Vv Magazine’s Libby Roach rounds up Toronto’s best soul food restaurants.
As the winter season kicks in, mother nature will soon leave you cold, hungry, and wishing you were anywhere else, so why not dine at one of Toronto’s best bets for African/Caribbean/Trini/West Indian/Haitian/Afro-American/Creole eats? If the spice doesn’t heat you up then hopefully the drinks will!
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Harlem (and Harlem Underground)
Harlem, and its Queen West hotspot sister Harlem Underground, offer a full-service menu, including brunch on weekends. Known for their superb whole catfish, chicken and waffles, and tasty candied plantains, Harlem offers a little something for everyone on their menu, including drool-worthy cocktails like the Bloody (jerk) Caesar that boasts a giant deep-fried pickle as a garnish.
Rhum Corner
Arguably the best in Toronto, Rhum Corner seems to have transplanted straight from Haiti with husband and wife team Jen Agg and Roland Jean taking the Haitian Café concept to the next level with each element channeling the storied island. The interior, music, drinks, and menu all flow together convincing you that you’ve likely had too many orders of Dark and Stormy to remember that you’re actually still stuck in Canada. The rum list reads like a mini dictionary of what’s not available at the LCBO, and they go down well with their menu of oxtail with bean sauce, cashew chicken, or the inhalable accra.
La Creole
Another superb spot to tuck in for a long winter’s night is La Creole on St. Clair. Their menu has a not-so-shockingly French twist, with savoury beignets, creole whole fried snapper, and akkra neg maron (served with zingy pikliz, a vinegary slaw) meshing nicely with meatier options like lamb chops with apricot salsa and tamarind reduction. Although the wine list is tidy, the cocktail menu has fruity concoctions as well as some stellar malt-based creamy drinks that serve dual purpose dessert/drink.
Simone’s
This cozy spot nestled on the Danforth in Greektown is a fan favourite for their delicious rotis, jerk chicken, Johnnycakes and fragrant curry goat. Prices are low, portions are big and service is warm and friendly. Check this spot out for their weekend brunches, the perfect antidote to last night’s escapades.
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King’s Delight
With two Toronto locations (Jane and Lawrence or St. Clair and Old Weston) King’s Delight is a good bet for anyone with $5.00 looking for Caribbean-inspired dishes like their famous chicken (fried, jerk or bbq), aromatic curries, or fish platters. Combos come with rice, peas and coleslaw so pack an appetite or prepare to tote the Styrofoam box home.
Rasta Pasta
This tiny spot in Kensington Market features Jamaican style eats at thrifty prices. Jerk chicken is the real deal here, but with only two tables inside you’re likely taking that chicken for a walk. Served up for a svelte $5.00, the jerk chicken comes on a fluffy puff of rice and a smattering of peas.
Feature image: James Ransom/http://food52.com/recipes/13467-jerk-chicken-kebabs
What are some of your favourite Caribbean and soul food restaurants in the city? Which resto are you dying to try from our list of Toronto’s best soul food restaurants? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
