Montreal, Quebec It’s a popular tourist destination in Canada for one main reason: it’s rock. The city’s countless annual festivals, diverse nightlife and beautiful mix of old and new architecture make this city one of Canada’s cultural capitals.
After all, Montreal is an amazing city for foodies. Its bagels, poutine and smoked meat sandwiches are famous around the world – and for good reason – but the selection of restaurants from the African diaspora in Montreal is mind-boggling. There’s plenty of innovation in the food scene, and many black-owned businesses combining worldly flavors with traditional techniques, making Quebec’s big city a force to be reckoned with.
Start your food tour in Montreal’s La Belle Province with these black-owned businesses!
The chef duo – 12545 a. Fernand-Gauthier
No trip to Montreal is complete without time for some great Haitian cuisine, and Duo de Chef is a must-visit. Menu highlights include some of the best mac and cheese the city has to offer and delicious shrimp to complement any of the generously portioned mains. First-timers get a delicious introduction to Haitian cuisine with them griotBoiled pork, pickles – Spicy and delicious slaw – and twice fried plantains.
The team at Duo de Chef are undeniably passionate about their work, not just through the taste of the food, but through their impeccable service that makes their customers feel like part of the family.
mobile phone – 93 rue de Castlenau
If you’re a gourmand looking for a new food experience, put Mokili at the top of your list. With a menu featuring creative spins on classic dishes from the continent, this new restaurant highlights the diversity of African street food with fine dining.
From Senegalese right to Ghanaian kelewele and Congo MushroomMokili – which means “world” in Congolese – offers a delicious exploration of the African continent. Their menu also has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, meaning everyone can explore the diaspora at this beautiful meeting place in Villeray. The owners have a passion for African cuisine and have taken great care in the presentation of their food, creating an experience for all the senses. In addition to great main dishes, the restaurant also offers fine stews and unique African spices for home cooks to use. Give them theirs A close relationship Try it – it’s fire!
Lloyd’s – Multiple locations
As a caterer that has shared patties with Montreal’s Caribbean restaurants for decades, this family-owned business is a Montreal institution. Over the past few years, Lloyd has opened two restaurants in the city serving all the best hits. Amazing jacka chicken that tastes like home and a zingy bhajan pepper sauce with a mustard base that sets it apart from other traditional sauces.
Lloyd’s takes their homage to Caribbean culture a step further through the restaurant’s decor. The interiors are inspired by an old-school Caribbean home, with floral prints and plastic-covered sofas. This cool, nostalgic feel combined with their delicious food is truly the perfect celebration of island culture.
Virunga – 851 Rue Rachel E
Le Virunga – named after a UNESCO-protected national park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – offers a unique fine dining experience that showcases a pan-African fusion of flavors. Customers can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere at this cozy little restaurant run by a mother-daughter duo, who go the extra mile to make their guests feel at home.
Using locally grown ingredients and African produce sourced from local West African farmers, Le Virunga also showcases the diversity of African cuisine thanks to the flavors of Quebec. Their food is a love letter to the owners’ extensive travels across the continent and customers will taste and feel this culinary world of professional conflict. It takes the palate on an exciting journey unlike any other dining experience in Montreal. Read more about Le Virunga here.
Kamui – 1485 Jane Manse St.
In downtown Montreal, Camui hosts its guests for the Caribbean Flavors Festival. This contemporary restaurant is inspired by traditional Caribbean markets and is housed in a spacious glass vessel. Everything about this place, from the decor and music to the food, evokes the feeling of the islands.
Camui has a great selection of cocktails, as do small plates Fry – a variety of grilled Haitian recipes – and main courses that truly explore the depth and breadth of Caribbean cuisine. The seasonal menu changes regularly, so every visit is an exciting opportunity to try something new. The team works hard to use locally sourced and sustainable ingredients as well as spices and vegetables from various islands.
Its central location makes it the perfect spot for a date night or a night on the town with friends, but don’t forget to make a reservation – this place fills up fast!
When it comes to food, Montreal is a city that keeps on giving and the list above is just a sampling of the great restaurants, bakeries and cafes on offer. Make Montreal your next foodie destination to discover some new flavors – and support black-owned businesses while you’re at it!
Visit to explore all that Canada has to offer www.forglowinghearts.ca For guides, resources and travel tips.
Photos by Jodian Beckford
