Maksym KuzaievCarribean food is so healthy that they’re made with fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. We’re serious, it’s very rarely oily or deep-fried. In Ottawa, this exotic cuisine has found a home in several eateries.
This article is perfect for anyone in Ottawa or visiting the city who appreciates bold flavors, exotic spices, and cultural culinary experiences. So, if that sounds like you, keep reading!
- Savor Authentic Flavors at Run2Patty
- Indulge in Culinary Delights at Tropikal
- Experience a Taste of the Caribbean at Island Flava
- Delight Your Taste Buds at Do Good Food
- Dive into Caribbean Cuisine at Margo Caribbean & Canadian
- Discover Exotic Flavors at Royal Prince Restaurant
- Treat Yourself to a Taste of the Tropics at Créole Sensations
- Enjoy a Culinary Journey at Fishys Original Jerk
- Explore Vibrant Caribbean Dishes at Margo Xpress
- Sample Authentic Caribbean Cuisine at Island Grill
Savor Authentic Flavors at Run2Patty
Website: https://www.order.store/store/run-2-patty/1dwvQUEyT-Kzbd7YtCb2fg
Address: 1224 Shillington Ave Unit A, Ottawa, ON K1Z 7Z4, Canada
Contact details: +1 343-999-2283
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 11am to 8pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 2pm to 8pm
Down Shillington Avenue, there’s this spot called Run2Patty that’s all about those real-deal Jamaican patties. And let us tell you, they’ve got quite the selection. You name it – beef and cheese, jerk chicken, chickpea, even oxtail and saltfish patties.
It’s tucked away in a neighborhood, a cozy little joint with a modern vibe, perfect for grabbing some takeout. It might not look like much from the outside, but as soon as you step in, you’re hit with this amazing smell that just makes your mouth water.
Want our advice? Get the oxtail. The meat falls off the bones, well seasoned and tender. Generous portion.
| Pro tip: Sometimes some of their mains are not available, so call ahead if you really want a particular something. |
Indulge in Culinary Delights at Tropikal
Website: https://www.tropikal.ca/
Address: 89 Clarence St., Ottawa, ON K1N 5P5, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-695-1157
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday: 5pm to 12am
- Friday to Sunday: 5pm to 2am
There’s this spot called Tropikal run by Chef Jae-Anthony Dougan, you might recognize him from Season 9 of Top Chef Canada. They’re all about Afro-Caribbean cuisine and they don’t mess around with their flavors.
They’ve got this thing where they use all these essential spices and let their dishes marinate for ages. Like their Caribbean black cod, for instance. It’s seared to perfection and marinated in this mix of green seasoning spices that just takes it to the next level.
And don’t even get us started on their “Taste of the Island Ital Bowl” – it’s like an explosion of Caribbean goodness in your mouth.
| Pro tip: Parking-wise, there’s a convenient above-ground garage right across the street. You could try your luck finding street parking, but trust us, it might be a bit of a challenge. |
Experience a Taste of the Caribbean at Island Flava
Website: http://islandflava.ca/
Address: 409 Dalhousie St, Ottawa, ON K1N 9K4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-321-4198
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30am to 7pm
- Friday: 11:30am to 10pm
- Saturday: 12pm to 10pm
Island Flava is a one-stop-shop for Caribbean eats. They’re all about those curry and roti platters, plus they’ve got plantains and even Caribbean-style poutines on the menu. And get this – every dish comes with rice and peas, plantains, and a salad.
But let us tell you about their roti shells – they whip those up fresh every single day, and the variety is insane. You’ve got everything from curry goat, curry and jerk chicken, to veggie, plantain, and oxtail options.
Now, when it comes to their goat, it’s just something else. Perfectly seasoned and so tender it practically melts in your mouth. And don’t even get us started on their rice and beans – top-notch.
| Pro tip: They don’t charge extra for added spice so if you’re up for it, spice up your meal! |
Delight Your Taste Buds at Do Good Food
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Do-Good-Food-100069774887645/
Address: 80 Burland St, Ottawa, ON K2B 6K1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-695-0700
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 12:30pm to 8pm
Do Good Food is nestled in a cozy residential street in Ottawa. It’s all about that authentic and mouth watering Caribbean cuisine, straight from Jamaica.
Now, here’s the move: go for the medium jerk chicken and a small goat. That jerk chicken is something else. Smoky flavors that’ll knock your socks off, and the meat is tender as can be.
But fair warning, that jerk chicken? It’s got a kick to it, so if you’re not a fan of spice, maybe stick to the BBQ chicken.
| Pro tip: There are limited tables inside so we highly recommend you do take out. |
Dive into Caribbean Cuisine at Margo Caribbean & Canadian
Website: http://margorestaurant.com/
Address: 606 Rideau St, Ottawa, ON K1N 6A2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-241-1400
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30am to 9pm
- Friday and Saturday: 12pm to 10pm
- Sunday: 12pm to 8pm
Margo Caribbean & Canadian has got this awesome mix of Haitian dishes like griot, legume, tassot cabrit, and more. You name it, they’ve probably got it. And get this, they’re right there on Rideau Street, though a bit of a trek from the market district.
But here’s the thing, it’s not just Caribbean fare they’re serving up. They’ve also got a lineup of Canadian classics like chicken wings, hot dogs, fries, and of course, poutine.
Now, when we swung by, we went for the fish with rice & beans, and let us tell you, it hit the spot. And that spicy cabbage salad? Whew, it was definitely spicy, but a nice little twist on your usual cabbage salad.
| Pro tip: They also have a good selection of vegan options such as veggie stew and Fritaille. |
Discover Exotic Flavors at Royal Prince Restaurant
Website: https://royalprincerestauranton.com/
Address: 165 Montréal Rd, Vanier, ON K1L 6E4, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-680-5023
Operating hours:
- Tuesday: 11am to 8pm
- Wednesday to Saturday: 11am to 10pm
- Sunday: 12pm to 6pm
This spot is all about mixing up Caribbean vibes with Canadian twists in their dishes – it’s pretty cool. If you’re into Caribbean flavors, you’ve gotta give Royal Prince Restaurant a shot.
You’ll find it tucked away in the mall over at the corner of Montréal Road and North River Road.
Now, let’s talk about their jerk chicken – it’s like biting into a cloud, so tender and just the right amount of spice. And the sides? They don’t skimp on those either – heaps of rice, crispy plantain, and this Mac salad that’s seriously out of this world.
| Pro tip: The portions here are ridiculously generous, so we recommend that you keep that in mind before ordering. |
Treat Yourself to a Taste of the Tropics at Créole Sensations
Website: https://www.creolesensations.com/
Address: 2179 Ogilvie Rd, Gloucester, ON K1J 8Y7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-745-8900
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am to 9pm
- Sunday: 11am to 8pm
Let us tell you about Créole Sensations – they’re all about bringing the flavors of Haiti straight to your plate. We’re talking farmer’s chicken, marinated pork, and those irresistible Haitian patties.
Now, when it comes to Haitian cuisine, Madame Josette is the real deal. She puts so much love and attention into every dish, and she’s always thrilled to introduce newcomers to her culinary world.
As for our go-to picks? It’s gotta be the fried goat and those meatballs smothered in gravy. And here’s a little insider tip: they’ve got this special cornmeal dish that’s not even on the menu – you’ve gotta try it.
| Pro tip: They also sell pikliz in jars, which can be a convenient option for those who want to enjoy the spicy condiment without the hassle of making it from scratch. |
Enjoy a Culinary Journey at Fishys Original Jerk
Website: http://www.fishysoriginaljerk.com/
Address: 2297 St Joseph Blvd, Orléans, ON K1C 1E7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-834-6226
Operating hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 11am to 8pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 11am to 9pm
- Sunday: 11am to 7pm
Fishys Original Jerk is a spot in Ottawa serving up all those classic Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail, and rotis.
They kick things off with a base of potato curry and then pile on the goat curry and there’s plenty of sauce, just the way we like it. No need to ask for extra sauce, it’s already loaded up perfectly.
Now, listen closely because this is important: their jerk chicken? It’s on another level. Seriously, the best we’ve ever had.
We had it stuffed in a roti, and it was packed with chicken, potatoes, and this sauce that was just the perfect blend of spicy and savory. So, so good.
| Pro tip: While you wait for your order, we recommend you get the patties as a snack or appetizer. They’re flaky and delicious, and they pair perfectly with their signature dipping sauce. |
Explore Vibrant Caribbean Dishes at Margo Xpress
Website: https://www.margorestaurant.com/
Address: 1563 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1H 7Z3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-421-4005
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 12pm to 8pm
- Friday: 12pm to 9pm
- Saturday: 12:30pm to 9pm
If you’re craving Haitian cuisine, you’ve gotta check out this spot. They’ve got these lunch specials for just $9.00, and if you’re feeling extra hungry, you can upgrade to a large order for just an extra $5, which comes with garden or macaroni salad.
Now, here’s the scoop: Margo Xpress is their takeout-only joint down in Ottawa South. They’re all about serving up delicious eats in a flash, and the best part? It won’t break the bank.
When you’re placing your order, do yourself a favor and go for the chicken. The fried chicken batter is next-level delicious and perfectly crispy. And let’s talk about the rice – we could just eat that rice and peas forever and be perfectly content.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget about the spicy “pikle” – it’s the perfect complement to the chicken, so don’t pass up on that goodness. |
Sample Authentic Caribbean Cuisine at Island Grill
Website: https://islandgrillrestaurant.ca/
Address: 324 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K2P 1Y1, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-565-3030
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 2pm to 9pm
- Friday and Saturday: 2pm to 10pm
Island Grill is owned by Chef Carlton – this guy’s got over 22 years of culinary experience under his belt, specializing in Caribbean cuisine and using his own signature spice blends and sauces.
Now, here’s the dish you’ve gotta try: the curry chicken roti plate. Trust us, it’s a game-changer. They do something special here – they pour the sauce right on the rice! Plus, the portions are huge.
The roti itself is also packed to the brim with chicken, none of that mostly potatoes nonsense. Island Grill definitely knows how to do it right.
| Pro tip: This spot might not catch your eye when you’re strolling down the street – it doesn’t exactly scream “amazing.” But let us tell you, it’s an absolute hidden gem. |
