Dylan YoungFor me, Caribbean cuisine is incredibly exciting because of its fascinating history. The region was colonized by European settlers, and laborers from other countries had moved there to work, too.
Because of this, Caribbean cuisine is a fusion of countless cuisines—from European to Latin American to Middle Eastern to West African to Chinese! I never know what to expect when eating a Caribbean dish, and that keeps me coming back for more.
In my time living in Toronto, I’ve tried several Caribbean restaurants, but these are my favorites. And don’t worry, even my Caribbean-born-and-raised friends love these restaurants too!
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen
Address: 104 Portland St, Toronto, ON M5V 2N2, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—12 to 10 pm
- Friday—12 to 11 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14167928105
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen has everything I want in a restaurant: an aesthetically pleasing interior (the wooden furniture and the murals on the walls are such a vibe) and a warm, vibrant atmosphere. And don’t forget about the food!
The highlight here is the jerk pit grill, which features meat being grilled over a wood fire. I’m fond of Chubby’s Jerk Burger because it’s savory and tangy at the same time, but I also really like the jerk chicken and pork served with a special slaw.
Of course, I can’t leave the establishment without trying a dessert.
I really like the rum and raisin bread pudding. It’s topped with vanilla ice cream and rum caramel sauce (sweet, buttery, and rich—ah, I’m craving it again!).
| Pro Tip: The restaurant offers catering services for events. |
Chris Jerk
Address: 2570 Birchmount Rd, Scarborough, ON M1T 2M5, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—11 am to 8 pm
- Friday—11 am to 9 pm
- Saturday—12 to 9 pm
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Contact Number: +14162975375
Chris Jerk is another popular Caribbean restaurant in the Toronto area that I recently tried and loved.
The bestseller here is jerk chicken, which is served with basmati long-grain rice and peas infused with coconut cream. I really liked how the spices (thyme, ginger, and pimento) seemed to dance in my mouth, and the rice was perfectly fluffy.
Aside from the rice dishes, this spot sells shawarma and poutine. It never occurred to me that jerk chicken could work as poutine, but now that I’ve tried it, I won’t be going back.
| Pro Tip: This spot is pretty popular, so prepare to line up at the door. You can avoid the crowd by coming here at off-peak hours (maybe around the afternoon). |
Mona’s Roti
Address: 4810 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1S 4N6, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—10 am to 8 pm
- Closed on Sunday
Contact Number: +14164121200
Mona’s Roti specializes in handcrafted Caribbean-style roti, and I’m obsessed with it! The flatbread is so soft and fluffy, and since everything is made fresh for every order, it’s always steaming.
In order to enjoy the roti, you should order any of the wraps. I really like the chicken boneless roti and the jerk chicken roti.
If you don’t eat meat, no worries because there’s a veggie roti.
If you want something more filling, you can go for the rice meals. The jerk chicken rice meal, in particular, is popular among the restaurant’s patrons.
| Pro Tip: If you’re stuck in traffic, you can call the restaurant and order ahead so that by the time you arrive, your order is ready to be picked up. |
Patois
Address: 794 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1V1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—5 to 10 pm
- Friday—5 to 11 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +16473508999
Patois is an interesting establishment because it’s not really marketed as an authentic Caribbean restaurant. Instead, it’s described as “Caribbean meets Asian soul food.”
I have to admit, that description is a lot more eye-catching.
I tried one of the bestsellers here—the honey and Maggi beef short ribs—and it tasted both sweet and savory.
My friends ordered popcorn shrimp fried rice and izakaya shrimp pasta. I tasted both, and I really liked their flavors, too.
To wash everything down, I recommend ordering a cocktail. The one I ordered and liked is the Patois Rum Punch, which is made with a 12-year Appleton, Wray and Nephew, and Pimento Dram.
| Pro Tips: You can book Patois for special events. This restaurant also sells merchandise like t-shirts and tote bags. Check the online store to see what other items are available. |
Roywoods
Address: 121 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 4B3, Canada
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14166317574
What I like about Roywoods is that it embraces Toronto’s vibrant street culture. The interior features bright colors, and there are also classic tunes playing in the background to set a cheery mood.
The menu is not as extensive as the other Caribbean spots, but the food is just as good. Of course, the jerk chicken plate is a must-try, but the jerk pork and curry chicken are excellent as well.
If you don’t want to eat rice, you can order any of the sandwiches instead. There’s a sandwich version for jerk chicken. You might want to try that.
| Pro Tip: Roywoods offers catering services for parties and other events. For more information, you can contact them via phone or fill out the form when you click “catering” on the website. |
Don’s Caribbean Jerk Restaurant
Address: 39 Abraham Welsh Rd Unit# 3, Toronto, ON M9M 0G6, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—6 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—6 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—8 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +14167461717
If you’re looking for a Caribbean restaurant with a casual vibe, you might like Don’s Caribbean Jerk Restaurant.
There are different menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so my order changes every time. But so far, I’ve really enjoyed their version of jerk chicken, curry chicken, and curry goat.
Sometimes, I’m in the mood for side dishes, and if that’s the case, I’d order dumplings, fried plantains, and saltfish fritters.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant offers catering. If you want to book this service, give them a call. You can also send a message via the contact form on the website. |
The Real Jerk Restaurant
Address: 842 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1Y7, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Thursday and Friday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Saturday—12 pm to 12 am
- Sunday—2 to 10 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +14164636055
The best way to describe The Real Jerk Restaurant is that it combines Caribbean cuisine with a laid-back West Indian atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for groups looking for good vibes and good food.
You can find classic Caribbean dishes here, such as jerk chicken and jerk ribs. All the entrees are served with two sides (your options are rice and peas, white rice, steamed veggies, curry potatoes, and coleslaw), so you’ll be full in no time.
I’m fond of the roti options, especially the chicken roti. I also really liked the jerk chicken wings, pepper shrimp, and banana fritters.
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, there are events held in the restaurant. Check this page to see if there’s something happening on the day of your visit. |
Albert’s Real Jamaican Foods
Address: 542 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 2R6, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
- Closed on Monday
Contact Number: +14166589445
Albert’s Real Jamaican Foods has been around since 1986, and in that time, it has fostered a loyal following in the neighborhood. My friends and I first came here some time ago, and it’s now one of our go-to spots for casual meetups.
The jerk chicken dinner is my favorite thing to order here. It’s 12 oz of chicken with rice and sides, so I feel stuffed immediately after eating.
I also really like getting patties as an appetizer. Sometimes, I choose the fritters or coco bread instead.
For your drinks, you might want to try any of the homemade beverages. The ginger beer and Irish moss are highlights, in my opinion.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant prefers cash as the method of payment, so be sure you’ve brought enough before coming here. |
Simone’s Caribbean Restaurant
Address: 596 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1R1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Saturday—11 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14167925252
What I like about Simone’s Caribbean Restaurant is that its atmosphere is very casual and homey, so it feels like I’m just lounging at my apartment with my friends. More importantly, the food is also good!
Whenever I’m here, I like to start with codfish fritters or fried plantains. Then, for the main course, I go for a stewed beef roti with curried potatoes or jerk chicken with rice and peas and other sides.
To wash everything down, I tend to order a glass of juice. I really like the mango juice and fruit punch served here.
| Pro Tip: You can book Simone’s as a caterer for your party. |
SugarKane
Address: 699 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1L2, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday—4 to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—4 to 11 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 3 pm, 4 to 9 pm
- Closed on Monday and Tuesday
Contact Number: +14164690808
SugarKane celebrates the very best of Caribbean culture. That’s why aside from the food, the restaurant hosts great Caribbean live music. You’ll truly feel transported to a different land!
I like to start my meals with Jerk Corn as an appetizer. It’s grilled corn basted in jerk aioli and rolled in toasted coconut.
I also enjoy eating chicken wings or chicken and waffle sliders before the main course.
For the main entree, I usually opt for the cajun chicken pasta. It has the savory flavors and the kick of heat that I like in my food.
The creole jambalaya is also a must-try. It’s jam-packed with chicken, shrimp, spicy sausage, sweet peppers, and more.
| Pro Tip: Check this page to see what musical acts will be performing at the restaurant for the week. There might be someone that you’re interested in checking out. |
Jerk King
Address: 1104 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6H 1M8, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Friday—11 am to 4 am
- Saturday—11 am to 5 am
Contact Number: +14165310300
Jerk King is pretty well-known throughout Toronto. It has several locations within the city, but my favorite is the one on Bloor Street West.
The jerk chicken and curry chicken are the bestsellers, and I recommend them too because they explode with so much flavor—savory and salty—and the meat is tender.
I recommend getting the boneless option so that you won’t have any problems eating.
Other dishes that you might like to try are stew chicken, stew beef, and curry goat.
If you like desserts, order the caramel flan. It’s silky smooth and decadent!
| Pro Tip: This spot tends to attract long lines, so prepare to wait for a bit. Try coming earlier or during off-peak hours if you don’t want to get stuck in a line. |
Scotthill Caribbean Cuisine
Address: 1943 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5M 4A2, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—11 am to 8 pm
- Thursday—11:30 am to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—2 to 7 pm
Contact Number: +14165516561
Scotthill Caribbean Cuisine is a family-owned restaurant that’s now become a staple among Torontonians who love Caribbean cuisine. The vibe is also pretty cozy, so you’ll feel right at home when dining here.
There’s a great variety of dishes to choose from. My go-to order is The Scotthill Special because it lets me choose two types of meat for the price of one.
It’s also served with rice and peas, coleslaw, and plantain, so it’s really a filling meal.
The drink menu is just as extensive. You can get a cocktail or even a fancy wine.
If you don’t drink alcohol, you might like any of the tropical juices.
| Pro Tip: Level up your party by booking their catering services. |
The Islands Caribbean Cookshop
Address: 171 E Liberty St #131, Toronto, ON M6K 3P6, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 9 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165889933
The Islands Caribbean Cookshop is inspired by the Jamaican concept of a cookshop. In Jamaica, a cookshop is essentially a roadside restaurant where families come to socialize.
That’s why this restaurant exudes such a homey vibe. It also helps that they have great food.
I really like the mixed chicken because it contains chicken pieces cooked in different styles (jerk, BBQ, fried, and stew).
Aside from that, I really like the ackee and saltfish. The ackee is incredibly tender, and the salted cod is well-seasoned.
It’s served with rice and a small side dish, so it’s a filling meal as well.
| Pro Tip: Book their catering services for events. |
Rhum Corner
Address: 926 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1W3, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—6 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—6 pm to 1 am
- Closed on Sunday and Monday
Rhum Corner pays homage to Haitian culture, which is why the menu is full of Haitian dishes and Haitian-inspired drinks.
Cocktails are the highlight here. So far, my favorites are Rhum + Coke (Havana 7 and Mexican Coca-Cola), Rhumhattan (Rhum, sweet vermouth, maraschino, and bitters), and Painkiller #3 (Rhum, pineapple, passionfruit, coconut, and orange blossom).
Of course, you can’t just drink without eating something. I recommend pairing your drink with a hearty dish like legumes with beef, Haitian fried chicken, and oxtail and bean sauce.
If you just want a little snack, try the salt cod patty or albacore tuna ceviche.
| Pro Tip: The restaurant is relatively small, so it gets fully booked quickly. They also don’t take reservations. So, the only thing you can do is avoid peak hours (especially in the evening). |
Caribbean Queen Jerk
Address: 3408 Weston Rd, Toronto, ON M9M 2W1, Canada
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—6 am to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14167468169
Caribbean Queen Jerk is a great spot for people on a budget. The dishes are relatively affordable here, and they taste delicious as well!
If you come here for breakfast, I recommend the breakfast special, which has porridge, yams, dumplings, and bananas. Meanwhile, if you’re visiting during lunch or dinner, you can’t pass up the opportunity to try the jerk chicken or rasta pasta with shrimp.
This restaurant chain even has a buffet option! The buffet is in the restaurant on Bradstock Road, so you might want to go there instead.
| Pro Tip: You can have Caribbean Queen Jerk as the caterer for your event. |
