CARIBBEAN WARMTH FOR over THREE DECADES
The Real Jerk is a Toronto restaurant tradition. For three decades, Ed and Lily Pottinger have been offering delicious Caribbean cuisine in a laid back West Indian atmosphere: their iconic sunshiny logo is a beacon for good food and good times.
Our original Toronto store on Queen St.
In 1984, The Real Jerk opened its first Toronto location at Queen and Greenwood, before moving to its well-known flagship restaurant at the corner of Queen and Broadview. The Jerk Pit on Richmond was hopping then too, winning awards for live reggae music.
Since 2013, we’ve been cooking 7 days a week at our main Gerrard location, and at our newest spot on College Street in the west-side.
Want The Real Jerk in your community? Contact us about having your own Restaurant: Info@therealjerklegacy.com.
The Real Jerk - Gerrard
Our nearly 3000 square foot flagship restaurant at Gerrard and Carlaw serves a large, diverse neighbourhood. With its huge kitchen and seating for more than 150, TRJ Gerrard provides delicious dine-in meals, as well as weekly Thursday night karaoke and monthly live music.
TRJ Gerrard also hosts laid back, memorable events: whether it’s a celebration for your friends or co-workers, we’re well equipped for your personal and business events.
Email catering@therealjerk.com to arrange to bring a taste of the Caribbean to your group.
Featured in
"We don't just sell food, we sell culture, and I'm very happy to share our culture of the Caribbean."
~Ed Pottinger. THE CANADIAN PRESS - PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 24, 2016
​
We've been around for over 30 years so we've made some headlines along the way. Check out some of our recent news.
blogTO
Toronto's newest Raptors spotted at Real Jerk
​
The players joined rapper Kardinal Offishall at The Real Jerk in Leslieville, the first location of the local well-loved Caribbean restaurant. Read the article here.
Hot! Hot! Hot!
Rihanna and Drake’s 'Work' Music Video Shot at TRJ Gerrard
​
"A Toronto restaurant is getting international attention after being prominently featured in one of Rihanna’s two new music videos for Work with Drake..."
More form the article on theglobeandmail.com
Caribbean Soul Food Queen on CTV!
​
What is The Real Jerk’s secret spice? It’s owner and chef Lily Pottinger. Lily’s passion for food started in her Jamaican childhood, and her traditional recipes - made Lily’s own over decades - are infused with warmth and love.
​
The Real Jerk chef and co-owner Lily Pottinger shared some traditional Caribbean cooking on a national news station. On the menu: Curry Shrimp.
For this deelish recipe and others, buy your own TRJ cookbook– see us in store for details!
Trekbible
​
We made the list of Trekbible's "Best Restaurants in Toronto for Extreme Foodies."
Check out the full article for the real goods!
