Oliver EvansThe first and last time I tried to make jerk chicken at home, I nearly set my kitchen on fire. I tried to follow an online cooking class tutorial, but my chicken ended up as blackened as a pirate’s flag. I had to open every window in the house just to get the burnt smoke smell out of my home.
Since then, I’ve been determined to find out what real Caribbean cuisine should taste like. I did my research and ate at several Caribbean restaurants around Vancouver.
From spicy jerk dishes to sweet plantain sides, here are the top Caribbean restaurants in Vancouver that take your tastebuds to Jamaica, Trinidad, and beyond.
1. Calabash Bistro
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Address: 428 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J7, Canada
Hours: Thursday to Saturday – 5 PM to 2 AM
Phone: +16045685882
Price: $$
Calabash Bistro is where you go for a great vibe. It’s where live music and dancing perfectly complement the delicious flavours of Caribbean cuisine.
The first time I had their signature house-marinated jerk chicken, the spices hit me right away. It has a smoky, tangy kick that’s softened by sweet, ripe plantains and cool calabash coleslaw.
But if burgers are your thing, you’ve got to try their jerk oxtail beef burger. The combination of juicy chuck beef and oxtail patties, mango salsa, and jerk aioli had me planning my next visit halfway through my first bite.
And trust me, you won’t want to skip the cocktails. My favourite? The Calabash Dark and Stormy. It’s full of rich ginger and refreshing lime, topped with shaved coconut.
| Pro Tip: Try their rum flights to get the best out of their rum collection. |
2. Baby Dhal Roti Shop
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Address: 2707 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5, Canada
Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 11 AM to 7 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 11 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +16045667684
Price: $
Baby Dhal Roti Shop is best known for its authentic and affordable Trinidadian cuisine.
The highlight for me is their oxtail curry. The meat is so tender it practically melted in my mouth. The rich and well-spiced sauce was just perfect.
If you’re a fan of bold flavours, try the goat curry—it’s got a deep, savoury taste that hits all the right notes.
For something that’s uniquely Trini, go for the Buss Up Shut. It’s a mix of curried chickpeas and potatoes, all wrapped up in soft, flaky flatbread, served with some tangy chutney.
And oh, the doubles! They’re these warm, fluffy fried dough pieces packed with spiced chickpeas.
| Pro Tip: Ask for the spicy tamarind sauce with your doubles. It adds an extra zing. |
3. The Lion’s Den Cafe
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Address: 651 E 15th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 2R6, Canada
Hours:
- Wednesday to Friday – 11 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 11:30 AM to 6 PM
Phone: +16048734555
Price: $
The Lion’s Den Cafe is for anyone who wants knockout traditional Jamaican dishes, particularly jerk chicken.
The chicken here is bathed in a fiery mix of spices and slow-cooked until the meat is tender and bursting with flavour. You can taste the smokiness and the tangy, spicy kick with every bite.
Their Ackee and Saltfish dish is my go-to for breakfast. It’s a blend of ackee fruit and salted cod, cooked up with onions and tomatoes. It’s really hearty and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere.
| Pro Tip: If you’re looking for something comforting, their oxtail stew is worth a try. The oxtail, slow-cooked in a rich gravy with veggies, melts in your mouth. |
4. Riddim & Spice
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Address: 1945 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A8, Canada
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 7 PM
Phone: +16042159252
Price: $
Riddim and Spice is where you go if you want to go somewhere laid-back and have authentic Jamaican food.
I like to get their goat curry here. The goat meat isn’t rough but rather tender and rich. Plus, the curry isn’t too spicy.
Their Jamaican patties also practically melt in your mouth. Plus, they have great fried plantains. They’re sweet, soft, and crispy on the edges.
| Pro Tip: The empanadas here are amazing when paired with their homemade ginger beer. The drink’s spicy kick perfectly balances the empanadas’ rich flavours. |
5. Yardie Grabz
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Address: 266 Raymur Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 3K8, Canada
Phone: +16044993011
Price: $
Yardie Grabz is best for anyone looking for incredible Jamaican street food.
The jerk chicken sliders are quite filling. They marinate the chicken meat for hours, so it’s very tender and packed with robust flavours.
For a unique twist on traditional flavours, the oxtail quesadillas are a must-try. They’re rich and cheesy, with just a hint of Jamaican spice that makes each bite irresistible.
If you’re looking for a great refreshment, their Jamaican rum punch is a standout. It’s sweet, spicy, and absolutely refreshing.
| Pro Tip: You have to try their mac-n-cheese croquettes. Crunchy on the outside and gooey in the middle, they are pure comfort food. |
