Things to Eat, See, and Experience in Toronto’s Little Jamaica Neighborhood

Since childhood, I’ve accompanied my Dad to Little Jamaica, enjoying food and groceries, jamming with his friends in various recording studios, and listening to their stories from when they first arrived from Jamaica. I can still feel the waves, nods, energy, and camaraderie as we wandered down Eglinton Avenue West, known as Little Jamaica.

Toronto has been home to a significant Jamaican community since the 1950s. Thanks to the West Indian Domestic Scheme, which operated from 1955 to 1967, over 3,000 young Caribbean women moved to the city as domestic workers. After a year, they could bring their families to Canada. These women endured long hours with low pay and faced racism in securing housing, education, and jobs. In the 1970s, the removal of race-based immigration laws allowed even more Caribbean individuals to settle in Canada. Little Jamaica’s cultural impact on Toronto is profound: Toronto Carnival (also known as Caribana) ranks among the largest Caribbean festivals worldwide.

Regrettably, in recent years, the area has faced challenges. The pandemic, ongoing construction, and gentrification have led to the closure of several businesses in Little Jamaica, including Randy’s Patties, a famous Jamaican eatery that closed its doors in February 2022 due to pandemic-related issues. Thankfully, in 2022, the city introduced a Cultural District Plan aimed at preserving Little Jamaica's rich heritage under the Ontario Heritage Act. This initiative is designed to offer resources and financial backing for residents and businesses, helping them stay afloat and thrive while maintaining their cultural identity, although the timeline for this initiative remains unclear.

Little Jamaica draws visitors from across the globe eager for genuine Jamaican cuisine, groceries, fashion, and reggae music. Here’s how to explore this vibrant area.

Activities to Enjoy

Snap a photo in Reggae Lane

Reggae Lane is a vibrant pathway just off Eglinton Avenue West, adorned with a stunning 1,200-foot mural; unveiled in 2015, it celebrates some of Canada's most renowned reggae artists who recorded and performed in Little Jamaica. Notable figures like Leroy Sibbles, Jackie Mittoo, and Ernie Smith originated from this area, making it an essential stop for aspiring musicians of the rocksteady genre.

Transform your hairstyle

Barbershops have always served as community hubs, and this holds true in Little Jamaica. Whether patrons are opting for sharp fades, weaves, or long braids, each salon on Eglinton Avenue West fosters a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. Expect to enjoy relaxing reggae music and community news; during longer appointments, some salon owners offer tasty local treats like Spiced Bun or Chicken Curry. Notable establishments like Nadine’s Hair Studio and Casual Hair Salon have been part of the neighborhood for decades.

Purchase a record

Treajah Isle Records is a beloved landmark in Little Jamaica, boasting over forty years of history. Founded by Jamaican singer Nana McLean, this record shop became the go-to spot for reggae and ska enthusiasts. During its peak, Treajah Isle was a lively venue for dancing and celebrations, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, with music resonating for blocks. Today, it continues to thrive as a cultural center, offering records, CDs, digital music, books, and RastMytourian apparel. Treajah Isle also hosts community events featuring spoken-word artists and reggae and dubstep DJs.

Explore Sinting Fest

Established in 2022, Sinting Fest is a family-friendly festival held every August, highlighting local Caribbean chefs, their signature dishes, techniques, and eateries. If you crave fried plantains, bammy, or other Jamaican delicacies (along with the chance to try new flavors), Sinting Fest is the place to be. In addition to mouthwatering food, the festival features music, local fashion, crafts, and dancing.

Dining Options

Sun-Light Bakery

As you stroll past this nearly 40-year-old bakery, the enticing aroma of freshly baked hardo (hard dough) bread and spiced bula cakes fills the air. Inside, the walls showcase maps of Jamaica, vintage portraits of cultural icons, and flyers for local businesses, reflecting the community's strong support for one another. Among tall metal racks of cooling treats, Sun-Light Bakery also offers a tempting array of patties, pastries, and buns just waiting to be enjoyed.

Irie Veggie Take Out

For every vegetarian longing for a taste of traditional Jamaican Curry Goat, Irie Veggie provides a delightful tofu-based substitute. Known for its flavorful curries and dumplings, this vegetarian eatery has been a beloved part of Little Jamaica since the '80s, boasting a dedicated and loyal customer base.

Hot Pot

On Little Jamaica’s “BBQ Row,” a vibrant stretch of Eglinton filled with numerous eateries, it’s common to find a chef grilling Jerk outside Hot Pot on warm summer evenings. In this colorful and lively restaurant, enjoy some reggae music while savoring a generous serving of the city’s finest Jerk Chicken.

Sheryl’s Authentic Caribbean Cuisine

Founded in 2016, Sheryl’s Authentic Caribbean Cuisine quickly gained popularity, attracting diners from across the city. Renowned for its traditional ackee and saltfish as well as oxtail, a line often forms down the street during mealtimes. Each day, owner Sheryl Bryan Phillips is busy in the kitchen, preparing and serving the tropical flavors of home. Previously known as Judy’s Island Grill, Sheryl’s is a family-run business with five sisters managing four additional restaurants in the U.S. and one in the UK.

Accommodation Options

Ode is a boutique hotel owned by Black and female entrepreneurs, located on Dundas Street West, another cultural hotspot in the city. This unique establishment emphasizes community, showcasing the vibrancy of Toronto’s culinary scene, galleries, music, and, most importantly, its people. Each modern room is uniquely designed, reflecting the creativity of local designers, manufacturers, and artists.

Getting to Little Jamaica

Situated along Eglinton Avenue West between Keele Street and Marlee Avenue, Little Jamaica is a popular spot for visitors to spend a few hours. From downtown Toronto, where most tourists are based, Little Jamaica is conveniently reachable by car, taxi, or rideshare, with options for street parking and public lots. Alternatively, you can take a TTC bus or subway to Eglinton Avenue West station, or eventually the LRT once it’s completed—though that’s been a decade in the making!