better than the hot sauce. • The Comfort: Their Steamed BBQ Pork Buns are a masterclass in tradition. • The Crowd-Pleaser: If you have kids (or just love a crunch), the Deep Fried Squid is a mandatory order. 3. Pro Tips for the Best Experience • Beat the Rush: Arrive before 11:00 AM to bypass the infamous Spadina sidewalk queues. • Group Dining: They are one of the few spots that accept reservations, provided you have a party of five or more. • Dinner: While famous for brunch, don't overlook their dinner service for a quieter, traditional Cantonese meal. 4. The Verdict: If you want a taste of "Old Chinatown" with a consistent Hong Kong twist, this is the gold standard.
