Jerk, done right
We are spoiled for local restaurants bringing big, bold Caribbean flavour to the table – just in time for the arrival of cooler weather.
There is something heart-warming about the bold delicious flavours of a jerk chicken dish – some spice, some sweetness, and a whole lot of finger-licking flavour. Though most of the spots below have a great jerk chicken dish, some of them specialize in other Jamaican and Caribbean favourites.
Island Jerk Hut
This colourful Island spot on Upper Ottawa serves up several classics on the daily menu from jerk chicken and pork, to curry goat, brown stew chicken, curry chicken, and more. Enjoy the hearty proteins with sides like rice and beans and a coleslaw – available through dine in or takeout.
1575 Upper Ottawa St., Hamilton
Boom Scorch
This tiny spot located in the International Village serves up big flavour. Alongside friendly service, you will find menu options like jerk chicken sandwiches and wraps, stewed and fried chicken, and oxtail. All the meat offerings are also halal and sourced locally from Ontario farmers. Check out the daily specials for some great deals.
187 King St. E., Hamilton
boomscorch.com
IG: boomscorch
Mickey’s Jamaican Jerk
Whether you're looking for a smaller meal, medium, or a large portion, you can customize your experience at Mickey's Jamaican Jerk. With its extensive hours, you can also enjoy the meals anytime of day, including jerk chicken with coleslaw, rice, and beans, to oxtail, plantains, stewed chicken, and more. The jerk chicken is smokey and flavourful.
625 Greenhill Ave., Hamilton
IG: mickeys_jamaican_jerk
FB: MickeysJamaicanJerk
Island Queens Restaurant and Catering
This classy spot on Kenilworth brings elegance to the classic jerk chicken meal! The space is beautiful and airy for a fancy night out with friends or just a nice dine-in meal. Try the mac pie, oxtail poutine, or curry chickpeas for the veggie lovers. Happy hour specials include a $10 jerk chicken that just can't be missed.
158 Kenilworth Ave. N., Hamilton
islandqueens.ca
IG: theislandqueens
FB: theislandqueens
Lyn’s Caribbean Restaurant
This top-rated spot on Concession street serves up generous portions of jerk chicken, curries, stews, and rotis. A customer favourite is the Jerk Rasta Pasta (available in chicken or shrimp) They also have a Caribbean chow mein for something a little different!
568 Concession St., Hamilton
caribbeancanadianrestaurant.ca
IG: lynscaribbeanrestaurant
FB: Lyns-Caribbean-Restaurant
Wanda’s Caribbean Kitchen
This family-owned restaurant with two locations (Hamilton and Mississauga) serves up authentic and top-rated Caribbean favourites like curry goat and oxtail, roti, ackee and saltfish, and tasty boneless jerk. Visit the Barton location and be sure to try the mac salad!
1610 Barton St. E., Hamilton
wandascaribbeankitchen.com
IG: wandascaribbeankitchen
FB: wandascaribbeankitchen
Lena’s Roti and Doubles
With several locations across the GTA to enjoy rotis and doubles no matter where you are, Lena's offers rotis and doubles that are jam-packed with flavour and fillings. Choose your protein (goat, chicken, chickpeas, even curried duck) and your spice level for a customized experience. Visit in Burlington for the closest way to get your doubles and roti fix.
460 Brant St. #1, Burlington
lenasroti.ca
IG: lenasroticanada
FB: lenasroticanada
Jamaica EasyJerk
This dine-in and takeout spot on the east Mountain specializes in exactly what the reader may be looking for – smoky and flavourful jerk chicken. The team also provides great customer service, and some well-priced daily deals. Check out the website menu to see what's on offer each day, but you will find Caribbean dishes like: curried goat, oxtail, okra and saltfish, jerk pepper shrimp, and so much more.
1070 Stone Church Rd. E. #47, Hamilton
jamaicaeasyjerk.ca
IG: jamaicaeasyjerk
TriniCanJam
TriniCanJam pulls flavours from Trinidad, Jamaica, and Canada, creating unique and delicious dishes that have become popular in the Main Street community – and beyond. Its roti and doubles are highly popular, but there are also mains and variety plates if you want a taste of a few things! Try the Jamaican breakfasts, served with fried dumplings, and ground provision (traditional root vegetables).
355 Main St. E., Hamilton
trinicanjamcuisine.com
IG: trinicanjamcuisine
FB: trinicanjamcuisine
Ellis Kitchen
Ellis Kitchen on Ottawa Street tends to be talked about a fair amount in the foodie community, likely because it has been around for over 20 years, and is still going strong. Delicious dishes include breakfast porridges, patties, jerk meats, curry meats, and much more. Try the popular soups of the day to warm your bones. They also have homemade ice cream, if you need the opposite, in flavours like grapenut, coconut, and rum and raisin.
148 Ottawa St. N., Hamilton
elliskitchen.wixsite.com
IG: elliskitchenca
FB: elliskitchen455king
Taste of Jamaican’s Kitchen
With two locations to serve, one in Hamilton and one in Brantford (if you find yourself out that way), Taste of Jamaican's Kitchen has built up its fan base in both communities with bold flavours in authentic Jamaican dishes. Many people rave that the dishes taste like home-cooking, with tender meats and roti cooked to perfection. Balance that with some wonderful service and you have a winner! You can also get some well-priced lunch deals, for those on a budget still looking for a hearty meal.
9 John St. N., Hamilton
IG: tasteofjamaicanskitchen