Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen

"Although not Black-owned, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen in Toronto, conceptualized by Black chef Angela Lawrence, offers an authentic taste of Jamaica with an ambiance and culinary excellence that provides a delightful escape to the Caribbean." - Ty Gaskins

"The warm breezes of the Caribbean might be far away, but even in the dead of winter, stepping into this lively haven will bring a bit of island sunshine. Warm, easygoing hospitality is matched by homey, unpretentious cooking, with traditional dishes whose humble appearances belie surprising depth of flavor. "Likkle bites" like saltfish fritters are a fine starter, but don't let them distract you from exemplary versions of comforting classics like curry goat or oxtail stew (and take urgent note that the gravy from either can be ordered as a side). Perhaps best of all is the succulent jerk chicken, expertly cooked over a wood-burning grill to achieve an ethereal marriage of smoke, sweetness and spice—as good as any you’re likely to find this far from a beach." - Michelin Inspector

"Chubby's is the best Jamaican restaurant in Toronto. There are great burgers and coconut-crusted fish, but the main event here is the jerk chicken, which takes four days to prepare. Each bird is brined for 24 hours, dry-rubbed, laced with scotch bonnet peppers, and left to dry before getting barbecued over maple wood. Save room for dessert, if possible; the passion fruit and coconut cream pie is a nice counterpoint to the spice rub's satisfying heat." - Todd Plummer

"Located in an 1890 row house that’s been transformed into an intimate dining room decked out with tropical plants, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen is a downtown destination for jerk chicken and saltfish fritters. It’s a great spot for a quick late lunch after exploring downtown, especially if the cold weather calls for something hearty like a classic oxtail stew with braised butter beans or the Caribbean veggie stew served with jasmine rice. In the summertime, their back patio is the place to be for delicious tropical-inspired cocktails like the hibiscus mojito." - julia eskins

"Located in an 1890 row house that’s been transformed into an intimate dining room decked out with tropical plants, Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen is a downtown destination for jerk chicken and saltfish fritters. It’s a great spot for a quick late lunch after exploring downtown, especially if the cold weather calls for something hearty like a classic oxtail stew with braised butter beans or the Caribbean veggie stew served with jasmine rice. In the summertime, their back patio is the place to be for delicious tropical-inspired cocktails like the hibiscus mojito." - Julia Eskins