Roncey residents gather at Freshwood Grill (293) for the aromatic flavours of the open flame. The atmosphere is very casual and rather plain, excepting the huge stuffed Marlin on display (vegheads beware). Even though the restaurant considers itself to be fine dining, this is mainly due to Freshwood’s commitment to local ingredients. The result is a delectable, affordable meal that rivals any hoity-toity establishment. Open from breakfast through to dinner, the wood-burning oven at the entrance is enticement enough, filling the doorway with that unmistakable smoky aroma. Several sandwiches line the menu (including roast lamb, cajun catfish, and BBQ pulled pork) while their homemade sourdough flatbreads come dressed with sausage, arugula, and portobello mushrooms.

In the valiant effort to dignify hotdogs, one of the newest kids on the Roncesvalles block is Buddha Dog (163). Beyond the long counter constructed of thick wooden slabs is a chalk-drawn map of Toronto, lovingly marked with the independent suppliers who contribute their regional goods to make Buddha Dog’s weiners what they are today. Enlisting the help of butchers, bakers, cheesemakers, and sauciers, the one and only Buddha Dog is 100% fresh and local. What’s more, the flavours are constantly evolving and totally original. For now the cherry ketchup, Indian butter, and ginger maple dijon pique my interest—but that could all change by next week.

A sweet escape from ice cream convention, Bravo! Gelato (411) piles on mounds of this icy mixture in a cup waffle cone. Dozens of flavours to choose from—key lime, mango, pistachio, toffee, coconut, green tea, watermelon, pineapple, and chocolate hazelnut, all free to sample. After a sojourn in Europe, owners Alex and Alexandra Jemetz, so enraptured by the Euro gelato culture, were determined to bring their homemade blends to Roncesvalles two months ago. Open year-round, soups and haute chocolat will be served alongside their chilly brethren.