- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Ritz Caribbean Food
Category: Restaurants Caribbean Caribbean [Edit]
450 Yonge StToronto, ON M4Y 1W9
Neighbourhood: Downtown Core
(416) 934-1480
- Hours:
Mon-Fri, Sun 11 am - 9 pm
Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
34 reviews for Ritz Caribbean Food
Review Highlights
-
"The jerk chicken is never dry, just tasty." In 19 reviews -
"If their roti is half as good, I will be a very happy girl." In 13 reviews -
"The rice & peas had the perfect amount of moisture to..." In 3 reviews
Loading...
34 reviews in English
-
Review from stan s.
Vancouver, BC
4/30/2012
Fast Food prices.
Ritz is a great place to have decently meal in TO, I wanted to taste something that was unique to TO (Caribbean).
I had the Ox Tail curry with rice and peas, for $8.00 very good price, great flavors perfect spice.
Also had Jamaican patties beef and chicken they were awesome for $1.50 each.
Will be back anytime I visit TO. -
Review from Mick M.
Toronto, ON
3/2/2012
I've had the roti 3 times now from Ritz and it's been top notch each and every time. I haven't tried anything else on the menu but it all looks really good and I've seen many folks getting the jerk chicken so that must be one of their biggest sellers.
I got a chicken roti and added chana and collard greens, this was probably the best roti I have ever had (if not then it was top 3 all time!). It was massive and could easily have been split or eaten in 2 sittings. At $9 including taxes which comes with a side of either coleslaw or salad (it's gottsta be the 'slaw IMO) it's the sale of the century!
I am surprised to hear negative reviews about the service at Ritz, as I've always found the girls there to be very friendly, and they seem to enjoy their work, which always makes for a good vibe.
I just wish I worked near the Ritz so I could snag that lunch special!! -
Review from Reynold P.
Toronto, ON
10/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Jerked for the last time. Ritz has a good Jerk deal for lunch (get your mind outta the gutter). 4.99 gets you the jerk, dirty rice and coleslaw.
The portion is on the smallish side but it`s filling.
The location is convenient too, right at Yonge and College. The music is loud but jiving.
Their fried or BBQ chicken is quite good too. They do chicken right. -
Review from Eleni L.
North York, ON
3/2/2012
There's not really a big market for caribbean food back where i'm from (Melbourne, Australia) and I was advised while in Toronto to be careful of dodgy Jamaican joints.
I decided to try this place for my first taste of Jerk Chicken because it looked pretty busy - and it was sooo delicious!
The lunch special for 4.99 is filling enough for me (filling meaning I go lie down lol).
Try the bbq chicken, I like it better than the jerk - absolutely must have it with their coleslaw :) -
Review from Patty M.
Toronto, ON
4/10/2012
Their soups are very good. I have also tried the lunch specials including the jerk, bbq and fried chicken. Very good food, you won't be disappointed!
-
Review from Kuro M.
Scarborough, ON
8/22/2011
Food tastes pretty good, more expensive than it should be for the quantity and quality of the food and service.
However, I can only give this restaurant 1 star because the two girls/women who are often serving at the restaurant (and are possibly related to the owner/head chef) are EXTREMELY RUDE. They literally roll their eyes more than they breathe in air. If you attempt to ask them anything be warned because you will not get a kind response. Just the thought of them is taking my appetite away right now.
Come for the food but RUN AWAY for the service:( -
Review from Heather B.
Scarborough, ON
8/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Quick lunch here today - since I missed my breakfast :P
I'm usually always in this area (Yonge-College) and have never walked into this place - until today!
I had the chicken roti - which was a generous portion. I think I ate half of it and it ended up going to my friend's hubby for leftovers. I'm not the biggest eater.
The roti itself was made tradtionally with a chickpea base. She heated that up and then stuffed it with potatoes, carrots and chicken.
Chicken was tender and potatoes were perfect. I don't know how people eat this on the go. I needed a plate, knife and fork.
The curry was great with just a kick for spice. If you like it hot - there is more hot sauce to go around.
Staff and friendly, and the hot is fresh which is always a nice thing right?
Service with a smile :D
I wouldn't exactly eat at this place - it isn't much to look at and the decor is just crappy and boring, Looks more like a soup kitchen.
I'll pop in here again eventually because I have to try their jerk chicken... it's a must!!
Enjoy! -
Review from Thu N.
12/22/2011
Mmm 4.99 jerk chicken, rice and slaw at lunch was as good as yelp reviews I read. I decided to stick around to eat it there to have as much scotch bonnet sauce as I wanted! Flavorful jerk sauce but it could be better. I'd come back to try more food for sure!
-
Review from Brian Y.
1/26/2011 1 photo
The Ritz location on Yonge and College is a popular choice during lunch. Many people from students, corporate folk and just about everyone seem to drop by around the lunch hours which usually result in a line up. From 11am to 3pm, you can find the Jerk Chicken Special for just $3.99. For $3.99, you get about a quarter of Jerk Chicken, some bean and rice and your choice of either coleslaw or small garden salad.
I've been to this location many times and rarely get the chance to partake in the lunch special. Their prices aren't bad if you decide to head over for dinner as most of the food is pretty tasty. I have tried their roti and I would say for me it's average. But if you feel like fried chicken, then Ritz is a good choice if you're not in the mood for Jerk Chicken. On this occasion, I got the Jerk Chicken Lunch Special to go and headed home. For me personally, it appears that over the years the quantity for the lunch special has fallen but no worries, the quality is still there.
The Jerk Chicken is one of their most popular dishes and with good reason. I like the spiciness as its not overpowering and the chicken is almost always tender and juicy. When you get the bean and rice, they will normally ask you if you want gravy on it, you definitely want to say yes. It adds more flavour to the rice in my option. I always go for the small garden salad with Italian dress so I can't say much about the coleslaw. Although I have noticed that most of the regulars decide to go for the coleslaw over the garden salad.
Overall, I like Ritz. It's definitely more of a commercialized Caribbean joint. But I find it strikes a good balance between keeping it authentic in flavour and adding a North Americanized/Canadian touch to it. The Jerk Chicken special use to fill me, so if you're a big eater you might want to either order 2 specials or get a half Jerk Chicken to go. If you like Caribbean food or haven't tried it yet, I say Ritz is a good option for first timers. It always hits the spot for me whenever I crave it.Listed in: Caribbean Food
-
Review from Garland S.
North York, ON
8/13/2011
Firstly, I give this place extra points because they offer seating where most Caribbean joints are strictly take-out. The staff looked groggy and could use some Tylenol Extra Strength.(Was about to insert a different drug name but wanted to avoid any racist connotation). I don't blame them since business is constantly busy. Despite this drawback, their food made up for their mediocre service.
The curry goat was absolutely succulent. The sauce had a nice texture to it; not too thick or too watery.
The Jerk chicken legs were super tender. Its colour was nicely charred on the outside.
The rice & peas had the perfect amount of moisture to complement the protein. Furthermore, it didn't have any thyme stems in it. -
Review from Thomas H.
12/3/2010
Great value for money. But the food and service can be inconsistent at times. Also, the beef isn't that great for various reasons. Stick with the chicken and I'll think you'll be quite pleased.
Recommended:
1) Chicken roti is big and normally the curry is excellent.
2) Large stew chicken. It's often enough for 2 people. The chicken is tender and easily pulls off the bone (you rarely need your knife).
3) jerk chicken special. not the best ever, but crazy cheap.
Plantain is unfortunately too dry 50% of the time. -
Review from Cameron O.
Toronto, ON
10/21/2010
This is one of the fine establishments I have to thank for the extra weight I put on when I was working a soul-sucking job in the area. I was medicating with food thanks to the abusive management the food at this place made life worth living.
I delighted in the lunch special which was a whopping $3.99 for jerk chicken, dirty beans and rice and some fresh 'slaw.
If I was feeling extra miserable I would go for a goat-roti. It takes them a bit longer to make, but it's definitely worth the wait. Don't be surprised if you find bones in the roti. That's just the way they roll.
Now that I've broken free from the oppressive, abusive, and horrible job the only thing I miss about that time of my life are the hot lunches from this place.
I'll be back... That goat is just too tasty to stay away from. -
Review from Bahi K.
Scarborough, ON
8/19/2011
I'm a bit of a jerk chicken connoisseur, and I've been on a mission to find the best jerk in Toronto. So far this particular location of the Ritz has my vote. I've tried a couple of the Mr. Jerk spots, as well as Pat's Homestyle, and the jerk chicken at this Ritz blows them out of the water. The other jerks tend to have more of a smoky flavour and are drier, whereas the jerk from the Ritz is ever-so-tender, with the chicken full of juices and ready to fall off the bone. Every time I am in the area, I try to stop by and grab some.
Listed in: Best Jerk Chicken in Toronto
-
Review from Jeff M.
North York, ON
10/1/2011
When I am Downtown,Ritz is my fav lunch stop on a cold and/or rainy day. There is a constant flow of hungry traffic is this little spot of Caribbean sunshine in the heart of downtown TO. I find the staff is always friendly and the place is very clean. Personal fav is the chicken roti with slaw, which I smoother with scotch bonnet sauce when I get to my table. mmm mmm mmm.
-
Review from Cindy C.
Toronto, ON
7/21/2010
One of my favorite Carribean food joints in Toronto!!
It's more a take-out food kind of place, I've dined in once and it's small and quaint but the food is spectacular! I've had the Jerk Chicken, BBQ Chicken, Curry Chicken, Curry Goat - it's all good! It's meat of the bone, filled with flavor good. Mmmm thinking about it makes me want to go now!
Portion Tip: They have a lunch special that is $3.99, for a small portion. You get a slab of leg and about a bowl of rice with a side of coleslaw or salad. The Salad is boring and kind of gross, but the coleslaw is good. For dinner, I get the large and it's enough for 2 people, plus leftovers!!
Overall, it's great if you need lunch or dinner on the go. The flavour is never compromised (when I've been anyways!) One of the best I've been to in the city! -
Review from Jerry C.
Markham, ON
5/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
Summary: Even for a Caribbean take-out joint the curry beef roti is weak. But if you're near the Eaton's Centre and enjoy blaring reggae-music this is a passable option.
Ups: Decent price, location and portion. Curry beef roti has tasty curry sauce that progressively gets better as you progress to the bottom.
Downs: Stringy and dry beef. The potatoes and carrots content was high compared to the beef. Carrots in curry is inexcusable.
Full Review:
In my quest to find the perfect roti (West-Indian or East-Indian) my travels brought me to Ritz Caribbean Food on Yonge St. just outside of the Eaton Centre. As you enter the colourfully decorated venue you will immediately notice the blaring reggae music, the spartan environment and cafeteria style serving area. It doesn't exactly invoke thoughts of the Caribbean but it's serviceable. Behind the standard buffet-type glass partitions lies the bevy of curries, fried chickens and other island-type fare. A large sign above the servers displays a wide selection of their available meal options.
On ordering the beef roti, the bread itself is placed in a Styrofoam container while the beef is added on top first. Then they add the generic curry sauce with the potatoes and carrots in it. I don't know about you but to me carrots don't belong in curry as they tend to sweeten the taste and remove spiciness.
The first bite was disappointing as the dry beef on top doesn't have a lot of sauce on it. The good news is as the meal continues down to the saucy bottom the enjoyment increases to a decently nice curry taste and a hint of a spicy finish. Sit down and eat it in-store so the roti bread doesn't get a chance to become soggy.
At about $7 for roti it receives a 2.5 star rating at best in terms of value and taste. And so my search continues. Perhaps some of their other Caribbean dishes are good (my co-worker did not enjoy his jerk chicken dinner meal) but I don't feel the need for a return visit. -
Review from Emily V.
Toronto, ON
1/11/2010
So I'm no Caribbean food expert, but my tastebuds tell me this is good.
I live about 2 minutes from Ritz, so I eat here a lot. It's cheap, the portions are huge and it's delish. Between my boyfriend and I, we've had jerk chicken, fried chicken, bbq chicken--all of which are always moist and so flavourful. We've also had the oxtail dinner, goat dinner and veggie roti. We've had better oxtail, but it's still yummy. I really have nothing to compare the goat or the roti to. Let's just say, if I'm not in the mood for chicken, I'll get roti and I'm glad I tried goat, but it's maybe not my favourite.
Most dinners come with garden salad or coleslaw. GET THE COLESLAW. I was skeptical at first because I find that coleslaw is generally hit or miss. This coleslaw tastes very fresh and, let's face it, garden salad is boring!
I have no complaints about the music. Sometimes it's louder than others. I've never experienced it so loud that I couldn't order. -
Review from Bijan V.
9/27/2008
This is a 3.5 stars for me. Initially when I walked in and heard the music blasting I wasn't too happy as I could barely communicate my order to the people behind the counter. It didn't get better when I found out a chicken roti is like 8 freaking dollars but I must say it was mighty tasty and very filling. The roti's were nice and soft and everything was made well.
I'd probably come here more often if it wasn't as expensive but it's definitely a good place for Caribbean take out!Listed in: The UofT Student / Resident, Yonge Street!
-
Review from Steph L.
6/3/2010
If you are in the mood for Caribbean flavor, this place is a great spot to grab a bite.
This place is authentic with its flavorful and moist jerk chicken alongside of upbeat reggae tunes that I remember from my youth (Growing up in east Scarlem).
I like the loud music. I feel it's part of the fun.
Prices are alright.
The food isn't that spicy.
But it tastes good.
Today, I opted for chicken roti with a fried dumpling and plantains for just over $10.
The roti comes in a small box, but it's really filling.
Layered and airy roti stuffed with curry chicken and potatoes.
The dumpling was alright. Nothing amazing, I just wanted something fried and able to sop up some of the curry.
Anyways, in the area it;s one of the only places that serves decent Caribbean food. Also, their lunch specials are super cheap.
Sunrise is nearby as well, but I really wasn't impressed and told myself never to go back. -
Review from Mike S.
Toronto, ON
10/31/2008 1 photo
I really like Caribbean food, I think that there is a refreshing simplicity and honesty in the food that can be lacking in other ethnic dishes. When I went to Ritz Caribbean Food it was around 8 pm and there was a line, which already told me that I was in the right place. The man behind the counter was slow and methodical and took his time with each customer. The food sat in front of him on display with no airs only scents. I went with the classic Jerk chicken and was rewarded with tender, spicy chicken that I wish reminded me of the way my grandmother made chicken. I got the "small" dinner, but despite it's diminutive name the food practically spilled out of the sides of the container. I would definitely recommend Ritz because it's good, honest and delicious food.
Like the review? Check out the link to my blog on my profile. -
Review from geraldine g.
Toronto, ON
7/2/2010
My first crack at Caribbean food in Toronto!
Not bad and cheap! Filling and flavourful. I really can't say too much because I only tried the one thing on their menu: jerk chicken.
I've never had plantains and oxtail before. I have to say, now I want to eat that with my chicken all the time. In fact, i bought some plantains the other day so I could make some chicken with those on the side. -
Review from Peter H.
5/6/2010
Great food at a great price. The jerk chicken specials or the Rotis, it is hard to go wrong. Make sure you ask for the scotch bonnet sauce to go with whatever you are eating.
It is the best jerk chicken I have ever had and I have been to a lot of Caribbean countries.
Canadians should try a Ginger beer. Ginger Ale is like 7up, Ginger Beer is not beer but will blow your mind. -
Review from Mohsin B.
Toronto, ON
8/3/2011
Try the red bean soup! So filling, yummy and awesome. Add the scotch pepper sauce for a boost!
-
Review from Brian C.
Toronto, ON
7/8/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is no Alberts.
Slow to order, music is loud, food is bland and dry. -
Review from Connie T.
Toronto, ON
12/14/2008
This wasn't the first place I'd think to go for fried chicken, but it was the only fast-food chicken joint -- besides KFC -- in the area, and I needed me some home-cooked meat n' grease. Fast.
My co-workers and I made a good decision: the one thing that pulled me in was the number of customers in line at lunch hour. Of course, most people ordered rotis and jerk chicken, but I was stuck on my deep-fried chicken. I got the small lunch plate, which is by no means small; with the accompanying coleslaw and rice n' peas, it was certainly more than enough to fill me up.
But forget that side dish business -- the chicken was the... most... amazing... fried chicken I've had in my known memory of chicken in Toronto. It was greasy, yes, but it's FRIED CHICKEN, PEOPLE! More than that, the meat was nice and juicy, and it seemed like the entire spice cabinet fell into the batter. Dee-licious.
If their roti is half as good, I will be a very happy girl. -
Review from Will C.
Toronto, ON
12/30/2010
When I went to Ryerson (just finished recently) for school I used to come here about once a week for lunch. The lunch deal was awesome, $3.99 for the jerk chicken (or BBQ chicken) with rice and peas and coleslaw (or salad) between 11am and 3pm.
I've been to several restaurants and takeouts for jerk chicken in Toronto - the next comparable one is the one at Gerrard Square. Anyway, even though I haven't been here in a while and as a Ryerson alumni now I still feel that this is the place with the best tasting jerk chicken at an awesome price. I know they opened a new location last year at Yonge and Shutter, the taste is not as good there. The one here at Yonge and College is the best. I have to come back here some day when I am in the area. -
Review from Lynda W.
Toronto, ON
10/3/2008
Ritz is a super small caribbean joint on Yonge Street. I went once at lunch, and the lines were out the door. I've never had caribbean food before, but I love rotis (indian rotis), so I figured there was a good chance I would like this place.
I ordered a veggie roti, they had it on their menu, but i didn't see any distinct veggie dish on their hot counter/building area. The good thing is that their rotis are made to order, which is also a negative thing because they take a little while. My veggie roti was pretty good, there was a lot of potato in there. They have bottles of hot sauce on the tables, everything there is mild, so if you like hot, you can dump a load in there.
The actual roti (the wrap itself) was amazing. I don't know how they make it, but it's like a layered slice of heaven. Pretty good for the price. -
Review from Catherine M.
ON
12/15/2008
The main thing I used to order when I worked nearby and ordered regularly was the lunch special. A very strictly enforced special, in terms of the times they will sell it to you (I think it ends promptly at either two or three, no bargaining). Anyway, you get jerk chicken, salad and rice. A pretty hearty meal for under five bucks!
This place has the popularity of a fast food joint but I feel like they aren't necessarily running a production line that allows for that sort of service. I know I have gone with my old coworkers in a rush to get back to work only to find the service unbearably so. But mostly that's because the lunch special is pretty popular there, I think.
I have also had the roti there a couple of times and while it's not really close to my favorite roti in town, it's decent and probably better than anything you're going to get to eat in that particular part of town, which is very heavy on fast food chains and light on real satisfying food. -
Review from Steven G.
Toronto, ON
12/24/2010
Ritz's roti is comparable in price to other places, but a little smaller. They have lots meaty choices to choose from, but aside from the standard "veggie roti" their non-meat choices remain quite limited. Flavors are pretty solid and it's no wonder their Yonge street establishment is always busy busy busy! The selection of specialty beverages is a nice touch and the deserts and cookies offered are moderately priced. Overall, Ritz is a good value, but not of stellar quality. You can do a hell of a lot worse, or better...
-
Review from David S.
Scarborough, ON
3/20/2010
Another review for Ritz's lunch special of jerk chicken, rice and salad/coleslaw. For under $5, the portion and quality was fantastic.
The small storefront makes it far more conducive to simply ordering take-out. However there were enough available seats during the lunch hour for those more inclined to dine in.
I'm not a frequent Caribbean food connoisseur but the chicken was delicious and like a previous reviewer mentioned, the coleslaw was a pleasant surprise.
A great choice for a quick lunch-on-the-go! -
Review from Chris E.
Toronto, ON
10/3/2009
This place is great. The jerk chicken is never dry, just tasty. Really nice callilou greens. The BBQ chicken is also great. Servings are plentiful and very reasonably priced. The only negative is the music, which is very loud. Having said that, the music is also the real Jamaican thing, so it's less of a bother if you pretend you're on an island holiday.
Listed in: Restaurants
-
Review from Hassan A.
Toronto, ON
5/29/2010
great food to sooth a hangover. The service is alright. There are known for their "soul food". But I wouldn't go as far to say its the best Jerk you'll find in the GTA.
-
Review from Nathan L.
Toronto, ON
7/23/2009 3 Check-ins Here
Ritz Caribbean is my favourite spot for quick sit down, or take away food. The roti's have so much flavour, and the jerk chicken dinner is always good too. Make sure you add their hot sauce if you like an extra spicy taste. Prices are fair for dinner, but super cheap at lunch.
-
Review from Daniel S.
Toronto, ON
4/10/2010
Ya this place is pretty great and pretty good price. My only problem is the side salad they serve with their meals, mostly iceberg lettuce with a slice of tomato. Overall its worth trying.
