Polka European Deli — Local services in Toronto

I 've been coming to this shop for a few years now and usually like it.

Not today.

As soon as my wife and I walked into the store this morning we were 'greeted' with a short&sharp 'can't you see the sign? you can almost trip over it' from a woman who ran out to the front.

Indeed, on the INSIDE of the door on the floor, about 2-3 feet sign was scribbled over a piece of paper, informing of a maximum limit of 13 people. How you're supposed to know the number of people inside - the store, the sign doesn't say. :-/.

I simply and calmly responded that the sign should be put higher up and on the outside of the store, to which the lady who greeted us responded she hasn't got anything to put it on. There was another man there as well, who was also asked out.

So we line up outside as 'instructed'. My wife and I talk to each other that this is not an acceptable service. A man in front of us who was then let in mumbled something I could barely understand at me and my wife as he walks into the store. At first I thought he has mental issues so decided to ignore him and walk in anyway.

As we were almost done with our shopping I realized the man and the woman who 'greeted' us are having a merry ol' chat in the middle of the store about 'young couple outside' complaining. They were very chummy and loud and made my wife very uncomfortable. To the point she had to leave the store.

Polka Deli staff - Do yourself and your business a favor next time you and your pal wanna have a little gossip, winge and wine about customers. Get some tea and biscuits and go out the back where no one can hear you.

I grew up in Poland in the 80s and have a thick skin to deal with this kind of service, but it's not fair to treat my wife who doesn't speak good Polish this way. It's bad enough she gets looks being the only Asian-Canadian inside a polish deli.

We are not often offended at all, in fact we avoid all conflicts. A lady that was lining up with us also mentioned that the staff can be rude. Just a testament that there is a common problem.

We understand that pandemic restriction should be taken seriously but IT IS NOT AN...

After moving to Scarborough from Mississauga, one of the things that was missing in my life was a taste of Europe - more precisely Polish goods, foods, sweets and deli.

The deli at Polka is ever fresh, the selection of goods is vast enough for my taste and the foods that are prepared have always hit the mark. The baked goods are displayed nicely and at a healthier standard that most over-sweetened cake for North American Standards. Fresh baked goods very quickly disappear so you have to know when to show up to get a chance for pretzels, danishes, buns and home made style sliced bread. Donuts and the cakes, don't even get me started. Chocolates, soups, soup starters, condiments, pickles, facial creams, milk, eggs, and perogies - I could go on...

On top of all this - absolutely TOP NOTCH service. You can truly feel at ease as you are being taken care of by the staff at Polka. From the beginning of the deli counter with Agnieszka, Ela or the other personable ladies - all the way to the cash with Monica.

The experience with any/all of them is why I would drive an extra half an hour or more out of my way even though there are closer deli store to us. Everyone is taken care of if a friend or family, and absolutely worth the wait, if there is any as things move even when they are super busy. And good service does take time as everyone's needs are different.

Overall you will not be disappointed, but instead you will truly get a taste of Poland at Polka...

This is a classic Polish Deli that can be a little hard to find (it is around the back of the building with no sign indication location). This is a great place for traditional Polish food, especially the large deli area with a huge selection of traditional Eastern European sausages, pate, etc. There is also an excellent bakery (from third party bakery) selection with large rye loaves and a very good selection of sweets, cookies, etc. The store is very clean and the staff are friendly and helpful. Service can be slow at the meat/deli counter as every customer is being served individually and the meats all have to be custom sliced. However, if you want pre-packaged charcuterie then you should go somewhere else. If you want tasty cold cuts and pates...this is the place. The price of products is very reasonable. Parking is ample (including handicapped designated) but not sure if the narrow aisles will accommodate a wheel chair or not. Good food, nice people, fair price....