Toronto has become one of North America’s most exciting destinations for Caribbean cuisine.
From the smoky aroma of jerk chicken wafting through Scarborough streets to the rich curries served in trendy King West establishments, the city offers an extraordinary range of authentic island flavours.
Whether you grew up eating your grandmother’s oxtail stew or you’re just discovering the magic of roti for the first time, Toronto’s Caribbean food scene has something to satisfy every craving and culinary curiosity.
This guide explores the finest spots to enjoy authentic Caribbean meals, the must-try dishes that define island cooking, and how you can recreate these incredible flavours in the comfort of your own home.
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Top Caribbean restaurants across the city
Toronto’s Caribbean dining scene spans from casual takeout counters to sophisticated sit-down experiences.
Miss Likklemore’s
In King West, it has earned recognition for its upscale approach to island cuisine, serving elevated versions of classics alongside an impressive rum selection featuring over one hundred bottles.
The restaurant combines Caribbean warmth with modern elegance, making it perfect for special occasions and lively Sunday brunch celebrations.
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen
Perfect for a more casual experience. It delivers authentic Jamaican flavours in a vibrant atmosphere complete with murals and wooden furnishings that transport you straight to the islands.
Their jerk chicken has earned devoted followers who return week after week, and the restaurant has received recognition in the Michelin Guide for its commitment to quality and authenticity.
Mona’s Roti
Located at Scarborough, in the heart of Toronto’s Caribbean community. This family-run establishment serves handcrafted roti so soft and fluffy that locals drive from across the GTA just to taste it. The curry goat wrapped in their signature flatbread is nothing short of legendary among Caribbean food enthusiasts.
Chris Jerk
Also in Scarborough, it offers jerk chicken that honours traditional Jamaican preparation methods. Owner Christopher learned to cook watching his great-grandmother prepare meals on a charcoal stove in Jamaica, and that heritage shines through in every perfectly spiced, juicy bite.
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Essential Caribbean dishes you need to try
No exploration of Caribbean cuisine is complete without jerk chicken. This iconic Jamaican dish gets its distinctive flavour from a marinade featuring allspice, scotch bonnet peppers, thyme, and ginger.
The meat is traditionally slow-cooked over pimento wood, creating that signature smoky taste that has made jerk famous worldwide.
Curry goat
It represents Caribbean cuisine’s Indian influences beautifully. The meat is marinated in aromatic spices before being slow-braised until it falls off the bone.
Served over rice and peas with a side of plantain, this dish embodies the comfort food tradition that runs deep in island cooking. The goat meat itself is leaner than beef and carries a bold, satisfying flavour.
Oxtail stew
Another beloved staple. Braised for hours with butter beans, thyme, and garlic, the meat becomes incredibly tender while the sauce develops a rich, glossy finish.
Many restaurants guard their oxtail recipes closely, as each family brings their own secret touches to this classic preparation.
Roti
Soft flatbread with Indian origins. It has become inseparable from the Caribbean dining.
Whether filled with curried chicken, goat, shrimp, or vegetables like potato and chickpea, a well-made roti offers the perfect vehicle for absorbing those bold, complex flavours.
The bread should be thin yet pliable, tearing easily to scoop up every drop of curry.
Diverse dining options for every taste
Toronto’s Caribbean scene extends well beyond Jamaican cuisine.
Patois
In the middle of Queen West, it offers an innovative fusion of the Caribbean and Asian flavours, with dishes like honey and Maggi beef short ribs that showcase creative culinary thinking.
Their cocktail menu, featuring drinks like the Patois Rum Punch made with twelve-year Appleton rum, pairs beautifully with the food.
Rasta Pasta
In Kensington Market, it demonstrates how Caribbean flavours can merge with Italian traditions.
Their namesake dish features ackee and saltfish served over gnocchi, while jerk chicken paninis offer a quick, flavourful lunch option that keeps hungry customers coming back for more.
The Real Jerk
It has served Toronto’s Caribbean community for decades, with locations on Gerrard Street and College Street functioning as community hubs with regular live events.
Their escovitch fish dinner and curry goat have earned loyal followings across generations of Toronto diners.
Roywoods
For downtown convenience, inside Union Station. It brings Caribbean street food to commuters and visitors alike, with build-your-own plates featuring jerk chicken, curry goat, and oxtail alongside classic sides like rice and peas and sweet fried plantains.
Bringing Caribbean flavours into your home
While Toronto’s restaurants offer incredible Caribbean dining experiences, recreating these complex dishes at home presents real challenges.
Take a Chef connects you with the best professional chefs in Toronto who bring the complete Caribbean dining experience directly to your kitchen.
From sourcing authentic scotch bonnet peppers and allspice to preparing every dish fresh while you relax with your guests, these culinary experts handle everything from shopping to clean up.
Every menu is fully customisable, allowing you to request specific dishes, accommodate dietary restrictions, or create fusion menus that reflect your unique tastes.
Your Caribbean food adventure awaits
Toronto’s Caribbean food scene continues to grow and evolve, offering everything from traditional family recipes to innovative fusion creations.
Start exploring today and discover why Caribbean cuisine has captured the hearts and appetites of Torontonians for generations to come.
Imagine your next dinner party featuring perfectly smoked jerk chicken, tender curry goat, and freshly made roti, all prepared by a chef who cleans up afterward. Take a Chef transforms ordinary evenings into memorable Caribbean culinary journeys.
