Rol San

What is Rol San? A Chinatown institution since 1994, Rol San relocated slightly north to 388 Spadina Avenue while keeping its signature neon signage and longtime kitchen crew intact. Operated by the Li family, the dining room is straightforward and high-tempo, lined with vinyl booths, laminate tables covered in protective plastic, and bright lighting. Seating is strictly indoors, arranged to handle rapid table turns and lively group feasts.

Rol San Menu & What to Order The Cantonese menu delivers dim sum steamed fresh to order from the kitchen morning through late night. Mandatory orders include the plump, translucent har gow, tightly packed pork-and-shrimp siu mai, and crispy deep-fried squid tentacles paired with the pungent house chili oil. Round out the table with sweet BBQ pork buns and wok-tossed crispy ginger beef, washed down with continuous pots of hot jasmine tea or cold Tsingtao.

Know Before You Go Rol San operates on walk-ins only, meaning weekend brunch crowds consistently spill onto the Spadina sidewalk unless you arrive before 11:00 a.m. Take the 510 Spadina streetcar right to the door at Nassau Street, as street parking in the area is tight. Automatic gratuity is commonly applied to final tabs, and payment at the counter is typically limited to cash and Visa.