Nina's Tropical Island Caribbean Restaurant — Restaurant in Vaughan

I'd happily give Nina's a five-star rating if they were more consistent. If they were constantly churning out food at the same level as when they're at their peak then I'd go so far as to say this was the best Caribbean restaurant in all of Toronto/GTA. Actually, I'll happily go on record and say it anyways... this is the best Caribbean restaurant in Toronto/GTA. I've eaten at all the classics from the Allen/Eglinton favourites to Scarborough, Queen St., etc., including a high-end place which was actually the worst of the bunch, and none have come close to Nina's. People will be quick to dismiss my claim because it doesn't fall within a certain geographical region of the city that's normally associated to having a higher concentration of Caribbean restaurants and people, as well as because the owner of Nina'sisn't Caribbean, but try the food for yourself and you'll no doubt agree. The owner should be considered an honorary Caribbean for his contribution to the raising awareness of this amazing food. As mentioned, their food- when they're performing at their best- is divine and cannot be faulted. But several times I've come in during off-hours (afternoon or evening) and been disappointed by how dry everything was. I understand it's prepared in batches, not to order, and has been sitting for hours- that's normal for a place with this kind of setup-, so I just advise you to go during lunchtime when everything is fresh and they're on their A-game. I've tried everything on the menu and it's all A+. My go-to is the jerk or bbq chicken on rice and peas with the chicken or oxtail gravy... damn, I'm salivating just writing about it... and I love their roti's as well! Can't get enough of the coleslaw or patty's either (which I understand they don't make in-house). Owners are very kind and will hook you up from time to time with an extra side or something. I was shocked to discover a place like this so close to home, away from all the action downtown. Go during lunch hour and see how packed it gets... you'll be waiting 20 minutes, but you'll understand just how good Caribbean...

Walking in its a clean establishment and the food is all laid out there in front of you for you to choose from.

I had the jerk chicken. The flavours were good especially the rice and peas which she offered the oxtail gravy on. It was spot on and packed with flavour once it was soaked in the sauce. The woman working there said she recommends the oxtail gravy with the rice and peas and curry goat gravy with the white rice.

The chicken itself was a little overcooked but the flavours were all there and it was very tender as a result and easily separated from the bone.

The homemade hot sauce had quite a kick to it, adding a good dose of spice to the chicken but not much flavour otherwise which is okay since the chicken is flavourful enough by itself. The coleslaw was nice but not too special.

The only other addition I would have and why I took a point off is that the tables were sticky for no reason. I think it had something to do with the varnish used.

I could say that I would recommend this place if you are stopping for a...

I want to start off by saying I had the most horrible experience with Uber when trying to order from this restaurant. I only bring that up because in a way I have to thank them for that. If not for Ubers horrendous customer service, lies and attempt to rip me AND the restaurant owner off, I wouldn't have had the pleasure to encounter the owner of Nina's. He helped me deal with Uber and because of that, I made a point of going in there personally to buy food that I know will go DIRECTLY to them, not fill Ubers greedy pockets. On top of that - he still insisted on giving me free food even though none of this was his fault. I got ackee and salt fish on white rice and stew chicken with rice and peas. Both delicious. Please support this business and do your best to go into the restaurant and order rather than go through Uber. They don't deserve it. The owner works hard, has delicious food and deserves to be paid full price and not be robbed by Uber.

Thanks again, sir. I appreciate your help...