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The Real Jerk
Category: Restaurants Caribbean Caribbean [Edit]
709 Queen St EToronto, ON M4M 1H1
Neighbourhood: Riverdale
(416) 463-6055
- Hours:
Mon-Tue 11:30 am - 10 pm
Wed-Thu 11:30 am - 11 pm
Fri 11:30 am - 12 am
Sat 1 pm - 12 am
Sun 2 pm - 10 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
41 reviews for The Real Jerk
Review Highlights
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"Being veggie, I highly recommend their lentil roti dinner." In 15 reviews -
"Had the jerk chicken and ox-tail combo." In 3 reviews -
"The rice and peas/beans combination is quite good too." In 6 reviews
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Yvonne T.
4/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Real Jerk made headlines earlier this year when it fought against an eviction against condo developers. This was a Twitter-worthy event, with an online petition at http://SaveTheRealJerk....
Located at the corner of Broadview and Queen, The Real Jerk is a cultural icon, a landmark, and a local favourite. They've been around since 1984. If you need proof, just look to their wall of fame with accolades from Now magazine, and Eye Weekly.
The restaurant interiors brought back scenes from the movie Cool Runnings were the locals gathered at a restaurant to watch the Jamaican bobsled team race off against all odds. You definitely get a feel of "The Island" here. Banners of Appleton Rum span across the ceilings with palm trees and a whole lot of colour.
I stopped by to grab some take-out en route home from work. After perusing their menu online I decided on the Jerk Chicken + Oxtail Combo ($12.50) and the Ackee + Cod ($13.50). Both come with a side of slaw.
My favourite of the two was definitely the jerk chicken and oxtail as the chicken was flavourful and tender. The oxtail just melted off the bone with a few gelatinous parts.
This was the first time I had tried Ackee, which is the national fruit of Jamaica. The fatty acids in Ackee make it a creamy fruit. At a first glance, an inexperienced eater may mistaken it for scrambled eggs. While texture-wise it is reminiscent of a smooth, scrambled egg - it has a slightly bitter finish to it. I took them up on their suggestion of ordering a side of dumplings to go with. The "dumplings" was a knotted "donut" which tasted exactly the same as the Chinese "Ox Tongue Pastry" () minus the sweet. Hey - there are a lot of Chinese-Jamaicans after all?!
All their mains are served on a bed of spiced beans and rice and a side of slaw. Their slaw embodied the a perfect balance of sweet, creamy and salty without being watery. It was fresh and refreshing!
V E R D I C T
While The Real Jerk is by no means a pop-up restaurant, I'm glad I got to try it in its original location before its closing. One main is probably enough to feed 2 people, and the food itself is comfort food at its best. There is (limited) parking towards the rear of the building.
So check it out soon... because it'll be gone before you know it! -
Review from Glenn C.
Toronto, ON
4/8/2012
I've been wanting to try this place for a long time, (especially with all the media hype around its impending closure - http://www.savethereal... - sign the petition!), and I finally got my opportunity when a friend of mine organized a get-together at the famed Caribbean-themed hot spot.
When I walked into the restaurant I felt like I was transported to a tiki bar at a Jamaican resort. Friendly waiters, and a smiling bartender made me feel right at home.
I ordered a Jerk Chicken-Curry Goat Combo Plate, with a side of rice and peas, and coleslaw. The Chicken was juicy and tender, and the goat was spicy and succulent. The food was flavourful and tangy - I savoured each piece, gnawing and sucking every piece of meat off of the bone.
Not only was the food great, but the little restaurant had an amazing vibe. It was a Thursday night, and the start of a long weekend, so the owners organized a karaoke night, or what they liked to call "irie-okie". The house DJ invited guests to come to the front of the restaurant and belt out their favourite reggae vibes. The owner even grabbed the mic and entertained us with a song and a dance.
The Real Jerk is definitely a hidden gem, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it'll be around for years to come. -
Review from Moritz H.
2/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really love the interior. Felt like sitting in a backyard somewhere in Jamaica. The food was nice, nothing fancy, and the service was ok. I liked the menu - easy to pick something (not more then 30 items on the menu).
I had the jerk chicken & oxtail combo. Good stuff!!! -
Review from Shawn I.
Toronto, ON
5/23/2012
Best priced Caribbean food in toronto. Check this place out before its gone! The service was kinda slow but the food taste, quantity, and prices make up for everything.
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Review from Jiao S.
Like most of the new fan, I heard about this place from the news.
Born and grown up in Asian, Jerk Chicken is something way beyond my knowledge of food. I can't tell which kind or taste is the REAL JERK. I had sweet ones, sweet and sour ones or some add A LOT herb in.
If the taste of The Real Jerk is THE REAL JERK, they I am a fan now.
Chicken is very marinated very well, very tasty, a little bit spicy, LOVE IT.
I tried the oxtail too. Fair, but still like the Chicken better.
Me and my friend arrive around 7ish, already see line ups there. We waited a bit to get what we ordered, so that make sure you order appetizer if you are hungry.
By the time we left, around 8ish, line is even longer. Such a popular place, really hope it will reopen soon. -
Review from Jason L.
East York, ON
11/10/2011
You can smell the goodness before you even walk into the restaurant....jerk goodness.
The sleeper- fried coconut shrimp
The awesomeness- goat roti
The treat- jerk chicken with coleslaw
The must- Jerk sauce on the side
this review would be longer but I'm cutting myself short due to hunger pangs...need the "real" jerk
check out my friend Louie B's review -
Review from Juliana H.
Toronto, ON
9/22/2011
As I have more times than I care to admit, I stopped by the Real Jerk tonight to pick up dinner. As always, I got the chicken and chickpea roti, and, as always, with enough hot sauce, it was enjoyable. So why only a three then? My actual rating would be a solid 3.5. Here's my rationale:
The food is okay, but nothing I'd rave about. Since it's right around the corner from my place, I've tried a variety of things on the menu. Most aren't complete disappointments, but the only thing I'd feel confident recommending to a friend is the roti because its quality seems to be the most consistent and for the price, it's reasonable.
I think the biggest issue I have with The Real Jerk is the service; not surprisingly the number of my take-out visits greatly outweigh the times I've eaten there. I've had a few good servers there; don't get me wrong. Unfortunately, I've had more that seem to be doing me a great favour to take my order or money. And frankly that makes them well... a real, you know... jerk. -
Review from Cheri D.
Toronto, ON
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Headed out to the Jerk last night for a bite with a girlfriend before a concert. My past experiences here have been incredibly slow service and so-so food. Maybe because of the recent eviction scare or maybe because they just found their groove again, last night was great! Service is still very much on Caribbean time so when they are busy, you might wait to place your order but once it's in, you are set! Drinks came fast once ordered, so did the food and...it was hot + DELICIOUS! The beef patty was perfect flaky crust with just the right seasoning for the meat, the banana fritters were sweet and not too oily, my lentil roti rocked! Even the rice was cooked well. Bravo to the Real Jerk for pulling it together and making me a big fan!
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Review from Prakit D.
7/12/2011
No, this is not a place that all the jerks hang out... so ladies don't be afraid.
The Real Jerk has Caribbean vibe all over it, thanks to its low key decor and interior along with good music. Waiter/waitress was helpful, friendly, and attentive. Jerk chicken was awesome, oxtail was exceptional, coleslaw was delicious, and curry potato was pretty decent.
We went there to get some dinner after seeing some bands at the venue nearby. It was around midnight and there was Karaoke. Everybody looked like they had a great time watching people singing as well as participated. Order Red Stripe, get some jerk chicken, and relax.
As for us guys, the "jerk" chicken may not help you get the woman but you can get soul foodgasm instead. You must be a real jerk if you hate this place.
Just kidding. But how can you not like it? -
Review from Kathleen R.
Toronto, ON
10/10/2011
We had some friends joining us for dinner and we weren't in the mood. So, we called to get take out for a group of 7 adults. We ordered 2 whole jerk chickens, 4 orders of rice and peas, 3 chicken rotis, oxtail and chicken gravies and some coconut shrimp. Our after tax price came to just under $100.
I called ahead and asked for my food to be ready at 7:30 and it was coming out of the kitchen as I walked in the door.
My car smelled so good...
We ate 45 minutes later and the fod was still fresh and delicious. The jerk chicken was moist and yummy.
I would highly recommend them again for eat in or take out! -
Review from C L.
Toronto, ON
12/11/2011
Forget all the overpriced and overrated new wave of restaurants in this area. Real Jerk is still the best meal hands down. Friendly and fast service, great food and atmosphere!
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Review from Faye C.
6/15/2011
We were here the other day.
I was at another caribbean place recently, and this was definitely a kazillion times better! We had coconut shrimp and the jerk wings (both yummy). I really like their oxtail which I had with curry goat (also delicious). My friends each had the chicken roti which they loved. The decor is kitcshy - but the food is great and ther servers are all very nice. -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
10/4/2010
As my friend made the order to our super fun regular version "Fat Albert" waiter, he was definitely using his Superman Xray Vision to burn down my cup of Tea that I brought from outside. He didn't say much until the end of our meal but it was pretty obvious as I'm sure I wasn't the one that caught his eye. :(
The Jamaican theme rundown semi-clean atmosphere isn't the most relaxing place but did fine to give the idea of the food we were about to consume. Before I begin, the most helpful part of my review would be that you should ASK for Hot Sauce from the kitchen that is superior to the condiment on the table.
Jerk Chicken/Oxtail Combo(w/Rice & Peas, Slaw $13.50) - Everything was definitely A-OK and similar to my past experiences in the GTA although the place I visit most doesn't have as much variety all at the same time as other places might be more of a small family style Hut scale than a full restaurant.
Goat Roti($6.99), I actually enjoy the tenderness of it along with a mild Curry Sauce that works for a non-adventurous spice eater like myself. Others would definitely have to escalate the spice level up a few notches. The Potatoes inside were nicely cooked and the Roti Wrap itself is standard from anywhere else.
Nothing out of the ordinary in comparison to many of our local Toronto selection of Jamaican/Caribbean restaurants. A-OK rating fits best in this scenario.Listed in: I'm the real JERK
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
10/6/2010 11 photos
Stepping inside The Real Jerk do makes me feel like I go through this travelling machines and I am somewhere in Jamaica!
All the green/yellow/black decoration, the dirty floorings, the sticky tables, the smiling waiter.
The Jerk Chicken here is really good. The chicken is tender and juicy even for white meat. The oxtail is quite tender too.. but the portions are really small for $13.50. The rice and peas/beans combination is quite good too.
The Curry Goat Roti ... I am not really crazy about lamb/goat... I found it taste pretty good too, not too lamby.. and a little or a lot of Hot Sauce will help! However the roti wrap taste like something from the Supermarket... I think I will skip the Roti and just have the Curry.
Why they hiding the Extra Spicy Hot Sauce in the Kitchen?? Next time for sure I am asking for that!
Waiter is nice and friendly with a million dollar smile, just like how they are in Jamaica!!Listed in: A Day in Riverdale!, Yes mon! Gaan to bed* with…
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Review from Angela L.
1/6/2011 3 photos
The extra high ceilings, kitschy palm tree decorations, brilliantly coloured flag-like table cloths, and chilled out music make escaping the cold and into The Real Jerk a great relief. I won't go as far as likening the heavenly smelling haven to actually going to the sun destination itself, but the taste of the comfort food could figuratively transport you to Jamaica if you'd only be willing to eat with your eyes closed.
The appetizer of fried plantains were wonderfully sweet and mushy. My half rack of succulent ribs was much more than I could finish. It's a cause, (but no fault), of my love for the plentiful sides of flavourful rice and creamy coleslaw. My dinner date's generously stuffed chicken roti was about the size of an infant and reportedly 'perfect'. He took our very friendly server's recommendation to try 'kola champagne' and loved it too.
Just as we were on our way out (to catch a concert at the Opera House next door), it was time for Irie-okee! Our server got all excited and even brought the book of songs to our table to try to convince us to go up (the "stage" is literally in the centre of the room, amongst all the tables, which makes for great access to the audience for serenades) and sing. Despite his passionate persuasion though, we had to leave. We did however promise to come back again with our friends, which we sincerely plan to do. So, what is everyone doing next Thursday? -
Review from Rob S.
Toronto, ON
2/29/2012
I've had better jerk chicken and roti many times before. The mediocre food quality would have been ok if this place wasn't so dank. Sticky tables, greasy windows, garbage on the floor. It looked like it hadn't been cleaned in years. I was afraid to check out the kitchen or washrooms! With all the great food available in leslieville I won't waste my time going back.
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Review from Herman S.
Markham, ON
4/24/2011
Forget the decor, forget the customer service, let's get down to the why everyone is here. The Jerk!
With a name like this I was really excited to give this place a go. I've been eating Jerk since I can remember.
"1991 - Mr Jerk @ Steeles & McCowan, MorningSide & Sheppard"
We tried most of the appetizers, the best were peppered shrimp & the beef patties. Although the dumplings were nothing special, tearing a piece off and adding some patty or shrimp to it was excellent. Gave it that carribean dining experience.
The Red Pea soup was good, harty but I think they must have ran out of meat.
For the main courses, we straight to the Jerk and forgot about everything else. The Ox-Tail was excellent, stewed perfectly without all the meat fallen off the bone. The Ox-tail gravy was rich & flavorful and went good with the rice. The Jerk Pork was decent, they chopped them up in pieces for the combo dinner plate. It tasted more of over baked Jerk instead of BBQ or open flame. It was lacking the Jerk flavour (Beryl's still #1 for Jerk pork). The Fried chicken was definitely under par lacking flavour, dry & tasted like it was re-fried.
Food :decent
Atmosphere: decent
Customer Service: excellent
I would go back if I was in the area. But would think twice knowing the Burger Priest is down the street.
Till next time...
Herman -
Review from Kate R.
Toronto, ON
9/30/2010
Wow, I love this place.
We went on an "Irie-Okee Thursday" which basically means Karaoke, but not just any Karaoke. Karaoke where people who are singing are actually really really good. Normally at karaoke events I tend to sit back and cringe - this place makes you want to get up and sing and really join in.
Also. I'd never had Jamaican cuisine before. I'm from Australia and Jamaican restaurants are few and far between over there. I had the Jerk Chicken and am now thoroughly addicted. Since eating here I've been to various other Jamaican places around Toronto, but have yet to find one that's not only got such an awesome atmosphere, but also amazing food and ultra friendly service.
Thanks The Real Jerk! -
Review from Miriam W.
8/24/2008 1 photo
On a steamy hot summer day my friends took me to The Real Jerk to introduce me to Carribean food. Jerk, roti and patties were all consumed zealously.
But the thing I remember most fondly? The "pine boo" - a drink consisting of pineapple juice and Malibu rum that I could not stop ordering everywhere we went thereafter. -
Review from Greg F.
Toronto, ON
4/30/2009 ROTD 12/22/2009
alright mon pass me da ting ting and make sure tha jerk chicken is spicy, extra hot sauce!
Rice and Peas and coleslaw on da side makes everyting aright - $12
Ok, so perhaps my Jamiacan accent isnt that good, but the real jerk is soooo good it makes you actually feel like you are Jamiacan! Fast take out service, friendly staff, great "island feel" makes this joint truly - Irie!! -
Review from Mitch S.
Toronto, ON
11/3/2009
Lately I've been having a lot of cravings for Caribbean food and this place definitely satisfied them! I got to try some roti, jerk chicken and a plethora of appetizers. Everything here was tasty and cheap. Somebody recommended the dumplings so I tried them and I must say I was very disappointed. I'm not sure if this is common knowledge, but apparently Caribbean dumplings are nothing but fried dough...definitely tasty but not what I was expecting when recommended dumplings!
The staff is super laid back and friendly, maybe even a little too friendly. While here our food was waiting on the counter to be brought out for nearly 10 minutes while the waitress was chatting up some clear regulars. I enjoy chatty staff but not at the cost of cold food. If you're in Leslieville, give it a shot! -
Review from Taylor O.
2/21/2010
We headed over to judge authenticity... authentic enough but still takes American Express are our requirements. They're really Jamaican we checked. Our friend a Panamanian Caribbean professional was there to guide us.
Inside it's got the mural painted corrugated tin, Appleton Estate rum advertisement aesthetic. The one thing this place is missing is some live music; would really fit the atmosphere and make higher energy.
The fried dumpling was had by the table with the consensus that it could be a bit sweeter. The drinks were slow to come but hey we're on Island time so it doesn't matter. We were more impressed by the meat entrees, the goat, oxtail and jerk chicken. The oxtail was the highlight for me, succulent morsels of meat attached to the bone, like a better beef stew meat in a flavorful sauce.
Yeah, we'll be back for some jammin' and whatnot. -
Review from Cindy C.
Toronto, ON
7/16/2010
Awesome authenticity for Jerk Chicken Deliciousness...
If you're looking for a chill place to kick back and escape the city-life, you feel for a moment like you've stepped somewhere tropical...
- Great, friendly and helpful staff
- Comprehensive menu and selection
- Great atmosphere for chill dining
- Great prices for sizable meals
- YUMMMMMMYYYYYY
Tip: Obviously, don't go here and expect Mortons. But come on, these local small business that thrive for authenticity is what we need to support, especially if they have good food and great service! What more can you ask for? -
Review from Todd V.
Toronto, ON
9/14/2008
The Real Jerk is pretty quintessential. As I sat there, it became pretty apparent that they do a lot of business with take-away and delivery. I got the feeling as well that some of the folks asking for take-out did not live in the area and were taking this tasty food to places further afield.
The flavours that come from the kitchen are spicy and rich with what I can only assume to be as authentic Island flavour as possible. My experiences with food on actual Caribbean islands has led me to believe that if you can't make it to Jamaica, Trinidad, or any of the other fantastic ports of call, this place is probably your best bet.
The décor is very basic but decorative and has a very island-y theme. The tables are decidedly easy to clean (you'll know why when it happens) and you'll probably be needing a surplus of napkins. offers a small but adequate beer list. The food is completely first rate and worth the drive in from wherever you are. Oh, and if you leave without having a dumpling, you'll be losing out. Huge.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Kimmy B.
East York, ON
5/4/2009
A girlfriend had originally recommended this place to me, but it was the reviews of my fellow yelpers that gave me the courage to go and try. I say courage because it's not exactly in the nicest part of town, with a strip joint kiddie-korner to the restaurant. It was ok during the day, however, I would not feel so ok about going once the sun had set; no offense, but that's just the feel of the neighborhood I got.
Once inside the restaurant, we were warmly greeted and offered our choice from a selection of dirty and unsightly tables, which was promptly cleaned upon request. The restaurant definitely has a Carribean island feel, with the bright colors and the catchy music that just sends your inhibitions packing!! It was not long before my shoulders were shaking, my head was rocking, and my hips were doing the "chair-dancing" thing!! (while I sipped on my iced water...*winks*)
We place our orders for the quarter chicken ($9.75), white meat please, you have to pay an extra $0.50 cents for white meat ($10.25 total). It comes with 2 sides and the server asks, "Peas & rice, and coleslaw?" I looked at her bewildered, "How did you know?" she told me that was the "usual." In addition, I decided to add to my order, a dumpling, having no idea what one was, solely based upon the recommendation of Todd V. He said I would be missing out if I didn't get it, and I didn't want to miss out!!
Service was fast and efficient. My friend's chicken came out burnt, which she brought to the server's attention, and it was promptly replaced.
Ok, the dumpling. It made my taste buds dance and dazzle like I've never imagined!! I definitely would've missed out! I devoured the bloody thing!
The meal was rustic perfection! The chicken was cooked to spicy jerk perfection, the coleslaw was yummy goodness, the rice and peas, topped with a nice gravy confused me. I, idiotically, kept searching for PEAS!! I even told my friend, there's no peas in mine, only beans!! (doh!)
The meal was awesome, and I had enough left over to wrap up for lunch the next day. Overall I recommend The Real Jerk! The chicken is great, oh, yeah, and don't forget a dumpling! -
Review from Roanna Z.
6/9/2009 1 photo
I admit that it's been about 22 years since I first ate at the "Jerk" until today. I was there when it opened back in the late 80's? -and it was a hot spot long before the neighbourhood had anything much to offer. You had to get there early and people waited outside for a table back in those days and it was worth it.
Like a little island vacation in the city, the personality of The Real Jerk transports you from your normal state of mind. The food is still authentic and the service is still laid back and friendly. I had the Jerk Chicken, because.. heck! -"when in Rome..." and ooooh! the spice. I felt the flavour absorb into the roof of my mouth and make it's way down my throat, er-- maybe that was just the heat of the flavour ;-) "water please"
The big guy had the Shrimp Roti, a Jamaican Pattie and we shared the fried Plantain. Yum.
And I think I still have my "Real Jerk" tee shirt from all those years ago too. LoL.
Someone told me about the rejuvenation of this area and I just had to SEE it to believe it. WOW! it really has been a long time. As I walked east from Broadview along Queen, I was simply AMAZED at the changes. There are so many wonderful little shops and cafes now! OMG! We will have to come back for another exploratory walk here. -
Review from Karen S.
9/14/2010
So salty, so good! Really enjoyed the jerk chicken dinner that came with a generous pile of rice and peas and coleslaw. Definitely addictive - definitely not something to have regularly. The wings and ribs were loaded with salt as well, though tasty in tiny quantities.
Very casual and lighthearted atmosphere, with sticky table tops and a general sense of grime. I would come here again if I'm in the neighbourhood just to get my once-in-a-very-long-while jerk chicken goodness. -
Review from david m.
North York, ON
1/22/2012
The food is terrible and the restaurant is very dirty..... disgusting Washroom and the sticky tables. avoid this place at all cost.
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Review from Abby R.
Toronto, ON
6/9/2009
Just reviewing this place makes my mouth water. MMmmmmmm.
As a vegetarian it is my job to assure you that they have a good selection of vegetarian options - you won't feel left out if you come here for a meal. I especially like the chickpea roti dinner. It. Is. So. Good.
I'm sorry, this review is making me so hungry that I have to stop immediately.
EDIT: I'd like to add that after I wrote this I badgered my husband (who was in bed watching a movie) to go get me a roti - and he flatly refused. The nerve! -
Review from Eric L.
7/5/2010 4 Check-ins Here
Ate there on June 20, 2010.
This was my first time eating Carribean food. I told the waitress this and she recommended that I try the Chicken Roti. I thought it was great. It's like a pot pie, pie crust + all sorts of chicken and vegetables.
The places was fairly clean, but they could use some newer chairs and tables, as they looks pretty beat up. The service was excellent and the waitress was pumped to make sure that my first "Carribean" experience was a good one -
Review from Jess R.
10/28/2009
Whenever I see the great country of Canada on a map, I shed two tears...
One tear for my ex-boyfriend who lives in Toronto without me, and one tear for the Real Jerk which I will probably never go to again.
This was my first experience with Caribbean food, and that was all it took for me to be HOOKED was a chickpea roti. HOOKED!!! Honestly, it became like crack for me.
The interior of the Real Jerk is really fun! It's colorful and lively, the staff is incredibly friendly, the prices are GREAT, and the food is just straight up ridiculous. Some of my fondest memories are of drinking a Red Stripe here while chowing down on a Roti with MF.
If you Canadians are on the fence about coming here, stop wondering and GO. Pour a bottle of Red Stripe for me, the fallen one who will never get to go back again!!! *sob* -
Review from Bryan C.
Toronto, ON
10/27/2009
I have only had limited experience with Caribbean food, so this was a little bit of an adventure for me. Since the first time we have been back a few times because the food is great, and the service seems to be hit and miss but is good overall.
Being new to the world of jerked foods, I actually tried different things on every visit which is rare for me. When I find something I like I usually stick with it. The first time I had the 1/2 jerked chicken dinner which was quite nice, although not as spicy as I had hoped for. On my second time there I had the rib dinner which I was not that satisfied with. Not only was there much less meat, but the flavour just seemed off. The last time I was there I had the pork dinner which was the best of the three and I think that is what I am going to stick with.
Since we wanted a little something before the food comes (because it seems sometimes they can be quick and other times they can take forever), we felt adventurous and went with the fried banana's. I was expecting a dish like fried plantains that I got to experience in Costa Rica which were incredible, but this was nothing like it. Instead of a fried banana, it was battered and deep fried. After one bite we regretted ordering other food because they were incredible and could have eaten them as the entire meal!
Not having any other Caribbean food to compare it to, The Real Jerk has opened my eyes and given me a taste for jerked meat and has my eyes always wandering for other jerked chicken restaurants. -
Review from Plank D.
Scarborough, ON
4/12/2009
This is one of the best places to eat in the city.
The atmosphere is so warm. Even if you visit this place in the dead of winter, you feel like you are transported... even if just for the length of your meal.
They are always playing good music, have their own brand of hot sauce and are always really friendly.
One of the only places in the city, that I am familiar with, to have London Pride beer on tap.
Everything is good, but the jerk chicken wings are my personal fave. -
Review from Andre G.
Toronto, ON
8/25/2009 1 Check-in Here
The Real Jerk is one of the top roti places in the city. Being veggie, I highly recommend their lentil roti dinner. It'll fill you up and leave you enough for a second meal or lunch treat. The place isn't necessarily the fanciest or prettiest, but the staff is friendly and service is decent.
For meat eaters, the jerk chicken dinner comes highly recommended along with the combos that include jerk chicken along with jerk pork or ox tail. Everything on the menu is tasty.
They also do take-out which has been a life saver many nights on the way home from work. If I order as I get on the streetcar at Queen and Yonge I arrive just as my food comes out of the kitchen. Golden! -
Review from M P.
Toronto, ON
6/23/2010
Not the cleanest restaurant in town, but it's nicely decorated - very hmmm.... Caribbean!!!
We ordered the jerk chicken wings and the ribs/oxtail platter.... The food was tasty!! Authentic, that's for sure!!! I also had their specialty drink which was some kind of chilled tea w/loads of ginger powder....
I'd recommend if you're into Jamaican and not high maintenance!! -
Review from Kelly K.
Toronto, ON
7/1/2011
This place is a family favourite of ours. I have two kids of different ages and finding a common place that we can all agree on to dine at is difficult. Although it is a hit/miss on service the food is always consistent and it makes up for it. the portions are generous for the price. The dumplings and meat pies are to die for. We will definitely be coming back again and again.
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Review from Krishna N.
6/23/2009
The jerk chicken is amazing amazing amazing, and has incredible flavor. Veggie options are pretty good, but lack in flavor; we had to douce the roti with hot sauce. Did I forgot to say that the jerk chicken is amazing? I wish I could have some right now.
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Review from Shawn B.
Oshawa, ON
7/9/2010
Relax to some reggae and enjoy the laid-back vibes at this Caribbean resto at Queen and Broadview. From delicious fried fritters to eight different kinds of roti, jerk chicken to steamed fish dinners, their menu is definitely worth the wait (did I mention how laid-back they are?!). Engage the bartender and he might give you a vocabulary lesson (where else will you hear the word, "flibbertigibbet?").
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Review from Tina N.
Toronto, ON
3/17/2010
Decided to give Caribbean Cuisine a try for the very first time which turned out to be an outstanding food experience for the soul! Their Oxtail was yummy and the Jerk Chicken was tasty with good flavoring (just spicy enough without being overpowering) but the meat was a little on the dry side. That aside, they have a nice atmosphere with good music playing (very fun - felt like I was in Jamaica myself). It was definetly an enjoyable meal, with great service.
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Review from Nick H.
6/11/2010 1 Check-in Here
Finally tried this place and definitely was worth the wait! Had the jerk chicken and ox-tail combo. Ox-tail was incredible, next time I just want the ox-tail! Service was great and friendly. Would go back for sure on next trip back home!
