Thanks to my husband, I have been exposed to Africa’s diverse flavors and authentic cuisine, a continent whose food we don’t often get to try. However, Boston is a melting pot of different cultures, and here we get to try food from various countries. If you want to try dishes packed with flavor, get ready to get your hands dirty and try food you’ve never tasted before. Some Caribbean Restaurants in Boston, MA, specialize in dishes from their own country but also have some dishes from other countries in their region, so you can try foods from multiple countries at once.
Don’t forget to check out how to eat around the world in Boston and the best things to do in Boston.
Best African Restaurants in Boston, MA
From bold Jamaican spices to vibrant Caribbean fusions, here’s a glimpse into the incredible restaurants we visited — and the unforgettable dishes we indulged in!
Suya Joint
Nigeria
Suya Joint serves up West African food with an emphasis on Nigerian food. We started with suya wings, a modern take on suya and buffalo wings, and palm wine. Suya Joint is a primarily Nigerian restaurant, and everything is delicious. They offer classic Nigerian stews like Egusi (one of my favorites), Banga, and Ewedu. We went for the Taushe, a creamy peanut stew mixed with vegetables, herbs, and Nigerian spices. You can eat it with fufu, a dumpling made from pounded grain made into a dough-like consistency. You use the fufu to eat anything from savory sides to vegetables using your hands.
Liberia
In addition to Nigerian food, Suya Joint also serves dishes from Liberia and Sierra Leone. We ordered the Liberian Palm Butter soup, which is made with palm butter paste, meat, and peppers. It is a lightly spiced and savory dish.
Ashur
Somalia
At Ashur, you can try Somalian food. Many dishes are similar to Mediterranean dishes but have their own flavors, such as lamb shank, biryani, goat meat served with rice or spaghetti, and more. The Sports Plate is a large dish perfect for two with a meat of your choice and rice. The locals who frequented the restaurant were very proud of the food, and while we were there, one even came up to us and asked us how we enjoyed it.
Safari African Restaurant
Safari is another restaurant serving dishes from countries such as Liberia, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Senegal
Try the Thiebu Djen, a fish stew cooked in rich tomato sauce served over vegetables and tomato-based rice. I couldn’t get enough of this dish and wish I could bring it home with me! Only a 3-days drive away!
Côte D’Ivoire
Attieke (Acheke) is a fermented and grated cassava dish served with a healthy portion of meat of your choice. The flavor of the grated cassava is hard to describe. It is a bit sour, but it tastes so good when you make a perfect bite with everything on the plate.
Blue Mountain Jamaican Restaurant
Blue Mountain is a great option if you are in the mood for authentic Jamaican cuisine. Named after Jamaica’s majestic mountain range, this place had such a laid-back, homey vibe — the kind where you know you’re about to have a delicious meal. I ordered the classic Jerk Chicken, and my husband went for the Oxtail with Rice and Peas. When I say the chicken was fall-off-the-bone tender with just the right amount of spice, I mean it literally melted in my mouth. The oxtail was rich, hearty, and perfectly seasoned. We washed it all down with some refreshing sorrel (a sweet hibiscus drink).
Neighborhood Kitchen
Haitian meals with Asian Flair
Next up was Neighborhood Kitchen in Medford (a very short hop from downtown Boston). Inspired by its founders’ Haitian and Laotian roots, Neighborhood Kitchen offers a vibrant cultural fusion that delights the taste buds.
We decided to share a few plates, beginning with their acclaimed Pupu Platter, featuring a delightful mix of rangoons, spring rolls, sweet plantains, and Korean wings. I was drawn to the Caribbean Fried Fish Sandwich, made with haddock filet, pikliz, and chipotle mayo on brioche bread. It was crispy and savory, showcasing a wonderful, creative twist!
My husband couldn’t stop praising the Haitian spaghetti, tossed with onions and peppers in a secret tomato sauce, complemented by hard-boiled eggs on the side.
Neighborhood Kitchen also offers an extensive catering service, backed by 20 years of experience from Head Chef Eddie George. If you plan a corporate event, birthday party, or a special occasion, they’ll treat your guests like family members and promise to serve the best Caribbean food in greater Boston, with modern culinary influences from Jamaican cuisine.
Flames Jamaican Restaurants
Caribbean Cuisine
Boston locals kept recommending Flames Jamaican Restaurants, so we knew we had to check it out. And honestly? Flames feel like a rite of passage if you crave authentic Jamaican food.
We got the Curry Goat, the Curry Chicken, and Rice and Peas—two staples we just couldn’t skip. The curry goat was tender with a deep, earthy flavor that clung to the bones (in the best way). The brown stew chicken was swimming in a thick, savory gravy that was perfect over fluffy white rice, peas, and, optionally, plantains.
We also snagged Collard Greens as a side.
They have four different locations across the state, each with its own unique style while offering the same welcoming Caribbean experience. Their spaces are adorned with vibrant artwork, colorful decor, and pictures of popular West Indian entertainers, some of whom have enjoyed meals at Flames. Customized catering services are also available to make your next event a memorable taste experience.
ZaZ Restaurant
Latin & Asian Fusion Flavors
Our last stop was ZaZ Restaurant, which was the perfect grand finale to our Jamaican food journey in Boston. ZaZ doesn’t just serve Caribbean dishes—it remixes them with global flavors, especially Asian cuisine, and the result is pure magic.
I ordered the spicy Jerk Chicken Wraps, and my husband went bold with the Teriyaki Salmon Burger, which had the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. I couldn’t resist stealing bites of his plate while devouring my own. We also shared one of their Rice Bowls, a Haitian rice and beans dish served with our choice of rice (Thai Rice, Jasmine Rice, Lomein).
The atmosphere at ZaZ is bright and lively, with colorful art and an inviting energy that just makes you want to hang out all night.
African Caribbean Restaurants in Boston, MA: FAQs
Where do celebrities eat in Boston?
Celebrities visiting Boston often dine at stylish, high-end spots across the city. Ostra is a luxurious seafood restaurant in Back Bay that is loved for its Mediterranean flavors. Mamma Maria in the North End offers intimate, handmade Italian dishes perfect for a quiet celebrity night out. Sorellina attracts stars with its chic setting and modern Italian cuisine, while Contessa Boston, a rooftop restaurant atop The Newbury Hotel, draws famous faces with its glamorous vibe and sweeping city views. Toro is a popular choice in the South End for its lively Spanish tapas scene. For a more edgy and vibrant night, many head to Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar for bold Mexican eats and craft cocktails.
What is Boston’s most famous food?
Boston is most famous for clam chowder, a rich and creamy seafood soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and cream. Other iconic Boston foods include lobster rolls, baked beans, and Boston cream pie.
How many Michelin star restaurants are in Boston?
Currently, Boston has no Michelin-starred restaurants. Despite this, Boston boasts a vibrant food scene with many establishments that could be considered Michelin-worthy. Restaurants like o ya, Mooncusser, Asta, Uni, Sarma, Amar, Ostra, and Toro are frequently highlighted for their exceptional dining experiences.
African Caribbean Restaurants in Boston, MA: Final Thoughts
Our little African Caribbean food tour around Boston turned out to be one of the tastiest adventures we’ve ever had. Each restaurant brought its own unique flavor, vibe, and soul to the table, and every single bite felt like a celebration of culture, tradition, and community.
If you’re ever in Boston craving something vibrant, spicy, and deeply satisfying, you must check out these incredible spots. Trust me — your taste buds will thank you.
Have you visited any of these Caribbean restaurants in Boston MA before? Or do you have a favorite Caribbean spot I should try next time? I’d love to hear!
Last Updated 1 month ago by Jessica Serna | Published: July 14, 2019
