Rol San Restaurant: Vibrant Dim Sum Dining on Spadina Ave.
Situated at 390 Spadina Ave., Rol San Restaurant is a bustling dim sum spot beloved by college students, tourists, and groups looking for casual, fast-paced Chinese fare. Known for its bright plastic tablecloths and hearty plates, this late-night venue offers a wide range of small plates and quick bites spanning breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can sip from a carefully curated tea selection while enjoying classics like pork and shrimp dumplings, fried noodles, and the signature chiu chow style dumplings. Rol San’s lively atmosphere captures a timeless Chinatown vibe that invites solo diners and social gatherings alike. Popular offerings include vegetarian options, alcohol, and late-night fare, with typically no reservations and usually a wait. With onsite dining, takeout, and delivery, visitors at this downtown Toronto address often spend between 45 minutes to an hour and a half savoring the genuine flavours and dynamic energy.
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Renowned for fast service, rich dim sum variety, and a nostalgic Chinatown buzz that keeps crowds coming back.
— From the table
Quick service with 45 min to 1.5 hr visits
Great tea selection complements meals
Welcomes groups, tourists & solo diners
Price range $20–30; cash and Visa accepted
Dine-in, takeout, delivery available
voices
Voices from the table
Real diners. Real moments.
A community wall of food memories from Rol San Restaurant.
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Bredgy L.
Follow @bredgyeats for more food posts! The OG dim sum stand: Rol San, I can understand why many want to stand and queue for their classic Cantonese offerings. In addition to their respectable brunch-time delights is a black pepper beef tenderloin, whose taste and flavour live up to its name.
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JJ G
It has become pricier but is still my favorite dimsum spot in Toronto. My go-to’s are the siomai and the fried seaweed chicken and shrimp roll (pictured). My total, including plain rice, was $26.15 after tax and tip. As noted by others, they charge $1.50 for tea and automatically add 15% gratuity. Only cash and Visa are accepted. Come before 12NN to avoid the rush.
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RiCK S
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.
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Shankari Sharma
For fun, we only ordered dim sum we have never eaten before. As always, Rol San was a great experience. Their food is delicious, and their service has suddenly improved. The service was never bad, but it was never overly attentive or friendly. This time, we had so many people checking on us, and we got all the things we asked for without ever having to ask a second time. Surprisingly, the duck feet were delicious. They are served cold, and they are sour, spicy, and a little sweet. I would highly recommend them!
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Wanderer
Went to Rol San after years and they have expanded to a much bigger place with a completely new look. Food was flavorful and fresh! Dimsum was amazing! Wish there was a bit more chicken pieces in the hunan style dish we ordered. Service was fast and friendly.
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Donald Polak
All I can say is, oh my God the food was insanely awesome! Everything was amazing. We didn't know what was what so we chose the ingredients we liked and I picked an unusual on which ended up being desert. Skip the sesame ball for desert and go with #43. The deep fried pumpkin with yolk, cashew and sweet potatoes. It will blow your mind. I will be back when I am back in town!
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Alex Shan
Looks like the new location is finding its grove. Rol Sans unique hot sauce was on point! I keep going back here because it been consistent and delicious for 25 years.
