Toronto's Culinary Kaleidoscope: Savor Caribbean Delights at these 3 Must Try Spots

Indulge in the Flavors of the Caribbean at Miss Likklemore’s, Selva Toronto, and Real Jerk

Toronto, Ontario is a city renowned for its diverse and eclectic culinary scene, where flavors from around the world come together to create a gastronomic paradise. Among the myriad of options, Caribbean cuisine stands out for its bold and vibrant flavors that transport you to the sun-soaked islands with every bite.

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For adventurous eaters and families with teens looking for something “different”, embarking on a culinary journey through the Caribbean-inspired restaurants of Toronto is an absolute must.

On a recent visit to Toronto sponsored by Destination Toronto and CityPASS, I had the opportunity to visit three popular Caribbean-inspired restaurants in the city: Miss Likklemore’s, Selva Toronto, and Real Jerk. Each offered a unique take on popular Caribbean dishes such as jerk chicken, curried goat roti, and oxtail stew.

3 Toronto Caribbean Restaurants Not to Be Missed

Here, we’ll delve into the essence of three remarkable eateries that capture the spirit of the Caribbean: Miss Likklemore’s, Selva Toronto, and Real Jerk. On your next visit to Toronto, be sure not to miss these three must-try spots.

Miss Likklemore’s: A Taste of Tropical Paradise

Tucked away in the heart of Toronto’s Finacial District (King West), a short distance from Clarence Square Park, Miss Likklemore‘s is a culinary oasis that encapsulates the essence of Caribbean-inspired cuisine.

What started as a patio pop-up is now one of the city’s haute Caribbean spots, offering a range of exquisite dishes such as braised oxtail, jerk chicken, mac pie, and the city’s largest run collection from around the world with 120 different varieties.

Immersive Caribbean Atmosphere and Modern Elegance

When you step into Miss Likklemore’s, you are whisked away from Toronto’s hustle to a haven where bursts of Caribbean vibrancy meet upscale elegance. The exposed brick wall exudes rustic charm, a perfect backdrop to the vibrant colors that adorn the space.

Rattan-backed chairs offer comfort with a tropical touch, while leather banquettes blend haute sophistication with warmth. This fusion creates an atmosphere that elevates Caribbean flavors to a new level of refinement, offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience.

Infusing Love and Passion into Every Dish

Under the guidance of co-owner and head Chef Lonie Murdock, every dish at Miss Likklemore’s is a “mash-up of regional and sub-regional flavors”. Chef Murdoch draws inspiration from family recipes handed down by her Jamaican family and other relatives across the Caribbean.

The result is an array of exquisite dishes that reflect the flavors and stories of the Caribbean. Whether it’s the popular jerk chicken or oxtail stew, you can taste the love and passion that goes into each dish with every bite.

Must-Try Dishes

Know that the food here is served family style, so you really can try it all! When I went, this is what I had that I highly recommend as must-try dishes:

Likkle Patties: Hand pies stuffed with braised oxtail & spicy beef. Served with a fermented mango hot sauce, these flaky pies are simply divine! These are some of the best hand pies I’ve had in a while.
Miss Edna’s Jerk Chicken: Named for Chef Murdock’s grandmother, this whole smoked chicken is marinated for several days, not hours, and is cooked in a unique blend of spices and herbs. Served with jerk chicken jus, this is an absolute must-try!
Crab XO: With snow crab legs, carnaroli rice, toasted coconut, and cilantro, this is one of the most flavorful rice dishes on the menu. It’s sweet, savory, and fragrant all at once.

Selva Toronto: Where South American and Thai Flavors Converge

Selva Toronto is a culinary gem that takes inspiration from Thailand and combines it with a visual and culinary flare from the Amazon. Opened in 2018, Selva Toronto has quickly become a local favorite for its lively atmosphere and bold flavors.

Colorful Decor With A Jungle Theme

The first thing you’ll notice when you step into Selva Toronto is its vibrant decor. Bright colors, lush plants, and jungle-inspired accents create an atmosphere that exudes tropical energy and warmth.

Selva Toronto is “the world’s first immersive multi-sensory art/resto/bar experience. Larger-than-life murals of jungle wildlife and jungle settings are painted with glow-in-the-dark paint to make it look as if they are emerging from the darkness. Whether you are seated at the bar or the tables, you will feel as if you have stepped into a wild and wondrous place.

Together with lush greenery, the decor creates a floor-to-ceiling tropical oasis, bringing the energy of the Caribbean and Amazon to Toronto. Each piece of artwork is a reminder that you’re on a culinary journey through the Amazonian jungle.

Creative Dishes with Caribbean Flair

Executive Chef Nuit Regular grew up in Northern Thailand. Her menu at Salva reflects her Thai heritage and combines it with vibrant flavors from South America and the Caribbean Islands. Her creative dishes blend these two cultures in unexpected ways.

Must-Try Dishes:

Mushroom Toastadas (vegan): Crispy corn tortillas topped with guacamole, roasted mushrooms, and edible flowers were amazing. The textures and flavors were a perfect balance of spicy, savory, sweet, and creamy.
Grilled Seam Bream: This fresh fresh is served with yellow curry sauce and barley salad. This dish is a fine example of Chef Nuit’s fusion of Thai and Caribbean flavors. The yellow curry sauce is creamy and flavorful, while the barley salad provides a crunchy contrast.

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Real Jerk: An Icon of Authentic Caribbean Flavors

No exploration of Caribbean cuisine in Toronto would be complete without a visit to Real Jerk. This iconic Jamaican food restaurant has been serving up delectable jerk dishes for over three decades, earning its place as a staple in the city’s culinary landscape.

The heart and soul of Real Jerk lies in the passion of owners Ed & Lily Pottinger, who bring the spirit of the Caribbean to every plate. With two locations (TRJ Gerrard and TRJ Legacy), Real Jerk offers an authentic taste of the Caribbean in a modern, inviting atmosphere.

Laid Back Island Fare

For a taste of the Caribbean, in a laid-back atmosphere with a West Indies vibe, Real Jerk is a perfect choice. I visited the location on Gerrard St and it reminded me of my time in St Lucia. The eclectic decor with island-inspired colors and prints added a special touch to the experience.