8 best Caribbean restaurants in Vancouver
Caribbean cuisine can be difficult to find in Vancouver, but thankfully there are a handful of hidden gems ready to serve up delectable dishes like flavorful stews and jerk-spiced meats. [Photo credit: iStock/peeterv]
Calabash Bistro
X1-428 Carrall St, Vancouver BC V6B 2J7Calabash is the ideal place for a night out. The restaurant’s ground floor is home to great Caribbean cuisine and cocktails. You’ll find seafood-based meals and classics like Oxtail stew. What makes this place truly special though is the live music venue in the basement. Reggae, hip hop, jazz and R&B fans should definitely visit for dinner, drinks and great music.
Sula Indian Restaurant
4172 Main St, Vancouver BC V5V 3P7The Reef has two locations in Vancouver’s trendy Commercial Drive and Main Street neighbourhoods. Caribbean staples like jerk chicken and plantain chips can be found here in an environment filled with imagery of palm trees. Hot and sunny days are a good time to come by and enjoy a cold drink with your meal.
Riddim & Spice
1945 Commercial Dr, Vancouver BC V5N 4A8Riddim and Spice is a classic (and delicious!) hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a homey atmosphere and simple interior design. This is an ideal place for homemade dishes and a casual, comfortable dining environment. Try one of their chicken dishes or roti wraps for a tasty and affordable lunch or dinner.
D Roti Shak Restaurant Ltd
808 Twelfth St, New Westminster BC V3M 4K1Friendliness exudes from the D Roti Shak’s bright colors and relaxing environment. The restaurant specializes in Trinidadian cuisine, which draws from many influences including Indian, Spanish, British and Creole, to name a few. An authentic Caribbean drink, like the flower-based Sorrel and Maubi, is a great companion to their stuffed roti.
The Patty Shop
4019 MacDonald Street, Vancouver BC V6L 2N8The Patty Shop is about simplicity, as it opts to do a few things great instead of offering a large menu. The tiny restaurant has perfected Jamaican patties – flaky pastries stuffed with spices, vegetables and meat. Vegetarian options are also available. This place doesn’t provide space to sit, but it’s great for a quick bite of Jamaican comfort food.
Taste Of Caribbean Islands
1600 MacKay Ave, North Vancouver BC V7P 2M4Taste of Caribbean Islands offers both traditional and contemporary food options. Traditional offerings like beef patties and chicken rotis are available alongside dishes like oyster and clam macaroni. If you’re trying to please people with different tastes at the same dinner table, this may be the place to go.
The Lion's Den Café
651 15th Ave E, Vancouver BC V5T 2R6The Lion’s Den Café uses its cozy, colorful interior and friendly staff to create a down-to-earth dining experience. The restaurant offers both Caribbean and Japanese dishes. These self-proclaimed “Japaribbean” combos make the Lion’s Den truly unique. Be sure to try out the Jerk & Teriyaki combo for a taste of both styles.
