jerk chicken toronto

The Best Jerk Chicken in Toronto

The best jerk chicken in Toronto is as finger-licking good as any fried bird. Redolent of smoke, perfumed with Scotch bonnets and five spice, allspice, ginger and more, it's a dish that's tender and satisfying, no matter how it's served.

Here is the best jerk chicken in Toronto.


Tropical Joe's
1

Tropical Joe's

When jerk cravings hit, venture inside Leslieville's Gerrard Square Shopping Centre. There, you'll find fiery, filling jerk chicken layered onto coco bread, inside roti, over poutine and in complete meals alongside rice and peas, curry potatoes and cole slaw.

Allwyn's Bakery
2

Allwyn's Bakery

In Don Mills, this takeout spot beckons to passersby hungry for a taste of the islands. Glossed in aromatic house sauce, jerk chicken is a go-to available on a sandwich, as a meal or, conveniently, by the pound.


Chris Jerk
3

Chris Jerk

When takeout won't do, this Scarborough bistro is a tidy spot to settle in over saucy, loaded plates of food. No matter how you like it — as part of an entrée, over sweet potato poutine or even wrapped up as shawarma — house jerk chicken is always a wise choice.

Stacy's Island Flavor
4

Stacy's Island Flavor

The scent of home-style cooking draws diners to this sunny Scarborough spot where service radiates the same warmth as the food. Prepped in a spicy, sweet, savoury marinade, grilled jerk chicken is a must-order dish.


Jaclyn's
5

Jaclyn's

At this family-run Leslieville restaurant, the menu is a who's who of Caribbean staples. From Tuesday to Sunday, devotees file in for deeply flavoured jerk chicken that's saucy and spicy with just the right amount of smoke.


Gerry's
6

Gerry's

Fast, fresh food is priced just right at this popular St. Clair West takeout spot. Flashing a substantial amount of heat, the team's jerk chicken is a meal best chased down with an Island Soda and slice of rum cake.

Island Spice
7

Island Spice

Two locations of this spot, in Scarborough and East York, dole out faithful renditions of Caribbean classics to an adoring audience. At both, punchy jerk chicken is a standby available as an entrée, in a wrap or, if you focus exclusively on BBQ jerk wings, as a messy, habit-forming appetizer.


Rap's
8

Rap's

Smoke-scented, fall-off-the-bone birds disappear in record time at this simple Oakwood Village spot. Follow the scent to the team's sidewalk smoker, and reward late-night ramblings with something far superior to the norm.

Mainsha Restaurant
9

Mainsha Restaurant

For tasty cheap eats that belie their bargain-basement price tags, this restaurant in the Castlefield Design District is hard to ignore. If your preferences skew spicy, slick tender jerk chicken with hot sauce for the perfect mouthful.

Lead photo by

Hector Vasquez at Gerry's Fast Foods. Additional photos, @island_spice_flava, @rapsrestaurant


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The Best Jerk Chicken in Toronto

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