Last Updated: January 13, 2026
From jerk chicken sizzling on the grill to rich Nigerian jollof rice, Ottawa’s African and Caribbean food scene has grown into one of the capital’s most flavourful dining destinations—with restaurants, markets, and community events scattered across neighbourhoods from Vanier to ByWard Market.
Ottawa’s African and Caribbean communities have built a thriving network of restaurants, grocery stores, and cultural businesses that bring the tastes, sounds, and spirit of the diaspora to Canada’s capital. Whether you’re craving Jamaican oxtail, Ethiopian injera, or West African suya, these establishments offer authentic cuisine alongside genuine hospitality. Beyond restaurants, community markets like the BON Market at the National Arts Centre celebrate Black-owned businesses and bring the community together throughout the year.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa has over a dozen African and Caribbean restaurants serving everything from Jamaican jerk to Ethiopian stews. Key spots include Ocho Rios on Bank Street, Suya Palace on Somerset, and D’Afrique in ByWard Market. Community markets like BON Market showcase Black-owned businesses at NAC and other venues.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Main Areas | Somerset West, Bank Street, ByWard Market, Vanier |
| 🍽️ Cuisines | Jamaican, Nigerian, Ethiopian, Somali, Ghanaian |
| 💰 Price Range | $10-25 CAD per person |
| 🎉 Key Market | BON Market at NAC (January 16, 2026) |
Caribbean Restaurants in Ottawa
Ottawa’s Caribbean restaurants serve authentic dishes from jerk chicken to oxtail stew.
Ottawa’s Caribbean food scene centres on Jamaican cuisine, though you’ll also find dishes from Trinidad, Barbados, and other islands. These family-owned restaurants bring generations of recipes to Ottawa tables.
Ocho Rios Caribbean Eatery
Bank Street, Alta Vista
This family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Jamaican cuisine in Ottawa since the early 2000s. Located at 1800 Bank Street, Ocho Rios offers a full menu of traditional dishes including oxtail, jerk chicken, curry goat, brown stew chicken, and ackee and saltfish—Jamaica’s national dish.
The cooking reflects the island’s multicultural heritage, blending Indigenous, Spanish, British, African, Indian, and Chinese influences. Oxtail remains the most popular dish, slow-cooked until the meat falls off the bone. Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, with delivery available through Skip the Dishes, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.
Address: 1800 Bank St #15, Ottawa, ON K1V 0W3 Phone: (613) 733-9999 Hours: Tue-Thu 11 AM - 6:30 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM - 8 PM
Lil’ Negril Island Grill
Vanier
This cozy restaurant brings a slice of Jamaica to Ottawa’s east end. Known for their world-famous jerk chicken with mango salsa, Lil’ Negril uses fresh ingredients and traditional Jamaican cooking techniques. The intimate setting makes it feel like dining in someone’s home kitchen, with the owners taking pride in every dish that leaves the kitchen.
The menu features classic Jamaican fare including rice and peas, festival (fried dumplings), and plantain. Call ahead for pickup orders during busy periods. The restaurant has earned loyal regulars who appreciate the authentic flavours that remind them of home.
Island Flava
Multiple Locations
For quick-service Caribbean food, Island Flava delivers reliable jerk chicken, curry dishes, and roti. The portions run generous, and prices remain accessible for everyday dining. Look for their signature sauces that range from mild to seriously spicy.
Reggae Rooster
Centretown
This casual spot near downtown serves Caribbean comfort food at affordable prices. The rotisserie chicken draws crowds, as does the curry goat. The laid-back atmosphere matches the island vibe, making it a popular lunch destination for office workers seeking something different from the usual sandwich fare.
African Restaurants in Ottawa
West African restaurants serve dishes like jollof rice, suya, and peppered gizzard.
Ottawa’s African restaurant scene spans the continent, from West African suya joints to East African establishments serving Ethiopian and Somali cuisine. Many concentrate along Somerset Street West and Bank Street.
Suya Palace
Somerset Street West
Located at 1066 Somerset Street West, Suya Palace specializes in Nigerian grilled meats. Their signature beef suya marinates for 24 hours before hitting the grill, resulting in tender, spice-coated skewers that represent one of Nigeria’s most beloved street foods.
The suya beef combo comes with coleslaw, fried plantain, and jollof rice—a complete meal that showcases West African flavours. The restaurant stays busy on weekends when the Nigerian community gathers for authentic tastes of home.
Address: 1066 Somerset St W Phone: (613) 728-8646
African Kitchen
Hintonburg
This Hintonburg spot at 81 Holland Avenue serves a rotating menu of African dishes. The jollof rice with chicken combo remains a bestseller, featuring the tomato-based rice dish that sparks endless debates across West Africa about which country makes it best. The casual atmosphere welcomes both newcomers to African cuisine and those who grew up eating these dishes.
Address: 81 Holland Ave Phone: (613) 722-4800
Detola’s Kitchen
South Ottawa
Located at 2544 Bank Street, Detola’s Kitchen serves Nigerian comfort food in Ottawa’s south end. The menu includes peppered gizzard, jollof rice, and their popular Nonso’s wrap stuffed with suya meat. For snacking, try the sausage rolls and samosas—perfect for sharing.
Address: 2544 Bank St Phone: (613) 700-5481
D’Afrique Restaurant & Bar
ByWard Market
Situated at 349 Dalhousie Street in the heart of ByWard Market, D’Afrique brings East African flavours to Ottawa’s entertainment district. The meat samosa with jalapeño poppers makes a great starter, while the shiro—a chickpea and berbere stew—provides a flavourful vegetarian option.
The location in ByWard Market means you can combine dinner with exploring the market’s shops and nightlife. The bar side offers cocktails and a lively atmosphere on weekend evenings.
Address: 349 Dalhousie St Phone: (613) 789-2222
Golden BBQ Grill
St. Laurent
This St. Laurent Boulevard establishment at 1060 serves African barbecue with items like grilled tilapia, beef tongue brochette, and pepesoup alongside the requisite jollof rice. The samosas come recommended as an appetizer before diving into the mains.
Address: 1060 St. Laurent Blvd Phone: (613) 842-0303
Alhuda Restaurant
Bank Street
For East African cuisine, Alhuda at 1644 Bank Street serves Somali and Ethiopian dishes. The sambusa (samosas) make excellent starters, while the rice and lamb dishes satisfy hearty appetites. The restaurant caters to the Somali community while welcoming all curious diners.
Address: 1644 Bank St Phone: (613) 731-6000
African and Caribbean Markets & Events
Community markets bring together Black-owned businesses for shopping and celebration.
Beyond restaurants, Ottawa’s African and Caribbean communities organize markets and festivals throughout the year that celebrate culture, food, and entrepreneurship.
BON Market at the National Arts Centre
The BON Market—part of Black Out Night celebrations—returns to the National Arts Centre on January 16, 2026 starting at 5 PM. This free event features a pre-show market showcasing Black-owned businesses, timed with the world premiere of Natasha Mumba’s play “Copperbelt.”
The market creates space for local entrepreneurs selling everything from handmade crafts to beauty products to food items. Following the market, attendees can enjoy the theatrical performance and a lounge-style after-party. All are welcome to join the celebration at Peter A. Herrndorf Place.
Date: January 16, 2026 Time: 5 PM Location: NAC, 1 Elgin Street Admission: Free
Ottawa Caribbean Carnival (Summer)
Ottawa’s summer Caribbean Carnival typically runs in June, bringing Caribbean culture to the capital with parade floats, steel drum bands, and street food vendors. The event celebrates Caribbean heritage through music, dance, costumes, and community gathering. Watch local listings for 2026 dates.
African and Caribbean Grocery Stores
For cooking at home, Ottawa has several specialty grocery stores stocking ingredients for African and Caribbean recipes:
- Coconut Lagoon Grocery (Somerset) - Caribbean spices, sauces, and frozen goods
- Afro Caribbean Food Market - Fresh produce, meat cuts, and pantry staples
- T&T Supermarket (Merivale) - Asian and Caribbean ingredients under one roof
Little Jamaica and Somerset West
Somerset Street West hosts many African restaurants and cultural businesses.
While Ottawa doesn’t have an officially designated “Little Jamaica” like Toronto does, the African and Caribbean communities have established a presence along Somerset Street West, particularly in the Hintonburg area. This stretch hosts several African restaurants, grocery stores, and community organizations.
The Hintonburg neighbourhood offers easy access to these businesses along with the area’s cafes, vintage shops, and arts venues. The Wellington West strip runs parallel, offering additional dining and entertainment options.
Bank Street in Ottawa South and Alta Vista also hosts Caribbean establishments, making it another key corridor for authentic island cuisine.
Community Organizations and Resources
Several organizations support Ottawa’s African and Caribbean communities:
Somali Centre for Family Services Provides settlement support, employment services, and community programs including citizenship preparation sessions at local libraries.
Ottawa Chinese Community Service Centre (OCCSC) While Chinese-focused, OCCSC serves diverse newcomer communities with immigration support at 400 Cooper Street.
Caribbean-African Canadian Social Services (CAFCAN) Offers programs and resources for the Caribbean and African communities in Ottawa.
Black History Ottawa Coordinates Black History Month events each February, including lectures, exhibitions, and community celebrations throughout the capital.
Cooking Classes and Culinary Events
For those wanting to learn African and Caribbean cooking techniques, several options exist:
- Private cooking classes offered by local chefs (check Eventbrite Ottawa)
- Community centre cooking programs featuring international cuisines
- Restaurant-hosted events during Black History Month (February)
- Cultural centre workshops teaching traditional recipes
FAQ
Q: Where is the best jerk chicken in Ottawa?
Lil’ Negril Island Grill and Ocho Rios Caribbean Eatery both earn high marks for their jerk chicken. Lil’ Negril’s version comes with mango salsa, while Ocho Rios takes a more traditional approach. Both use proper marinades and cooking techniques that produce authentic Jamaican flavour.
Q: What is suya and where can I find it in Ottawa?
Suya is a Nigerian street food consisting of skewered, grilled meat coated in a spicy peanut-based seasoning called yaji. Suya Palace on Somerset Street West specializes in this dish, marinating their beef for 24 hours before grilling. The result is smoky, spicy, and incredibly flavourful.
Q: Are there Ethiopian restaurants in Ottawa?
Yes, Ottawa has several Ethiopian restaurants serving traditional dishes like injera (spongy flatbread) with various stews. D’Afrique in ByWard Market offers Ethiopian-influenced dishes, and several other East African establishments feature Ethiopian items on their menus.
Q: What is the BON Market?
BON Market is a community market held at the National Arts Centre as part of Black Out Night celebrations. The market features Black-owned businesses selling crafts, beauty products, food, and more. The next BON Market runs January 16, 2026, starting at 5 PM, and admission is free.
Q: When is Ottawa Caribbean Carnival?
Ottawa Caribbean Carnival typically takes place in June each summer. The festival includes a parade, live music, dancing, and Caribbean food vendors. Check local event listings for 2026 dates as they’re announced.
Q: What neighbourhood has the most African restaurants?
Somerset Street West, particularly the Hintonburg section, has the highest concentration of African restaurants. Bank Street in Ottawa South also hosts several Caribbean establishments. ByWard Market offers D’Afrique for those dining downtown.
Q: Are these restaurants halal-friendly?
Several African restaurants in Ottawa serve halal meat, particularly those catering to Somali and other Muslim communities. Alhuda on Bank Street and some West African establishments offer halal options. Always confirm with the restaurant when ordering.
Q: Where can I buy African groceries in Ottawa?
Several specialty stores stock African and Caribbean ingredients. Look for shops along Somerset Street and Bank Street for spices, sauces, frozen goods, and fresh produce needed for authentic recipes. T&T Supermarket on Merivale also carries some Caribbean ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s African and Caribbean food scene continues to grow, bringing the flavours of multiple continents to the capital’s dining tables. From the smoky perfection of Nigerian suya to the complex spice profiles of Jamaican jerk chicken, these restaurants offer authentic cuisine prepared by owners who learned these recipes from their families.
The community extends beyond restaurants to include markets, cultural events, and organizations that bring people together year-round. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Caribbean and African cuisine or just beginning to explore these flavours, Ottawa offers plenty of options to satisfy your curiosity and appetite.
For those visiting ByWard Market, check out our complete guide to the Market to plan your visit around dinner at D’Afrique or other nearby restaurants.
Sources: Restaurant websites, Ottawa Tourism, community event listings, and local business directories.
