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5 Best Caribbean Restaurants in Toronto That Offer a Taste of Paradise

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Have you ever craved authentic Caribbean food? Imagine sinking your teeth into tender jerk chicken, savoring the rich flavors of curry goat, or enjoying a plate of perfectly seasoned oxtail. 

Well, I confess, I’ve been selfishly gatekeeping a list of the best Caribbean restaurants in Toronto for far too long. But, these spots are just too good to keep secret!

So, whenever you’re craving some island vibes and delicious Caribbean cuisine, visit these top spots in Toronto. You won’t be disappointed!

How We Chose the Best Caribbean Restaurants in Toronto

Flavor Authenticity: We evaluated the dishes for their traditional Caribbean flavors, ensuring they represent the true taste of the islands.
Menu Variety: We considered the range of Caribbean dishes offered, from jerk chicken to curry goat, to ensure a diverse selection.
Service Quality: We assessed the attentiveness, friendliness, and efficiency of the restaurant staff to ensure excellent customer service.
Ambiance: We examined the restaurant’s atmosphere, including decor, music, and overall vibe, to ensure an enjoyable and authentic dining experience.
Price Range: We considered the affordability of the menu items, ensuring a balance between cost and quality.
Cleanliness: We inspected the cleanliness of the dining area, kitchen, and restrooms to ensure a hygienic environment.
Customer Reviews: We analyzed feedback from other diners to gauge overall satisfaction and the restaurant’s reputation within the community.

1. Chris Jerk

chris-jerk
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://chrisjerkbistro.com/
ADDRESS2570 Birchmount Rd, Scarborough
SOCIAL MEDIAhttps://www.instagram.com/chrisjerkbistro
CONTACT DETAILS(416) 297-5375

OPERATING HOURSTue - Thurs: 11 AM – 8 PM

Friday: 11 AM – 9 PM

Saturday: 12 PM – 9 PM

Chris Jerk is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Caribbean food in Toronto. Christopher, born and raised in Jamaica’s capital until he was 13, found his passion for cooking by watching his great grandmother prepare meals on a charcoal stove. 

After spending eight years as an executive chef, he’s returned to his first love: Caribbean food, specifically Jamaican cuisine, or yard food. Apparently, Chris’ great grandmother was a jerk chicken legend, and it shows in their classic dish. 

Their jerk chicken is juicy, perfectly spiced, with crispy skin. Plus, the portion is generous with veggies, plantains, and rice.

We also loved their jerk marinated chicken on a shawarma spit. It’s not your typical shawarma flavor, but it’s still packed with jerk goodness—no wonder it sells out!

There have been some mentions of inconsistency in food quality, but it’s a good thing we haven’t encountered any during our visit.

Pros

  • Owner has Jamaican roots
  • Specializes in yard food
  • Known for their jerk chicken
  • Has a unique jerk shawarma

Cons

  • Food quality inconsistency

The food is delicious here

“The food is delicious here, plenty of options, and make sure you try the hot sauce. Jerk chicken combo is the go-to. Service is good when it’s fairly busy but slows down to a halt when there are the usual long lineups. It is a rare occurrence but, one time, they skipped my friends order completely, he went up to the cash a few times and they kept saying it’s coming, however order numbers after his kept getting called, when the lady finally took a good look at the receipt, they had realized they messed up and missed an order. We ended up wasting 45 mins with that whole ordeal. Only standing tables against the wall where the lineup usually is, no space to really eat, this is basically a take out spot.”

 Allan Reyes, Google Review

Food is consistently delicious

“This is my third time trying this restaurant, and I must say that their food is consistently delicious. I have tried two different dishes: the jerk chicken poutine and the mac n’ cheese (jerk chicken with mac) that comes with a side of coleslaw. Both dishes were excellent. The service is fast, but because they are always so busy, there is a bit of a wait time for the food to be ready. The location I go to is small, so you cannot dine in. However, they did open up another location in Markham. I don’t know how big or small that location is, but I am excited that there is another one open.”

Nancy T, Google Review

2. Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen

chubby-s-jamaican-kitchen
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://chubbysjamaican.com/
ADDRESS104 Portland St
SOCIAL MEDIAhttps://www.instagram.com/chubbysjamaican/
CONTACT DETAILS(416) 792-8105

OPERATING HOURSMon - Wed: 12 PM – 10 PM

Thurs - Sat: 12 PM – 11 PM

Sunday: 12 PM – 10 PM

Chubby’s is a passion project of two friends celebrating their 20+ year friendship and their love for Jamaican cuisine. The name is a nod to a Jamaican cook’s nickname, embodying the warm feeling you get after a delicious home-cooked meal.

We recommend starting with their slow-baked jerk wings. They’re dressed with wild honey and scotch bonnet dust, creating a perfect balance of sweet and spicy. 

The curry goat is the most aromatic dish on the menu—a warm blend of turmeric, mustard seed, ginger, and other traditional spices. The jasmine rice that comes with it soaks up the extra curry, and the fresh mango chutney adds a punchy contrast.

As for drinks, they have their own party pineapple version called Calabash Bay—very refreshing and tasty! You can even sip it on their outdoor patio.

It’s worth noting, however, that it’s a bit pricier compared to other Caribbean spots in Toronto. 

Pros

  • Specializes in home-cooked Jamaican cuisine
  • Must-try slow-baked jerk wings
  • Curry goat specialty
  • Refreshing Calabash Bay
  • Has a patio

Cons

  • A bit pricey

Food is impressively delicious

“Great cocktail and food selection. Loved “everything nice” cocktail. Food is impressively delicious. Definitely try oxtail, superb😋 Only complaint l have is slow service. Even though we went on Wednesday night, it was super busy so it is understandable. Bringing our cocktails took half an hour tho. Same thing applies for food service as well. I’m sure there is a good reason for late to service (like cooking time so on). Overall great place and atmosphere 👍 I will go back to try different dishes, but will try to go on quieter time of a day.”

Nimet S (Nimi), Google Review

Staff is really kind and welcoming

“What a find. I’ve been recommended this place by some local friends. And they also specifically recommend to try the chicken wings. They were right. It’s an absolute gem! I went for lunch on a Monday. Sat in the outdoor patio. Had the wings and the fried plantain. Finished up with a coconut ice cream. All delicious. I’m not a huge fan on chicken wings but after trying theirs, I think I’m converted. Highly recommended and the staff is really kind and welcoming. Well deserved 5 stars.”

Alessandra Distefano, Google Review

3. Patois

patois
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://www.patoistoronto.com/
ADDRESS794 Dundas St W
SOCIAL MEDIAhttps://www.instagram.com/patoistoronto/
CONTACT DETAILS(647) 350-8999

OPERATING HOURSTue - Thurs: 5 PM – 10 PM

Friday: 5 PM – 11 PM

Saturday: 11 AM – 11 PM

Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM

Patois is a Caribbean-Asian soul food fusion restaurant named after Jamaica’s national language.

Definitely try their curry goat doubles, a special recipe from one of the cook’s grandmothers. The goat is slow-braised for 24 to 48 hours, resulting in incredibly tender meat, and the homemade curry is rich and flavorful.

We also love their O.G. fried chicken, a recipe that apparently took years to perfect and features a special blend of secret ingredients. 

For drinks, the cocktail teapots are a fun and unique option. You can share a pot of Rum Punch or Bourbon Lemonade 8, garnished with hibiscus flowers soaked in gin.

If you’re going as a group, you can order The Whole Shebang, which serves three to four people and includes a half order each of O.G. fried and juicy jerk chicken. 

We did hear reports of the food being a bit bland—a major bummer for a restaurant focused on exciting flavor combinations.

Pros

  • Specializes in Caribbean-Asian soul food fusion
  • Goat for curry is slow-braised for 24 to 48 hours
  • O.G. fried chicken recipe took years to perfect
  • Offers cocktail teapots
  • Has group offerings

Cons

  • Reports of bland food

Absolute must for anyone looking for a great meal

“This place is truly a gem in the city located in such a good neighbourhood along Dundas West. I attended a celebration event and the servers were so friendly and attentive, the ambiance, music, and atmosphere was perfect, and the FOOD! The food was the best. This was one example of a seafood pasta dish that was prepared for me and it had the perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and flavour. I was meaning to take it out, but I ended up eating the entire thing on the spot. This spot is an absolute must for anyone looking for a great meal in the city and I already cant wait to go back. Thank you Patois!”

D K, Google Review

Some of the best food and cocktails in Toronto

“Absolutely delicious. Some of the best food and cocktails in Toronto. The lobster bites are to die for, and the Sorrel Ginger Daiquiri was the perfect mix of tart and sweet.”

Dana Baldwin, Google Review

4. Simone’s Caribbean Restaurant

simone-s-caribbean-restaurant
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://www.simonescaribbeanrestaurant.ca/
ADDRESS596 Danforth Ave
SOCIAL MEDIAhttps://www.instagram.com/simonescaribrestaurant/
CONTACT DETAILS(416) 792-5252

OPERATING HOURSMon - Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM

Sunday: 11 AM – 9 PM

Since 2013, Simone’s has been serving Jamaican dishes. Nestled in the middle of Greektown, this homey spot offers some of the city’s finest eats.

The spot aims for an authentic Jamaican experience, and the atmosphere seems to match! Cheerful colors, comfy seating, and a patio give it a relaxed island vibe.

Start your meal with their hearty daily beef soup—it has potatoes, carrots, thyme, and a few dumplings. Then, try their amazingly juicy  jerk chicken; the portion size is impressive and comes with rice and beans, as well as a side salad. 

To wash it all down, try their refreshing ginger beer, which perfectly complements the rich and flavorful dishes.

Simone’s also offers catering services, providing an extended menu of made-to-order items in addition to their dine-in and take-out options.

Previous customers told us, however, that they’ve encountered tough meat and overcooked rice.

Pros

  • Over a decade of experience
  • Specializes in authentic Jamaican dishes
  • Known for their jerk chicken and soup
  • Has huge portions
  • Serves ginger beer
  • Offers catering services

Cons

  • Reports of food quality issues

Best Caribbean food I’ve had

“We ordered takeout from Simone’s from the first time tonight. Not only was this the best Caribbean food I’ve had, it was honestly one of the best meals of my life. We ordered jerk chicken with rice and peas, and oxtail with Johnny cakes. Both came with a side of coleslaw and we added an order of cod fish fritters. Everything was incredible. The portions are very generous so we thought we would have leftovers for lunch tomorrow, but everything was so good that we couldn’t stop eating. There was a bit of a wait for the order (30min) but I would wait 3 hours for this happily if I had to. Service was also friendly. Thank you to the Simone’s team for a wonderful dinner.”

Marina Attia, Google Review

Always my go to place for Caribbean food

“Simone’s was always my go to place for Caribbean food. With the Pandemic and moving away from my old place, I haven’t been able to visit in years. Man did I miss it. Jerk chicken is delicious and they provide healthy portions. I would recommend getting a side of plantains as well to round off the meal. If you’re in the area and you want good food make sure to stop by Simone’s.”

 Suleiman M., Google Review

5. SugarKane

sugarkane
TestInfo
WEBSITEhttps://www.sugarkanerestaurant.ca/
ADDRESS699 Danforth Ave
SOCIAL MEDIAhttps://www.instagram.com/sugarkanerestaurant/
CONTACT DETAILS(416) 469-0808

OPERATING HOURSWed - Thurs: 4 PM – 10 PM

Fri - Sat: 4 PM – 11 PM

Sunday: 10 AM – 3 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM

Run by sisters—Nicole, Renee, and Donna—who share a love of Caribbean and Cajun home cooking, SugarKane promises a taste of tradition.

First off, we love Uncle Ben’s Salt Fish Cakes—a must-try appetizer. These are crispy, flavorful fritters with a kick of scotch bonnet pepper. 

If you’re looking for something more substantial, the Creole jambalaya is your go-to. You get a hearty portion of al dente rice packed with chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage, and a rich Cajun tomato sauce—comfort food at its finest.

And if you’re feeling brave, try Aunt Flo’s sauce—a fiery mix of Scorpion pepper, named after the sisters’ mom.

SugarKane also has DJ nights and live music on weekends—perfect for those looking for entertainment.

Just be prepared for potentially long wait times, but trust me, the food and atmosphere make it worth the wait.

Pros

  • Specializes in Caribbean and Cajun home cooking
  • Known for their fish cakes and Creole jambalaya
  • Has a housemade pepper sauce
  • DJ nights and live music on weekends

Cons

  • Long wait times

This Caribbean style place has it all!

“What a gem at the Danforth! This Caribbean style place has it all! It is run by a magnificent sisters trio: Donna, Renee and Nicole, who are always around welcoming everyone with a big smile on their faces. The food is delicious, getting you back to those caribbean places with their legit flavors. Cocktails are also really fresh and caribbean. The honey-sriracha signature chicken wings are simply the best! Love that they usually have live music during the weekends. It amazes me how everyone that comes in here shares the same vibes as the owners, so it would not be a surprise if they play a song everyone likes and all the people at the place (ALL THE PEOPLE) will come together singing and dancing. It’s such a unique atmosphere! Loved this place for every single aspect. As all good things, you’ll have to wait since everything is freshly made at the moment, but it’s worth it. It tends to be busy during the weekends so it’s better to make a reservation! It also offers outdoor seating.”

Alejandra Piña Bojórquez, Google Review

The food here was absolutely delicious

“The food here was absolutely delicious. The corn appetizer might be the best corn I’ve ever had, and the spinach dip was great too. Also had the jerk chicken fettucine and the bowl. The flavours and chicken were perfect. The service was great and the atmosphere was nice. Would def go back.”

Ramesh, Google Review