Get a ticket to the tropics with these delectable spots for Caribbean food in Ottawa!
Are you dreaming of sun-soaked beaches and mouth-watering Caribbean flavors, but find yourself stuck in Ottawa? Well, you’re not the only one, that’s for sure!
It was late at night when I found myself scrolling through my phone and stumbled upon a glorious photo of a jerk chicken. I had the chance to try it for the first time last year, you see.
After that, I just couldn’t wait to taste it again, despite its fiery flavor that makes me feel like a masochist foodie.
Eventually, the hunt for the best jerk chicken became a search for the best Caribbean food spots because you can’t pass up on dishes like curry goat roti and oxtail!
1. Island Grill Fishy’s
Website: https://islandgrillrestaurant.ca/
Address: 324 Bank St
Contact details: +1 613-565-3030
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 2 PM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 2 PM to 10 PM
For authentic Caribbean delights, Island Grill Fishy’s is the obvious go-to of a lot of Ottawans. We’re talking about classic recipes and Jamaican chefs crafting culinary magic right in the kitchen!
Unfortunately, this flies under the radar compared to other popular eats among local foodies. However, those who enjoy Caribbean food surely know this spot!
Even though their menu is quite short and sweet, there’s a diverse selection to cater to various palates. The curry goat roti is the ultimate standout item, and I’m pretty sure those who have tried it would agree with me.
While goat dishes are notorious for being bony, I was willing to go through bits of marrow just to savor this dish!
2. Island Flava
Website: https://islandflava.ca
Address: 409 Dalhousie St
Contact details: +1 613-321-4198
Operating hours:
- Sunday – closed
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 7 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Island Flava is a Downtown Ottawa gem, offering an eclectic mix of traditional and modern Caribbean cuisine.
Regulars consider their CA$6.99 lunch special the bee’s knees for its cheap yet generous portions that guarantee a filling meal.
You can choose from an array of options, including curry chicken, jerk chicken, or curry vegetables, which are then enjoyed with rice, peas, and salad.
It’s truly a great bang for your buck!
3. Ocho Rios Caribbean Eatery
Website: https://ochorioscaribbean.ca
Address: 1800 Bank St #15
Contact details: +1 613-733-9999
Operating hours:
- Sunday and Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 12 PM to 6:30 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 7 PM
Ocho Rios is a casual haunt for deliciously authentic Caribbean bites.
Their menu is short, but (and it’s a big but!) almost every item competes for the number one title. You’d have regulars saying their favorites are oxtail, curry goat, jerk chicken, or curry chicken.
Heck, other folks might even tell you all of the above!
With that in mind, I suggest ordering some seconds to find out which one’s truly the best. Although, a second visit wouldn’t hurt either!
4. Do Good Food
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2qfzSkt5GbWypNFQ9
Address: 80 Burland St.
Contact details: +1 613-695-0700
Operating hours:
- Sunday – closed
- Monday to Saturday – 12:30 PM to 8 PM
Located near the Bayshore neighborhood, Do Good Food is a local favorite known for its exceptional oxtail.
I personally love it for its robust flavor and fall-off-the-bone texture, so get yourself some if you’re seeking a hearty and satisfying meal.
Consider ordering the jerk chicken too, especially if you’re craving a spicy kick!
Their dishes come in three sizes: small, medium, and large, so you can choose according to your appetite or share with friends.
By the way, this culinary delight is quite near Britannia Beach, so you can even take your meals to go and enjoy them by the seashore for the complete tropic vibes!
Well, unless it’s winter and you don’t want to freeze your ass off.
5. Margo Caribbean & Canadian
Website: https://www.margorestaurant.com
Address: 606 Rideau St
Contact details: +1 613-241-1400
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Margo is a homey establishment, serving delectable plates from the shores of Haiti, including the famous classics such as tassot cabrit and griot.
However, their offerings extend the Haitian palate and also welcome Canadian cuisine like poutine, for example.
The fried meatballs or the boulettes, are a Best in Ottawa favorite for their robust flavors and crispy exterior that make each bite irresistible.
Oh, and don’t get me started on their chicken wings. These bad boys had me licking my fingers clean, hoping to get every bit of flavor left!
Okay, maybe it wasn’t that elegant, but who cares when the wings are this delicious!
6. Nu Caribbean
Website: https://www.instagram.com/nu.caribbean/
Address: 858 Merivale Rd
Contact details: +1 613-867-6776
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 12:30 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 3 PM to 10 PM
Nu Caribbean is a modest locale that feels like a small, neighborhood joint where locals gather for some delicious homemade Caribbean delights.
And if you’re not looking for it specifically, I can see how easy it is to miss this unassuming hub for flavorful culinary delights.
Their roti selections are the most popular out of the bunch with choices including jerk chicken roti, saltfish roti, curry shrimp roti, and many more.
People tend to overlook dessert but consider getting a pineapple & coconut cheesecake slice as a cherry on top of your ridiculously satisfying meal.