11 places to get Caribbean food in Charlotte

Here are 11 must-try Caribbean spots in the city.

Editor’s note: This list was not compiled in any particular order and is not a ranking. 

Caribbean Hut

There are two locations, in University and South Charlotte, that serve all of you authentic Jamaican dishes including patty options, curry and jerk entrees. 

What to order: Their most popular dish is the curry goat with yellow rice and stir fry vegetables ($18.50). They also offer a variety of freshly squeezed juices like pineapple ginger ($3). 

Details: Caribbean Hut is located at 9609 N. Tryon St. and 200 W. Woodlawn Road.

• The University City location is open Monday through Friday 11am-10:30pm, Saturday 8am-10:30pm and Sunday 12-8pm.
• The South Charlotte location is open Monday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 12-8pm.

Crav’n Caribbean

If you’re craving oxtails then this is the spot for you. Located inside The City Kitch, a ghost kitchen off Thrift Road, you’ll find several Caribbean fusions options using the popular savory dish from oxtail cheesesteak and oxtail fried rice. 

What to order: One of their flavorful popular items is an oxtail cheesesteak which comes with a side of your choice ($30). Another savory option would be the brown stew chicken with two sides of your choice ($16). 

• Of note: Their menu changes often so it’s worth ordering online.    

Details: Crav’n Caribbean is located at inside The City Kitch, 2200 Thrift Road.

• It’s open Thursday through Saturday 12-3pm and 4-8pm, closed Sunday to Tuesday.

Tropical Goodies

Open for more than a decade, Tropical Goodies has two locations serving a blend of Caribbean and soul food.

What to order: The beef ribs ($9.25+) and the curry goat ($10+) can be ordered in a variety of sizes. For sides, try the sweet fried plantains, cabbage or collard greens.   

Details: Tropical Goodies is located at 2601 Tuckaseegee Road and 2316 Lasalle St.

• The location on Tuckaseegee Road is open Tuesday through Saturday 12-8pm, closed Sunday and Monday.
• The Lasalle St. location is open Monday through Saturday from 11am-8:30pm and closed Sunday.

Combination plate with beef ribs, curry goat, cabbage and plantains. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios

El Puro 

One of Charlotte’s best restaurants, this Madison Park restaurant brings real Cuban flavor to Charlotte. 

What to order: The Langosta Macorina, a sautéed Caribbean lobster tail creole sauce and avocado crema (Market Price) or the “PUR”-iche, a version of ceviche with seasonal fish.

Details: El Puro is located at 5033 South Blvd.

• It’s open from Tuesday through Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-12am and closed Monday.
• The same owners behind El Puro also own Havana Carolina in downtown Concord. It’s worth the drive to create a vibe for an island getaway offering live music, authentic Cuban food and tropical drinks.

Go deeper: Scoop: Havana Carolina owners open new Cuban restaurant in Charlotte

Ms.Didi’s Kitchen

A food truck packed with all of the flavors found in authentic Haitian cuisine, from legume to black rice.

What to order: Leogane (chicken in sauce) served with rice and beans and your choice of a side. Other must-try items include mac n cheese ($7) and beef patties ($2 each). There’s also a vegan option with a vegetable-stewed legume ($18).

• Of note: The menu items vary depending on the day but you can find an updated menu and schedule on their Instagram. 

Details: Check Ms.Didi’s Kitchen social media pages for updates on location and schedule.

Mama’s Caribbean Grill & Bar

A longstanding island cuisine staple in Plaza Midwood serving traditional dishes like jerk chicken plates and drinks like natural sorrel and Irish moss.

What to order: Curried goat ($16+) or chicken ($10.99+) are popular options. Try the jerk chicken if you can take the spice ($10.99+). All items are severed with rice and peas, plus sides of your choice.  

Details: Mama’s Caribbean Grill & Bar is located at 1504 Central Ave.

• It’s open Monday through Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-12am and Sunday 12-8pm.

Quidley’s Delight

A range of tropical seafood options and other traditional dishes in north Charlotte.

What to order: The shrimp ($16.62) or snapper plates ($26-$31) can be cooked up in a stew, jerk or curry sauces. Try it with a side of pumpkin rice and candied yams. 

Details: Quidley’s Delight is located at 10901 University City Blvd.

• It’s open Tuesday through Thursday 12-9pm, Friday and Saturday 12-10pm, Sunday 1-8pm and closed Monday.

Roy’s Kitchen & Patio

This restaurant located in NoDa sets the tropical vibe with reggae music, fruity drinks and tropical decor. 

What to order: The oxtail plate ($19) with mac n cheese and cabbage. 

Details: Roy’s Kitchen & Patio is located at 3112 N. Davidson St.

• It’s open Tuesday through Friday 4-11pm, Saturday 12-11pm, Sunday 11am-10pm and closed Monday.

Jerk & Juice

 A casual dining spot in University City offering comfort food options, brunch, soups plus smoothies and juices.  

What to order: The Curry chicken ($12.87+) is one of their more popular items. For sides, try cabbage, mac n cheese or rice and peas. They also offer a different soup of the day.

Details: Jerk & Juice is located at 440 E. McCullough Dr.

• It’s open Tuesday through Saturday 10am-10pm, Sunday 10am-4pm and closed Monday.

Hillside Caribbean Cuisine

This new-ish restaurant opened in Charlotte’s Belmont neighborhood about a year ago. The owner, who’s from Jamaica, will fill your plate to the brim. 

What to order: The BBQ Jerk Chicken ($12.99) with a side of mac n cheese and sweet plantains. 

Details: Hillside Caribbean Cuisine is located at 1113 Pegram St.

• It’s open Monday through Friday 11am-10pm and Sunday 11am-9pm.

Caribbean Buzz

A food truck that’s been serving the city for five years offering specialty Haitian fried items from Griot to chicken.

What to order: Griot, an island fried pork, plate served with sweet plantains ($16) or the fried snapper for an entree ($19) are some of the more popular items. Other top sellers include pulled pork mac and cheese ($13) and seafood mac and cheese ($16).

Details: Check Caribbean Buzz’s Instagram page for daily schedule updates regarding the location the truck.

Photo: Courtesy of Natacha Candio