The Irie Grill in Brantford

186 Market St, Brantford, ON N3T 3G1, Canada

★★★★★
(126 reviews)
Categories: Restaurant

About

Caribbean & Canadian Restaurant; "Experience the Life of Irie"

Website
facebook.com
Address
186 Market St, Brantford, ON N3T 3G1, Canada
Plus Code
4PVP+V5 Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
12–8 PM
Thursday
12–8 PM
Friday
12–8 PM
Saturday
12–8 PM
Sunday
Closed

Services

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Healthy options Salad bar Small plates Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch Dinner Catering
Amenities
Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Family friendly
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking

Photos

Reviews

4.5
★★★★★
126 reviews

Most Mentioned

jamaican food (16) jerk (12) chef (11) prices (11) coleslaw (8) oxtail (7) spices (7) curry goat (6) rice and peas (5) caribbean food (4)
5 stars
96
4 stars
14
3 stars
6
2 stars
5
1 stars
5
★★★★★
August 19, 2024

Best Jamaican food delicious and always tasty very pleasant atmosphere and service is great.

★★★★
July 5, 2024

thank-you Colin, the goat was fantastic. your company and conversation equally.....maybe next time, your can share the name of your delicious goat I ate? haha. jim.

★★
March 14, 2024

Stopped in before heading to school - very little goat given, very weak seasoning of curry..I was given a ton of rice with chunks of garlic 😞 Oh and the best part? A large black hair was in the rice, ended up throwing it all out for obvious reasons. Very disappointing considering what I’m used to, $21? Noooo that’s crazy my friend!!!

★★★★★
February 2, 2024

In one word - DELICIOUS. Chef was welcoming and friendly. Had curry goat, jerk chicken and chicken soup, everything was amazing. Ordered some fried dumplings on the side and Chef included some jerk gravy as a dipping sauce … a definite must if you visit. Our family will definitely return for another delicious meal.

★★★★★
June 19, 2023

Absolutely amazing. Reminds me of my grandmothers cooking. This is just about the best Jamaican food I’ve ever had. I’ve tried just about every place in this town and this place tops it by a landslide. The flavour of all the dishes are better than anything I’ve ever had, the rice is better than anything I have made myself, and the cook is so friendly. We always have a nice conversation and occasionally I will get a small sample of something. It really has a nice family vibe. If you are feeling for Jamaican food, come here!

★★★★
October 27, 2022

I had not eaten at a Jamaican or Caribbean restaurant before, so we decided to give it a try. The Irie Grill had very good reviews. I assume the chef was possibly the owner. He was not very friendly or welcoming, but by no means rude. We already had decided what we were getting prior to arriving. So, our order was placed promptly, and filled just as quickly. The food was very good. It absolutely tasted like a homemade meal, and not something commercially made. I had sprigs of thyme in my rice! Delicious! We had the Curry chicken and the Jerk chicken with rice and peas, and coleslaw. The curry was very flavourful, as was the jerk, with an amazing spice flavour. If you can, stop in and try the food. I highly recommend. Check all my Google reviews, as my pictures approach 11,000,000 views.

★★★★★
December 31, 2021

Best food in town! Came in and met Colin. He treated me like an old friend and his food is all real and amazing! All fresh and all tender. Thanks for the experience man!

★★★★★
April 28, 2021

Food is always fresh and amazing when I come here. I usually order the bbq chicken as seen in the picture. Owner is also well mannered and customer oriented. Definitely recommend.

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

Best Jamaican food ever had biscuit oxtail and gravy

April 21, 2024

I don t know what s going on but look like couple of months ago this restaurant was getting bare good review and now they going down got a curry goat with rice and peas and rice was crunchy like a bare bun bun rice (bottom of the pot rice) and pubic hair looking hair was in the food big turn off of course and I use to always get stew chicken cah the chef did bod still out of all the Jamaican restaurants in Brantford nah lie but you have to careful when your sharing out the food

★★★★★
March 21, 2024

Super nice gentleman, very knowledgeable about the food he is cooking/serving and delivers exceptional quality! Great atmosphere, would recommend to anyone. 10/10

★★★★★
February 21, 2024

Delicious food, friendly service. Will definitely be back!

★★★★★
February 21, 2024

Vegetarian options: They had awsome chickpea curry for my daughter who doesn t eat meat. Kid-friendliness: Very friendly to my daughter who wasn t going to buy anything because she didn t see any veggie options until he asked if she was vegetarian and gave her the best chickpea curry she has ever tasted.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 21, 2024

Food is amazing! Friendly and funny Chef, very good vibes in there. Reasonably priced for the portions! Highly recommend.

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

Food was very authentic and homemade and very delicious. I loved the jerk chicken and chick beans and potato curry and also the coleslaw. The owner was very friendly and it was a delight to dine in and visit with him. It felt like we were in Jamaica as tourists. Parking: Nice back lot

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

If I could give 6 stars I would. The food is great. The food tastes natural. The gentleman that owns the restaurant is absolutely amazing. His personality is pleasant. He was very welcoming. The food tastes like heaven. Just the perfect mix of herbs, sauces & spice. I didnt think I could find anything like this in Brantford. What a pleasant surprise!!

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Very good food but grosely overpriced

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

The food was amazing! Colin was so nice and we chatted so long our plantains almost burned! He does amazing outreach work as well as growing and raising his own ingredients. Try this place out.

December 21, 2023

Food no good

★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

The food has the potential to be great but the last two times we went we got stale food and ended up with food poisoning. We went once and thought maybe it was an accident but the second time was just too much. Porridge and soup is amazing though Rice and peas and meats got us sick every time though And its not just me that got sick my husband did also. Prices are too high to be giving people food that makes them sick !

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

A really good restaurant, the food was excelent and very tasty, the owner is very friendly and serviceable, I tried JERK of the menu, I recomended it 100% for a complete lunch

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

3 for 3 Collin!!! I look forward my weekly Saturday meal!!! All the best.

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

By far the best jerk I have had since moving to this city in June 2022. Cant believe it took me so long to find this place but everything from the food and I tried a few items to the customer service was on point. Definitely going to need to frequent once a week as the food is delightful. Keep up the AMAZINGLY AWESOME AND GREAT WORK!

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

All I have to say is that fried rice with the jerk chicken sauce fired chicken & the coleslaw was absolutely delicious, to die for!!! Thank you so much! I will be back! Gianna

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

This place is serving amazing food ..you are lucky if you find this place!

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

Great food, owner friendly 100% garrntee satisfaction. Food was hot and so delicious.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Great food a little expensive compared to others local but quality was great. If going around dinner I suggest calling in ahead long wait time.

★★★★
December 21, 2023

Good, authentic food. I had the curry chicken and my husband had the curry goat. Both were good. Our meals took a while to prepare which was alright. The decor was a very Bob Marley, marijuana friendly atmosphere so dont be offended. It actually smelled like someone had been smoking earlier lol (btw, neither my husband or I partake but its legal and I say to each his own). We planned on eating inside as we are from outside the area but and found there are only two small tables. We did eat at one. I wasnt expecting bones in my chicken but that is the traditional way of eating. Food is worth going back for. Good menu. Restaurant needs some tlc. Too many items stored in the open. A small partition or curtain may hide the messy look. Definitely go and try it out. You wont be disappointed with the food. Great take out spot! Vegetarian options: Vegetsrian options available Parking: Difficult to find parking around the building but we found parking on the side street.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

Hands down my new favorite restaurant in Brantford. Food is delicious, and they deliver. Lets support local!

★★★★★
December 21, 2022

Really good, tasty chicken Roti!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

Very friendly and great food. Thanks

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

Excellent food. If you go, try the oxtail. Best in town.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

Best Jamaican food in Brantford. Fresh to order provisions. Love this spot

★★★★★
December 21, 2022

First time here & had the curry goat. Colin treated me to the best Jamaican food Ive had in 20 years. Definitely eating here more often & you should too !!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

Very authentic Jamaican food!!! Was very much enjoyed!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

I was feeling hungry, and wanted to try something new, so decided to stop in. The chef came in from around the back, and washed his hands for what seemed like eternity, but very clean. He made my order, which was the most amazing ox tail I ve ever had, along with lots of tasty rice, and the most amazing coleslaw I ve ever had. This would have been amazing experience on its own, but then we struck up in food conversation, and Collin feed me a few samples from the menu, along with showing me just how fresh his ingredients are. Down to how he, himself ground up the spices. If you ever have a chance, and some time (the food came quick, the conversation has me glued to the seat for an hour and a half), stop in here and try Colin s amazing cuisine. You ll love it. I promise you that.

★★★★★
December 21, 2022

Great customer service

★★★★★
December 21, 2022

I come here weekly for the soups and stew chicken,, it s my favourite place to eat in town, everything is made fresh and never disappoints!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

Best Jamaican spot Ive had in a long time and that includes spots from the GTA! The food was FRESH AND WHEN I SAY FRESH YOU CAN TELL COLIN PUT HIS ALL INTO HIS FOOD! 10/10 would go back and recommend to anyone looking for the real deal island cuisine. FORGET THE FAST FOOD CHAINS , Fried chicken and even Jerk chicken out here!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

My son loves the Jamaican Patties. Delicious. Friendly staff.

★★★★★
December 21, 2022

Great Jamaican spot. The man behind the counter was very inviting and took such care with preparing my order. The food was great and the place had a friendly atmosphere. I will be back again for sure.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

I am new in town and wanted to find a West Indian food place...this is without a doubt the best oxtail I have ever had...will definitely be back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

Authentic Jamaican food. You can taste the love put into it. The patties the kingfish.... everything is full of flavour and I highly recommend going here.

★★★★★
December 21, 2022

whent in the other day to give it a try and i got everything on the menu to give it a try everything was incredible freshly made per order and the jerk sauce was amazing snapper was incredible the chicken was moist and not dry at all goat was perfect oxtail was amazing everything was great tasting and fresh highly recomend hard to find good food places this place is a must try and prices are great value also

★★★★★
December 21, 2022

Amazing! If you are looking for authentic Jamaican food prepared fresh with passion this is the place for you! Jerk sauce is to die for, all ingredients are fresh - could not recommend more

★★★★★
December 21, 2022

Best oxtail with gravy, rice and coleslaw. Colin the owner greeted me , described his food answered my many questions. While I ate, many folks came in for oxtail, or jerk chicken, a regulars favorite. If you get to Brantford on Market Street check the place out. Awesome

December 21, 2022

Ate here when they opened it was amazing. Returned in recent weeks had brown stew chicken my rice and peas was made with minute rice!!!! n very small portion of meat for price Not sure what happened hope it goes back to how it was two years ago. Kid-friendliness: Friendly owner family owned

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

I cant say enough about the customer care or the quality of food provided by Irie Grill in Brantford! Phenomenal authentic cuisine, much of which is prepared in the am and easily available! Less commonly ordered dishes are prepared in a timely and waitablele fashion. Place is kept clean at all times and always has the inviting aromas of a big family home kitchen! Superb Chef! Superb quality meals! Superb prices! I enjoy dining in the most but have taken out and They do deliver as well as take large specialty pre orders to meet the needs of their customers. Thanks so much Irie Grill! We love you!

★★★★★
December 21, 2022

Great food. Friendly service. I will go back all day long. These are the kinds of places where the real food comes from.

★★★★★
December 21, 2022

We ordered lunch and it was fantastic. I had the goat curry and my friends had the jerk chicken. Portions are excellent and the flavour, even better. I will order from here again soon.

★★★★★
December 21, 2022

Excellent food, great vegetarian options, will order from here regularly

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2022

Always delicious and fresh !!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2021

Loved the food! Everything we ordered was delicious and the portions were large. Very reasonably priced and friendly service!

★★★★★
December 21, 2021

Best fish dinner!!! I can honestly say that Irie grill meals are so flavorful and truly authentic. Its the real deal. It reminds me of being in Jamaica.

★★★★
December 21, 2021

Friendly service, tasty food.

★★★★★
December 21, 2021

Amazing Delicious Mmmm Mmmm Mmmm Great service, very friendly staff. SO GOOD I got 2 meals plus a soup and Im hiding my leftovers from my boyfriend. lol Food is good enough to end a relationship over Thank you

★★★★★
December 21, 2021

Ordered twice for my family and amazing food with amazing service.Thank you!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2021

DELICIOUS! And the owner is legit friendly. Other reviews are ridiculous. Totally worth the five minute walk from downtown or the Via Rail Station.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2021

Great prices, fresh food always made to requests of preference.. my go to is the jerk chicken with extra coleslaw.. It never disappoints.. but there are many different kinds of chicken to order with the rice to please anyones taste!!

★★★★★
December 21, 2021

Real home cooking. Give thanks to the chef and to all those who work in that kitchen to bring back kindness before profit

December 21, 2021

I called several times this evening no one wanted to pick up the phone.. I wont order from this place now thanks

★★★★★
December 21, 2021

First time here. The food is delicious the service is friendly. Wish I has eaten here sooner!

★★★★★
December 21, 2021

Alway great food and service. Always enjoy talking with Chef Colin. Everything I have eaten off the menu has been delicious.

★★★★★
December 21, 2021

Very good food.. very polite owner will be back for sure.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2021

Ask for the Macaroni Pie, its so good!

★★★★★
December 21, 2021

Stopped in for a takeout chicken roti fantastic service, and excellent roti. Super clean restaurant. I will be back for sure. Call ahead if you want something special on the menu.

★★★★★
December 21, 2021

The Irie Grill has great food & great customer service. Had the Curry Goat & Rice meal with a mango drink, it was really good!

★★★★★
December 21, 2020

Awesome flavours, love the medicine spices of the Jerk Chicken. The proprietor is really friendly and likes to share the story of his food. Well return for sure. If you havent tried it, you must.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

This has to be the BEST Caribbean food Ive ever had! We had an amazing lunch, and chatted with the owner. Its clear that he puts his passion into his cooking, and this is comfort food! Will be back many, many times!

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

Very nice owner who takes great pride in making everything he sells from scratch and growing his own herbs and spices which he uses in his restaurant.

December 21, 2020

Love chicken roti so much. First time trying Irie Grill and most likely the last. Not only was there little chicken bones threw my roti but there was more chick peas then chicken and the chicken I did have looked like fat or chicken skin that was not cooked. I usually go to Broasters chicken and have to say you get way more actual chicken and potatoes and no chick peas. Was very disappointed with my meal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

Amazing food great prices and the owner is cool as hell overall a must try especially when they make authentic curry thats not overpowering

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

We found this place by searching for jamaican food. Little did we know this is the best food around. Chef Colin was very down to earth and welcoming. Food is off the hook! Best food we have had. We had king fish, fried chicken and beef patties. We will make the drive again just to eat here. We live in London.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

Great vegan chickpea and potato curry wrapped in a roti. Portion was very big. I really liked their rice and coleslaw as well. The chef was very friendly and accommodating! I definitely recommend this place!

★★★★
December 21, 2020

Good food, good price.

★★
December 21, 2020

The owner isnt very friendly, doesnt even look you in the eye. I ordered a large oxtail for $18 and its mostly rice and peas. Good flavor but definitely not worth the money. Im not sure about returning to try anything else.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2020

Great food and great service, you should definitely check them out!

★★★★★
December 21, 2020

Great taste, spicy but not too hot, love your goat curry dinner, good price for a home-cooked meal

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Nice family geared owned carib restaurant

★★★
December 21, 2019

Good music good soup for lunch

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Jerk chicken roti was fantastic. Food is ready to go or made to order by friendly staff. Real home cooking try this hidden gem.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Home cooking by good people with mad-cooking skills. Real food. Welcoming environment. Fair priced menu with awesome selection. Go here when you are in Brantford Ontario!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Best jamaican food Ive eaten since being in Jamaica. Very authentic jamaicflavour. Wowed my palette. No sign out front. No fancy lights. Just a sandwich board with part of there menu on it. My go to place for a topical cuisine. Another one if Brantfords little secrets.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

If you are into Caribbean food give this place a try

★★★★★
December 21, 2019

Good place to eat

★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Almost always empty. Have most classic Jamaican dishes but wouldnt be my top place to go grab some Jamaican.. however with limited choices here in Brantford I suppose we should just be thankful we have the flavors of Kingston. Market St at Marlborough - kitty corner to The Alexandra Bar and Hotel.

★★★★★
December 21, 2019

Some of the best food I ve had, owner is super friendly and we ve had great conversations each time I ve been

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Its an ok place for brantford I found it too greasy for me, the guy who served me though hes very nice good conversation

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

It was good and spicy!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Great food and atmosphere! I had the fried chicken lunch special and it was excellent and the portion was just the right amount. The owner/chef was super friendly and you can tell he is very passionate about his work. Cant believe I waited this long to try this place out. Best Carribean food in town!

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

I ordered chicken dinner for 11.00 dollars, the quantity was huge, came on rice and pea also comes with a side of coleslaw, I got a dumpling as well Over all it was pretty good , the person who answered the phone was very polite and helpful Now my man making all the good food is an awesome dude, we chatted for a bit a very friendly and welcoming person, I didn t get his name this time but he is the owner. Our city has a very limited options for any ethnic food so having this places open up in Brantford is awesome Side note: it s cash only for now $ Cheers

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2019

Collin the cook with his thick jamacian accent is very personable its a small joint with good to great food I think he is still at this moment cash only transactions no debit yet otherwise stop in and grab a bite and enjoy.

★★★★★
December 21, 2018

Great lil place! Super friendly owners and great food! Jerk chicken was cooked perfectly very juicy and tender with lots of flavour, I will be back forsure so glad to see a Caribbean style restaurant in Brantford!