If you haven’t noticed, we love Roncy.  Shopping on the strip is fun, convenient and always interesting. You can start at the top, middle or bottom of Roncy and be able to get a coffee, a snack, a gift, lunch, a new outfit, dinner supplies, some records, a book or two, a bottle of wine, some new shoes, a bouquet of flowers and even a workout, if you’re so inclined.  What we’re trying to say here is that the Roncy strip really, really has it all.  Here are a few of our absolute favourite boutiques along the strip.

Good Neighbour

This shop could easily be our favourite shop in the west end.  Recently opened, Good Neighbour is our go to for effortlessly cool gifts and gear.  The actual store is the former home of Village Meat, a popular Polish butcher shop that closed its doors back in early 2019.  The renovation is gorgeous! As renovation junkies ourselves, we absolutely adore what they’ve done with the space.  All that aside, what is stocked inside is what keeps us coming back. Obviously curated by some serious coolhunters, Good Neighbour sells an impressive array of brands, some you know and some you don’t.  From Herschel and North Standard to Bellerose and Richer Poorer.  They also have our favourite accessory, houseplants!  You know we love a good houseplant.  With a back room dedicated entirely to very cool kids stuff, as well as a menswear section Good Neighbour pretty much has you covered.  Shelves of trendy scented candles, interesting potions, cute stationary, gorgeous jewelry, home decor pieces, perfumes, shoes, enamelled mugs, cook books, yoga mats etc.  The list goes on, you simply have to go visit or shop online.  Go see what we’re talking about.

Alimentari

This list would not be completed without Alimentari. The moment you step inside it feels like you’ve been transported to an actual alimentari in Rome.  They make and sell fresh pasta daily. We’re not just talking take out, we mean they sell bulk fresh pasta for you to prepare at home. As well you can pick up fresh sauces, and other prepared Italian foods.  More than just pasta and sauce, they also have an entire, floor to ceiling wall of incredible pantry items, carefully curated to be as authentic as possible.  Beautiful jars of Olives from Italy, antipasto galore, dried pastas, burrata, mozzarella and even ice cream!  They also have an amazing wine and bubbly selection of gorgeous Italian and Mediterranean wines and liqueurs.  This place is easily a one stop shop for the perfect Roman Holiday themed dinner party.

Brodawaka & Friends

Primarily a shoe store (see? Roncy has everything!) Brodawaka & Friends stocks very unique and stylish footwear you won’t find anywhere else. Not limited to cool shoes though, this little spot also has stylish, safe and comfortable to wear handmade face masks, all made in-house.  As such, they have an incredible selection of cool patterns and fabrics.  There is so much to see in this store, alot yourself some time to really peruse the shelves here.  Travel pouches, neck ware, pocket squares, sunglasses, hats and scarves, wallets and keychains.  They even have kids stuff as well including games, puzzles, notebooks, pencil cases and party supplies. If you’re out for a shop, be sure to have a look inside, this place is a Roncy gem!

Russell’s Butcher & Deli

New kid on the block, Russells’ is a sister store to Alimentari just down the way.  Opened in July 2021, this butcher shop has quickly become a staple on our weekly shopping list.  The butcher here studied under Dario Cecchini, an internatioannly known Italian Butcher from Panzano, in the Chianti region of Italy.  So you know their pancetta is going to be on point. Stop in here for beautiful cuts of meat and ready to cook dishes such as boneless stuffed chicken breasts wrapped in speck and beautiful lamb burgers with mint, parsley, rosemary and feta.  This place does not dissapoint.

Early Bird and Worm + Nest & Hatch

Early Bird and Worm is actually two businesses in one space.  The first is an incredibly cute shop with all sorts of mom and baby essentials, and goodies for older kids as well.  Looking for a gift for a new mom in your life? Early Bird and Worm has plenty of luxury self care items for moms.  The focus here truly is babies and small children, with a wide selection of eco-conscious toys and clothes, you will not find any cheap, disposable plastic toys here.  Everything is curated with the environment and your child’s wellness in mind.  Which brings us to Nest & Hatch, located within the building, with an entrance around the corner on Garden street.  Nest & Hatch offers plenty of after-school programs, and micro-learning groups, blending outdoor eduction and extra curricular activities that follow the Ontario School Board Curriculum.

★ For more on life in Roncesvalles check out:

• Roncesvalles Neighbourhood Guide
• Breakfast in Roncesvalles: Our Favourite Spots
• West End Schools: Our Guide to Roncesvalles
• Our Favourite Patios In Roncy This Summer
• 5 Roncy Coffee Shops With More Than Just Coffee

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