February is Black History Month, and if you are a foodie and like to frequent restaurants, you’re in luck. There is no shortage of Black-owned restaurants across the country that deliver delicious meals that reflect the rich and diverse culinary history of the Black diaspora. From coast to coast, this list is just a start and a great way to support local, Black-owned restaurants this month and forever.
Related: This Rasta Pasta is Filled With Jerk Flavours
The Heartbreak Chef
Location: Toronto, Ontario
The Heartbreak Chef is known for their fried chicken sandwiches, this Toronto restaurant does not disappoint. It is tucked away in Kensington Market and run by Chef Jerome Robinson. The most popular sandwich is called the Big Ass Chicken Sandwich, and it comes with two pieces of fried chicken tossed in their Carolina butter sauce, topped with spicy ranch, sweet pickles, and creamy slaw.
Juke Fried Chicken
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Located in Vancouver’s Chinatown, Juke Fried Chicken delivers on its namesake promise. While Southern-style fried chicken is undoubtedly the spot’s specialty (the waffle combo also looks tempting), the team offers other items such as BBQ pork ribs, peanut sesame slaw, crispy fried brussels sprouts, jalapeno cheddar cornbread, hand-cut chicken nuggets and its line of specialty sauces, among other options.
Miss Likklemores
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Tucked away on King Street West, Miss Likklemore doesn’t just have the vibes you need every day of the week, but the food is drool-worthy! This restaurant will transport you to a Caribbean Island on a warm day with a view of crystal blue shores while eating delicious food. From homemade cheddar biscuits to doubles, patties and slow-braised oxtail, there’s nothing you won’t like.
Le Virunga
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Le Virunga is not just a restaurant — it’s a unique culinary experience as a whole. By revisiting traditional African recipes, Chef Maria helps customers taste the typical flavours of Africa. Le Virunga also has a 100 per cent South African wine list that pairs perfectly with its upscale menu.
SugarKane
Location: Toronto, Ontario
This Toronto spot has been cooking mouth-watering dishes for years since it started as a catering service. Known for creating comfort Caribbean and Cajun food with a twist, SugarKane offers up delicious favourites like Jerk Chicken Tacos, Cajun Chicken Pasta, Chicken and Waffle Sliders and The Soul Bowl, which consists of curried chickpeas, candied yams, collard greens, apple slaw, garlic sauce and crisp breadfruit over coconut brown rice. The restaurant also offers a kid’s menu for a family-friendly bite.
Tropikàl Restobar
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Wall of Chefs judge and executive chef Jae-Anthony Dougan is behind Montreal’s vibrant Tropikàl Restobar. Focusing on Caribbean, West African and Afro-Latin fare is not only one way to unify the Black diaspora colonialism has artificially divided, but Chef Dougan’s work is an intentional pushback on an industry not traditionally known for its diversity or giving BIPOC cuisines their due. Expect to find items such as rasta pasta with a six-ounce lobster tail or oxtail tacos on its menu.
Related: Tre Sanderson and Roger Mooking on Being Black in Hospitality
Lloydie’s
Location: Montreal, Quebec
Lloydie’s has two locations bringing West Indian food to the Montreal area. Lloydie first introduced the Jamaican patty to the Quebec market in the 90s, and since then, it has been delivering authentic and fresh Caribbean food through its catering, manufacturing, and storefronts. You can expect Plantain, Macaroni Gratine (mac and cheese), Poulet Frit (fried chicken), Oxtail and Poulet Jerk Poutine (jerk chicken poutine), sweet desserts and sodas.
Mary’s African Cuisine
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Located right in Halifax’s downtown centre, Mary’s African Cuisine sees Chef Mary Nkrumah tapping into her Ghanian heritage to deliver layered and customizable dishes such as spicy Chicken Yassa, Juicy Goat Stew, flavourful Groundnut Soup (a peanut soup served with gari fufu, yam fufu or abolo – types of dumplings) and Egusi Stew (pumpkin seed and spinach).
R&B Kitchen
Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
This family-owned restaurant in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, dishes out a fusion of soul food, Caribbean flavours and traditional East Coast staples. While R&B Kitchen is primarily a take-out restaurant, the takeaway offerings are no less impressive. The menu changes, but the heart of R&B Kitchen won’t. Sample offerings include its “Soul Bowl” Fried Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Collard Greens, Jerk Oxtail, Curry Goat and more.
Afrobeat Kitchen
Location: Toronto, Ontario
This West African restaurant is a hidden gem serving jollof, buka beef, and much more. Victor Ugwuek brought Nigerian flavours to the city and created fusion twists many Canadians love. His mom and his upbringing in Lagos, Nigeria inspired the food.