Riddim & Spice

Haven never tried Jamaican food, I was excited to try this place after I saw an Instagram reel talking about the $7.99 lunch special. There were two options (Jerk chicken or Curry chicken) and it was great that the lunch special was offered at dinner time as well. I enjoy the sauce that came with the chicken and felt like it was quite filling and well balanced (esp with the salad). My friend and I also split a Jamaican patty ($3.50) which was more flavourful and spiced than frozen ones I've had before. While the mango shake ($5.99) was very refreshing, there was a gingery beer aftertaste that I wasn't the biggest fan of.

Overall, I felt like it was quite tasty and great value, definitely a must-try if you're in the Commercial Drive area. The staff were also very kind and welcoming

My friend and I saw a video recommendation for this place and decided to try it for ourselves. It seemed pretty authentic and the restaurant had a nice tropical theme with plants and straw decor.

When we walked in, we were greeted and asked if if was our first time there. The staff (maybe the owner) welcomed us and the waitress who took our order was very nice too.

Unfortunately, I was told that the ackee and saltfish was only available on Fridays, so I couldn't order it. The waitress recommended the oxtail and so we ordered the jerk chicken lunch special ($7.99) and oxtail ($15.99), along with a beef patty ($3.50) to share.

Everything was really good! The oxtail meat was so tender and also had some fatty parts too, which had lots of flavour. The jerk chicken was a chicken thigh covered in a sweet, smoky sauce (but I think my first experience at another restaurant was better). Both of the meals came with rice and salad, which made it very filling. I personally liked the oxtail more than the jerk chicken, but the price of the jerk chicken lunch special is a really good deal. The patty was decent, though I think it was just sitting in the oven, so it tasted a bit stale, but still pretty tasty! I would back here to try the ackee and saltfish.

Craved some Jamaican food and ended up on Commercial Frive so this was an easy destination. The place smells familiarly of Caribbean spices that make you salivate. It's no surprise this place has a loyal following of regulars. When we were outside contemplating, a man coming out just told us to go in and how the food was amazing and we wouldn't recommend it.

We ordered the large size Oxtail & a small Jerk Chicken. There was definitely a large volume of oxtail and for the price, I found it fair. Nice mix of fatty pieces along with more meaty ones.

The Jerk Chicken is delicious here. The Regular size came with 2 large size chicken legs . The rice and sides it came with was enough to have some for leftovers. Preference wise, the Jerk Chicken was a definite winner.

I was tempted to get the patties here but the reviews deterred me from doing so & they didn't look too appetizing. I wish there were more places to go for authentic Jamaican but this has been a favorite of mine for quite a while.

Certainly rustic ambience, but friendly service for sure. A diverse clientele, but no trouble experienced. Food was ok, perhaps I was expecting more punchy flavours.

Tasty and surprisingly cheap Jamaican restaurant along Commercial Drive.

Parking is available on the side streets.

The place does look pretty dumpy, and has a nice tropical theme. Don't let the bare bones look fool you. The walls looks like they're part of a hut.

Staff are friendly and helpful.

The meals here are very reasonably priced. I had the oxtail dinner, which comes with rice and salad. Definitely comfort food. Decent portion of meat, which is served stewed with potatoes. I was pretty happy.

I also tried their Jamaican patty. To be honest this was rather lacking. I was expecting something crispier or flakier. This thing seemed half-baked. Honestly I'd skip this one.

Wouldn't mind coming back, though I'd stick to the main courses.

This place has been around for years and I have only just discovered it. Somehow this was not on my radar when I used to work in this area. Never too late.

The lunch special is really affordable at $7. The portion is not very big but it is still filling for me. You have a choice of jerk chicken or curry chicken. I only get the jerk chicken which is a bit spicy but the heat is manageable. It comes with rice and beans and salad. You can ask for hot sauce if you want it spicier.

I tried a bit of the oxtail and that was so tender. My friend said it's the ultimate comfort food.

I like the ginger beer (Grace brand) which has a strong gingery taste.

Great place for very tasty and affordable food. This has become one of my go to restaurants now.

Cash and debit only. Street parking is available.

Been meaning to check out Riddim & Spice Restaurant for quite some time. It's a Caribbean & Jamaican spot right across the street from 4 Brothers Pizza and Fire Pizza.

We dropped in on a Friday (right at noon). The inside is no frills but a good amount of people were grabbing takeout.

Menu consists of appetizers, lunch specials & combos, main courses and rotis. They also had corn bread and gizzada (coconut pastry) at the counter. Nothing on the menu was spicy.

- Beef pattie ($3.50) - menu says $3.00 but we were charged more. Hard to find good patties in town but this was serviceable.
- Jerk chicken lunch special ($6.50) - one piece of jerk chicken with rice and salad. Jerk chicken had good flavour. It's a nice small sized sampler plate.
- Combo ($21.50) - 2 meats (we went with oxtail and goat curry), rice & peas and salad. Both meats were tender but lacking that wow factor.

Happy to have tried it once but the search for great Caribbean/Jamaican continues.

Riddim and Spice has been on my list for years.
Finally had a chance to pick up a quick takeout lunch as I was driving by.
I had it to go and it smelled absolutely delish in my passenger seat.
The jerk chicken was so flavourful and juicy, it was actually spicy.
Please comment as the rice reminded me of chicken teriyaki rice from my school lunches from the school cafeteria. I loved it. What type of rice and method of cooking.


Did I mention they also take credit cards.

Delicious food, chill vibes, good prices, great service. Be careful with the hit sauce bottle here it's real hot sauce. Be prepared to get big portions and bones in the meat. 100% worth it. These meals will really fill you up. Take your time and enjoy or just grab a paddy if you're in a rush. Enough space inside to accommodate a bigger group. Not as fancy if you want a sit down dinner but I could go here every day and never get disenchanted.

Really enjoyed the food here! Their oxtail plate was huge and very affordable items. The patty's were nicely filled and flaky. I think they do a great job and have a lot of regulars that come by to grab their favourites. Definite comfort food and more of a relaxed and very casual dining. The commercial area has a bunch of goodies so it makes for a nice day of eating and supporting local!