The Islands Caribbean Cookshop - Yonge Sheppard Centre — Restaurant in Toronto

I placed a catering order scheduled for delivery on May 22nd at 5:00 PM, totaling $300 ish . Due to a severe soy allergy, I attempted to make a last-minute change from jerk chicken to BBQ chicken. I sent an email requesting the change but never received a confirmation—neither a yes nor a no. I understand it was a late request, but even a quick response would have been appreciated.

I also called the catering number listed on their website multiple times throughout the day and left a voicemail, expecting a callback. Unfortunately, I never received one. With no response, I called the Liberty Village location, assuming the order would be prepared there since the delivery address was in Parkdale. I was surprised to learn that the order was actually being handled by the Yonge and Sheppard location in North York.

When I contacted the Yonge and Sheppard location closer to the scheduled delivery time, I was told the order still hadn’t been picked up—despite it being due at 5:00 PM. The delivery ended up being 1.5 hours late.

That said, I want to acknowledge that the person at the Yonge and Sheppard location was kind enough to accommodate the allergy concern by preparing half BBQ chicken and half jerk chicken. I really appreciated that thoughtful gesture.

This meal was meant as an appreciation dinner for staff who work with individuals facing mental health and homelessness challenges. It was important to me that this went smoothly. Unfortunately, the lack of communication, missed follow-ups, and the late delivery made for a frustrating experience. I hope your team takes this feedback seriously to improve reliability and customer communication...

Earlier today, I ordered...

a large oxtail combo (with rice/ meat packaged separately and a side of coleslaw) $22. ackee & saltfish ( just meat) $7.

My total bill came up to $33.99.

The server filled the containers about 75% so I asked her to put a bit more meat and gravy. She added another piece of meat, and was told no more oxtail gravy left and closed the containers. I told her this is the 3rd time I'm coming by in the last 2 weeks, ordered oxtail with something else each time but this is the least amount I have ever gotten, and each time have been charged different price for the oxtail. Apparently, it just looks less without the gravy and because I asked for the meat to be separated from the rice; otherwise same amount. And if I had gotten more last time, then I got lucky.

So, I asked how much it would cost if I ordered a large oxtail (just meat)? $15.

So, it is $7 more for the combo with rice and a side of coleslaw? Are you kidding me?

I asked for a refund. Then, I ordered the oxtail and ackee&saltfish (just meat), paid total $24.25.

Overall, the food tastes good but I don't think I would be returning anytime soon due to the inconsistent pricing and quantity, and poor customer service.

Dear Owner,

Thanks but no thanks. After this unfortunate incident, I had another one - which is getting my refund for the initial purchase - it took a month! The person I spoke with was kind enough; however, after 5 calls (which by the way, I initiated each time), a runaround, and a month of waiting, I don't think I'll be returning. What really sucks? I like your food and location is very...

I wish I could give The Islands Caribbean Cookshop a 10-star rating. Wow! I am absolutely blown away by the quality of food I received today. There are so many nerves that go with ordering from a new Caribbean restaurant. Will the food be flavourful? Spicy enough? Will it taste like authentic Caribbean food? I can confidently say this restaurant exceeded all of my expectations and I am so grateful.

I placed a vegetarian order through Uber Eats today - 2 curry potato and chana (chickpeas), 1 vegetarian meal, 2 coco bread and a Tropical Rhythms mango drink. The curry dishes were seasoned so well. Finally, a restaurant that knows how to properly season veggie curry dishes! It had the right amount of spice from the scotch bonnet pepper and I loved to see the pimento seeds swimming in the gravy. The rice and peas were amazing and tasted like authentic rice and peas from the Islands. The coleslaw was fresh, but not too sweet and the coco bread tasted like it came fresh from the oven.

I have been highly disappointed with the quality of food I have received from various restaurants across the GTA throughout the pandemic, but Islands Caribbean Cookshop did not disappoint. I will never travel to Scarborough or the West End ever again for Caribbean food.

Thank you Islands Caribbean Cookshop. Great food at a great price! And big ups to the chef - you have a...