Rasta Pasta

Tried the fried oxtail dumpling. The oxtail flavour was good. A bit too bready for my liking and wish there was a bit more gravy. I think these will be better when fresh but they were just sitting there in the heating oven. Will try the Mutton Curry next time.

When people talk about "made with love," this is exactly what they mean. A hidden gem serving up Caribbean comfort food that'll warm your soul, especially on a cold Toronto Monday. 💫 LUCKY TIMING: Found this spot open on a Monday (only their 2nd time ever!) and it felt like destiny. PRO TIP: Call ahead for Monday availability - you might get lucky! 🍽️ WHAT WE DEVOURED: 1. JERK CHICKEN (5/5) 🔥 Listen up, jerk chicken enthusiasts: • Tenderness level: Falling off the bone • Spice profile: Complex and perfectly balanced • Portion size: Generous • Comfort food rating: 11/10 PRO TIP: The sauce is everything - don't be shy about asking for extra! 2. OXTAILS (5/5) 🏆 HOLD UP. These oxtails are what dreams are made of: • Tenderness: Butter-like texture • Sauce: Rich, deep, complex flavors • Fall-off-the-bone factor: 💯 If you're new to oxtails, this is where you need to start your journey. 3. RICE AND BEANS (4.5/5) • Perfectly cooked • Soaks up all those amazing sauces • Authentic Caribbean-style preparation 4. BONUS VEGGIES & SLAW! When they realized they forgot our veggies, the owner personally brought them out. That's the kind of service that turns first-time visitors into regulars. 👥 SERVICE (5/5): • Family-run excellence • Genuine warmth and hospitality • Attentive to details • Quick to correct any oversights • Made us feel like part of the family 🏠 AMBIANCE (4/5): • Cozy, unpretentious setting • Christmas tree adding holiday cheer • Restaurant side dining available • Clean and welcoming • Perfect for both takeout or dine-in 💭 THE EXPERIENCE: This isn't just about the food (though the food is INCREDIBLE). It's about: • The family warmth that greets you • The pride they take in their cooking • The attention to detail in every dish • The genuine care for customer satisfaction 🎯 WHY YOU NEED TO VISIT: • Authentic Caribbean comfort food • Family-run hospitality • Generous portions • Incredible value for money • Those oxtails (seriously!) 💡 INSIDER TIPS: • Indoor seating available (ask for restaurant side) • Portions are generous - come hungry • Great for cold weather comfort food • Perfect for both lunch and dinner • Call ahead for Monday availability THE VERDICT: In a city full of Caribbean options, Rasta Pasta stands out not just for their incredible food, but for the genuine family atmosphere that makes you feel at home. This is comfort food that actually comforts - from the warm welcome to the last bite.

Where else in the world can you find Jamaican-Italian fusion cuisine? Yet, here it is - in Toronto, at Rasta Pasta. Discovered during an evening walk through Kensington Market, I returned on a sunny Friday afternoon. I loved the sign in the interior that read, "The Jamaican and Italian cultures are similar in their love of food and desire to share it with others." Words of truth. Pushing my own boundaries, I decided to try a dish that I never had the courage to try before: Ox tail. And it wasn't scary, it was delicious. The meat was tender, and it was "fall off the tail" good. The sauce had a nice tangy edge to it. For a first-timer with ox tail, I could not have been happier. The rice and beans which accompanied the ox tail had good texture, but was a little bland in taste - I was hoping for something with a bit more of a spicy, flavourful kick. Next time, I hope to try more of the fusion offerings - Rasta Pasta gnocchi with ackee and saltfish. The atmosphere on the patio, on Kensington Avenue near Baldwin was bustling - people, cars and carts all over the street. Shop keepers and customers all mingling and doing business in every direction. Rasta Pasta gave a front seat to it all - where else would you want to be on a sunny Friday afternoon? (Patio space is limited, so try to get in there and mix with it.)

Highly recommend! The jerk chicken melted in your mouth and was perfectly cooked with the best jerk sauce! The provisions were also delicious. The service was great- when we got there, the owner took his time to explain that they had 2 shops, an Italian-Jamaican fusion and just a Jamaican resto. Next time in trying the fusion! Thank you!

It was a very friendly warm welcoming. Food was delicious the chicken was moist and juicy. Wonderful flavoring very mild spice. The oxtails were good and nice sizes small to medium. Will definitely be back.

Rasta Pasta with jerk chicken has a great taste. A mixture of the jerk flavors and Italian creamy Parmesan pasta. The outside seating/dinning was a bit sunny and noisy (it's inside the market, soo...). It's also tight and not very comfy. The Jamaican soft drinks are non-alcoholic and very tasty 😋 Service was good. Some menu items were not available though.

The Jamaican food is delicious! Authentic flavors and selection. Cool setup for to go or dining in. Good service, just a great experience. We wanted to order more food after dining in to take home.

Average flavours on the meatball dish. The bread was good however because they packaged this anyhow most spilled and didn’t even wrap the dish properly. This made it quick to get cold whilst walking around and poor attitude from counter service.

Tried the fried oxtail dumpling. The oxtail flavour was good. A bit too bready for my liking and wish there was a bit more gravy. I think these will be better when fresh but they were just sitting there in the heating oven. Will try the Mutton Curry next time.

When people talk about "made with love," this is exactly what they mean. A hidden gem serving up Caribbean comfort food that'll warm your soul, especially on a cold Toronto Monday. 💫 LUCKY TIMING: Found this spot open on a Monday (only their 2nd time ever!) and it felt like destiny. PRO TIP: Call ahead for Monday availability - you might get lucky! 🍽️ WHAT WE DEVOURED: 1. JERK CHICKEN (5/5) 🔥 Listen up, jerk chicken enthusiasts: • Tenderness level: Falling off the bone • Spice profile: Complex and perfectly balanced • Portion size: Generous • Comfort food rating: 11/10 PRO TIP: The sauce is everything - don't be shy about asking for extra! 2. OXTAILS (5/5) 🏆 HOLD UP. These oxtails are what dreams are made of: • Tenderness: Butter-like texture • Sauce: Rich, deep, complex flavors • Fall-off-the-bone factor: 💯 If you're new to oxtails, this is where you need to start your journey. 3. RICE AND BEANS (4.5/5) • Perfectly cooked • Soaks up all those amazing sauces • Authentic Caribbean-style preparation 4. BONUS VEGGIES & SLAW! When they realized they forgot our veggies, the owner personally brought them out. That's the kind of service that turns first-time visitors into regulars. 👥 SERVICE (5/5): • Family-run excellence • Genuine warmth and hospitality • Attentive to details • Quick to correct any oversights • Made us feel like part of the family 🏠 AMBIANCE (4/5): • Cozy, unpretentious setting • Christmas tree adding holiday cheer • Restaurant side dining available • Clean and welcoming • Perfect for both takeout or dine-in 💭 THE EXPERIENCE: This isn't just about the food (though the food is INCREDIBLE). It's about: • The family warmth that greets you • The pride they take in their cooking • The attention to detail in every dish • The genuine care for customer satisfaction 🎯 WHY YOU NEED TO VISIT: • Authentic Caribbean comfort food • Family-run hospitality • Generous portions • Incredible value for money • Those oxtails (seriously!) 💡 INSIDER TIPS: • Indoor seating available (ask for restaurant side) • Portions are generous - come hungry • Great for cold weather comfort food • Perfect for both lunch and dinner • Call ahead for Monday availability THE VERDICT: In a city full of Caribbean options, Rasta Pasta stands out not just for their incredible food, but for the genuine family atmosphere that makes you feel at home. This is comfort food that actually comforts - from the warm welcome to the last bite.

Where else in the world can you find Jamaican-Italian fusion cuisine? Yet, here it is - in Toronto, at Rasta Pasta. Discovered during an evening walk through Kensington Market, I returned on a sunny Friday afternoon. I loved the sign in the interior that read, "The Jamaican and Italian cultures are similar in their love of food and desire to share it with others." Words of truth. Pushing my own boundaries, I decided to try a dish that I never had the courage to try before: Ox tail. And it wasn't scary, it was delicious. The meat was tender, and it was "fall off the tail" good. The sauce had a nice tangy edge to it. For a first-timer with ox tail, I could not have been happier. The rice and beans which accompanied the ox tail had good texture, but was a little bland in taste - I was hoping for something with a bit more of a spicy, flavourful kick. Next time, I hope to try more of the fusion offerings - Rasta Pasta gnocchi with ackee and saltfish. The atmosphere on the patio, on Kensington Avenue near Baldwin was bustling - people, cars and carts all over the street. Shop keepers and customers all mingling and doing business in every direction. Rasta Pasta gave a front seat to it all - where else would you want to be on a sunny Friday afternoon? (Patio space is limited, so try to get in there and mix with it.)

Highly recommend! The jerk chicken melted in your mouth and was perfectly cooked with the best jerk sauce! The provisions were also delicious. The service was great- when we got there, the owner took his time to explain that they had 2 shops, an Italian-Jamaican fusion and just a Jamaican resto. Next time in trying the fusion! Thank you!

It was a very friendly warm welcoming. Food was delicious the chicken was moist and juicy. Wonderful flavoring very mild spice. The oxtails were good and nice sizes small to medium. Will definitely be back.

Rasta Pasta with jerk chicken has a great taste. A mixture of the jerk flavors and Italian creamy Parmesan pasta. The outside seating/dinning was a bit sunny and noisy (it's inside the market, soo...). It's also tight and not very comfy. The Jamaican soft drinks are non-alcoholic and very tasty 😋 Service was good. Some menu items were not available though.

The Jamaican food is delicious! Authentic flavors and selection. Cool setup for to go or dining in. Good service, just a great experience. We wanted to order more food after dining in to take home.

Average flavours on the meatball dish. The bread was good however because they packaged this anyhow most spilled and didn’t even wrap the dish properly. This made it quick to get cold whilst walking around and poor attitude from counter service.

When people talk about "made with love," this is exactly what they mean. A hidden gem serving up Caribbean comfort food that'll warm your soul, especially on a cold Toronto Monday. LUCKY TIMING: Found this spot open on a Monday (only their 2nd time ever!) and it felt like destiny. PRO TIP: Call ahead for Monday availability - you might get lucky! WHAT WE DEVOURED: 1. JERK CHICKEN (5/5) Listen up, jerk chicken enthusiasts: * Tenderness level: Falling off the bone * Spice profile: Complex and perfectly balanced * Portion size: Generous * Comfort food rating: 11/10 PRO TIP: The sauce is everything - don't be shy about asking for extra! 2. OXTAILS (5/5) HOLD UP. These oxtails are what dreams are made of: * Tenderness: Butter-like texture * Sauce: Rich, deep, complex flavors * Fall-off-the-bone factor: If you're new to oxtails, this is where you need to start your journey. 3. RICE AND BEANS (4.5/5) * Perfectly cooked * Soaks up all those amazing sauces * Authentic Caribbean-style preparation 4. BONUS VEGGIES & SLAW! When they realized they forgot our veggies, the owner personally brought them out. That's the kind of service that turns first-time visitors into regulars. SERVICE (5/5): * Family-run excellence * Genuine warmth and hospitality * Attentive to details * Quick to correct any oversights * Made us feel like part of the family AMBIANCE (4/5): * Cozy, unpretentious setting * Christmas tree adding holiday cheer * Restaurant side dining available * Clean and welcoming * Perfect for both takeout or dine-in THE EXPERIENCE: This isn't just about the food (though the food is INCREDIBLE). It's about: * The family warmth that greets you * The pride they take in their cooking * The attention to detail in every dish * The genuine care for customer satisfaction WHY YOU NEED TO VISIT: * Authentic Caribbean comfort food * Family-run hospitality * Generous portions * Incredible value for money * Those oxtails (seriously!) INSIDER TIPS: * Indoor seating available (ask for restaurant side) * Portions are generous - come hungry * Great for cold weather comfort food * Perfect for both lunch and dinner * Call ahead for Monday availability THE VERDICT: In a city full of Caribbean options, Rasta Pasta stands out not just for their incredible food, but for the genuine family atmosphere that makes you feel at home. This is comfort food that actually comforts - from the warm welcome to the last bite.

What a unique and fantastic spot to pop into. The spot is right in the heart of Kensington Market, across from plenty of vintage shops. It's a super casual vibe with what feels and tastes like home cooking. My partner and I ordered the Rasta pasta with rose sauce (fusion) and the Jamaica Mi Crazy Chicken (classic). The rose sauce on the gnocchi was super creamy and packed with flavor. The salted cod and ackee had nice big chunks. The chicken was also super bold in flavor. Highly recommend stopping by for a quick lunch!

Been wanting to give this place a try for a while now, so we got a few things... First off, the owner that we interacted with isn't exactly the most welcoming person and definitely gives you the vibe that is not good, a bit snippy on attitude for sure. Here was what we ordered: Medium Jerk Chicken-$15 - Comes with coleslaw and rice n beans. The jerk chicken was nicely flavoured and tender and overall decent and comparable to some of the carribbean places I've tried. Small Oxtail-$18 - I hate to say it, but this place for the price point, I got 4-5 oxtail pieces, but more so was just bones and no meat...Disappointing to say the least. Not sure if there is any control of portion and such, but to pay the price point just to get bones over actual meat is not good for customers returning....

Honestly, we were sooo confused because the dining area was a separate door from the pasta place, and that was also separate from the Jamaican food. I don't love this setup, especially when it was super cold and rainy/snowy and we had to go between each door. I'm glad we still went to try though cuz the jerk chicken and stewed beef were so perfectly flavored with a bit of spiciness. It was so satisfying and fulfilling. We thought the portions might be too much, but we enjoyed it so much, we ate it all.

Tender jerk chicken and super flavorful oxtail with rice and peas but prices are quite high for the small portion sizes. For $16 you get a really small box of rice and peas with a quarter chicken leg and a tiny container of coleslaw. Barely any other toppings or add on. The flavors are great and the jerk is not overly spicy or peppery like other places. The Rasta pasta w jerk chicken was a nice fusion between Italian and Jamaican but didn't blow me away and I probably would not order it again. I just wanted to try it because of their name! The definite Star is their oxtail with rice. It was super tender, and the flavour was phenomenal. Portions quite small. I would also recommend the gravy add-on for three dollars. You get a small container of gravy.

Wonderful meal. Jerk chicken was delicious, meat was tender, skin nicely seasoned and grilled and had the right amount of additional sauce. Nice amount of spice. Rice accompanied it well along with the beer. Great food at a good price, friendly service. Had the small portion, still plenty of food! Highly recommend.

I came across Rasta Pasta at the Kingston district on a cold and windy day. I was looking to get my Jamaican food fix and I definitely did. Rasta Pasta surprisingly has the restaurant divided into two sides. One side is Italian and the other side is Caribbean, which can be confusing if you enter into the wrong side like I did. I ordered a small jerk chicken with rice to go that was ready in minutes. There isn't really anywhere to sit on the inside because this is a small establishment. I ate my food much later, but was not disappointed. The chicken I was presented with was covered in a sticky brown sauce. As I tasted my first bite of chicken, the jerk spices really came through with a small amount of heat and sweetness. The chicken tasted grilled which added another layer to the fantastic jerk flavors already present and elevated the dish even more. I was wanting more after everything was finished. Fortunately, I was happy to have experienced some great authentic Jamaican food while in Toronto.

The food is absolutely amazing!!! Every dish is bursting with flavor and made with such high-quality ingredients. From the first bite, you can tell everything is crafted with care and attention to detail.

We got the Rasta Pasta with rose sauce which consisted of gnocchi, ackee and cod. I had high expectations for this place but was slightly disappointed. The pasta felt overcooked and mushy; the rose sauce was good but nothing special. This dish was also quite pricey at $22

First time visiting Toronto and stumbled upon thjs gem.. food was fantastic and service was excellent. Definitely worth a visit.

My fav spot for jerk chicken! I told myself I'd make it a goal to eat more Jamaican food while in Toronto... & Rasta Pasta is THE spot that I've been coming back again & again When it comes to jerk chicken... Rasta Pasta is *chefs kiss* ! The smokey, spicy and massive flavour in their jerk chicken is no joke & I am highkey addicted! I always order a large size jerk chicken to enjoy there & another large size to take home. It still tastes amazing reheated. I never forget to ask for more sauce on the side since I dunk every piece of chicken in it & drizzle it all over my rice & beans.. you seriously won't regret it. It's also especially nice to see them smoking their chicken outside their shop or hand shredding them for their jerk chicken pasta next door. I've also been so curious about their Jamaican fried chicken but I always get there when they've already sold out for the day They have taken over a few units; 1 for the Jamaican food side, another for the pasta side & lastly another area for a bar/dine- in seating. All their spots are clean + staff are always joyful, full of energy & friendly. Love the food and the vibe here always! Rasta Pasta def has an insane following of regulars & foodie fans like myself & I can totally see & taste why. This is a 10/10 for me! Highly recommend!

This little takeout operation runs a tight ship. There's often a short line out the door, but I didn't have to wait long when I visited. I got the jerk chicken rasta pasta, and it was packed with great flavor. The dish is sizeable for a medium sized meal. I shared it with my group of friends while on a food crawl through the neighborhood. Go early because I hear they sometimes sell out of food.

Stopped by while shopping at the market. A little confusing. But the staff and signs are helpful. As mentioned in other reviews, there are two sides to order from: authentic Caribbean and Italian Caribbean Fusion.  Overall,  I'd give it a 3/5. Med Oxtail, rice & peas and coleslaw. The oxtails were fatty, not much meat. But good flavor. Rice and peas were a good consistency and decent flavor. Cabbage was good. Beef patty- didn't like it at all. Hardly any filling, dry and crust undercooked. Jerk chicken dumpling- great flavor, a bit doughy but definitely my favorite bite. I'd love a sauce to go with it. Plantain- really good.

2 of us split a small Jamaica mi crazy chicken ($10), a medium Dutch pot oxtail ($17), and some plantains. Both meals came with coleslaw and a LOT of rice & peas. The oxtail was amazing! The meat fell off the bone and the sauce was super savory. The chicken was also very tender and juicy but I wish it had more of a kick and that the chicken itself had a little more flavor (the chicken was quite dependent on the jerk sauce for flavor). The rice and peas were hearty and filling. I would definitely come back to try their other menu options. The food quality is great and I'm especially curious about their fish and fusion dishes.

Rasta Pasta serves Jamaican and Italian dishes; some of the dishes are a fusion between the two. There are 2 buildings next to each other. The one on the right is where you go in to order your food (whether it be for eat-in or take-out), and the one on the left is where you sit down after you get your food. The dine-in area is very small with only a limited number of tables. The take-out menu is very similar to the dine-in menu, with some special items that are only available on certain days such as callalloo, Jamaican soup, and Jamaican porridge (on weekends only). For most dishes, you can choose the container / portion size (small, medium, or large). We tried the Escovitch King Fish and Jamaica's Pride (Ackee and Codfish). The Escovitch King Fish was fried fish with a peppery and vinegar-pickled onion and carrots (which were VERY spicy!). The fish didn't seem big at first, but it was actually very meaty and dense. Jamaica's Pride (or Jamaica's national dish, ackee and codfish) was really delicous! It had a smooth texture from the cooked ackee, combined with umami taste of the codfish. You get to choose the sides including rice & peas and ground provisions (boiled potato / yam, plantains, and dumpling), with either boiled vegetables or coleslaw. We chose the ground provisions and boiled vegetables, but they didn't have the boiled vegs so we settled with coleslaw. The ground provisions were very dense, carb-y, and filling. Their neutral taste lent itself very well as sides for the main dish (ackee and codfish). The coleslaw was just so-and-so.

Way overrated! Had better from Scarborough restaurants. If you must come here, get the oxtail.

Rasta Pasta serves delicious fusion Caribbean and Italian food. I recommend dialling in to get the best price compared to the apps. I ordered a large Jamaican Mi Crazy Chicken and Dreadlock Pasta with Jerk Meatballs for takeout. A ton of food, enough for three to four meals. The Jerk isn't too spicy and the saucy flavours were all comforting, giving a feel of a great home-cooked meal. The Dreadlock pasta on the menu indicates it's home-cooked though I don't think the pasta is from scratch, especially not at this price point, still delicious regardless. I love the creative names of the dishes and the tasty food. My only wish was that the coleslaw that came with the large meal I ordered was proportionate. It looks like the coleslaw may be a standard size regardless of the meal size you ordered. So you might need to indicate an upsize if you want more. Check out this one-of-a-kind gem when you're by Kensington Market.

Really good food - the servings are huge and authentically flavored. The service is courteous and efficient. The curry goat, Rasta pasta and everything else is to die for.

I went all the way to Kensington market to see what the hype was about. The jerk chicken was just okay. I've had better.... The staff were not very welcoming at all. Despite the wait, they were too busy to acknowledge my presence and gave me an unpleasant stare when I asked for vegetables instead of rice and beans. The tables outside were dirty with no available to give them a good wipe down. The vibe was very disappointing. It wasn't worth the journey.

I fucking love this place. It was a hole in the wall place that we just randomly walked into cuz it was the only place not packed. And my boy and I still dream of this jerk chicken and ox tail. I'm just trying all the Caribbean places I can to try to chase this high, 2 years later. I just wanna go back....

The food was simply amazing the owner was very nice and helpful, got two jerk chickens and one curry chicken roti. Everything was delicious chicken was falling off the bone! The jerk sauce was soooo good I wish I could have bought a bottle of it! This place is a gem and the neighborhood is a great vibe.

Rasta Pasta menu is Jamaican and Italian infused. I tried the Jerk Chicken Lasagna in a white sauce. Homemade layers of pastas in a cheesy creamy and delicious sauce. I would definitely come back and try some more pasta!!

Best jerk chicken in the city! So authentic. The sauce has a bit of a kick. I usually get the small size and it's more than enough. It comes with rice and coleslaw. I also love their oxtail dumpling , that's another meal on its own. Service is decent and the boss is nice.

Had the medium size jerk chicken and rice. Big portion and the chicken and rice were great. Hot pepper sauce was very spicy. Definitely will return.

Food was not tasteful, and the pasta luckily had a lot of sauce. The pasta texture was good but I wish there was more flavour.

Many Torontoians have told me this place has the best jerk chicken in the town. To be honest, the food I had was really nice. It was hot, spicy, big portion. The only thing I didn't like might be the employees' impatience which I thought was due to too many customers keeping coming to the store.

Wasn't very impressed. Its just okay. Ordered the small jerk chicken with rice and peas and slaw. Not much jerk flavour. My gf put it as "bbq sauce" with a bit of spice. Their hot sauce is nice though.

Best food in the market been going here since it opened never a bad meal the pasta esp lasagna is terrific or go with simple jerk chicken

Food was pretty good! But nothing really strikes me. I'll try it again if I have company but won't go out of my way.

TL;DR: best jerk chicken in the city, hands down. I got the jerk chicken and the jerk chicken lasagna. The lasagna is nothing to write home about. I expected it to have jerk sauce between the layers but it was just red sauce. It tasted more Italian than Jamaican. Didn't help that the chicken felt a little dry and you couldn't taste the jerk seasoning through all the tomato. I also got the jerk chicken. First off, the price ($12) for 3 pieces of chicken is amazing. It's so much food and I definitely can't finish it on my own. The plantains are very thick and slightly sweet, a beautiful contrast to the jerk sauce. The rice and peas were soft and fluffy, and the chicken. The chicken was juicy and tender and packed with flavour. All I wanted to do was go home and go at it with my hands. I also got hot sauce on the side and I could taste the pieces of scotch bonnets and vinegar and it paired perfectly with the chicken. I am definitely coming here again (I've been coming sporadically since 2016). I don't think I'm trying anymore Italian food, just sticking to the Jamaican side.

Awesome food! Went with a group of friend and had a little of everything. Really loved the jerk chicken lasagna.

Had the small jerk chicken meal and jerk chicken Alfredo lasagna. Both were delicious and fast. Jerk chicken with sides were a great deal. Lasagna kind of pricey for the size.

**UPDATE!!!** (ORIGINAL REVIEW BELOW UPDATED ONE) **SECOND VISIT** I CHANGED THE ORIGINAL RATING FROM 3 STARS TO 4 STARS. CAME BACK AND CHECKED OUT THEIR ITALIAN FUSION SIDE. WOW! THE JERK LASAGNA WAS GOOOOOD! ALSO TRIED THEIR JERK MEATBALLS, ITS A LITTLE DRY AND MORE HARDER THAN YOUR TYPICAL MEATBALLS. STILL GOT SOME NICE FLAVORS THOUGH!! THE MAN WE SPOKE WITH (THE OWNER I THINK) GAVE US GOOD RECOMMENDATIONS AND SO FRIENDLY! THIS VISIT WAS WAY MORE PLEASANT! FOOD 4/5 SERVICE 5/5 ATMOSPHERE 3/5 WISHED THERE WAS BETTER/MORE SEATING CONSIDERING THEIR DELICIOUS FOODS ARE MORE OF A SIT N EAT TYPE...NOT WALK N EAT.. ******FIRST VISIT****** we ate on the jerk chkn side, not the italian/jamaican fusion side..but definitely going to come back and check it out then update this review! jerk chkn w.rice & veggies 3/5 chkn was flavourful but wish they gave more sauce as i did ask for extra on the rice.. its juicy and not dried out like most places, whch is great!! veggie portion was so small. literally 2 bites and it was done. jerk chkn dumpling 5/5 tasty af!! generous jerk chkn shredded inside a crispy fried dough shell! i loved it!! service 1/5 the lady taking our order seemed rude and not enthusiastic at all. there was 4 of us (3 adults 1 child) yet upon ordering our food she doesnt give enough (plastic) cutlery, zero tissue/dinner napkin and when we asked for some she hands my buddy 1 napkin. about 5 minutes after we got our food i went back to buy an orange juice for the child, which she then rolled her eyes at me.. why??? youre making money!!!!! i usually tip after i eat, even if i buy my food/pay first. definitely didnt leave her a tip for the attitude and rudeness. glad i wont have to deal w.her on our next visit because we will be checking out the pasta fusion side!! over all experience 3/5. i do reccomend rasta pasta but just dont expect to be treated/serviced w.a smile. get your grub and carry on!

Was very excited to try this once I read about it 2 months before traveling to Toronto for the first time and being from Brooklyn I thought jerk chicken lasagna YESS PLEASE!!! It was absolutely horrible and tasted nothing like jerk chicken lasagna more like day old chicken with tart marinara sauce and a little cheese

It has been six years since I penned my last review for Rasta Pasta, and though my order hasn't changed, I still thought I should update it and add some life-changing news. Rasta Pasta now delivers! It's a bit pricier, but worth it. Jerk chicken with extra sauce and a Ting were at my door in 20 minutes. Colour me thrilled.

I just seen the most unprofessional disgusting thing I could possibly see in the restaurant, one of the ladies working picked her nose and was handling food after smh

I picked up red snapper Escovitch for Fish Friday. $17 inc. tax cash only will give you a good size of whole fish( either king fish or snapper) Escovitch along with Jamaican Hard food( Jamaican yellow yam, green banana and boiled dumpling) and cabbage. Enjoyed different texture from fried fish, hard food, onion, peppers and cabbage. Enjoyed different flavours from sour taste of Escovitch dressing, thyme and whole peppercorn in my veggies. And it was spicy and they did not warn me which works for me! Big portion size but am proud that I finished everything except one dumpling!

Great food and great price! Staff is very friendly. The Jamaican-Italian fusion cuisine is their triumph, definitely give it a try! Would definitely recommend!

I've been past this place so many times on my visits to Kensington but never had a chance to try. If you're craving for a jerk chicken meal, look no further. I really enjoyed the flavours in both the jerk chicken and the goat meal that we ordered. I found that the box and utensils they used were slightly higher quality too which made the takeout experience just that little bit better. Definitely recommend!

This is where I want to eat. I swear there are like three seats, so you're probably not meant to sit there. Only two people can be inside to order, giving an idea of how small it actually is. This is what I like to call a 'no bullshit' spot; you go in, you get hit in the face with smells that I so quickly want, you order, pay, and leave. No bullshit. When you're looking at the spot from the outside I bet you can see the jerk drum cooking, bro. The drum has one purpose, and it's to turn boring ass chicken into gold. That's it. It's smoky and crispy and seared and tender and juicy. The sauce hits me in my jaw quick, blessing me with that spicy. I don't know how to rank spice because what I think is nothing makes others uncomfortable, so you see for yourself. It's spicy. The skin is blackened by the spices and the work of the drum, and oh mama is the meat juicy. What I love so much about this dish is that it's unapologetic in its flavor. You will feel something when you eat this, and I swear it can range from the spice hitting you to the fact that it's just so fucking good. The rice and peas and the steamed veggies are the sidekicks that you can always rely on and that allow the jerk chicken to put on a show. I want this right now man. I'm not going to say that this is the best jerk chicken spot in the city. There are so many incredible places that I can hit up whenever that can stand toe to toe with Rasta Pasta. But I just keep on coming back here. Of course, the food is from another world. Maybe it's the fact that I've seen the owners for years come outside and take orders and talk to the people. Maybe it's because it's nestled in the market itself and that makes this place more special. Maybe because it's such a beautiful marriage of two cultures that you'll probably only find in Toronto, my city. Whatever it may be, just try the chicken kids.

FULL REVIEW: https://kenzieosborne.com/kensington-market-eats-yall-hasta-try-rasta-pasta/ This place is AMAZING! Their Rasta Pasta dish features a box full of pillowy, soft, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth gnocchi coated in a rich and buttery alfredo sauce, with salty yet subtly sweet ackee and saltfish on the side... The dish hits all flavours at once, without competing with or overpowering each other. I honestly don't know how they did it... As a chef, it's so difficult to create a rich, hearty, salty, sweet dish that strikes the perfect balance to keep your guests beggin for more (and more, and more). With a dish as indulgent as a gnocchi with alfredo AND saltfish - it would be easy to over-season, or for the dish to become far too rich to finish. Well folks, I gobbled up my portion in minutes - and all I wanted was more... The saltfish cut through the rich sauce, while the subtly sweet ackee added a unique bright bite. The soft and pillowy gnocchi was the perfect texture - without a hint of gumminess (that's usually present in most gnocchi dishes i've tried!). Annnd, of course, the saltfish flaked apart with the slightest touch of a fork. The fish and gnocchi literally melted in my mouth, while the smooth, rich and creamy sauce washed it all down. The next day I went ahead and gave their curry goat a try - and was SHOCKED yet again! To be honest, I'm not exactly the biggest fan of spice - and I'd say the curry on its own would be a lil' too hot for me to handle. But, bear in mind, this is coming from a girl who thinks the Tostitos Mild Salsa is spicy... So my heat tolerance ain't great (and that's putting it lightly). That being said, a bite of the curry goat WITH the coleslaw and rice all at once struck the PERFECT balance. The curry came in with a punch of heat, while the coleslaw mellowed things out with a slightly sweet n' refreshing flavour. The white rice was oh-so-fluffy. It absorbed a bit of the spice to get me ready for another bite... and another... and another... It wasn't just the flavours that knocked this dish outta the park - it was the textures too. The curry goat was cooked ON THE BONE - it was sooo tender, it would fall apart with the tap of a fork. The goat melted-in-my-mouth as the creamy curry sauce added a silky texture. To top er' all off, the rice was oh-so-fluffy and the coleslaw was oh-so-crisp. Definitely would recommend checking this place out!

Oh my god - I just ordered and devoured the Jerk Chicken Mi Crazy and I am already dreaming about it. The flavors are on point, and price point is amazing. I've tried Chubby's and Roywoods and thought how different can jerk chicken get (you know like thai food) and I was so pleasantly surprised - Rasta Pasta is significantly better. Also anyone worried about ordering this on Uber Eats, I think it was packed well and kept its flavor. I also had free delivery on it so was cost efficient too!

You can smell the mouth watering chicken from across the street. Absolutely incredible and a must visit. A medium jerk chicken plate will include 3 legs (that you can see being slow cooked right in front of you) along with a heaping serving of fantastic rice, all for $8. You simply cannot beat that. If you are ever in Kensington, I highly recommend them. Also, the staff are great. They remain pleasant despite their hectic jobs. 10.5/10

Easily the best Jamaican food in Toronto. I've tried at least a dozen other places and none of them come close. At this point, there's really no where else to go. I felt myself comparing food in Jamaica to Rasta Pasta and it usually came out on top. Jerk Chicken and Jerk Chicken sandwich are standouts for me.

Rasta Pasta is made up of two tiny storefronts in Kensington Market, right next to Chinatown. It is a pretty convenient location, but there is little to no seating, so it is more of a takeout place (two tables of 2-3 in one storefront). The menus are pretty small, but they make the dishes they offer very well. Our group decided to try out the Carribean food side as opposed to the Italian side. Decided to try the Jerk Chicken with veggies and rice with beans because I haven't really had authentic Jerk chicken before. It was a large portion of basically 1/3 of a chicken over a heap of rice/beans and veggies and it was so reasonable! Food: Jerk Chicken ($9) - Really good sauce, very tender chicken with so much dark meat. It was quite delicious and a good change of pace from the normal rotisserie chicken I eat. Veggies were pretty standard and rice with beans were good. The only issue that we had was there was no seating inside on this cold Toronto day, so we ended up sitting on the seats right outside the storefront. It was very difficult to eat chicken that is overflowing from a takeout container with no table and plastic silverware, but somehow we persevered and the chicken was so good/filling. Also, **bring cash, it's preferred over other payment types.

3.5/5 I ordered the gnocchi with jerk chicken and the lasagna with jerk chicken. ($15 each) The lasagna was surprisingly very large in portion, however I thought the jerk chicken got lost in all the layers of pasta and sauce. Next time, I would go for the traditional Caribbean dishes!

Still totally obsessed with this place & still obsessed with the rasta pasta! I switched the sauce to rosé sauce & added Scotch bonnet peppers and switched the ackee to jerk chicken. SO GOOD. The gentlemen who served me were super patient to my many customization and funny as well. Tip: make sure to call ahead, as the day progresses they run out of pasta

Cons: - Cash only - very limited seating - large lines usually Pros: - really tasty food - amazing price - great portion size

Interesting concept! The place was busy and seemed to be a popular choice. The chicken dumpling was nice and hot. The jerk chicken lasagna was a little disappointing...more like a creamy bechamel lasagna but there wasn't much jerk flavour. At $18, it's pricy for one piece of lasagna. Next time, looks like the classic jerk chicken would be the better choice.