February marks Black History Month, a time to learn about and celebrate the cultural past of Black people in BC and Canada. In Canada, this year’s theme is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations,” recognizing the diversity of Black Canadians, the importance of Black leadership, and the legacy being built for future generations.
In Victoria, there are many opportunities this month to explore Black history through local events, and one way to celebrate the culture is through food. We’ve put together a list of African and Caribbean restaurants and food businesses in Victoria to check out and support. Each of these restaurants contributes to Victoria's rich culinary scene.
Blue Nile African Restaurant specializes in East African cuisine, offering both buffet and menu-style dining options. It provides an unforgettable East African dining experience without the need to travel thousands of miles. The restaurant just reopened at a new location downtown.
The menu features a wide variety of healthy organic dishes, including vegan and vegetarian options. Signature dishes include Zebhi Dorho, tender chicken served in a flavourful berbere (spicy) sauce, and the Meat Lovers Combo, a combination of doro zebhi (chicken stew), kye siga zebhi, siga kilwa (beef stir fry), tumtumo (lentils), and hamli kawlo (cabbage and vegetable mix).
Address: 1724 Douglas St.
Messob Ethiopian Cuisine, serving Victoria since 2002, offers an authentic Ethiopian dining experience. The restaurant is known for its traditional dishes served on injera, a sourdough flatbread that complements the rich and flavourful stews. The menu caters to various dietary preferences, including vegetarian options.
Address: 1109 McKenzie St.
Stir It Up is a Caribbean restaurant downtown offering a variety of Caribbean dishes that capture the vibrant flavours of the islands. The menu includes traditional favourites, like roti and jerk chicken, providing a taste of Caribbean culinary traditions in the heart of Victoria.
Address: 760A Yates St.
Trini To D Bone also serves authentic Caribbean cuisine. Their specialty is the Caribbean roti, served hot and stuffed with options like curried chicken, shrimp, goat, vegetables, pulled pork, stewed pork, or fried fish. Roti shells (dhal-puri) and buss-up-shut (paratha roti) are also on the menu. Each dish is prepared with care, seasoned well, and bursting with island flavours, where every bite will transport you straight to Trinidad.
Address: 650 Burnside Rd.
House of Boateng in Langford features a fusion of global flavours with local ingredients, reflecting chef Castro Boateng's innovative creations. House of Boateng’s namesake, owner, and chef was born in the West African country of Ghana and moved to Canada when he was nine years old. The restaurant serves brunch dishes with a West African and Caribbean twist, offering dishes like sweet yam bennies and fried plantains, making their dishes very unique and different from other spots in the Victoria food scene.
Address: 2854 Peatt Rd.
Located in Quadra and specializing in authentic Caribbean cuisine, the cafe offers a variety of traditional dishes that capture the rich flavours of the Caribbean. The menu features different staples like roti, available with chicken, beef, goat, and vegetarian fillings; traditional curried dishes; ackee and saltfish, a traditional Jamaican dish made with ackee fruit and salted cod; Jamaican patties; samosas; and more. Regulars rave about how tasty and unique the dishes are.
Address: 2646 Quadra St.
Come and Get It Food Truck serves a delightful fusion of Caribbean and comfort food. Its menu features authentic island flavours, including dishes like jerk chicken and jambalaya, reflecting the rich culinary traditions of the Caribbean.
The food truck operates from a permanent location at the Foodtruck Village behind the Royal BC Museum. The food truck also offers catering services for weddings, corporate events, private gatherings, and public functions. They will be a part of the DWTN Winter Lime event on Feb. 17, a new cultural and family-friendly event happening at Ship Point in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, bringing a burst of Caribbean warmth to the winter season, making it a day to remember for the whole family.
Address: 675 Belleville St.
Not a restaurant, but this local business had to be included on the list. Island Afrikan Supermarket has been serving the community for over two decades, offering a diverse range of products that cater to those seeking authentic African goods.The supermarket has a wide selection of African groceries, including raw food products from regions such as Ghana, Nigeria, East Africa, and South Africa. Customers can find various spices from Africa and the Caribbean. A range of beauty products, clothing, and accessories are also available at the store.
Address: 2714 Quadra St.
