As the weather warms up, some people long for a vacation — island vibes. One way to secure the feeling is by indulging in good Caribbean food. The Charlotte area has a plethora of authentic eateries from many Caribbean cuisines, including Jamaican, Haitian, Dominican and more to choose from.
Have your pick at some of the best spots in the Charlotte area to try this summer.
Roy’s Kitchen & Patio
If you’re in NoDa looking for good food and a great vibe after a long day of work, you’ll likely come across Roy’s Kitchen & Patio. The restaurant with bar specializes in rotisserie chicken and island fare. It features indoor and outdoor seating with a DJ on certain days.
Crav’n Caribbean
If you’re craving oxtail, then Crav’n Carribean is worth a visit. This takeout spot in the heart of Charlotte’s West End offers traditional oxtail dishes, as well as a mouth-watering Oxtail Fried Rice. Order times can vary, so be sure to check the restaurant’s website or socials for how to pick up.
Ms. DiDi’s Caribbean Kitchen
Stop by for Haitian food at Ms. DiDi’s Caribbean Kitchen, a food truck and catering company run by a mother-daughter duo. The food truck specializes in stew chicken, fried pork “griot” and Haitian-style fried chicken. Ms. DiDi’s also does pop-up events throughout the year.
Anntony’s Caribbean Cafe
Try Caribbean food with a southern twist at Anntony’s Caribbean Cafe in north Charlotte. Known for its legendary all-purpose sauce, this Charlotte staple opened in 1986 as one of the first Caribbean food spots in the city. Popular items include coco bread — a soft, fluffy bread — and curry chicken.
Bohio Tipico Restaurant
Located in east Charlotte, Bohio Tipico has been offering a variety of antojitos — translated to mean “little cravings” — and authentic Dominican specialties since 2014. Some of the popular dishes include like Mofongo, a dish made with mashed plantain, Chicharrones, fried pork belly, and more served buffet-style.
Mama’s Caribbean Grill
Another noteworthy spot is in Plaza Midwood at Mama’s Caribbean Grill, where you can get a helping of Jamaican-style firewood jerk chicken and sample authentic sides like rice and peas and cocoa bread, and great drink all in one stop. This restaurant also prides itself on specializing in all-natural seasonings–– none of the “powdered” stuff.
